Three (3) member elected Board Director positions are available in 2026:
- One cattle producer Director position (three-year term: 2026-2029) - 2 nominations received
- One sheep producer Director position (three-year term: 2026-2029) - 5 nominations received
- One skills-based Director position (three-year term: 2026-2029) - 3 nominations received
Please see the nominees and their profiles by clicking the tabs below.
Successful nominees will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026. Click here to register to attend in person (or attend online by clicking here to register).
The director election ballot will be administered by TrueVote Pty Ltd. Eligible members will receive instructions explaining how to access the ballot and cast their vote. Voting opens at 9am ACDT on 29 October 2026 and closes at 11:59pm ACDT on 15 November 2026. Ballot results will be declared at the AGM.
Cattle Producer Nominees
Anthony Hurst
Proposer: Nick Edwards
Brief Biography
Third generation cattle/sheep/cropping farmer at Lucindale for 25 year.
Actively involved in local livestock and production farming groups through the SA Farming Systems network.
Sitting Director on the Livestock SA Board.
Australian White Suffolk Board member for 12 years, including three years as President, and have been an Australian White Sheep Association Board Member and Chair of Marketing. Have held roles on numerous cattle industry boards and lectured at sheep and cattle expos on industry topics.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
My lifetime involvement as a producer and the leadership roles I have been involved in have given me a strong appreciation of the livestock industry and its importance to the Australian economy.
The livestock industry has, and will continue to have, many challenges with animal welfare, market access, environmental issues and on-farm management systems. I feel that I can pass on my knowledge and work with like-minded people to secure the future of the industry and make the process for our producers easier and more efficient.
How will you represent the interests of SA’s red meat and wool producers and the broader livestock industry?
My 25 years on various livestock industry boards, breed societies and educational groups has given me the experience needed to provide industry leadership on different levels. This broad experience has also given me the insight and understanding required to contextualise the difference between local, state and national issues and explain the connections between them to others.
Through my various roles, I am accustomed to open, objective, evidence-based and respectful discussions to realise appropriate and effective policies, and understand the different tactics and activities needed to deliver impactful advocacy outcomes. My Livestock SA experience has also given me an understanding of South Australian levy collection, investment strategies, investment performance and accountability to levy payers.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
James Sage
Proposer: Samantha Neumann
Brief Biography
Over 33 years’ experience working in the beef and cropping industry.
Started my career in Queensland with beef breeding and cropping operations, over 15 years managing feedlots in Dalby, Queensland, Riverina NSW and currently Feedlot General Manager for Thomas Foods International.
Experience working in the beef industry throughout Southeast Asia, in Vietnam and Indonesia.
I have a passion for all things agriculture, with a particular interest in the livestock and red meat industry.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
Represent South Australian producers and contribute to the future, long-term sustainability and profitability of the South Australian livestock industry and its dedicated producers.
How will you represent the interests of SA’s red meat and wool producers and the broader livestock industry?
By representing the interests of Livestock SA producers and maintaining communication with industry stakeholders and producers across the diversity of South Australia.
I would bring a practical, hands-on approach across a wide range of livestock production systems, varying from breeding, growing, backgrounding and feedlots. I would work collaboratively with fellow directors and focus on long-term outcomes for the livestock industry.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Sheep Producer Nominees
David "Seth" Cooper
Proposer: Mary Rowe
Brief Biography
I am a fifth-generation livestock and cropping producer based at Jamestown, although run livestock and cropping enterprises across multiple locations in SA and Western NSW.
Formerly owned and operated Madura Plains Station on the Nullarbor in WA until July 2026.
Prior to returning to the family farming operation on a full time basis. I worked in R&D for 10 years, completing a PhD during this period.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
I am passionate about the continued development of red meat and wool industries, particularly in rangeland production systems.
I believe that my unique mix of R&D background combined with practical experience in running livestock businesses across diverse environments enables me to make a positive contribution to the industry.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I am particularly passionate about ensuring that R&D is targeted to areas that have the potential to make the biggest gains across livestock enterprises, as well as ensuring that extension efforts get R&D outcomes implemented.
I also believe that effective representation is required to ensure that policy makers are adequately and accurately informed on issues related to animal production systems, environmental sustainability, as well as market requirements.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Helen Thomas
Proposer: Ian Rowett
Brief Biography
I grew up on a dairy/beef farm in the SW of WA and spent time in local and rural journalism before joining my husband Wayne’s sheep/cropping farm full time. During the 35 years we have been farming together we have expended our Manoora (Mid North) base to include farms on the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Eastern Districts Pastoral zone. We also farmed in the Mallee for 10 years.
