Livestock SA welcomes new board members

Livestock SA welcomed three new board members at its 2022 Annual General Meeting, held on Monday at Hahndorf as part of the Growing SA conference at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre.

Eyre Peninsula mixed farmer Leonie Mills, Cleve, livestock consultant Colin Trengove, Burnside, and South East livestock producer Anthony Hurst, Lucindale, have all joined the Livestock SA board.

They replace retiring members Marina Gregor, Kangaroo Island, Bill Nosworthy, Sheringa, and Robert Brokenshire, Mount Compass.

Livestock SA President Joe Keynes was re-elected to the board, as was board member Richard Kirkland, Conmurra.

Mr Keynes thanked the outgoing board members for their service to the South Australian livestock industry.

“Bill has been a longstanding Livestock SA board member, having been elected eight years ago, and his contribution over that period has been invaluable,” he said.

“On behalf of Livestock SA, I would also like to thank Marina for her service and expertise. She has been a tremendous asset to the board with her contribution on financial matters and I wish her well in her future endeavours.

“Robert’s parliamentary experience has also been incredibly valuable during board deliberations and it has been great to have someone of his calibre on the board.”

Mr Keynes said the new board would hold a short meeting in September to elect office bearers, followed by a face-to-face meeting at Livestock SA’s new office at the Adelaide Showgrounds, where it will be based as of 1 October.

A motion from the floor to support the transition of Cattle Council of Australia to Cattle Australia was passed unanimously at the AGM. This transition will build a more unified, democratic and sustainably resourced peak body for the cattle industry that can be a more influential voice for grassfed cattle producers.

Mr Keynes said the industry would benefit once Cattle Australia is formed, as the changes being made addressed the major criticisms parts of the industry had with the Cattle Council structure.

“Cattle Australia will take the good from Cattle Council, and build on those strengths,” Mr Keynes said.

“It will make improvements in democracy, transparency, and financial sustainability for our industry’s national representation.”