AgForce welcomed Shane McCarthy into its team, after being appointed the new general president last month.
Shane’s new position was officially announced on Tuesday, 12 November, following former general president Georgie Somerset’s resignation from her six-year reign.
Being a fifth-generation landholder on his family property in Richmond, Shane has an immense background in the agricultural industry.
Throughout the years, the family property has run various sheep, cattle and farming operations, to now primarily focus on its cattle and cane business.
“We have done everything except grow grain,” Shane said.
Shane is a strong advocate for landholders’ rights and responsibilities and believes highly in the nation’s producers’ capabilities.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish as president, Shane said in an ideal world, he wouldn’t have to accomplish anything.
“Unfortunately people don’t realise how important factors like the Great Artesian Basin, deforestation, renewable energy and the many other components are,” he said.
“It’s important we continue advocating on behalf of our farmers for these reasons.
“It’s easy for people on the sidelines to throw stones, but in reality, it doesn’t change anything because there’s strength in unity. You need a group behind you to accomplish things when you go to the government.“
For the past two years, Shane was named as AgForce’s north regional director and as the vice chair of the board.
After wanting to give more back to the agricultural community, Shane decided to step up to the role.
“It’s only been around a month since my election, but it’s been very busy. Everyone wants a piece of the new guy,” he said.
“I can’t believe how fantastic the staff and members are that we have within the organisation.
“Each of them has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, they couldn’t be more helpful.”
Despite AgForce’s most recent victory with the Great Artesian Basin situation, Shane believes similar issues will head their way, but is hopeful that advocating for change will come with ease.
“It’s refreshing to have a new state government fluent in agriculture. Especially somebody who’s walked the walk and who gets the problems we as farmers undergo,” he said.
“There are many groups who are opposed to our existence, so now is not the time to sit on the sidelines, but to back us and bring positive change to the industry, for the future of agriculture.”