I have had a strong interest in ecology and biodiversity within the agricultural landscape all my life and spent 10 years on the Lower North Soil Board and 5 years on the Northern and Yorke NRM Board. Environmental considerations are prioritized wherever possible in our otherwise conventional farming practices.
My Nuffield Scholarship in 2010/11 researched the Preservation and Enhancement of Rural Landscapes and, also, investigated the education of the public as to the value of agriculture and the need to preserve a landscape in which it can operate.
I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the WCF Advanced Agricultural Business Management Course from the Royal Agricultural University in the UK. I sat on the Sheep Industry Fund Board for 5 years.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
It is time to give back to the industry I love. I think I have enough experience, expertise and common sense to offer a worthwhile contribution.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I am not shy to contribute, but I like to do so in a constructive manner. I like to make decisions which lead towards a goal (like the State Blueprint), but not in a rigid manner. Each situation must also be judged on its own merits. I have firsthand knowledge of a breadth of environments and livestock industries. (both wool and meat sheep, stud stock, dairy, beef, goats). I am willing to get out and about the state listening to the views of producers.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Henry Beal
Proposer: Anthony Pearce
Brief Biography
I’m a first-generation farmer from McLaren Vale, where I manage our family’s 600-acre mixed farming enterprise. Our operation includes prime lambs, viticulture and on farm accommodation. Although all these aspects contribute to our business, we have a very strong focus on producing high-quality lambs and connecting producers with consumers is where my passion really lies.
Over the past decade I have developed our lamb enterprise from a traditional livestock operation into a paddock to plate business, supplying lamb directly to local butchers, restaurants and some of South Australia’s leading chefs. This has given me experience across both livestock production and the wider supply chain and has strengthened my interest in advocating for how well we produce our products and communicating more effectively with consumers about the provenance of the products, because my experience is that this is as important if not more important than the actual product itself.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
I’m seeking to be a board member because I believe I could bring a practical producer perspective to the board and advocate for producers like myself, while also learning from people with different experiences and backgrounds across the livestock industry.
I have experienced firsthand how valuable good advice, strong industry connections and learning from other producers can be when building and developing a farming business. I feel I am now at a point where I would like to give something back to the industry and contribute beyond my own farm.
My experiences have made me particularly passionate about strengthening the connection between producers and consumers, and ensuring livestock producers understand and respond to what the market and consumers are looking for.
Most importantly, I want to play a part in ensuring South Australia continues to have a strong, profitable and progressive livestock industry that the next generation is excited to be part of.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
One of my main aims as a Board member would be to actively engage with producers to understand what information and skills would genuinely benefit their businesses and then help Livestock SA turn that feedback into relevant workshops. Being a producer myself, with connections to other producers across the Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Fleurieu and South East, I would make it a priority to understand both what producers are struggling with and what others are doing successfully to remain profitable and sustainable.
I believe there is enormous value in identifying producers who are achieving good outcomes and creating opportunities for them to share their knowledge, experiences and thought processes with others. I would particularly like to see Livestock SA continue to deliver practical, relevant workshops shaped by what producers are telling us they need. I recently attended a Livestock SA workshop on footrot and foot health, which was incredibly relevant to challenges we experienced on our own farm this season. Experiences like this have reinforced for me how valuable it is to get off farm, meet other producers and see different farming environments and practices. More often than not you come away with an idea or perspective you may never have considered for your own farm or business.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Leonie Mills
Proposer: Brenton Smith
Brief Biography
Along with my husband we run a mixed farming operation at Cowell and Cleve, Eyre Peninsula. I am the principal of the Morley Poll Merino Stud and we also run a commercial mob for crossbred lamb production. We also crop wheat and barley.
I became involved in industry representation in 2008 when I began my tenure on the SASAG, remaining on that group until 2019.
I am a current LSA director and am enjoying roles on various other boards/groups in association with this board.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
As a current director I am very much enjoying the opportunity to give back to our industry and be actively involved in protecting/progressing it. As a producer for well over 40 years, I feel that I have the experience to contribute to LSA continuing to make wise decisions on behalf of our producers.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I will continue to ‘show up’ armed with the information circulated to both the board and our producers on the very numerous issues and opportunities presented, as well as my own research and contact with producers so as to be able to make informed decisions on behalf of industry.
