AgriFutures Australia expands its Chicken Meat Program and its world-class research

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Chicken Meat Program team

AgriFutures Australia is expanding its Chicken Meat Program with the appointment of new staff to complement its investment in its largest levied industry.

AgriFutures Australia’s John Smith, General Manager Research has welcomed the appointment of Dr Sue Hatcher in her new role as Manager Research Chicken Meat and Tasmin Rowe in her new role as Research Coordinator. Both Sue and Tasmin join Manager Research Georgina Townsend in managing the Program and its research, development and extension (RD&E) investments.

“The appointment of Sue and Tasmin builds on our commitment to the Chicken Meat Program,” said Mr Smith.

“The chicken meat industry continues to grow from strength to strength and has an estimated retail value of around $6.6 billion. AgriFutures Australia is investing in resources to ensure they match this growth. I am very excited by this investment which will help develop and identify the innovative projects needed to deliver impact to the chicken meat industry,” Mr Smith added.

Georgie Townsend welcomed her new colleagues.

“I’m excited to work with the team to give the program the energy to grow into a truly-world class RD&E program,” said Georgie.

“The chicken meat industry is fast paced and there is always more to learn about chicken meat production. RD&E allows for the refinement of practices, improvement of food safety, animal welfare and management of resources and it gives evidence for decision making and that’s critical in an information driven world.”

Sue Hatcher, who has more than 26 years’ experience in applied sheep production research as a Principal Research Scientist with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and as a consultant, said she was excited to make a contribution to a different rural industry and for the opportunity to learn about chicken meat production.

“I’m really enjoying learning about the Program and the depth of research the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program has invested in. I am looking forward to meeting key stakeholders in the Australian chicken meat industry and working with the Advisory Panel to ensure we’re providing highly valued research outcomes for the industry.”

According to Sue, AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program has a key role to play in ensuring a positive future of the chicken meat industry.

“The productivity, profitability and sustainability of any agricultural industry, including chicken meat is dependent on targeted scientific research directed at the key production constraints and effective extension to industry to promote adoption and use on farm,” said Sue.

Tasmin Rowe said she was looking forward to ensuring important research is continued, the chicken meat industry is well represented and the outcomes of the Program’s research are accessible for industry.

“I have always had a passion for agriculture and after a few years working in another industry I knew that I wanted to pursue a long term career in agriculture. I was excited to get the position in the AgriFutures chicken meat program and look forward to challenges that such an intensive industry presents.”

“Chicken meat is such a broadly consumed product, the safety of people and the welfare of the chickens are paramount. RD&E is key to ensuring industry is able to make evidence based decisions to continue to thrive,” said Tasmin.

For more on the Agrifutures Chicken Meat Program: agrifutures.com.au /chicken-meat/

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