Two Victorian women are leading their respective breed organisations with a common purpose – promoting their breeds and the agricultural industry.
In a first for their breeds, Marion Spencer and Bron Ellis have recently been appointed as national presidents of the Beef Shorthorn and Corriedale breed societies respectively.
Ms Spencer and husband David are the principals of Spencer Family Shorthorns of Yuroke and Rutherglen.
Born in Malaysia and migrating to Australia as a child, her adult years were spent working at La Trobe University, and then in the corporate sector.
Ms Spencer has been, and remains, a Victorian Committee member and Federal Councillor. For a number of years she was Federal Secretary of the Society, relinquishing that role in 2017.
She has also been involved in the Stud Beef Victoria Handlers’ Camp, having served as a volunteer for nine years.
She plays an active role in organising events on behalf of the Beef Cattle Committee.
Ms Spencer said it was challenging for the society to maintain its profile and standards in a competitive market.
The drought was also a massive negative for all breeds, she said.
“The challenge has been to survive without having to sell off too much of your breed’s genetics,” she said.
“Women in agriculture are so widespread and strong.
“I like to think I am a role model and mentor for young women who want to be part of agriculture.”
The future of the stud is in good hands with son Luke and granddaughters Claudia, Nakita and Briana.
Bron Ellis took the president's chair at the Australian Corriedale Association in September.
Ms Ellis said the breed had to work together as a group to promote the breed and its attributes.
“It’s an interesting time. I hope to promote the breed and move it forward – it’s not about me it’s about the breed,” Ms Ellis said.
“It’s a good dual purpose breed and we have to promote the better carcase traits as well as bringing the micron down a bit.
“It’s important for the breed and the industry to have young people involved.
“In Victoria we worked with a number of schools and that has given us exposure as a breed, which is really important.
“We need to be receptive to ideas – we are all equal, everyone has something to give.”
Ms Ellis said there were a lot of young women who were keen to be involved in and understand the agriculture industry.
“We need to understand them and treat them as equals,” she said.
