2024 Annual General Meeting Report
The Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Inc. held its 2024 Annual General Meeting at Lake Tinaroo in the Atherton Tablelands on Tuesday 22nd October with over 30 members, industry partners and staff attending in person and online.
Gino Pacitti, Holstein Australia President, reported on the impact to the Association of the live export slow down, reflected in the financials for the year, and efforts to build alternate export markets.
In the first year of its operation, Mr Pacitti also acknowledged the contribution of Holstein Australia’s Member Advisory Committee in areas, including service pricing, sub-branch support, competitions and animal inspections at major shows.
Following a review of the Association’s Rules, members were also advised that a consultation process will take place, ideally during the first half of 2025, to ensure that any proposed changes meet member and Association needs.
Other items reported on by the President included an update on the Australian Dairy Youth Association, of which Holstein Australia was a founding member; the Board’s intention to seek member input into the 2028 World Holstein Friesian Federation Conference, to be hosted by Holstein Australia in Melbourne, and; the Association’s endorsement of the All Dairy Breeds Show Ring Code of Ethics.
Financial Report
Chief Executive Officer, Rohan Butler, presented the financial report on behalf of Finance Committee representative, Mr Philip Hall.
Holstein Australia reported a loss of $229,923 for the 2023/24 financial year, a significant downturn from the previous year’s profit of $284,552, largely due to a sustained drop in live export activity. Total income fell by over $800,000, though operating expenses were cut by $300,000 to offset some losses.
Despite the challenges, the Association maintains a strong balance sheet with total equity of $4.4 million and a positive performance from its investment portfolio. Membership fees and subscriptions remained stable, but live export revenue dropped significantly due to fewer shipments and reduced inspection income. However, registrations saw a notable increase, fuelled by demand from alternative markets like Indonesia and Pakistan.
Looking ahead, with live export decline now viewed as the "new normal," Holstein Australia's Board has directed management to implement significant cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions, to adapt to the shifting market landscape.
Board and Committee appointments
The appointment of new and returning Board and Committee members was announced during the AGM.
The company secretary informed attendees that Jacqueline Suares had completed her one-year term as an Appointed Director. The Board, having resolved to fix the number of elected directors to a maximum of seven elected directors, resulted in two open positions. A call for nominations brought in one nomination from Marg Hinde, who has been appointed for a three-year term, leaving one position vacant.
Current BDCC member Scott Somerville, whose three-year term required retirement by rotation, was eligible and re-nominated. Following the election of Bryan Dickson to the Board in January 2024, the BDCC had two vacancies, including Somerville’s position.
The Secretary declared Mr Somerville elected to elected to serve another three-year term on the BDCC.
Following the AGM a Board meeting was held at which Board positions were decided as follows:
- President: Gino Pacitti
- Vice-President: Philip Hall
- BDCC Chair: Garry Carpenter
- Youth Representative: Bryan Dickson
- Member Advisory Committee Representatives: Marg Hinde and Phillip Daniel
Board member contact details are available on the Holstein Australia website.
Breed Development Update
The Breed Development & Conformation Committee (BDCC) report was delivered by BDCC Chair, Garry Carpenter.
The BDCC had an eventful year, highlighted by the rollout of a revamped classification system and a pre-National Breeding Objectives Survey among members. Changes in committee members included Phil Daniel's departure and the addition of Bill Morgan, whose breeding and herd improvement background has enriched the BDCC’s work. The committee also saw a successful year for the Semex Holstein Australia All Australian Competition, which attracted 143 entries, and welcomed Andrew Koch to the judging panel. Meanwhile, the popular Cow of the Year competition evaluated nine strong entries with guest judges.
Key developments included the April 2024 implementation of the updated classification software, allowing for improved reporting and the flexibility to monitor new traits like udder floor tilt. This research trait, now part of the system, aims to address breeder concerns over practical challenges in milking. A comprehensive review of the classification system's weighting is planned for 2024-2025, along with an assessment of fully incorporating new traits.
Looking forward, the BDCC will focus on a formal review of trait weightings in the classification system and will participate in Holstein Australia's next strategic plan. Additionally, feedback from the member survey on the National Breeding Objective (NBO) was shared with DataGene to shape future indices, with a report to be issued in the upcoming member journal.
Chief Executive Officer’s Report Summary
Holstein Australia has faced a challenging 2023/2024 financial year, navigating changes within the dairy industry while maintaining a focus on service delivery and member support.
A significant impact came from the decline in live exports, leading to adjustments in staffing and strategic resource management. Despite these hurdles, the Association continued to deliver high-quality services and support to members.
The year included the successful implementation of the new classification system and the "Why Holsteins" project, underscoring the breed’s adaptability. Additionally, Holstein Australia became an agent for Caisley Tissue Sampling Ear Tags, offering members efficient, dual-purpose ear tags for DNA sampling and identification.
Membership services, such as animal registrations, saw a 19% increase, driven partly by targeted initiatives like the Holstein Round Up.
Looking forward, Holstein Australia aims to balance resources and adapt strategically to ensure continued growth and support for its members. By focusing on operational efficiency and member-driven priorities, the Association plans to navigate future challenges while upholding its commitment to high service standards.
Full Board reports and financials presented at the AGM can be found in the 2023 / 2024 Annual Report