Kangaroo Island wool grower David Rowsell.

COMMUNICATION and engagement with members were the keys to establishing a successful state farmer organisation, Livestock SA chief executive officer Andrew Curtis said in announcing the body’s 3000^th membership.

Livestock SA this week signed sheep producers David Rowsell and Lyn Dohle from Kangaroo Island as its 3000^th membership.

After four years, Mr Curtis said members with sheep make up more than 60 percent of total Livestock SA memberships, recognising that some farmers have sheep and cattle.

“But we’ve had more focus on sheep particularly in the early years of establishment.

“Our first two forums were focussed on wool and sheep meat, our most recent one has been focussed on beef,” he said.

“We’ve been involved in a sheep industry blueprint over the last 18 months that has got a lot of traction and we are about to start on a beef industry blueprint based on the success of the sheep one.”

Mr Curtis said the keys to growing an SFO’s membership were communicating with members.

“And two-way communication; being a viable avenue for members to raise concerns and for the members to have someone who will work for them and communicate what is happening.

“Absolutely it’s about engagement and we’re focussed on the fact that it is two-way.”

Mr Curtis said the continued membership growth is an indication of the strong support for the organisation’s independent advocacy work on behalf of producers.

“It’s very encouraging to continue to see a steady growth in memberships,” he said.

“Livestock SA is in its fourth year of operation and we continue to focus on our vision for a strong, viable, productive and profitable livestock sector in South Australia.

“All livestock producers who pay levies are eligible to become a member at no additional cost. Associate memberships for farm managers, consultants and businesses are also available,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone who has not yet signed up, or is uncertain whether they have, to get in touch.”

Livestock producer body is essential

Mr Rowsell and Ms Dohle said it is essential for livestock producers to have a representative body.

“It’s very important, being part of Livestock SA gives us more protection on the issues which are vital to livestock producers and the KI region,” Mr Rowsell said.

The couple run a self-replacing fine wool Merino flock on Kangaroo Island, with 4000 ewes and lambs. Ms Dohle also works for PIRSA Rural Solutions.

Mr Rowsell said he was also pleased that fellow KI producer Jamie Heinrich had recently been appointed to the Livestock SA Board.

“I think he’ll do a great job and it’s also great that our region will have a representative on the board,” he said.

Mr Heinrich said he was pleased that Livestock SA’s membership had continued to grow, and that the 3000th member came from his local region.

“It’s great to see people who are so passionate about the sheep and wool industry, David and Lyn, being recognised as the 3000th membership.

“It’s important that producers support the representative body for the industry,” Mr Heinrich said.

Source: Livestock SA.