The response at the meeting, and in the media since, from the boards and executives is that it is not a simple solution and will be very difficult to achieve. No one could dispute this. It then becomes a simple case of “don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.”
If the current boards and executives cannot achieve the outcomes their suppliers and owners are demanding they should step aside, while people who have the skill sets required are recruited and employed.
For many years the industry has treated farmers with a level of contempt suggesting that the complexities and problems plaguing the industry were beyond the understanding of farmers. I would like to point out that, to date, these farmers have been astute enough business people to establish, maintain and survive in an extremely hostile business environment, as well as prop up the businesses these experts are currently running into the ground.
It would seem the complexities are actually beyond their ability so again maybe it is time for them to step aside.
Most people in and around the industry are wondering how the architects of a $100 million loss to the industry actually still have jobs – knowing full well if they had comparable losses within their own operations they would not have a business or a job on Monday.
The directors and executives of these farmer-owned businesses have been told directly to put aside the personal agendas and animosities they have allowed to become institutionalised. To continue to ignore these implicit instructions should put their future employment in peril.
James Russell
Gorge Creek Station
R D 2
Alexandra
