An attitude of considering risks and putting strategies in place to protect the farm has resulted in the Arney family winning the inaugural On Farm Biosecurity Farmer of the Year award for South Australian red meat and wool producers.
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The Inverbrackie stud, Finniss, were announced the winners at the Livestock SA annual general meeting and industry dinner last week, with Nomad Farms, Finniss, the runner up.
Inverbrackie's Ellen Arney said protecting their farm from potential biosecurity threats had been a long-term process, starting with her parents Lynton and Clare Arney.
She said some of this included double fencelines surrounding the property boundary and quarantining any new rams onto the farm.
"We look at what are the risks and how can we prevent them as much as we can," she said.
An example was during their time of highest risk - their on-property ram sale - they introduced footbaths for all people entering the shed, while the paddock that is used as a carpark will not have sheep on it for several more weeks.
Other options were using their own vehicle rather than that of strangers if any testing needed to occur on property.
"It's keep the little things in mind - it's not hard to do but you only have one shot to keep it out or it's a lot more work after than preventative strategies," she said.
"We sell to farms all over Australia and people put a lot of trust in what we're doing - if we lost that, we lose our reputation."
During the AGM, Allan Piggott, Gillian Fennell, Samantha Neumann, Glen Tilley and Mark Dennis were returned as Livestock SA directors, while Joe Keynes will continue as president, Mr Piggott as vice president and Ms Fennell as treasurer.
The event was also a chance to pay tribute to outgoing Industry Blueprint chair Jane Kellock, who stands down after two terms.
Elke Hocking was appointed the new Industry Blueprint chair and is joined by members Matt Scharkie, Sandy Nott, Deb Scammell and Anne Collins.
There was also acknowledgement of retiring chief veterinary officer Mary Carr for her 15 years service to the industry.
For the second year, the Future Livestock Leaders Program was held by Livestock SA, designed to identify and foster future industry leaders.
The 2023 winner was named as environmental university student Lucy Bright.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
