LIVESTOCK SA has appointed Libby Tedstone as the new South Australian Sheep and Beef Industry Blueprint manager.
Livestock SA chief executive officer Andrew Curtis said Ms Tedstone would be responsible for managing the implementation of the Blueprints for the SA sheep and beef industries.
"Libby brings a wealth of experience and expertise relevant and immediately applicable to this important position," he said.
"She has experience working in senior management positions across multiple sectors including retail, wine and health in Australia and the United Kingdom, in corporate and not-for-profit organisations.
"Her demonstrated ability to adapt to new sectors quickly and effectively, coupled with her obvious passion and commitment to the animal production industry, positioned Libby as the prime candidate for this role and I'm very confident the Blueprint Working Group and wider membership will not be waiting long to see her impact."
Mr Curtis acknowledged the work done by Livestock SA Blueprint project officer Shannon Logan, Blueprint working group members and chair Jane Kellock in keeping the Blueprint initiative rolling in the interim.
Ms Tedstone's love of farming was fostered growing up on her family's dairy and beef farm in the UK, which her brother still operates.
After graduating with honours in Agricultural Science from the University of Reading, she travelled and worked on sheep, cattle and cropping farms in New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
"For me, this is a carefully considered strategic career move," Ms Tedstone said.
"Three years ago, I decided to return to my roots, with the goal of enabling grassroots producers to thrive while also evolving the way they farm to meet changing consumer expectations around quality, sustainability and welfare.
"To support this, I am studying part-time for a degree in Animal Science at the University of Adelaide and have actively pursued this career change into the animal production sector.
"I am thrilled to be joining Livestock SA and look forward to working closely with all members of the sheep and beef value chains."
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