Key Points – Board Meeting 10th March 2022

Dear Angus Australia members,

I am pleased to report from our first Board of Directors meeting both as CEO and for 2022. It was a busy meeting; this first meeting of the year is a shorter meeting which essentially signs off on the previous year’s results and attends to any pressing matters. As a new CEO I would like to comment that I am very impressed with the unity of the board and the unanimous attitude of the board to look to the best interest of the breed and its future. It is refreshing and positive.

• Angus Australia financial results for 2021: Review and approval of Financial Statement and Independent Auditor’s Report for the Financial Year ended 31st December 2021. The Financial Statements were audited by Roberts & Morrow Audit Services.
• Member Engagement & Strategic Plan: the board resolved to engage with members through farm visits, “Have Your Say” workshops around Australia in June and through a member sentiment survey in August. This will be undertaken ahead of a Strategic Planning workshop at the September Board meeting to set a new 5-year Strategic Plan for implementation from 2023.
• New Zealand: the Board will be engaging with New Zealand Angus during 2022 to work through a road forward in terms of the two associations working more closely together in the future. Simultaneously, Angus Australia will continue to increase engagement with the New Zealand AngusPRO group.
• BREEDPLAN: the board was briefed by Christian Duff on the current BREEDPLAN licence arrangements with ABRI.
• Appointments: the CEO reported to the board that the following staff position changes have been made. Christian Duff has been appointed to General Manager of Genetic Improvement, Jake Phillips has been appointed to Extension Manager and Kathryn Duddy has been appointed as Company Secretary and incoming Human Resources Manager. These are in line with structural change within the business of Angus Australia to increase engagement with members. It was reported that Matthew Reynolds has resigned as Breed Development Officer.
• Whistle-blower policy: Angus Australia has adopted a whistle-blower policy for implementation during 2022.
• Sam White: The Board thanked Sam White for his work on the Board as President, for his selfless work, dedication and enthusiasm as he announced stepping down from the Board in May 2022. Sam has contributed a great deal to the breed during his tenure as President and will be missed by both board members and staff. Thank you Sam for your service.

Thank you for your interest in these important topics for the Angus breed. Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the board with your questions.

Yours sincerely,

Scott Wright
CEO Angus Australia