The Sheep Alliance of WA is set to lead the industry
In July 2016, the Sheep Alliance replaced the original Sheep Industry Leadership Council (SILC) formed by the WA State Government in 2011.
A broad industry consultative process was undertaken in early 2016 to review the strategic plan and develop the suite of activities that will be undertaken to deliver on it. The review highlighted the need for greater ownership and accountability to meat processors, wool and livestock exporters and grower groups, and prompted a process of re-vamping SILC so that it might become more representative of the entire WA sheep supply chain.
The SILC board adopted a new constitution including name change to the Sheep Alliance of Western Australia, membership and accountability structure and mounted a fresh call for directors in order to broaden the reach and influence of the board. Its operation is supported by Royalties for Regions through the Sheep Industry Business Innovation project.
The directors unanimously endorsed the selection of WAMMCO chairman and Kojonup producer Craig Heggaton to be the alliance’s chairman and appoint Pingelly producer and veterinarian Tim Watts as the vice-chairman.
The new board of the Sheep Alliance of WA agreed at their first meeting to progress the issues tabled by its 40-plus members at its first members forum, and the directors identified two key immediate tasks they would tackle: to drive profitability and arrest the decline in sheep numbers.
At the top of the alliance’s agenda was the job of preparing a business case for investment in sheep research, extension and communication across the supply chain and responding to a strong directive from the membership base to formulate a model for effective sheep R&D in WA.
The Sheep Alliance website is coming soon. For more details on the board and terms of reference, please visit DAFWA's webpage on the Sheep Alliance.