One of the nation's largest woolgrowers, AJ&PA McBride Ltd, has made some generational changes to its family owned company, which it hopes will have it continue to thrive in its second century of operation.
Among these, fifth-generation family member Nick McBride has replaced Keith McBride as chairman.
Nick says the company is in a strong position, although there are some headwinds for agriculture including the threat of foot and mouth disease, rural labour shortages, rising input costs and interest rates.
"Of the 16 years I have been on the board, it has been the last five years that have been most profitable with equity rises in farmland and returns for livestock never being so good," he said."The previous 11 years were still fruitful but we had to be very cautious and careful."
He says they are open to new opportunities but sheep will remain their core business.
"I have been fortunate to see the 20 years from shooting sheep in the 1990s to the improvement in wool prices from 2011. We did look at other options including flowers, citrus and vineyards, some which were better than others, but in the end we have come back to the areas we know well," he said.
"We will continue to operate as a top 20 per cent performing company and keep our costs as low as we can but still investing in our staff and infrastructure."
Nick, who is in his second term as Member for Mackillop, says he is "honoured to be able to build on Keith's exceptional leadership".
He is confident he will have time for both the 102-year-old company and politics.
"Had we been fortunate enough to be in government and I was given a Ministry position, it may have been a real struggle but because I have been relegated to the backbench, I will have the time for this role and still have a strong affinity with the people in my electorate and representing them," he said.
Nick says the company's "leap of faith" in the Telopea Downs aggregation near the SA-Vic border, which it bought in 2018, is paying off, although the past financial year has been tough, largely due to seasonal conditions.
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He is also committed to ensuring the 130 shareholders of AJ&PA McBride continue to receive strong dividends and see value in remaining part of the company.
In other changes, the company's long-time chief financial officer Nathan Wessling has been promoted to a new role of chief executive officer.
"Having worked with AJ & PA McBride since 2001, including 12 years as its CFO, Nathan has a deep understanding of both the values and vision of the company and is perfect person to guide our operation into the future," Nick said.
Another fifth generation family member, Jane McBride, has become the first woman appointed to the AJ&PA McBride board.
Jane - who is Keith's daughter - says it is an "enormous privilege" and the sense of responsibility has not been lost on her to ensure it continues for future generations.
She hopes her ag background and experience as Viterra's communications manager will be valuable in the role.
"I am confident about the future of agriculture and the position of the company. There has always been a very strong focus on growth and productivity and core business and making sure what we do we do well," she said.
AJ&PA McBride has farewelled operations manager Lindsay Breeding and Konetta Station manager Kingsley Breeding, who both retired after each giving more than 40 years service.
Nick acknowledged their wonderful contribution and says the company has been fortunate to find good replacements in Anthony Uren, who started in February as operations manager, and Konetta Station assistant manager Romain Devaud, who has been promoted to manager.
Twenty year McBride station manager Drew Maxwell has been appointed the new general manager of Telopea Downs.
"There will be more management changes in the next decade but we will continue to look after our staff - they are our most important asset," Nick said.
