Transitioning the management of the state's sheep and cattle industry funds from the state government to industry's hands is complete giving producers greater transparency of where their contributions are spent.
Last month the new Sheep Industry Fund and Cattle Industry Fund boards - which are sub committees of Livestock SA- held their first meetings.
They have replaced the advisory groups appointed by the Minister for Agriculture.
Six producer members were appointed by a selection committee to each board while two independent positions will be finalised soon.
Marrabel Merino breeder Ian Rowett is chair of the new sheep fund board, with Graham Clothier, Woolumbool; Keith Bolto, MacGillivray, Nette Fischer, Wasleys, Jane Kellock, Farrell Flat and Helen Thomas, Manoora.
The cattle board members- representing both dairy and beef - are Robert Brokenshire, Mount Compass, Lyndon Cleggett, Glencoe, Tom Hampton, Woodside, Heath Nickolls, Pinnaroo, Steve Radeski, Woodside as well as Penny Schulz, Field, who is the chair.
These committees will decide how the funds generated from the $1.50 paid on cattle tags and the 55 cent transaction levy for sheep will be spent in areas such as biosecurity and disease management, industry advocacy and traceability.
This structure is the envy of just about every other industry to be the decision-making body for their own levy.
- Tom Cosentino, Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund Board executive officer
At June 30 last year the SIF's balance was $3.5 million , while the CIF's balance was about $370,000.
Sheep and Cattle Industry Fund board's executive officer Tom Cosentino says the board members bring a wealth of industry experience, include several who sat on the advisory groups previously in place.
"This structure is the envy of just about every other industry to be the decision-making body for their own levy," he said.
"Those that buy a tag or contribute a levy can have a direct say in the project proposals."
Mr Cosentino said both boards were assessing their current expenditure and were not likely to have an open call for new projects until early 2021.
Current projects being funded include support of National Livestock Identification System, ovine johnes disease, the Red Meat and Wool Growth project, footrot management, sheep lice, the Bite Back Wild Dog Programs, support of the SA Sheep Expo and Sheep Connect.
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