Beef Central publishes an occasional summary of appointments, departures and achievements occurring across the red meat and livestock supply chain. Send details for entries to admin@beefcentral.com

• New CEO for WA’s Harvest Road Group
• Meat Business Womens’ ‘One to Watch’ award winner
• Seedstock industry mourns loss of Michael Glasser
• Long serving Casino chairman steps back
• LAWD expands footprint into SA
• McKillop to chair asparagopsis producer Sea Forest’s board
• Life membership for Angus contributor
• Santa VP moves on
• No appointment yet for AA Co senior role

New CEO for WA’s Harvest Road Group

Western Australian beef supply chain Harvest Road Group has appointed Harvey Gaynor as the company’s new chief executive officer. He takes up his new role in July.

Twiggy Forrest’s Harvest Road group operates the Harvey Beef processing business in the town of Harvey, supplied in part by the large Koojan Downs feedlot enterprise further north.

Harvey Gaynor

Mr Gaynor brings more than 35 years’ experience in the ag sector to the role. Until May last year, he served as chief executive of Macquarie Pastoral Fund’s Paraway Pastoral Co. Paraway operates 30 diversified pastoral and farmland stations across the country and has been recognised as one of Australia’s top performing agribusinesses.

His departure from Paraway saw the internal promotion last year of Stuart Johnston to fill the role as Paraway CEO.

Harvest Road Group is a wholly owned portfolio company of Tattarang, the private investment group of Andrew and Nicola Forrest.

Tattarang CEO John Hartman said Mr Gaynor brought deep experience leading complex agricultural businesses to his new role, and was well placed to deliver on Harvest Road’s strategy by focusing on its core business and strengthening its position in beef and aquaculture.

Mr Gaynor said one of his early priorities was to connect with WA cattle producers and continue to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships to supply Harvest Road’s high-quality beef to Australian and global markets.

“I see Harvest Road being a genuine partner and supporter of our fellow Australian producers and all the communities in which we live and work,” he said.

Mr Hartman thanked Tattarang head of portfolio operations Tim Wood for his stewardship of Harvest Road Group as interim CEO for more than a year, during which time the business delivered significant growth across its operations.

Meat Business Womens’ ‘One to Watch’ award winner

During the vibrant Meat Business Women annual conference in Brisbane last week, the professional development organisation announced Rachel Gartshore as the winner of MBW’s One to Watch award, spotlighting her as a standout emerging leader in the meat industry.

The award, sponsored by Marel, was selected from among six finalists, presented in front of 250 MBW members attending the gathering.

Rachel Gartshore

Developed to recognise, celebrate and nurture young women in their career advancement, the One to Watch award is part of MBW’s commitment to tackling the broken career ladder – with a focus on supporting progression from hire through to retire. The award carries a $5000 prize to support the winner’s growth and professional development.

At just 25 years of age, Rachel has already demonstrated the kind of leadership that inspires trust, uplifts others, and drives meaningful change, the judges said in their salute. As production planner & analyst at Kilcoy Global Foods north of Brisbane, Rachel leads with quiet confidence, creating environments where collaboration and accountability thrive, they said.

“Rachel’s nomination stood out for the way she connects with teams, builds momentum behind shared goals, and encourages others to grow. She recently led a project focused on reducing downgraded product in Kilcoy’s boning room—not only delivering measurable improvements, but empowering colleagues through clear communication, mentorship, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Reflecting on the award, Rachel said there were many impressive women in the red meat industry doing amazing things, so to be named the winner was an honour.

“I’m excited to keep learning, keep growing, and hopefully make a meaningful contribution to the industry that’s given me so much.”

Meat Business Women Australia chair Stacey McKenna SAID Rachel stood out not only for the measurable outcomes of her project, but for the way she empowered others and challenged traditional ways of working.

“She’s the kind of future-focused, values-driven leader our industry needs, and we’re thrilled to recognise her with this award,” Ms McKenna said.

Seedstock industry mourns loss of Michael Glasser

Well-known and widely respected stud stock auctioneer Michael Glasser passed away on Monday, after a long battle with cancer.

A veteran of almost 40 years in the beef, sheep and performance horse industries, Mr Glasser lost his long battle this week and left the livestock industry mourning a great mentor in the game. He was 59.

Michael Glasser

Mr Glasser built his career in the corporate sector and was well-known as one of southern Australia’s elite stud stock agents and auctioneers, working initially in the Elders team as the Southern region stud stock manager. In 2010, he broke away and started his independent Glasser Total Sales Management (GTSM) business, bringing new and innovative ways of marketing and selling stud stock.

