WoolPoll panel members call out to younger generation

Candice Roberts is a sixth generation woolgrower on her family’s Victoria Downs stud near Morven, Queensland and is a first time member on the WoolPoll Panel.

She said a generational shift on the land has seen young farmers take on a more active role in the decision-making process, and that WoolPoll should be no different.

“Whether you’re a baby boomer or a millennial, anyone who has paid over $100 in wool levies over the past three years is entitled to vote,” Ms Roberts said.

“A lot of young people are coming back and taking over, so it’s a great time for them to find out where their wool income is going and to have their say by voting.

“It’s simply a matter of reading the voter kit online and deciding how much you think we, as an industry, should allocate towards R&D and marketing for the next three years.”

NSW woolgrower, Richard Keniry, was also elected to the WoolPoll Panel in 2018. Together with his father, he runs a self-replacing Merino flock and produces first cross lambs at ‘Kildara’ near Cumnock.

“I’ve come from a background where the more data or information you can capture, the better the decision you’re going to make,” Mr Keniry said.

“This principal also applies to WoolPoll, so don’t hesitate to sit down with your family and review the levy rates and financial information to make an informed decision.”

Mr Keniry’s message to young growers is to ‘think like an investor’ especially as WoolPoll reaches the pointy end with voting closing on Friday.

“WoolPoll offers all eligible growers the opportunity to have their say in the same way as a shareholder. If I am choosing to invest in a company, I can have an influence by choosing how much money I’m willing to invest,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic fibre, I love the rural lifestyle and environment and I enjoy the challenges farming throws at you.”