NICK CARRACHER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
With over 25 years of experience in trading and sales, Nick brings deep expertise in derivative markets, with a particular focus on options and over-the-counter (OTC) products. His strong understanding of the roles played by producers, consumers, and traders enables him to anticipate challenges and manage risk effectively.
Raised on a mixed farming property in Lucindale, South Australia, Nick studied Agricultural Business and Management at the University of Sydney before beginning his career as an agricultural adviser. 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. He then joined Goldman Sachs in Singapore, later moving to New York to trade commodity index exposure and investor products. Upon returning to Australia, he led the advisory desk at INTL FCStone.
Since January 2019, Nick has served as CEO of Lachstock Consulting, where he works with corporate clients to enhance their understanding of risk management and develop strategies for sustainable, profitable growth. A skilled communicator, Nick is a regular presenter and educator, having worked with organisations including GIAV, GRDC, AGIC, and GTA to develop training resources on grain marketing and the role of data in commercial decision-making.
LACHIE STEVENS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With over 20 years of experience in the grain industry, Lachie is a recognised expert in strategic growth and grain market analysis. By applying tailored risk management and derivative strategies, he supports clients in identifying vulnerabilities and driving profitability.
Raised on his family’s farm in New South Wales, Lachie holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne, 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 global commodity firm Louis Dreyfus, where he held a variety of roles spanning analysis, risk management, and trading across canola, wool, and sorghum. He later led procurement operations and served as Oilseeds Trading Manager.
In 2007, Lachie founded Lachstock Consulting and served as Managing Director until Nick was appointed CEO. Today, Lachie focuses on expanding Lachstock’s international footprint and leads the strategic direction and development of the firm’s research platform, working closely with 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 mitigation across Australia and the Asia–Pacific, Matt brings a strong track record in delivering trading performance and optimising logistics. His career includes 10 years trading grain and protein meals, and 15 years in the dry bulk freight market.
Matt was raised on a mixed-enterprise property near Tamworth, NSW. He studied Rural Science at the University of New England and completed a cadetship with Twynam Pastoral Group, working across several of its large-scale pastoral operations. Following university, he joined Twynam’s Marketing and Risk team in Sydney.
In 2002, Matt 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, he led freight desks across Asia–Pacific, managing Handy, Supramax, and Panamax bulk segments.
Returning to Australia in 2019, Matt took on the role of Head of Swire Bulk Australia, overseeing all aspects of the ocean freight business across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Now based in Brisbane with his wife Raina and their three boys, Matt works closely with Lachstock clients to help identify and manage the risks involved in trading and transporting dry bulk commodities.
ANNA WELLS
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
NORTHERN REGION
With a deep understanding of the unique farming conditions in Northern Australia, Anna delivers tailored, forward-thinking advice to clients across the grain and cotton industries. Her agronomy background, combined with hands-on farming experience, provides her with exceptional insight into the Queensland and Northern NSW markets.
Anna began her career as an agronomist before studying Agricultural Commerce at the University of Sydney. She has also completed the Sydney Futures Exchange Registered Representative Course and the CBA Cambiste Financial Markets Seminar. In 1996, she joined Queensland Cotton as a Marketing Services Officer. Four years later, she moved to Monsanto, where she served as Business Manager and received the Master Sales Award for developing the company’s first late crop removal program.
Following nearly eight years at Monsanto, Anna joined Louis Dreyfus to lead accumulation efforts across Northern NSW and Southern Queensland.
Since 2012, Anna has been Principal Advisor at Lachstock Consulting, supporting both producers and consumers with expert market insight and strategy. Her current focus is on business development across the Northern region, with a strong emphasis on grain and cotton market engagement.
LACHY HERBERT
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
CENTRAL REGION
With over 16 years of experience in the grain industry, Lachy has worked across the entire supply chain — from accumulation and oilseed processing to the export of finished goods. His broad expertise across both domestic and international markets enables him to identify opportunities and deliver strategic value for clients.
Lachy holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne and spent a decade at Cargill Australia Ltd, progressing through a range of trading and leadership roles. In 2015, he relocated to Wagga Wagga to support the development of trading and risk management capabilities at Riverina Oils & BioEnergy during a key phase of growth.
Now based in Wagga, Lachy combines his advisory work with running a mixed farming operation alongside his wife and children.
JOE REYNOLDS
SENIOR COMMODITY ADVISOR
CENTRAL REGION
Joe brings strong expertise in grain accumulation and regional crop forecasting, enabling him to uncover market opportunities and deliver tailored strategies for clients. His work across the supply chain focuses on improving operational efficiencies that support individual trading objectives.
Raised on a family farm in Adelong, NSW, Joe maintains active involvement in his own farming interests. He holds a degree in Agribusiness from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, completed in 2011.
Joe began his career at GrainCorp in 2010, progressing from Grain Merchant to Regional Planner. In 2019, he joined Lachstock Consulting as Senior Advisor for the Central region, where he works closely with clients to enhance supply chain performance and sharpen strategic direction.
DOUGAL GRIEVE
TRADING SUPPORT ANALYST
Dougal brings strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills to the team, with a background in agricultural investments that allows him to adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully.
He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide and has hands-on experience in both farming and logistics management.
Dougal joined Lachstock Consulting in 2024 as a Graduate and is currently completing a structured development program to expand his knowledge of the grain industry. In his role as Trading Support Analyst, he assists the team with supply and demand analytics and supports logistics operations.
ANTON NGUYEN
RESEARCH ANALYST & PROGRAMMER
Anton is a software engineer with a focus on transforming databases into dynamic, event-driven architectures. With a strong background in software delivery and value stream management, he has designed, managed, and built analytical tools across a range of industries including investment banking, hedge funds, legal, telecommunications, and healthcare.
He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Adelaide.
As an analyst and programmer within our research team, Anton works closely with Nick to develop streamlined data pathways and improve the overall efficiency of our research operations.
JAMES BARBER
DATA SCIENTIST & PROGRAMMER
James holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Adelaide, and is currently completing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. With a strong foundation in coding and software development, he has a keen interest in statistical modelling and data analytics.
At Lachstock, James applies his expertise in algorithm design and data structure analysis to help streamline and improve the efficiency of 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 over 20 years’ experience in customer service and operations. Her background in hotel management has sharpened her multitasking and productivity skills, driving success in high-pressure environments.
She recently completed a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and Accounting and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Education. Georgie is passionate about the environment and its connection to farming.
Since joining Lachstock Consulting in 2017 as Business Administrator, Georgie has progressed to Chief Operating Officer, leading the development and implementation of business practices. Combining operational insight with a hands-on approach, she identifies inefficiencies, simplifies workflows, and implements intuitive systems that drive performance. Georgie brings a practical, team-oriented focus to Lachstock.
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.
