Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 9th August 2023
The National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) Annual General Meeting was held in Shepparton, Victoria and online on Wednesday 9th August under the chairmanship of Mr Anthony Shelly with NHIA 27 members, guests and staff in attendance.
The General Meeting approved the financial statements for the fiscal year 2022/23 and reports by the Chairman and CEO, Ms Sara Merkel, outlined the Association’s strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The results of the Association’s Board elections were confirmed by the Chairman with five nominations received for two vacancies. Mr Nick Brasher (Director, Farmwest) and Mr Paul Kenny (Director, PK Cattle Breeding Services) were both elected for three-year terms.
Sara Merckel thanked outgoing Directors, Mr Geoff Wood and Mr Phil Wren, for their contribution to NHIA and the wider herd improvement industry.
“Geoff Wood, a director since 2017, brought immense value to the Board. Phil Wren, who joined the Board in 2018, was highly esteemed for his financial acumen as Treasurer. The leadership qualities of both Geoff and Phil have been instrumental, and the robustness of our Association is a testament to the Board's strength. On behalf of the Board, members, and myself, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their exceptional contributions,” said Ms Merckel.
Incoming Director, Nick Brasher, believes NHIA has a pivotal role to play in research, innovation and adoption of new technology to ensure the progressive improvement of our national dairy and beef herds for current and future generations.
Paul Kenny’s passion is training, and he believes NHIA has a vital role to play as a trusted partner for farmers, service providers, researchers, government and industry bodies in this space.
Reflecting on the past year, NHIA Chair Anthony Shelly, said “NHIA's collective efforts over the last 12 months have been laying the groundwork for the future strategic vision. Some of the work undertaken has been purposely foundational, setting a robust trajectory for NHIA's strategic goals and aspirations. This period of intense focus and dedication has truly been a catalyst paving the way for a future filled with innovation, growth, and success”.
NHIA members are encouraged to reach out to NHIA directors and management on all herd improvement and industry issues.
NHIA directors for the current year are:
Chair: Anthony Shelly, CEO of Genetics Australia
Deputy Chair: Cathy Bourke: Customer Service Manager, STGenetics Australia, NSW
Treasurer: Mike Rose: Australian Country Manager, LIC, VIC
Adam Daniel: Co-Director, Numurkah NuGenes, VIC
Nick Brasher: Director Farmwest, WA
Paul Kenny: Director, PK Breeding Services, QLD
The AGM was followed by a Member Forum with Board and management providing an update and seeking member input on training initiatives and activities in the beef space, and included a presentation to members from WorkSafe Victoria.