AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ABRI)

After moving to Armidale in 1965, Dr Arthur Rickards, Managing Director of the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) has helped to change the face of the Australian and International Beef Industry. As the world leader in Livestock Information Systems, the Institute is an example of a successful global business operating from Armidale which has become one of the largest employers in the city outside government.

ABRI conducts research and consults to public and private organisations and provides managerial services and information to primary producers, with special emphasis on the needs of livestock industries. It offers a wide range of agribusiness information services including comprehensive breed register software that meets the needs of modern livestock producers. The ABRI register is used by 100 breed associations worldwide with over 35 million animals recorded on its database covering 8 different animal species.

"Whether you run a small or large international business, Armidale offers the necessary business infrastructure together with an enviable lifestyle that many people long for," Dr Rickards says.

He and his wife Deidre share a passion for the arts and he regards helping to establish the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) in Armidale, as one of his more notable accomplishments. "Armidale offers tremendous educational, arts and cultural opportunities that are rarely seen in any Australian regional centre," Dr Rickards says. "NECOM provides musical opportunities to over 3600 students and is truly a conservatorium without walls that is actively extending its services throughout the region."