South Australia’s livestock community came together at the Adelaide Convention Centre yesterday for Livestock SA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Annual Industry Dinner.
This year’s event was the centrepiece of two days of collaboration with the Meat & Livestock Australia Annual Updates and Adelaide University’s Roseworthy campus showcase. Bringing together producers, researchers, partners and industry leaders together, the events are focussed on sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships and continuing building momentum across the red meat and wool sectors.
The AGM provided members with a comprehensive review of the organisation’s performance over the past financial year. Two board positions were announced, with renominating directors Gillian Fennell and Andrew Smith appointed.
The board reappointed Marla cattle producer Gillian Fennell as Livestock SA Chair for her second term, an endorsement of her continued leadership and commitment to driving Livestock SA forward. Her reappointment comes at a pivotal time for the organisation, as we continue to support producers through recovery, reinvestment and long-term industry growth.
One of the night’s highlights was the announcement of the 2025 South Australian Biosecurity Farmer of the Year, awarded to Warrawee Park. Producers Simon Allen and Madeline Willoughby accepted the award on behalf of their recently retired father, whose life’s work continues to underpin Warrawee Park’s outstanding biosecurity culture and generational commitment to best practice.
Guest speaker, Merv Hughes entertained the 300 strong dinner crowd with his humour, honesty and deep appreciation for the resilience of farming families. His reflections on the importance of mental wellbeing and community connection reinforced our ongoing work through Weather It Together and reminded us that industry strength is built not only on productivity, but people.
The week culminates on Friday 21 November with National Agriculture Day, a timely reminder of the essential role South Australia’s red meat and wool producers play in feeding communities, supporting regional economies and shaping the future of agriculture.
The energy and engagement from members, partners and guests throughout the week reflects a sector that is not only recovering, but rebuilding with clarity, collaboration and confidence.
Click here to view the Livestock SA Annual Report 2024/25.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Cathy McHugh
Communications and Marketing Manager
Livestock SA
0412 515 819
Livestock SA Board 24/25 (L-R: Anthony Hurst, Colin Trengove, Mary Rowe, Gillian Fennell, Sam Neumann, Andrew Smith, Lachie Seears Absent Leonie Mills