I currently sit on 5 other boards/committees related to LSA giving me a broad perspective on different facets of industry as well as the opportunities to be involved in decision making in these areas. I welcome all contact from producers and stake holders so as to take forth their concerns.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Tracey Strugnell
Proposer: Richard Halliday
Brief Biography
I am a sheep and grain producer based at Coonalpyn in South Australia’s Upper South East. My family and I run a crossbred lamb enterprise, joining Merino ewes to White Suffolk rams. Farming in a low to medium rainfall area with variable seasons and soils gives me a practical understanding of the decisions producers face around input costs, seasonal risk and improving productivity.
Alongside farming, I have more than 25 years’ experience in agricultural extension, regional development and natural resource management. From 2009 to 2026, I led the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan, working with producers, councils, government agencies, researchers and industry partners to attract investment and deliver practical outcomes for agriculture and the environment across the Upper South East.
My work has focused on making research useful on the ground. This has included Meat & Livestock Australia-supported projects on soil health, feed production on sandy soils and livestock nutrition, as well as producer engagement on electronic identification (eID) and drought response. I am particularly proud of my work on livestock water security and advocacy for reasonable SA Water mains prices for producers. I have also worked with Local Government on drought support and assistance for regional producers recovering from bushfires.
I am a Board Member of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board and serve on its Governance, Finance and Audit Committee, the Box Flat Wild Dog Control Coordinating Committee, and the Tintinara, Coonalpyn and Tatiara Water Allocation Planning Committees.
I care about the future of South Australian livestock production and believe productive farming, sound environmental management and profitable farm businesses need to go hand in hand.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
I am seeking election to the Livestock SA Board as either a Sheep Producer Director or Skills-Based Director because I want to contribute to the future of an industry I am part of, both through my own farming business and my professional experience.
Producers are managing variable seasons, rising input costs, workforce pressures, biosecurity and reporting requirements, changing markets and growing expectations around environmental performance. There are also opportunities to lift productivity, make good use of technology and strengthen the position of South Australian livestock products in domestic and export markets.
I want Livestock SA to remain a practical and credible voice for producers, with advocacy that reflects the different circumstances of businesses across the state. The issues facing a large enterprise may differ from those facing a smaller family farm, and regional conditions can vary considerably.
Through farming and working alongside producers, I have seen that research and innovation are most valuable when they address a real need, are practical to adopt and offer a reasonable return. Producers also need confidence that their concerns are heard and that industry investment delivers useful results.
I would bring a regional perspective, an understanding of producer engagement and adoption, and experience in governance, strategic planning and investment oversight. I would work constructively with fellow directors, members and industry partners to help Livestock SA set clear priorities and deliver outcomes that matter to South Australian livestock producers.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I would start by listening to producers and seeking views from different livestock classes, regions, production systems and business sizes. Representing members means more than bringing my own experience to the table; it means making sure a range of perspectives informs Board discussion and decisions.
My own farming gives me a direct understanding of decisions around feed, livestock nutrition, grazing, seasonal risk and farm profitability. My work in agricultural extension has also shown me why new research or technology is not always easy to adopt, even when the potential benefits are clear.
I would bring this practical perspective to Livestock SA’s advocacy and industry development, particularly on animal health and welfare, biosecurity, traceability, market access, workforce capability and sustainable productivity. I would also draw on my experience working with producers, councils, government, researchers and industry partners to build useful relationships and identify opportunities to work together.
I recognise that Livestock SA has an important responsibility in guiding implementation of the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030, including advocating for industry priorities and supporting strategic investment that delivers measurable benefits to producers. I would bring experience in developing and evaluating investment proposals, attracting co-investment, managing risk and assessing outcomes. I believe effective industry investment must be grounded in producer needs, informed by evidence, and assessed against clear measures of productivity, profitability, resilience and likelihood of adoption.
I would support Livestock SA in maintaining a strong voice with government and industry while staying connected to members. I would be prepared to respectfully question proposals, listen to other views and work towards sound collective decisions. My aim would be to balance immediate producer concerns with the long-term interests of the industry.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Skills-Based Nominees
Alice Morley
Proposer: Colin Trengrove
Brief Biography
Born and bred in Meningie and now living in Sellicks Beach. An empty nester always wanting to do more to help our industry.