With his wife Marion (Maz), Mr Glasser changed the landscape for stud sales, offering a contract auctioneering service, that coupled with the bookkeeping and sales management service post sale to get bulls to clients, creating a similar service to the corporate world, but with the autonomy to flex and move with clients as they needed to. The industry embraced the concept with open arms.

Stud stock identity Brett Tindal remembers vividly the day he was asked by Jim and Libby Litchfield at Hazeldean on his thoughts to find a successor to the great Tony Dowe when Tony retired.

“They wanted a personable, charismatic agent/auctioneer that could really immerse themselves into the Hazelden clients and be part of what they were doing, not just an auctioneer. Without hesitation I suggested Mick, due to his professionalism, wit, charm, sense of humour and most of all his humility as the best fit for what they were looking for and so the relationship was born,” Mr Tindal said.

“I still remember the time a blizzard hit the Hazeldean bull sale and it was so cold the bulls wouldn’t walk into the open-air ring at Cooma, so Michael sold them from the back of a buggy and I crouched on a rail calling bids for him as the ice settled on your face and yet he still didn’t miss a beat.”

These sentiments that were echoed by Ben and Wendy Mayne from Texas Angus, who took Michael on as their auctioneer, when he started GTSM as one of his first clients in 2010.

Ben Mayne said Michael, along with Lincoln McKinlay and Chris Norris they just made this dynamic, electric sale atmosphere that was infectious and with Michael as auctioneer, there was just simply no one better.

“He wasn’t just an auctioneer, he was a salt of the earth type of person that had so much more to him than just a voice and a microphone” Wendy Mayne said.

“He did so much for our business behind the scenes and he was invested in our product, brand and what we were about and that was the mark of the man.”

Elders issued a statement yesterday, reflecting on Michael Glasser’s contribution.

“With a career spanning decades, Michael was widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading stud stock auctioneers. From the rostrum to the paddock, he brought professionalism, authenticity and deep industry knowledge that left an indelible mark across the nation’s livestock sector.

His connection to Elders began in 1998 following the merger with VPC, where he was already highly regarded as Stud Stock Manager. He continued in this role for Victoria and the Riverina until 2010. Later establishing his own successful enterprise, GTSM, , which was later sold to Ray White in 2022.

In 2024, Michael re-joined Elders, when he embraced the opportunity to reconnect with long-time clients and colleagues.

“In true Michael fashion, he took younger auctioneers and agents under his wing,” Elders said.

Elders Victoria and Riverina Stud Stock Manager and fellow auctioneer Ross Milne reflected on the impact Michael had across the industry.

“He had excellent product knowledge, a great rapport with buyers, charisma, but also was very genuine—and that is why he was held in such high regard,” Mr Milne said.

“He sold beside some of the best in the industry—Tony Dowe, Kevin Norris and Paul Dooley – and he was a great person.”

Michael’s contribution was formally acknowledged at last week’s Hereford National Show and Sale, where fellow auctioneer Paul Dooley paid tribute to Michael’s long-standing commitment to the event and the broader industry.

Michael is survived by his daughters Michaela and Annabel, his wife Marion, step-children Ty and Abbey, his parents Max and Lynn Glasser and his brothers Alistair and Lachlan.

Long serving Casino chairman steps back

Having guided the fortunes of the Northern Cooperative Meat Co at Casino in northern NSW for the past 12 years, John Seccombe has stepped back as chairman, but will continue to serve on the board.

Most recently Mr Seccombe has steered the producer-owned business as it transitions out of cooperative structure into becoming an unlisted public company (see earlier report).  Worth noting, he was only the ninth chairman in the ninety-two-year history of the co-operative.

His replacement as chair is retired lawyer and cattle producer Frank Hannigan, who has been an adviser to the board for the past 12 months. The new deputy chair is Lennard Blok, principal of Lee Pratt Beef.

Former deputy chair Damien Dougherty has also stepped down, but will remain an active contributor to the business as a director.

“Under John Seccombe’s  stewardship, the Cooperative had undergone substantial transformation -strengthening governance practices, championing innovation, and consistently advocating for the interests of members and stakeholders,” the board said in a statement.

LAWD expands footprint into SA

Specialist ag property marketing house LAWD has expanded its footprint in South Australia, following the recruitment of Nigel Gosse as sales director in the company’s agribusiness transactions team.

