Hosts Kristen and Tracy Lefroy graciously offered their lawn as the setting for the informative and social occasion which brought more than 40 MMPIG members together.

Mr Bartholomaeus, who is the director of Cullum Downs Commodity News, South Australia, spoke extensively about wheat marketing in Australia with its relationship between CBOT futures and Australian wheat prices as well as the relationship to the American market.

He explained pools and the best time to sell grain in Australia, which was followed by a flurry of questions.

Nat Tonkin and her team from the Moora Tennis Club catered for a two-course dinner of succulent lamb and seasonal vegetables followed by a choice of desserts.

By popular demand, Mr Bartholomaeus gave an impromptu speech after dinner, which featured humorous stories from his past.

MMPIG chairman Tony White thanked said Partners in Grain for bringing Mr Bartholomaeus to the group.

“He was a great speaker and has provided the group with lots of helpful information,” he said.

“Also thanks to Rabobank and the Australian Wheat Board for sponsoring the group, which has helped us fund this event, and also to everyone who attended making it a great evening.

“Ideas are already been floated for next year’s guest speaker, but it will be hard to top Malcolm’s performance this year,” Mr White said.