My life has been split between Meningie, the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island. I have been involved in the Ag industry for over 30 years, living and working on dairy, sheep and cattle farms, whilst also working in the rural retail and advisory sectors in livestock agronomy, animal health, farm planning, finance and business advisory. I was also heavily involved in earthmoving and quarrying until 2012 (majority on farms but also Govt).
I graduated from Waite with my BaAgSc in 1998, completed my Executive MBA in July this year, am a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia, a professional member of APEN, currently sit on the boards of Ag Excellence Alliance and Fleurieu Farming Systems and recently stepped down from the Ag Bureau SA Board.
I am also involved with the Farmers2Founders Tekwomen Agri-rise program as a mentor, Australian Women in Ag and various other things where I want to learn more and help.
I am an Ag Advocate, not a single industry advocate – a firm believer that we need to collaborate across enterprises more and include the small to medium farmers to help bring them all up. Education and a good set of ears is key.
I also have my own business ‘Small Acres Pty Ltd’, doing property and technical advisory (testing, interpretation, reporting), project management and other on & off-farm services.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
I want to see more impact - to help more farmers get the most out of their industry bodies. I’d like to see more genuine links made through the involvement of grower groups and retail businesses.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I would like to help connect the missing links. To be in front of people on the ground planting seeds, not just at the big shows. I see LSA at things because I know them, many farmers don’t, many still see LSA as another levy collector.
The implementation of the strategic plan needs to get outside of it’s box. I’d like to see LSA get back to leading rather than trying to do it all. Help get the farmers and groups more involved like they have been in the past, not just approaching 1 group in an area, but bring them all together.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Colin Trengove
Proposer: Glen Tilley
Brief Biography
With over 40 years of dedicated service, I am a highly accomplished veterinary and agricultural consultant heavily embedded in the South Australian livestock industry. My career spans veterinary practice, state government biosecurity, academic research, and commercial consultancy, focusing on sheep, beef, dairy, alpaca, and goat production.
Registered with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of SA since 1980, my early career included roles as a Veterinary Officer and Regional Veterinary Officer for the SA Department of Agriculture across the Pastoral, Eyre, and South-East regions. In these positions, I managed critical regulatory disease programs, including the Brucellosis & Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign, and oversaw animal health operations.
Through my consultancy, Pro Ag Consulting, and as co-founder of the APAL Agricultural Laboratory in Adelaide, I provide extensive expertise in wholefarm nutrition, management, and biosecurity. I have facilitated numerous high-impact industry programs, including Lifetime Ewe Management, Bred Well Fed Well, Weaners for Profit, Heifers for Profit and More Beef from Pastures across the Mid North, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu, Kangaroo Island, and the South-East.
As a researcher and former Lecturer at Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus, I completed my PhD in 2024 investigating the epidemiology of lamb rib fractures in South Australia. I actively contribute to industry leadership as a Livestock SA Board member serving on the finance, risk, audit and governance committee, and subcommittees for footrot management and electronic ear tag implementation.
My expertise is frequently called upon by the Judicial system to act as an expert witness in livestock nutrition, health, and welfare matters.
My contributions have been recognized with the 2023 Small Ruminant Veterinarian of the Year award. I remain a trusted communicator, connecting government authorities, industry bodies, and producers to optimize animal health and livestock productivity across South Australia.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
The issues faced by livestock producers is increasingly more complex and needs experienced representation on the Board to ensure their interests are professionally managed and met. Current issues include protecting water entitlements, pastoral aboriginal heritage and native title negotiations, biosecurity and emergency response in relation to bird flu and locust preparedness, agricultural land use and linkages to mining and renewable energy, impending biodiversity regulations, native vegetation review, and recent national cattle, sheep and goat levy reviews.
The Board seeks a balanced mix of capabilities, which my background satisfies across multiple priority areas. Specifically I have a high-level capability and alignment with the required director attributes, core skills, and position specific expectations to deal with the issues listed.
I have enjoyed my four years as a Board member and I possess the professional experience, energy and commitment to continue to serve the SA livestock industry in this role.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
As a specialist in livestock epidemiology and health with over 40 years association with the livestock industry in South Australia I have an extensive knowledge of the issues that livestock producers face. My career has covered all regions in SA providing me with a geographic perspective of livestock producer interests.
