John Edwards named Live Export Lifetime Achiever, Jack Webb recognised as live export industry young achiever

Australia’s livestock exporters have come together to recognise a true champion of the industry at a gala dinner held in Perth as part of the industry’s LIVEXchange conference.

John Edwards has been presented with the Ian McIvor Lifetime Achiever Award and inducted into the industry’s Hall of Fame, in recognition of a lifetime’s worth of hard work and commitment to the live export industry.

LiveCorp Chair Troy Setter, who presented the award, highlighted the tireless efforts of Mr Edwards over more than 40 years, until his retirement earlier this year.

“John started out as a shipboard stockperson back in the 1980s and has gone on to be respected across the globe for his insights and expertise,” Mr Setter said.

“He’s consistently gone above and beyond, offering his time, knowledge and leadership to drive meaningful change. His efforts have led to substantive improvements and set new benchmarks for the industry.”

Mr Edwards joined the industry at a time Australia was exporting millions of sheep a year. He lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, working for local companies to improve breeding and importing operations, and sourcing sheep from around the world. Mr Edwards ran the Australian-based operations for several Middle Eastern companies, as well as local ones.

He was the longest-serving chair of the WA Livestock Exporters’ Association and spent 16 years as a director of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council.

He says he’s humbled to be included in the ranks of industry stalwarts already in the Hall of Fame.

“There’s no other industry I can think of with such intense commercial rivalry, but at the same time a strong fellowship for the common benefit of the trade,” Mr Edwards said.

“My time in Saudi Arabia opened my eyes to the significant role Australian sheep played in the Middle East, supporting food security and their cultural lifestyle.

“It also reinforced the value of the trade to Australian farmers. Live exports provided an avenue for millions of sheep after the reserve price scheme for wool collapsed, and did the same during the millennium drought. Processors alone would not have coped – together, we helped farmers to stay in the industry.

“I’m proud and privileged to have been part of the industry and, in some small way, having helped to contribute to its success.”

Jack Webb recognised as Young Livestock Exporter Achiever of the Year

Indonesia Livestock Operations general manager Jack Webb was named as the recipient of this year’s Nutrien Ag Solutions Livestock Export Young Achiever of the Year award.

The prestigious award is offered by the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) in partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions and recognises a young professional demonstrating exceptional commitment, leadership and passion for the industry.

Mr Webb has spent the past 13 years working across the supply chain from station hand to shipboard stock person, livestock export buyer, operations manager and most recently as General Manager for the AAM Investment Group subsidiary – Indonesia Livestock Operations, based in Lampung Indonesia.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Northern Livestock Development Manager East Region, Colby Ede, presented the award to Mr Webb at the industry’s LIVEXchange gala dinner in Perth.

“Jack epitomises the industry’s dedication and passion. Although his practical introduction to the cattle industry didn’t come until after school, he’s taken every opportunity since then to grow his knowledge and skills across the entire supply chain,” Mr Ede said.

“In doing so, he’s developed a deep understanding of the industry and a willingness to be agile and adapt to changes in market dynamics and the operating environment.

“He recognises the value in learning from others, being part of a team and contributing to the greater good of the industry.”

ALEC chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said this year’s award had attracted an exceptional field of nine nominees and congratulated Mr Webb on his achievement.

“Jack is a very worthy award recipient. He’s well respected among his industry peers, has an admirable work ethic and attitude, and is a passionate advocate of the industry and the many opportunities it offers young people,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“That said, the judging panel was incredibly impressed with all of this year’s nominees.

“The enthusiasm they have for the industry and the dedication they bring to their roles is exemplary – they’re a credit to themselves and their employers.

“It’s inspiring to see the future of the industry in such confident and capable hands.”

Source: ALEC