Nigel was raised in South Australia’s mid-north and has dedicated his expansive career to championing and contributing to the prosperity of Australia’s agriculture and agribusiness sector.

Having originally worked as an agricultural journalist, Mr Gosse has had a diverse career working in ag technology, digital livestock marketing, and as general manager operations with Australian Wool Innovation. Earlier he spent seven years with MLA including trade and business management roles in Europe and the Middle East.

With strong industry networks and genuine grassroots experience in agriculture, Nigel is well-positioned to deliver impactful results for our clients, LAWD said in a statement.

McKillop to chair asparagopsis producer Sea Forest’s board

Prominent agribusiness identity John McKillop has joined the board of asparagopsis seaweed-based feed additive producer Sea Forest, immediately becoming non-executive chairman.

McKillop brings deep business leadership experience in Australia’s ag sector to the company, with an extensive history of board positions at Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Dairy Farmers Milk Cooperative, and Compass Agribusiness.

His career includes management of some of Australia’s largest cattle operations, having served in leadership roles at Stanbroke Pastoral Co and as CEO of both Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co. He currently serves as chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council, Regional Livestock Exchange, Manor Estates Holding, Maxsil Fertilizer, and agri-tech company Black Box Co.

This appointment comes as Sea Forest secures its first commercial-scale feedlot supply contract for its methane-reducing feed additive, and transitions to a more streamlined, independent-led board structure, the company said in a statement. A reduction in board size was “in line with operational changes aimed at reducing production volumes and expenditure as the company awaits customer demand to build.”

“I’m excited to join Sea Forest at this pivotal moment in its growth,” Mr McKillop said. “The company is gaining widespread recognition not only for its impressive climate credentials but also for the significant productivity and weightgain benefits that SeaFeed delivers to the beef sector.”

Life membership for Angus contributor

As part of the World Angus form held in Tamworth and Brisbane this month, Angus Australia has awarded Honorary Life Membership to Victorian Angus breeder Brad Gilmour, recognising his service and outstanding contributions to the breed.

Brad Gilmour

Brad’s journey with Angus cattle began at a young age, accompanying his father to purchase bulls from the Leawood stud in Victoria. Inspired by the breed’s market performance, he transitioned his own herd to Angus, quickly recognising the benefits in terms of growth, temperament, and market premiums. His passion for the breed grew alongside his cattle operation, leading him to take on numerous leadership roles within the Angus community.

Over the years, Brad has held a range of leadership positions, making significant contributions at both state and national levels. He served as Angus Australia president for two years up to 2019, having served on the board for eight years, chairing various board committees, and served as Victorian state committee chair for three terms since 2011.

“Brad’s influence extends far beyond boardrooms and committee meetings. He has been a dedicated mentor to young members, providing guidance and opportunities for emerging leaders in the Angus community,” chief executive Scott Wright said.

“As a founding co-operator herd in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program, Brad played a crucial role in supporting the data-driven improvement of the breed. He has also been a long-time supporter of the Angus Youth program, regularly attending National Youth Roundups and encouraging the next generation of cattle breeders.”

Brad’s Life Membership is a fitting recognition of his decades of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the Angus breed. His impact is felt across the entire industry, from the paddocks of Western Victoria to the boardrooms of Angus Australia.

Santa VP moves on

Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association vice president David Bassingthwaighte has resigned from the board, effective immediately.

Mr Bassingthwaighte made the difficult decision to step down from his position due to increasing business commitments in the Northern Territory, which demand most of his time during the year. He served nine years as Councillor including the roles of Vice President, a member of Executive and Chair of the Youth and Education Committee. Recognising the need for dedicated leadership, he has determined that he cannot give the role the attention it requires and deserves.

Association president Liz Allen thanked Mr Bassingthwaighte for his invaluable contributions to the Council and his dedication to the Santa Gertrudis breed.

“David has committed so much time and effort in progressing the breed and his energies as Councillor have gone above and beyond what is expected,” she said. “His leadership and commitment have been greatly valued.”

No appointment yet for AA Co role

Australian Agricultural Co is yet to make an appointment to fill the void left following last month’s sudden departure of executive general manager of pastoral operations, Michael Johnson.

Chief executive officer David Harris told Beef Central this morning that the company was still working through a process that will ultimately lead to an appointment.

The company’s executive general manager of supply chain operations, Andrew Simmonds, has assumed responsibility for Pastoral Operations in addition to his current portfolio, while the process is active.