About us

Seed Genetics Australia is a major privately owned vertically-integrated (glasshouse to buyers warehouse) seed company, focused on breeding, producing and marketing its own proprietary products.

We have a dynamic breeding program and a number of exciting new varieties will be released progressively.

Founded in early 2003, we are also the largest exporter of Australian-bred varieties exporting over 3000 tonnes per year of Alfalfa/Lucerne and White Clover seed to more than 17 countries for use in the intensive and extensive livestock and dairy industries for sowing as pastures and fodder.

The location of the company in South Australia allows the company to capitalise on the best climate and irrigation for seed production. We also rely on a core of over 60 very skilled professional seed producers that are able to ensure the highest quality seed is made available to markets worldwide. We also produce seed in several overseas locations such as the US and Argentina.

The Directors

Seed Genetics Australia is owned by 4 partners who have direct responsibilities and unique skills. They are:

Mark Harvey is the Director  of Sales and Marketing. Mark has had over 25 years experience in the seed industry ranging from being a seed producer and processor on his own properties, owning Paramount Seeds one of the first companies involved in Plant Breeders Rights in Australia prior to it being sold to a leading Agribusiness. He has since been involved in the international seed business for 10 years.

Dr Ross Downes Director of Research and Plant Breeding, is one of the most respected plant breeders in Australia. A former CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist with an international reputation in the area of crop adaptation and water use efficiency,  Ross brings a life time of experience and knowledge to the company.

He has been responsible for breeding some of the most successful lucerne and clover varieties in Australia and since the formation of SGA has developed a number of high yielding proprietary lines based on market driven research.

Ross's work in the industry was recognised by his appointment to represent plant breeders on the Plant Breeders Rights Advisory Committee.

David Pengelly is Director of Seed Production and Cultivar Development. David is responsible for ensuring the reliable supply of seed from our growers, managing the genetic resource and conducting all the pre and post commercial trialling programs for the company.

David and his family are part of one of the oldest and largest seed producing businesses in Australia, first producing seed in the early 1930’s. He has a reputation for innovation and development particularly with lucerne irrigation and agronomic practises.

He has a strong interest in representing the industry and is the past inaugural chairman of the Australian Seeds Authority, the  body to first coordinate and become the official national designated authority for seed certification in Australia, he has also represented his industry on many high level committees and boards.

Dennis Jury is Director of Business Management and Administration. He is responsible for the financial and logistical management of the company, and also assists our sales and marketing efforts.

Dennis brings a great deal of knowledge to the company. He has had a strong career in the seed industry over 15 years working for first Seedco then SeedMark, initially as production manager then becoming proprietary marketing manager in domestic and international markets.

News/Media

New partnership in Argentina
Seed Genetics Australia and Agro Invest, a leading Argentine seed house, have signed a marketing and distribution agreement for a group 8/9 alfalfa and a highly winter-active white clover

The varieties have performed very well in trials conducted in Argentina and Australia. They are being registered in Argentina in 2006 and it is expected they will be available commercially by the end of the year.

Four new varieties finalised for inclusion on the European Union list
Winter White white clover, Excel Ladino clover and Australis alfalfa have completed the entry trials and are expected to be gazetted shortly by the European Union for supply to industry. Click on the product pages to discover more about these varieties.

Emerging Exporter Award
Seed Genetics Australia (SGA) was finalist in the 2005 Austrade Australian Export Awards and was the winner of the South Australia Emerging Exporter of the Year award.