Queensland United Egg Producers Pty Ltd held its annual general meeting in late November 2019 and I am pleased to announce Ms Roxanne Manhire was elected as a director of QUEP. Roxanne is one of five siblings of industry-leading egg farmers Roy and the late Ivy Inwood and returned to the family business after 20 years in the military, attaining the key administration position of Chief Clerk.
She is currently operations manager at the family farming business, Country Range Farming Pty Ltd. Roxanne brings a wealth of knowledge in egg farming, especially relative to the small and medium-size producers across all production systems, including organics. Country Range Farming operates from the Boodua site on the Darling Downs and is currently owned and managed by Roy along with his son Damien and daughters Roxanne and Tracey.
The original farm has been in the Inwood family for five generations and is living testament to the long-held beliefs of the owners that the environment and farming can coexist in harmony. Country Range Farming has four different farms in the district, employing over 20 local people. In her current role, Roxanne manages biosecurity, HR, payroll, OH&S, QA, operations (production and processing), finances, marketing and sales.
In accepting the QUEP position, she said, “In addition to the above skills over the years I have gained extensive knowledge in quality assurance, and recently I have been involved in the introduction of the salmonella enteritis program via the QUEP-led working group and have always worked closely with Safe Food Production Queensland.”
“As I have been part of a small to medium poultry farm throughout my life, I feel I can bring many things to the QUEP Board table, especially at the smaller grower level (which I have learnt from my mother).
“I have also had dealings with both the cage and free range systems and know there is a need for a cage system as well as free ranging. “I am very driven and outspoken and will work hard to ensure the future of our farmers continues, no matter what level they are.” QUEP chair Mr Robert Antonio welcomed Roxanne to the Board and acknowledge the skills and knowledge she will add to the organisation. As CEO, I also look forward to Roxanne’s input to assist me in my role.
The year ahead
- As CEO, key issues QUEP will focus on in the coming year will include:
- Enhanced biosecurity throughout the supply chain;
- Application of greater penalties for farm raids;
- The finalisation of the Standards and Guidelines; and
- The introduction of consistent salmonella prevention and control procedures across Australia.
Appointment
I am also pleased to announce my recent appointment to the Queensland Ministerial Biosecurity Advisory Committee. This provides our industry with greater representation and engagement with the government on issues around biosecurity including border control, farm raids and disease incursions. Farmers and industry stakeholders wishing to become QUEP members can contact me directly for details on 0407 622 166 or john.coward1@gmail.com
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