Dougal Gordon to chair SPA Policy Council

Experienced livestock and agricultural policy leader Dougal Gordon is the new chair of the Sheep Producers Australia Policy Council. 

Dougal brings experience spanning agricultural policy, producer advocacy, government, research and the red meat supply chain to the national role. 

Most recently Group Director for Livestock at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, he said this appointment was a great opportunity. 

“After 10 years working in government, I am eager to get back into industry,” he said. 

“I’m also looking forward to working with a group of people I highly respect within the Sheep Producers Australia executive and Board.” 

Dougal has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association and held several senior executive roles with Sheep Producers Australia State Farming Organisation member NSW Farmers’ Association. 

His career has also included time with the Meat Research Corporation, the predecessor to Meat & Livestock Australia, and international red meat trade experience with shipping company Hamburg Süd. 

But his connection to the sheep industry started much earlier, in the New England region of NSW. 

“I grew up on a sheep and cattle property, and this has underpinned my perspectives and desire to deliver legacy outcomes throughout my career,” he said. 

Dougal said he was looking forward to drawing on his experience across different parts of the agricultural supply chain, policy and research at both a State and Federal Government level in this Policy Council role. 

The SPA Policy Council brings together representatives from State Farming Organisations and directly elected producers to help develop national policy priorities for the sheep industry. 

Dougal holds a Masters of Commerce in Law and Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Sheep Producers Australia would like to thank retiring Chair Daryl Quinlivan for his service to the Policy Council and the sheep industry.