An animal welfare assurance manager working for prominent live exporter Austrex has been chosen as the live export industry’s 2021 Young Achiever of the Year.

Kari Moffat

Kari Moffat is also an executive board member of Queensland Livestock Exporters Association and the current chair of the Young Livestock Exporters Network.

The award was presented by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council and sponsor, Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Nutrien West Region Livestock Manager Leon Giglia, one of the representatives on the judging panel, made the announcement at ALEC’s virtual meeting of members this morning.

“We were very impressed by the calibre of the 2021 nominees. Each nominee demonstrated a strong passion and commitment for what they do, and they are an assurance of how promising the future is within the live export industry,” Mr Giglia said.

Kari’s significant contribution to the live exporting industry started in 2014 when she was studying at Marcus Oldham College and the opportunity arose to board a live export vessel destined for Indonesia. She seized the moment, deferred her agribusiness degree for two years and sailed full time as a head stockwoman, overseeing 15 voyages between Northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

“Kari has had an immense impact in the ESCAS supply chain,” Austrex chief executive Tom Slaughter said after the presentation.

“I have been heavily involved with ESCAS since its implementation and I have not seen an individual who has been able to identify, address and implement projects to enable enduring change for what is a challenging segment of the supply chain,” he said.

“Kari operates with a level of passion for the industry that rarely comes along. Her commitment to fostering and channelling the energy of the younger livestock export community has been an astonishing achievement. With people like Kari in the industry, it’s safe to say we will be in safe hands,” Mr Slaughter said.

ALEC chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said Kari was one of many outstanding young professionals working in the live export industry.

“As an industry it is important to give recognition to the exceptional young achievers, their commitment to innovation, leadership, and to world-leading practices,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“Kari’s passion for ensuring the sustainability of the live export trade has overflowed into many industry projects and she has worked hard to advocate for the important place young, passionate professionals play in the future of our industry.”

Source: ALEC