The Livestock SA Board may establish sub-committees and working groups as needed, granting them powers as deemed appropriate. These structures have proven to be the most effective and efficient way to address specific or time-limited issues and processes.
Livestock Advisory Committee
The Committee provides insights on livestock industry issues and recommends how to allocate the Cattle and Sheep Industry Funds. It also monitors the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030, assesses funded project outcomes, and advises on policy and program responses to strengthen South Australia’s livestock industry.
For more details, download the Committee’s Terms of Reference.
The members of the Livestock Advisory Committee are:
Alex McGorman – With extensive experience in large-scale lamb feedlotting, transport, and wool production, Alex manages a highly productive team at Thornby in Sanderston. A fourth-generation farmer overseeing the turnover of 125,000 lambs annually, he brings a strong commercial perspective, deep industry connections, and hands-on involvement in transport, genetics, nutrition, and animal welfare.
M: 0421 038 504 E: admin@thornby.com.au
Carly Bussenschutt – Drawing on 24 years as both a consultant and producer, Carly has built expertise in agronomy, soil health, and livestock management. She farms in Ashbourne with her husband and two children, managing a livestock enterprise while also operating a successful luxury agri-tourism business on Kangaroo Island. Passionate about environmental sustainability and productivity, she provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities in modern grazing systems.
M: 0457 742 162 E: hello@stowawayki.com.au
Deb Scammell – Livestock productivity and sustainability are at the core of Deb’s work as a consultant, with over 20 years of industry experience. Based in the Clare Valley, she runs her own consulting business, Talking Livestock, and works across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. With an Honours degree in Animal Science and postgraduate studies in Ruminant Nutrition, she specialises in eID extension, sheep research, and animal genetics.
M: 0407 790 622 E: debscammell@hotmail.com
Elke Hocking – Supporting red meat and wool producers through extension and adoption programs, Elke has spent 30 years working across research, government, and private advisory roles. Based in South Australia’s South-East, she runs a prime lamb and beef cattle enterprise with her husband while also maintaining farming interests on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Holding a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science, she brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience.
M: 0427 667 081 E: elkehocking@gmail.com
Graham Clothier – Farming in Lucindale since 1984, Graham has successfully managed a family partnership that now includes his wife, two sons, and their families. His operation specialises in lamb production, wool, and eggs, running a 3,000-ewe flock, turning off 4,000 lambs annually, and producing approximately 3 million eggs. With experience in industry leadership, he provides valuable insight into funding and strategy within the sheep sector.
M: 0428 658 027 E: greenvale@clothier.net.au
Jason Smith – With over 25 years in the retail and wholesale meat industry, Jason has worked across butchery, procurement, and national meat buying. As the National Meat Buyer for Australia’s largest independent supermarkets, he oversees 72 stores, a fully operational production centre, and a $140 million retail category. His strong understanding of protein supply chains—including beef, lamb, goat, pork, and poultry—drives his passion for improving transparency and collaboration between producers, processors, and retailers.
M: 0414 392 173 E: jason.psmith@outlook.com
Keith Bolto – Balancing hands-on farming with financial and strategic expertise, Keith manages a family sheep farm on Kangaroo Island, running 27,000 sheep across 2,800 hectares. Focused on wool production and prime lambs, he also brings analytical skills from his work as a farm business analyst. Holding a Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) and company directors training, Keith contributes valuable knowledge in business management, regulation, and sustainability.
M: 0427 311 754 E: Keith@boltopartners.com.au
Michelle Nuske – Farming in Murray Bridge with her husband Stephen, Michelle runs a livestock and cropping enterprise, drawing on 24 years of industry experience. Originally from the Eyre Peninsula, she is deeply connected to South Australian agriculture and has a strong interest in market pricing, livestock management, and sustainability. She has undertaken further studies in carbon reporting and net zero emissions through the University of Melbourne, MLA, and Livestock SA, positioning her as an advocate for on-farm sustainability.
M: 0488 145 764 E: hillseastation@bigpond.com
Tom Taheny – Overseeing a 3,800ha beef cattle property in Naracoorte, Tom manages Maranoa Downs’ large-scale breeding program, joining 2,000 Angus females annually. His expertise spans cattle management, nutrition, and animal health, supported by a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and ongoing studies in a Master of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham. Through leadership programs such as Cattle Australia’s Beef Leaders, he has built strong industry networks and is committed to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the livestock sector.
M: 0409 196 863 E: tomtaheny11@gmail.com