SOME new faces will help lead the Hereford breed into the future after being elected to Herefords Australia Limited board last week.
Sam Broinowski, Alex Sparkes and Annie Pumpa were elected as directors at the company's annual general meeting last Thursday.
Boasting more than three decades of experience in commercial and stud operations, Mr Broinowski returns to the board after having previously served in 2019 and 2020.
Mr Sparkes will bring a fresh perspective as a sixth-generation grazier and Poll Hereford breeder from Taroom, Queensland, filling a four-year term after serving in a casual vacancy since September 2020.
While Ms Pumpa, Wodonga, Victoria, will join the board as a first-time director and youth industry leader and will bring extensive commercial industry expertise across beef supply chains.
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Board chairman Ian Durkin, who was elected to the role in 2021 said it was exciting to have such diverse and qualified people joining the board.
"Boards need to have a broad mix of skills, knowledge, and experience, and as chair, my goal is to facilitate an environment that sees us work as a well-rounded team relevant to the purpose, needs and strategies of the company," Mr Durkin said.
"With more than 30 years' experience in commercial and stud operations, Sam is driven by ensuring the Hereford breed and genetics have a strong future in a modern cattle industry, while Alex's background in digital technologies will build on our focus to ensure there is appropriate data and evidence to support breed claims.
"As the current president of the Herefords Australia National Youth Committee and NSW winner in Cattle Council Australia's 2021 Rising Champions Award, Annie brings next generation industry perspective and leadership to the team and is a strong advocate of R&D to demonstrate the regional strengths of Herefords across the country."
Following Ms Pumpa's appointment to the board, Alicia Trovatello, Redesdale, Victoria, was named acting president of the Herefords Australia National Youth Committee.
Mr Durkin said long-serving directors, Geoff Birchnell and Trish Worth would retire in line with the board's constitution.
"Geoff and Trish were instrumental in establishing the finance, audit and risk committee, and its ongoing activities, and were also extensively involved in the most recent review of the constitution and changes to company rules and regulations," Mr Durkin said.
"During her tenure, Trish also served as chair and Geoff assumed responsibility for member liaison duties.
"On behalf of the board, staff and our members, I wish them both well in their future endeavours and thank them for their considerable service."
Ms Worth said her time on the board had been very rewarding and that she would continue to promote the breed in the future.
"Herefords are great cattle - they are docile, have strong fertility, longevity and ability to do well on grass, and the cows have a strong mothering instinct," Ms Worth said.
"I am looking forward to continuing to breed Herefords and promote them, particularly in my local area."
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Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
