Our members
This year we achieved a significant increase in the number of members resulting from a concentrated effort to boost our level of engagement with livestock producers. As a result, membership increased 11% this year to reach 43,401– up 42% over the last five years.
Members by activity
The main increase in membership has come from the cattle sector. The number of members with grassfed enterprises increased 18% this year, driven predominantly by the benefits offered from the More Beef from Pastures program ...more.
Members by location
The percentage of members by location has remained relatively stable compared to last year.
The size of holdings varies significantly from state to state based on production systems. The members by location chart shows a state breakdown of members.
Our staff
The quality and competency of our people is paramount to MLA achieving its objectives. We endeavour to attract and retain the highest calibre staff to deliver services and solutions to the red meat industry. We have policies to ensure a fair and safe workplace that supports staff development and further education.
Here is a summary of staff statistics:
- 241 staff globally
- 179 permanent employees based in Australia
- 32 permanent employees based overseas
- 30 fixed term employees
- 55% male, 45% female
- 66% of employees have a rural background (defined as holding tertiary qualifications, affiliation through family, or previous employment in the agriculture industry)
- For the fifth consecutive year we were recognised as an Employer of Choice for Women
- 97% of employees hold tertiary level qualifications.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) Allan Bloxsom (industry systems), David Thomason (marketing), Laurie Robinson (corporate services), David Palmer (managing director), Ian Johnsson (livestock production innovation), Christine Pitt (client innovation services), Scott Hansen (corporate communications and livestock exports) and Peter Barnard (international markets and economic services).
The experience of our executive team
Peter Barnard PhD Econ
General manager, international marketing and economic services.
Peter is well-respected within the agribusiness sector and government. He has many years of experience in agricultural economics and is an active behind the scenes player in international market access.
Allan Bloxsom
General manager, industry systems.
Allan has 38 years industry experience in the red meat industry having worked in, or with, various sectors of the supply chain. He is responsible for the industry systems that provide the foundation for differentiating Australia’s ‘clean and natural’ red meat products both at home and in the international arena.
Scott Hansen B Rur Sc, Grad Cert Comm
General manager, corporate communications and livestock exports.
After growing up on a Queensland property, Scott’s career has kept him close to his rural origins. His previous roles as executive director of the Victorian Farmers Federation and of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia, give him an ideal perspective on both producer and industry interests.
Ian Johnsson B Rur Sc, PhD
General manager, livestock production innovation.
Ian joined MLA in January 2007, bringing with him over 30 years agricultural research experience. His hands-on research experience in the livestock arena in combination with his senior management roles with MLA’s predecessor organisations and more recently with Australian Pork Limited, put him in good stead to oversee and develop the on farm research portfolio for the red meat and livestock industry.
Christine Pitt DBA MHA BSc MAICD
General manager, client and innovation services.
Christine held a number of senior positions in retail, manufacturing and financial services companies before joining MLA. This put her in good stead to oversee our extensive off-farm R&D and client innovation services activities. Christine is also responsible for the MLA donor company.
Laurie Robinson CPA
General manager, corporate services.
Laurie joined MLA in October 2006, bringing with him extensive experience in financial and corporate management. Previously he worked as finance director in a publicly listed photographics company and in the oil industry, both in Australia and overseas, before joining Dairy Farmers as chief financial officer, and recently as their senior adviser.
David Thomason BBus
General manager, marketing.
David’s extensive experience in consumer marketing was gained with iconic food brands such as Cottee’s and Tip Top. He champions consumer-focused marketing with emphasis on quality improvement, nutrition, product development and impactful promotion, all of which underpin MLA’s reputation for marketing excellence.