The Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sue Hatcher as the incoming Chair of SALRC.
Appointed from a wide field of strong candidates, Dr Hatcher has more than 30 years experience in the Australian livestock industries. As a city girl from Perth, Sue’s first experience of agriculture occurred as a 10-year-old on a farm-stay family holiday in the southwest of WA. That experience, and many subsequent visits to that property, founded her passion for the sheep and wool industry and provided the impetus to study Agricultural Science at the University of Western Australia. University holidays were spent working on that sheep and beef farm as well as neighbouring orchards, dairy farms and horticultural enterprises to fund her studies. Sue followed up her honour’s degree with a PhD in applied genetics at the University of Western Australia researching the fibre contamination potential of Awassi sheep and the impact of crossbreeding with Merino sheep on skin, fibre and fleece biology.
Sue worked as an applied animal scientist in applied genetics research with NSW DPI for twenty years and for the last eight years has worked as a livestock consultant through Makin Outcomes, a research, development and adoption consultancy based in Orange NSW. Sue provides project management, data analysis and reporting, scientific reviews, technical editorial services to a wide range of clients including RDC’s and commercial companies servicing agriculture. This has provided her with an extensive network of contacts across the livestock supply chain, both nationally and internationally.
Sue has a keen interest in translating scientific outcomes into practical on-farm solutions that improve the productivity and profitability of livestock enterprises. She is the Vice President of the Australia Association of Animal Sciences and looks forward to building strong links between scientists and producers to deliver practical science-based solutions to key issues facing livestock producers.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to lead SALRC and build upon the solid foundation created by Ian Rogan with the SALRC producer and investor network. SALRC has significant potential to be actively involved in extension and adoption of RD&A outcomes in southern Australian livestock enterprises” Dr Hatcher said.
“I look forward to working with our regional committees and investor members to foster collaboration between RD&A providers and livestock producers to deliver sustainable, practical solutions for southern livestock production systems.”
Sue will take over from current chair Ian Rogan, who will complete his second term as Chair at SALRC’s AGM on 19th August. Transition arrangements between the ingoing and outgoing Chair are underway.
Mr Rogan was appointed to the position of SALRC chair in May 2019, and through the course of his tenure has been instrumental in the growth of SALRC and implemented a robust RD&A priority setting process.
“It’s been an honour to have been involved with SALRC and its network of progressive sheep and beef cattle producers, and 18 SALRC member organisations that conduct RD&A services for these industries” Mr Rogan said.
The council and regional committees are jointly funded through Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and through investment partners, including state departments, universities and other industry bodies.
Dr Sue Hatcher