Russell was born and raised in Brisbane, QLD. After studying and working in the food bowl of the Lockyer valley he graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from University of QLD.

Since graduating he has gained experience working in various professional & operational roles across the Dairy and Horticultural industries. The Bundaberg region has been home since 2006.

McCrystal Agricultural Services Pty Ltd was established in 2014 primarily to supply low virus clean sweetpotato plant material and planting services to producers throughout the Bundaberg region. Since then, the business has grown to provide management and labour hire services more broadly across various farming industries throughout the wide bay & central QLD regions.

Away from the business Russell enjoys spending time with his wife & 3 children exploring the Great Barrier Reef. He also enjoys volunteering & participating in various Industry, Sporting, School and Community groups including his local Bundaberg Bible Church.