Farmers need to take ownership of meat industry

Farmers need to take ownership of meat industry issues

Alliance Group elections soon

As farmers we must be involved beyond the farm gate and take ownership of the issues in the meat industry, that is the message from the new Meat Industry Action Group Chairman Keith Milne, of Western Southland.

Mr Milne said the first step for Alliance Group Ltd shareholders was to vote for a positive change. The best way to do that is to support Mark Crawford and Jason Miller in the upcoming Alliance elections.

“Mr Crawford and Mr Miller were on the executive of MIAG, with Mr Crawford chairing the group since it started earlier this year. Both have already made an enormous contribution to their industry and have much more to offer,” Mr Milne said.

They stood down from their positions last month so that they could focus on the Alliance Group elections and look to improve the way the company operates, Mr Milne said.

“Mr Crawford has demonstrated excellent leadership skills while involved with MIAG and his experiences as a Kellogg’s Scholar and then as a participant in the Food & Agribusiness Marketing Experience (FAME) last year would hold him in good stead.

“He is a hands-on farmer so taking the time out from his farm to promote MIAG has been a tough call. But, he is devoted to the co-operative principles and he is adamant that all shareholders be treated equally by the company.”

Mr Milne is also confident that Mr Miller will bring useful skills and strategies to the Alliance Group board.

While Mr Miller is currently studying to become a Kellogg’s Scholar it is his chosen study topic - the current meat co-operative marketing model, and exploration of new ideas - that most excites Mr Milne.

“Jason is extensively researching innovative and world-leading marketing strategies which is an area identified as key to bringing sustainability and profit back to Alliance shareholders.

“Jason has been instrumental in many of the concepts MIAG has raised for wider industry debate, with an independent marketing company concept being seeded by Jason at MIAG’s first meeting.

“With nearly all of his family income derived from sheep farming, Jason is reliant on this industry and he is committed to bringing positive change, growth and profit back to Alliance Group and its shareholders.”

ENDS

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