The new Cattle Australia body has announced its first board and come under immediate criticism for the lack of diversity in its members.
Only one woman and six men were elected to the foundation board of the new organisation which replaces Cattle Council as the representative body for the grassfed beef cattle industry. The outgoing Cattle Council board had equal numbers of men and women.
Leaders rejected the criticism, with new board chair David Foote saying that it was a democratic process.
“Cattle Australia is a democratic organisation, and its inaugural Board is well-experienced and one of high calibre,” Mr Foote said.
Outgoing Cattle Council board member Gillian Fennell, who chose not to nominate for the new board, also defended the democratic process saying only 3 women nominated.
Mr Foote said the first priority for the new board would be to unite the industry.
“We have a responsibility to every grassfed beef cattle producer to make Cattle Australia a success and deliver on its mission – to be the voice of grassfed cattle producers, leading the cattle industry to a stronger, more sustainable future.” Mr Foote said.
The new Cattle Australia Board consists of:
North Australia Beef Research Council catchment:
- Bryce Camm – Grazier, Camm Agricultural Group
- Adam Coffey – Owner/Director, Coffey Cattle Co
- David Foote – Director, Tandarra Partners (Chair)
Southern Australia Livestock Research Council catchment:
- Elke Cleverdon – Owner/Director, Cleverdon Agriculture – Grassfed Black Angus
- Garry Edwards – Managing Director and CEO, Maureen Pastoral Company (Deputy Chair)
- George King – Managing Director, The Whitney Pastoral Co and Manager, “Coombing Park”
Western Australian Livestock Research Council catchment:
- James Bowie – Beef Producer, Bowie Beef
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