Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely has been elected president of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), succeeding Allan Dingle who steps down after completing his four-year tenure.
Mr Kiely was elected non-executive director and vice president of QFF in 2021 and is also the past president of the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association.
Dairy farmer and current non-executive director Kay Tommerup will step into the vice-president position, with Georgina Krieg, a cotton grower, also joining the QFF Board.
Mr Kiely said he was pleased to continue his leadership contribution to QFF as he steps into the president role.
“I would like to thank QFF’s members for trusting me to take on this important position not only for QFF but for the Queensland agriculture sector,” Mr Kiely said.
“There are many opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture sector and I am looking forward to continuing to work with QFF members and industry to look at ways we continue working together to build a strong future for Queensland agriculture.
“I would also like to thank outgoing president Allan Dingle for his service to the sector and his leadership of QFF during the past four years.”
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard also extended her gratitude to Allan for his contribution to QFF and the membership during his time in the president position.
“QFF continues to maintain its position as a strong advocate for the future of the Queensland agriculture sector and I would like to thank Allan for his service to the organisation and farmers across the state,” she said.
“I am proud of what has been achieved however there is still so much work that needs to be done and I am looking forward to working alongside Aaron and the QFF Board to ensure we can continue working for our members and industry to strengthen the future of Queensland agriculture and regional communities.”
