Meet Our Team
At Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF), our staff bring together a wealth of expertise and experience to deliver impactful results for farmers in low rainfall regions. Our team is highly skilled in applied research, project management, both face-to-face and digital extension, scientific communication, graphic design, event and membership management.
We are dedicated to driving innovation and sharing practical solutions with our farming community, ensuring that our research and extension services help farmers meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Chief Executive Officer – since 2025
Tim Smythe
Tim Smythe commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Mallee Sustainable Farming in 2025, after initially joining MSF in November 2023 to lead Program Management. Tim brings extensive experience across both State and Local Government, alongside a technical background in viticulture management and wine industry development.
Tim is driven by a systems-based approach to solving complex problems, building strong relationships, and translating ideas into practical, on-ground outcomes. He brings an analytical mindset that focuses on clear priorities, next steps, and continuous improvement.
Based in Loxton, Tim lives with his wife Margot and their two sons, and is committed to supporting Mallee farmers and communities to thrive through innovation, connectedness, and long-term sustainability.
Mallee Sustainable FarmingMallee Sustainable Farming
Research Manager
Penny Roberts
Joining MSF in 2024 Dr Penny Roberts is a passionate agricultural systems scientist focused on the challenges of adaptation to climate change and supplying a growing population with nutritious food. Her recent research has focused around supporting the development of the pulse grain sector in South Australia. She is an Affiliate Associate Lecturer at The University of Adelaide with experience in cropping, pastures, livestock and farming system modelling. Penny loves nothing better than being active in the natural environment and exploring it with her family.
Communication and Extension Manager
Sarah Day
Senior Project Manager – M&E Specialist
Jay Cummins
Jay is MSF’s Monitoring and Evaluation specialist as well as a Senior Project Manager, overseeing the management and delivery of MSF’s high level multi-stakeholder projects across the Mallee. Jay is no stranger to the Mallee, commencing his career as an agronomist in the Southern Mallee at Lameroo that provided the foundation to later undertake agricultural extension and adoption research in developing countries globally.
Business Administration and Finance Manager
Kimberley Jacobs
Kimberley Jacobs joined the MSF team as Business Support Officer in September 2022. Kimberley and her husband are parents to four daughters and have a dryland cropping property at Coonalpyn.
Kimberley is an active member in her community, being a life member for the Border Downs Tintinara Football Club and more recently actively volunteering for the Jervois Netball Club.
Kimberley is passionate about community and providing support for those in the Mallee region.
Research Officer
Louise Brok
Louise joined the MSF team as an extension agronomist in 2023 to assist in the translation of our field R&D projects into our extension program. Originally from New Zealand, she has degrees in Agricultural Science from Massey University, along with experience in field trials and farmer engagement projects around practice change. Louise is based in Merrinee with her partner on a cropping farm.
Research Intern
Simone Kluge
Simone is the first Research Intern for Mallee Sustainable Farming in 2025 (funded by SAGIT and SA Drought Hub). Originally from a 4,500ha broadacre and prime lamb family farm at Bowhill in the Murray Mallee of South Australia, she is well aware of the challenges and opportunities of farming in the mallee. Completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide has allowed for a foundation of technical knowledge and practical hands-on knowledge from the farm to take on a role in the applied field research and extension sector.
She is excited about learning more about the intricacies and real-world application of the applied field research and extension activities. Having sustainable farming practices in place is very important for the longevity of food security and farming in the region.
In her spare time, Simone rides horses and enjoys spending time at the river. These activities provide a sense of relaxation and connection to nature but also allow connection and appreciation of the great outdoors
Membership and Project Officer
Kylie Matthewson
Kylie Matthewson joined the MSF team in March 2022.
Kylie grew up on a farm at Cooke Plains SA, and completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Roseworthy. She and husband Sean live in Murray Bridge and have three young sons.
Kylie is an active community member, involved in volunteering at the Tailem Bend Netball and Football Club. Kylie is also a ‘people person’ and has a passion for helping farmers and farming communities to thrive.
Kylie is MSF’s ‘go to’ person for member support as well as supporting project delivery.
Communication and Event Coordinator
Sonia Allen
Sonia joined the MSF team in 2018 as Project and Event Support Officer.
Sonia and her family relocated to the SA Mallee in 2014 and they now call Tailem Bend home. Sonia is a Project and Event Support Officer with a strong community focus and has more recently taken on a Project Management role with MSFs community capacity projects. She is highly involved in local groups and committees and she loves nothing more than getting out and meeting new people.
When she’s not working or volunteering, Sonia loves being outdoors in the sunshine and enjoying time with family and friends.
