FORMER Millicent resident and new Grassland Society of Southern Australia president and Meg Bell hopes to reinvigorate branches across three states to shore-up the society’s future.
Ms Bell was elected president at the society’s 60th annual conference in Creswick and said the association’s history provided a solid base for a positive future.
“I’d like to get all our branches across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania functioning really well and ensure we shore-up the future of the society,” she said.
“Being a society that relies on industry and project funding is hard work. We’re constantly applying for projects and seeking funding sources and that’s an ongoing challenge.
“But we’re the only pasture and livestock-based society and with such a positive history in improving farming systems, we have a good base for the future.
“We have had a good reputation for such a long time and there’s still a lot to offer.”
Ms Bell is chief executive of MacKillop Farm Management Group, a farming systems group based in Limestone Coast and also coordinates the Better Beef Producers Group in Victoria’s western district.
She is coordinator for South Australian Livestock Consultants’ advisor updates.
Ms Bell was raised on a beef and cropping property at Millicent and joined the Grassland Society as part of the organising committee for the 2015 conference at Naracoorte.
“I got involved because I’d moved onto the family farm and could see there would be great benefits,” she said.
“I have learnt a lot and made really good networks and contacts through the society.”
Ms Bell said the grassland association was beneficial for all farmers and agricultural consultants.
“There are benefits for industry people because they get contact with farmers and there are benefits for farmers because they have access to industry events and information,” she said.