Personal attributes as a writer, presenter, group facilitator and technical advisor enable me to contribute a balanced opinion to discussions at the board, state and national level.
I travel extensively in South Australia interacting with livestock producers in my livestock consultancy business and this gives me a good understanding of their concerns and perspective for contributing to the strategic direction of Livestock SA.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.
Tracey Strugnell
Proposer: Richard Halliday
Brief Biography
I am a sheep and grain producer based at Coonalpyn in South Australia’s Upper South East. My family and I run a crossbred lamb enterprise, joining Merino ewes to White Suffolk rams. Farming in a low to medium rainfall area with variable seasons and soils gives me a practical understanding of the decisions producers face around input costs, seasonal risk and improving productivity.
Alongside farming, I have more than 25 years’ experience in agricultural extension, regional development and natural resource management. From 2009 to 2026, I led the Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan, working with producers, councils, government agencies, researchers and industry partners to attract investment and deliver practical outcomes for agriculture and the environment across the Upper South East.
My work has focused on making research useful on the ground. This has included Meat & Livestock Australia-supported projects on soil health, feed production on sandy soils and livestock nutrition, as well as producer engagement on electronic identification (eID) and drought response. I am particularly proud of my work on livestock water security and advocacy for reasonable SA Water mains prices for producers. I have also worked with Local Government on drought support and assistance for regional producers recovering from bushfires.
I am a Board Member of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board and serve on its Governance, Finance and Audit Committee, the Box Flat Wild Dog Control Coordinating Committee, and the Tintinara, Coonalpyn and Tatiara Water Allocation Planning Committees.
I care about the future of South Australian livestock production and believe productive farming, sound environmental management and profitable farm businesses need to go hand in hand.
Why are you seeking a position on the Livestock SA Board?
I am seeking election to the Livestock SA Board as either a Sheep Producer Director or Skills-Based Director because I want to contribute to the future of an industry I am part of, both through my own farming business and my professional experience.
Producers are managing variable seasons, rising input costs, workforce pressures, biosecurity and reporting requirements, changing markets and growing expectations around environmental performance. There are also opportunities to lift productivity, make good use of technology and strengthen the position of South Australian livestock products in domestic and export markets.
I want Livestock SA to remain a practical and credible voice for producers, with advocacy that reflects the different circumstances of businesses across the state. The issues facing a large enterprise may differ from those facing a smaller family farm, and regional conditions can vary considerably.
Through farming and working alongside producers, I have seen that research and innovation are most valuable when they address a real need, are practical to adopt and offer a reasonable return. Producers also need confidence that their concerns are heard and that industry investment delivers useful results.
I would bring a regional perspective, an understanding of producer engagement and adoption, and experience in governance, strategic planning and investment oversight. I would work constructively with fellow directors, members and industry partners to help Livestock SA set clear priorities and deliver outcomes that matter to South Australian livestock producers.
How will you represent the interests of Livestock SA members and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation?
I would start by listening to producers and seeking views from different livestock classes, regions, production systems and business sizes. Representing members means more than bringing my own experience to the table; it means making sure a range of perspectives informs Board discussion and decisions.
My own farming gives me a direct understanding of decisions around feed, livestock nutrition, grazing, seasonal risk and farm profitability. My work in agricultural extension has also shown me why new research or technology is not always easy to adopt, even when the potential benefits are clear.
I would bring this practical perspective to Livestock SA’s advocacy and industry development, particularly on animal health and welfare, biosecurity, traceability, market access, workforce capability and sustainable productivity. I would also draw on my experience working with producers, councils, government, researchers and industry partners to build useful relationships and identify opportunities to work together.
I recognise that Livestock SA has an important responsibility in guiding implementation of the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030, including advocating for industry priorities and supporting strategic investment that delivers measurable benefits to producers. I would bring experience in developing and evaluating investment proposals, attracting co-investment, managing risk and assessing outcomes. I believe effective industry investment must be grounded in producer needs, informed by evidence, and assessed against clear measures of productivity, profitability, resilience and likelihood of adoption.
I would support Livestock SA in maintaining a strong voice with government and industry while staying connected to members. I would be prepared to respectfully question proposals, listen to other views and work towards sound collective decisions. My aim would be to balance immediate producer concerns with the long-term interests of the industry.
Nominees have submitted details of their past board experience, formal governance training and a resume with their nomination. For access to this information, please contact the nominee directly.