About - Compass Farm & Capital

Built on farming reality.
Run with investment rigour.

Compass Farm & Capital exists to bridge two worlds that rarely speak the same language. The paddock, where outcomes are earned slowly and decisions compound. And the boardroom, where governance, reporting and accountability turn performance into confidence. Founded in Australia in 2013, Compass started with advisory and succession work before moving into direct asset acquisition and management, beginning in Tasmania and expanding from there.

Talk to the Team Explore What We Do

Our model

One model. End to end.

We manage agricultural assets through a single integrated approach, linking capital decisions to farm execution. That means clear roles, clear standards, and a cadence that keeps performance visible, not assumed. It is how we protect productive capacity while still pursuing strong commercial outcomes.

Where we started, where we operate

From Tasmania roots to a broader platform.

Compass was established in Australia by Nigel Pannett and began by supporting owners through practical advisory and succession planning. Six months later, the team had identified, purchased and begun developing its first Tasmanian assets.

How we work

Cadence over complexity.

Our work is built around a simple rhythm: plan, execute, review. It is designed to connect seasonal decisions to long-term outcomes, with reporting that is decision-ready and governance that is fit for real assets.

Values in practice

Responsibility, made practical.

We treat ESG as operational work, not marketing. Standards for land and water, people, animal welfare, and local communities are embedded in day-to- day management, because legacy is built through what is done consistently.

Leadership and team

The Compass team combines deep on-farm experience with finance, governance, and business management capability.

Nigel Pannett

Managing Director

Nigel leads Compass Agri Australia as Owner and Managing Director, bringing 25 years of experience across financial services and agriculture. He has built Compass on a disciplined approach to identifying and developing assets in undervalued areas with secure water. Over the past 10 years, Nigel has established an investment portfolio of seven properties and A$100m funds under management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Diploma of Farm Management, and is an active member of the AICD.

Heidi McKechnie

Head of Business Operations & Culture

Heidi leads business operations, HR and culture at Compass. Her background spans four generations of dairy and beef farming in Colorado, USA, and more than 15 years in the ski resort and hospitality industry, experience that gives her a practical, grounded approach to driving business growth while maintaining the values-based culture Compass is built on.

Heidi holds a double Bachelor's Degree in Psychology & Kinesiology and Business Management, and a Diploma of Human Resource Management.

Ryan Ashby

Head of Farming Operations

Ryan oversees all Compass managed farms in Tasmania and leads the growth and management of the grazing offering across the state. He brings more than 27 years of dairy industry experience across New Zealand and Australia, combining practical on-farm knowledge with operational oversight across multiple properties.

Lachlan Turner

Chief Financial Officer

Lachlan joined Compass in June 2026 as CFO, with responsibility for the finance function end to end: internal finance operations, investor reporting, capital management, financial planning and analysis, and commercial support across the business. He also plays a direct role in setting and executing Compass's long-term strategic objectives.

Lachlan brings over 15 years of experience across finance and consulting, with a background in financial leadership, business strategy and systems, and organisational growth. He has held roles across executive teams where his focus has been consistent: sound decision-making, sustainable growth, and strong governance.

Start with a clear conversation.

Whether you’re investing, partnering, or exploring a mandate, we’ll bring a clear view of the opportunity, the operating plan, and the governance required to deliver it.

Invest with Compass Talk to the Team

Compass Agri Australia Pty Ltd (CAR No. 1309984) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Bentleys (QLD) Advisory Pty Ltd (AFSL 274444). Compass Agri Australia Pty Ltd has been appointed as Investment Manager for the Tasmanian Farming Trust and the Meadowbank Investment Trust. The information contained on this website is provided as general information only and does not constitute financial product advice, investment advice, legal advice or tax advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Investments in agricultural assets and managed investment schemes involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Trusts are intended only for Sophisticated Investors and Wholesale Clients as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Prospective investors should conduct their own enquiries and obtain independent financial, legal, taxation and investment advice before making any investment decision. General information only, not financial advice. Past performance isn't indicative of future results. AFSL 274444 | CAR 1309984.

About Compass

Built on farming reality.Run with investment rigour.