BOARD nominations for Queensland’s peak farm lobby group AgForce recently closed, with two northern producers set to start top positions next month.

Hughenden-based Shane McCarthy, who is currently the north regional director and vice-chair, is set for a promotion to general president, while Camooweal producer Lloyd Hick will take over from Peter Hall as the cattle board president. Mr Hick was the final president of Cattle Council of Australia before it transitioned to Cattle Australia.

Grains president Brendan Taylor will stay in the role, Longreach producer Boyd Webb will take over as sheep, wool and goats president and Christopher Punzell will be the cane president.

Mr McCarthy will step into the role at AgForce’s AGM in Goondiwindi on Tuesday, November 12, and replaces Georgie Somerset who has led the organisation for the maximum term of six years.

Aside from his current work with AgForce, Mr McCarthy has been part of agri-politics for many years. He is a current sitting Flinders Shire Councillor and the former chair of HIPCo, a proposed dam and irrigation precinct in the Hughenden area, which is being pushed by Kennedy MP Bob Katter.

Mr McCarthy said he was humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead such an important industry organisation.

“I would like to thank Georgie for her tireless dedication over the last six years as well as the other out-going board members, commodity board members and regional council members in defending and promoting Agriculture in Queensland,” he said.

“Georgie has built strong momentum around significant issues for industry, and I look forward to acknowledging those fully at the AGM and ensuring the organisation maximises that momentum for ensuring policy settings allow industry and community to thrive.”

“I am excited to work with returning and incoming electees to advocate for our food security that is so important to our nation.”

Ms Somerset congratulated Mr McCarthy on the new role.

“Representing AgForce members is both a privilege and a responsibility – one where the focus is always on making it easier for our members to grow food and fibre,” she says.

“I am confident Shane will continue to focus on our member’s priorities and do an outstanding job in the role.”