Executive Officer’s Report

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear Members,

As 2020 draws to a close, it would be an understatement to say that it has just been another year. We started the year with devastating and tragic bushfires, followed by floods, continued drought across major parts of Australia – and then the global pandemic, COVID-19.

But as we do, Australians have pulled through and overcome these adversities – especially our beef industry, with cattle prices and record steer prices reaching over $7/kg on more than one occasion, and new stud records for bulls and females being achieved in numerous breeds.

The Murray Grey breed has certainly held up to the challenges of the industry, in both the commercial and stud sectors.

The challenges with nearly all local and royal shows, and field days, being cancelled across the country in 2020, and looking like the first-half of 2021 will be the same, the seedstock industry found new initiatives to promote their product to clients.

As we move into 2021, we may still find ourselves in unchartered waters regarding COVID-19, however we are all optimistic regarding the return of many key events across the country. Australia’s seedstock industry will once again be on a national, and international platform - with Beef 2021 promoting our industry far and wide.

The MGBCS hasn’t been immune to the prolonged drought and the reduction in numbers, as we see inventory down by approx. 1500 females which has impacted on our bottom line. Fortunately, we see our 2019 financial year as a break-even with our 2020 financial position better with a substantial profit.

During the 2019 financial year, the Society implemented a change in accounting systems, moving from MYOB to XERO – which has delivered substantial efficiencies in time as it operates via a live, cloud-based platform.

The board continues to look for savings in all areas. One thing that COVID and lockdown has shown us is that you can still successfully run a business without physical meetings, and the associated costs, by utilising other digital and electronic platforms and systems.

After 15 years at ABRI, seven of which were spent with our breed, Kate Coghlan, resigned from her position to allow her to focus on the growth of her family business. We wish Kate all the success with her future endeavours. Hannah Scobie stepped into our EO position and is showing initiative and developing in role.

Thank you to Hannah, and also to my fellow Board Directors, for their continued support and dedication.

With many thanks and sincere appreciation, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution by Mr Charles Wallace. Charles, one of the breed’s greatest supporters and accomplished breeders, returned to the Board in 2016 before electing to retire recently. The breed is fortunate to have Ella Anderson now represent Tasmania on the Board.

Warm regards,

Rob Walker

President

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

Taking over as the Executive Officer of the Murray Grey Society this year has been a huge high for myself. Taking over as the Executive Officer of the Murray Grey Society this year has been a huge high for myself. It has been an incredibly easy going and exciting transition with the help and strong support of the board and the members who I have been dealing with so far.

I have gotten to know most of you in the past few months and of which everyone has been more then happy to have a chat with me and tell me all about their studs. This has been quiet an interesting concept for me coming from Western Queensland which Murray Greys are not a common breed in that QLD environment. To learn about all the hard work members put into their pride and joy makes me extremely proud to be apart of such an enthusiastic society.

Obviously this year has been slow due to Covid-19, restricting most events and locking everyone down at one point or another, but every cloud has a silver lining. AuctionsPlus stood up to be the main point of call for sales & virtual shows became possible with facebook and other platforms. Members utilised these online platforms well and were able to successfully sell and show their cattle during the year.

2021, fingers crossed, will be a better year with all the sales members have lined up, especially with a lot straight up, early in the year in February. We also have Beef Australia in Rockhampton of which we hope to see some of you at. We will have a site for the event, please feel free to come and introduce yourself and have a chat as we encourage more people to get involved with the society.

We have had a change to the youth committee this year, we welcome Jess Parker from Lochclyde Pastoral Co as the new youth president, taking over from Crystal Bell. Angela Eylward was elected as the new vice-president and Michelle Fairall as secretary. For the 2021 year, the youth have decided to take a different approach at the executive and have decided to include a 4th executive who will be filled by the 2020 Senior Ambassador recipient, Hannah Sanders. The society also had Brigitte Collins & Crystal Bell travel overseas on scholarships to get a hands-on experience of how International Murray Grey breeders differ to Australia.

We are planning to make 2021 a great year for the youth society to make up for the miss this year, with the executive already planning some big and different ideas to get all the youth involved.

I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting the society and everyone involved and I look forward to seeing where the breed progresses to in the years to come. On behalf of the Murray Grey office, we would like to wish you all the best for the Holidays, and for health and happiness throughout the coming year.

Kind Regards, Hannah Scobie