REBUILDING Queensland's sheep and wool industry, the continued rollout of wild dog exclusion fencing and encouraging new entrants will be high on the agenda for Bungunya farmer Alan Rae during his next term as AgForce Sheep and Wool president.
"While the drought has taken its toll, the Queensland sheep and wool industry has been rebuilding in recent years with stronger commodity prices and wild dog exclusion fencing helping to restore producers' confidence," Mr Rae said.
"Over the next two years, the AgForce will look to develop a blueprint for how governments, financiers and producers can work together to continue the revitalisation of Queensland's sheep and wool industry.”
Mr Rae, a fourth-generation sheep and wool producer from the Goondiwindi region, will start his second two-year term as AgForce Sheep and Wool president on November 20.
Mr Rae said AgForce was extremely grateful for the funding provided for wild dog exclusion fencing to date, and we will be encouraging the Federal and State Governments to work together and increase their investment in fencing in sheep-growing areas.
Mr Rae served as a director on the AgForce Sheep and Wool board for 10 years prior to taking on the role of president in 2016. He has also served as secretary/treasurer for the Talwood/Bungunya AgForce branch, and for the United Graziers' Association local branch prior to the formation of AgForce.
Mr Rae said other key priorities would be increasing shearer and wool handler training opportunities and improving safety in and around the shearing shed.
"With increased sheep numbers comes an increased need for shearers and we need to ensure new employees are well-trained in the importance of animal welfare and ensuring their personal safety," he said.
"It's also vital that there is increased landholder participation in wild dog control measures such as baiting, trapping and shooting programs in addition to the construction of fences."