NICK CARRACHER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
With over 25 years in trading and sales, Nick has developed deep expertise in derivative markets, specializing in options and OTC products. His understanding of how producers, consumers, and traders operate allows him to anticipate challenges and effectively mitigate risk.
Raised on a mixed farm in Lucindale, South Australia, Nick studied Agricultural Business and Management at the University of Sydney before beginning his career as an agricultural advisor. He spent six years trading physical grains and oilseeds both domestically and internationally before relocating to Singapore to lead ANZ’s Asian Agricultural trading desk. Nick then joined Goldman Sachs in Singapore, later moving to New York, where he traded exposure linked to the Commodity Index and investor products. He returned to Australia to head INTL FCStone’s advisory desk.
Since January 2019, Nick has served as CEO of Lachstock Consulting, helping corporate clients understand risk management and develop strategies to grow their businesses profitably. Nick’s expertise and communication skills make him an effective presenter, having collaborated with organizations like GIAV, GRDC, AGIC, and GTA to create educational resources on grain marketing and how data drives business decisions.
LACHIE STEVENS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With over 20 years in the grain industry, Lachie has become a leading expert in strategic growth and grain analysis. By applying risk management and derivative strategies, he helps clients identify weaknesses and increase profitability.
Raised on a family farm in NSW, Lachie began his education with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Melbourne University, followed by a Diploma in Risk Management from Monash University and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute.
Lachie spent seven years at commodity giant Louis Dreyfus, where he held a range of roles, including analysis, risk management, trading (canola, wool, sorghum), procurement, and finally as Oilseeds Trading Manager.
Lachstock Consulting, which Lachie founded in 2007, was led by him as Managing Director until Nick took on the CEO role. Lachie now focuses on expanding Lachstock’s international presence and growing the strategy and management of the research platform, with support from the executive team.
MATT MILLER
GENERAL MANAGER
SUPPLY CHAIN
With over 25 years of experience in commodity and dry bulk freight trading, supply chain management, and risk management across Australia and the Asia Pacific, Matt has a proven track record in trading success and effective supply chain management. His experience spans 10 years trading grain and protein meals, along with 15 years in the dry bulk freight market.
Matt grew up on a mixed-enterprise property outside of Tamworth, NSW. He studied Rural Science at the University of Armidale and completed a Cadetship with Twynam Pastoral Group, working across their large pastoral properties. After university, Matt joined Twynam’s Marketing and Risk Team in Sydney. In 2002, he moved to Melbourne to join Cargill Australia, where he spent six years trading agricultural commodities before relocating to Singapore to join Cargill’s Ocean Transportation Dry Bulk Freight team. Over the next 11 years, Matt led Asia Pacific freight desk teams across Handy, Supramax, and Panamax bulk freight segments.
In 2019, Matt returned to Australia to head Swire Bulk Australia, managing all aspects of the bulk ocean freight business across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Now based in Brisbane with his wife Raina and their three boys, Matt continues to help Lachstock clients identify and manage risks associated with moving and trading dry bulk products.
ANNA WELLS
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
NORTHERN REGION
With a deep understanding of the unique farming conditions in Northern Australia, Anna provides tailored, proactive advice to clients. Her agronomy background and personal farming experience give her exceptional insight into the Queensland market.
Anna began her career as an agronomist and furthered her expertise by studying Agricultural Commerce at the University of Sydney. She also completed the Sydney Futures Exchange registered representative course and the CBA Cambiste financial markets seminar. In 1996, Anna joined Queensland Cotton as Marketing Services Officer. After four years, she moved to Monsanto, where she served as Business Manager and earned the Master Sales Award for developing the first late crop removal program. Following nearly eight years at Monsanto, Anna joined Louis Dreyfus to lead their accumulation efforts in Northern NSW and Southern QLD.
In 2012, Anna became Principal Advisor at Lachstock Consulting, offering her expertise to both consumers and producers in Northern NSW and QLD. Her focus is on business development in the grain and cotton sectors across the Northern region.
LACHY HERBERT
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
CENTRAL REGION
With over 16 years of experience in the grain market, Lachy has worked across the entire supply chain—from accumulation and oilseed processing to export sales of finished goods. His broad expertise in both global and local markets allows him to identify and capitalize on opportunities for our clients.
Lachy holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne and spent 10 years at Cargill Australia Ltd, where he advanced through various trading and leadership roles. In 2015, he moved to Wagga to help build the trading and risk management capabilities for Riverina Oils & BioEnergy during a period of significant growth. Lachy now calls Wagga home, where he runs a mixed farming enterprise with his wife and children.
JOE REYNOLDS
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
CENTRAL REGION
Joe’s expertise in grain accumulation and regional crop forecasting enables him to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. He works within the supply chain to enhance efficiencies that align with your unique trading strategy.
Growing up on a family farm in Adelong, NSW, Joe remains involved in his own farming interests. He completed a degree in Agribusiness at Charles Sturt University, Wagga, in 2011. Joe began his career at GrainCorp in 2010, starting as a Grain Merchant before advancing to the role of Regional Planner.
In 2019, Joe joined Lachstock Consulting as Senior Advisor for the Central region. He focuses on developing operational and supply chain efficiencies to refine the strategic direction for clients.
DOUGAL GRIEVE
TRADING SUPPORT ANALYST
Dougal brings strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills to the team. His experience with agricultural investments enables him to quickly adapt and make meaningful contributions.
Dougal holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide and has practical experience in both farming and logistics management.
He joined Lachstock Consulting in 2024 as a Graduate, where he is undergoing a structured development program to deepen his understanding of the grain industry. Dougal now serves as a Trade Support Analyst, assisting the team with supply and demand analytics along with logistics operations.
ANTON NGUYEN
RESEARCH ANALYST & PROGRAMMER
Anton Nguyen is a software engineer specializing in transforming databases into dynamic, event-driven architectures. With experience as a developer in software delivery and value stream management, Anton has designed, managed, and developed analysis tools for various sectors, including investment banking, hedge funds, legal, telecommunications, and healthcare.
Anton holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Adelaide.
In his role as an analyst and programmer within our research team, Anton works closely with Nick to develop improved pathways and enhance the efficiency of our research operations.
JAMES BARBER
DATA SCIENTIST & PROGRAMMER
James Barber holds both a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Adelaide, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With a strong background in coding and development, James has a passion for statistical modeling and data analytics.
He brings his expertise in algorithm design and data structure analysis to Lachstock, helping to streamline and enhance our data management processes.
GEORGIE VAN BEEK
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Georgie supports the Lachstock team by ensuring systems, processes, and reports are accurate and up to date.
With a strong background in customer service and accounts management, Georgie excels in customer relations, operational efficiency, and financial improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education and has a passion for the environment and its connection to farming.
Joining Lachstock Consulting in 2017 as Business Administrator, Georgie now leads the development and implementation of business practices. She is currently working on our Sustainable Agricultural department, helping corporate clients and farmers reduce emissions through sustainable practices.
ELLA CARRACHER
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Ella supports our Central team by ensuring reports, contracts, and broker notes are accurate and up to date.
With a keen eye for detail, Ella leverages her background in services to help the Wagga Wagga team ensure seamless processes.
Ella joined Lachstock Consulting in 2022 as a casual accounts assistant and transitioned into a permanent role in 2023. She works closely with Joe and Herb to apply business practices within the Central team.
