Holstein Australia Announces Redundancies
Two valued staff members – Miranda Clark, Genomic Services Officer, and Leanne Summerville, Classification Tour Scheduler – have been made redundant due to the ongoing downturn in the live export market.
Both team members have made significant contributions to the Association, and their departure marks a difficult moment for Holstein Australia as it adapts to shifting economic conditions.
Miranda Clark’s expertise has supported members in optimising their breeding programs for many years.
She was recognised by the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia in 2020 for her role in increasing the acceptance and understanding of genomics among Australian dairy breeders.
Leanne Summerville, a respected Classifier as well as tour scheduler, has been an important link between Holstein Australia and the farming community. Known for her deep knowledge of cattle and her commitment to the Holstein breed, Leanne’s work has helped shape breeding standards over many years.
Holstein Australia CEO, Rohan Butler, says: “The contributions of Miranda and Leanne have been invaluable, and their departure will undoubtedly be felt within Holstein Australia and among the members they served”.
The decision comes as the Association faces sustained financial pressures stemming from the drastic reduction in live cattle exports, which has affected various aspects of the Association’s operations, especially services linked closely to the export market.
In response, Holstein Australia has been forced to review its expenditure and make strategic cuts, including staff redundancies.
“This very difficult decision reflects the necessity of aligning resources with current economic realities and shifting market demands,” says Mr Butler.