AFTER nearly five years as Managing Director at Meat & Livestock Australia, Jason Strong has resigned and will leave the organisation on December 22.

MLA Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Ferguson, will be interim Managing Director.

Mr Strong said it had been a privilege to lead MLA for nearly five years and now was a good time to create an opportunity for the next leaders of MLA.

“We have just completed a very successful MLA Updates event in Bendigo,” Mr Strong said. “It demonstrated so many good things that MLA has done and are doing to support the Australian red meat and livestock industry.  We are about to commence the development of the final year Annual Investment Plan of the current strategic plan and early next year we will be developing the next five-year plan.

“We have a great team and it will be good timing at Christmas to step aside and give the other leaders in the business the opportunity to develop and own those plans.

“The Australian livestock industry has an abundance of opportunity. There are other things I want to do and be part of in the industry that I am unable to do with the commitment I have to my role at MLA. I don’t want to juggle as many competing demands on my time.

“MLA is a fantastic organisation and I feel like I have made a positive contribution. I am confident the team I leave behind will build on that and make it even better.”

MLA chair Alan Beckett thanked Mr Strong for his service to MLA, both in his current role as Managing Director and his numerous other roles with MLA domestically and internationally over a period that first started alongside the creation of MLA 25 years ago.

“Jason’s knowledge of and commitment to the industry is exceptional,” Mr Beckett said. “He has led from the front with his passion for delivering value for levy-payers and government stakeholders.

“He has helped deliver immense value for MLA, covering all areas of our operations, including research and development, marketing, community engagement, MSA, adoption and much more. On behalf of the MLA Board, I extend my thanks and gratitude for Jason’s commitment to MLA and the industry.”

Mr Beckett said that the recruitment process for MLA’s next Managing Director would be announced in due course.

RMAC leader pays tribute to Jason Strong

John McKillop, the Red Meat Advisory Council Independent Chair said Mr Strong leaves “very big shoes to fill, both figuratively and literally”.

“In one of the more challenging roles in agriculture, Jason has been a driving force, propelling red meat industry research, development and marketing to new heights.

“This while adeptly navigating challenging periods including drought and biosecurity scares.

“He has worked collaboratively and supportively with RMAC throughout his time at MLA and he has my thanks and gratitude. He leaves as a red meat industry icon, with a lasting legacy.

The red meat industry has much to be thankful for.”

ALFA reinforces respect for Jason Strong

The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association has also paid tribute to Mr Strong’s leadership of MLA. Chair Barb Madden said his efforts were tireless.

“On behalf of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), I want to express our sincere respect for Jason Strong’s decision to step down as Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in December to allow the next generation of leadership to step up at MLA,” Mrs Madden said.

“Jason has shown unparalleled dedication to advancing the red meat industry, and his unwavering support for ALFA and the Australian feedlot sector has been invaluable.

“We acknowledge his tireless efforts and commend him for leaving a great legacy during his five-year tenure at MLA.

“We extend our congratulations on his accomplishments and the significant impact he has had on the industry, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“The Australian red meat industry has been fortunate to have Jason Strong at the helm, and we are confident that his successor will continue the positive trajectory.”