People on the Move: Recent industry appointments, retirements, achievements

Beef Central occasionally publishes lists of recent appointments, departures or achievements occurring across the red meat supply chain, both private sector and government. Details for submissions for future listings are provided at the bottom of this article….

Interim Inspector-General of Biosecurity re-appointed
US cattle leader announces resignationInterim Inspector-General of Biosecurity re-appointed
14 RIRDC scholarship recipients named
Adcock takes on national Ruralco property role
Art4Agriculture founder wins 2015 Merial Howard W Yelland Award
Propell National Valuers appoints new head of commercial

Interim Inspector-General of Biosecurity re-appointed

Minister for agriculture Barnaby Joyce has announced that Dr Michael Bond has been re-appointed as Australia’s Interim Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IIGB). The Minister said the IIGB currently provided valuable independent oversight of Australia’s biosecurity system. “With the successful passage of the Biosecurity Act 2015 the interim role will be replaced by a permanent Inspector-General of Biosecurity when the new Act takes effect in June 2016,” Minister Joyce said. Mr Joyce said Dr Bond’s expertise in state and national biosecurity and animal health programmes, and his time as a veterinarian, had been critical in providing quality reviews and recommendations to government on biosecurity issues. For more information on the IIGB, visit: http://www.igb.gov.au/.

US cattle leader announces resignation

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association head Forrest Roberts has announced that he will resign from the position at the end this month. According to the NCBA release, Mr Roberts, who has been at the helm of the nation’s largest beef producer organization since January of 2009, is leaving to “pursue other opportunities in the cattle industry and agribusiness.” In a statement, he said it had been “a privilege” to serve as NCBA’s CEO for the last six years and that he leaves the organization “with many great memories.” NCBA President Philip Ellis said Mr Roberts improved the association during his tenure and he wishes him well in the future. Mr Roberts came to NCBA after 16 years in marketing and sales in the animal health industry. He was most recently the marketing manager for Elanco’s beef business unit. In addition to work with NCBA, he was also involved with other industry-related organisations such as the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, where he was on the founding board of directors. NCBA Chief Operating Officer Kendal Frazier has been named interim CEO to manage the day-to-day operations, including NCBA staff, until a new CEO is identified.

Adcock takes on national Ruralco property role

Andrew Adcock

Ruralco Holdings Limited has announced the appointment of Andrew Adcock as manager of Ruralco Property, the national real estate division of the leading Australian rural services company. Ruralco Property has more than 100 outlets nationwide with sales exceeding $1 billion annually. This is represented through sales in rural, commercial and residential sales. Ruralco’s Acting CEO, Travis Dillon said the company was delighted to have Mr Adcock lead one of its fastest growing divisions. Mr Adcock has extensive experience in the agency industry, having worked principally in Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales over the past 26 years. “I am really excited by the prospect of working with the Ruralco Property team,” Mr Adcock said in a statement announcing the appointment this week. “I know many of the Ruralco people personally, and I have admired from a distance the work they have been doing. The diversity of the operation appeals to me as well as their strong presence in and commitment to local communities.” Mr Dillon added that Mr Adock’s experience in developing and running his own business would be of tremendous value to Ruralco Property. “His leadership skills and knowledge of our industry are recognized throughout Australia and we are looking forward to having him as an important part of our team.”

14 RIRDC scholarship recipients named

Fourteen university students with a passion for agriculture have received the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation’s (RIRDC) 2015 Horizon Scholarships. Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said Horizon scholars represent the impressive talent and enthusiasm that increasing numbers of young Australians have for the future of farming in Australia, and the growing understanding that agriculture represents an increasingly valuable and diverse career pathway with a high take up of new technology and innovation. The Horizon Scholarship encourages young people across Australia to pursue fields of undergraduate study that will help them make a strong contribution to our agricultural industries. The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture has found that for every graduate from an agriculture-related degree, there are five or six jobs to choose from. “With many of the recipients coming from strong farming backgrounds, they represent both the proud history and exciting future of farming in Australia,” Mr Joyce said.“Their youth and enthusiasm will continue to build our agricultural productivity and profitability in the years ahead.”

The 2015 Horizon Scholars are:

Jasmine Whitten, Hughenden, QLD

Studying: Bachelor of Rural Science, University of New England

Sponsor: Australian Egg Corporation

Royce Pitchford, Echunga, SA

Studying: Bachelor of Agricultural Science, University of Adelaide

Sponsor: Australian Wool Innovation

Alison Gill, Craigburn Farm, SA

Studying: Bachelor of Science (Advanced), Adelaide University