Dawson Bradford said he was humbled by this week’s RAS Hall of Fame honour and regarded his induction as recognition for important advancements in WA’s farming industry.“I have been privileged to serve the farming industries, livestock in particular, and to make what I hope have been positive contributions to their advancement.
“Guiding the development of WAMMCO even before the WA producer cooperative became a reality, was a special challenge, because we started from an almost impossible position.
“Being able to generate better incentives through WAMMCO for our lamb producers to invest in quality genetics and management has helped I hope, to provide the sheep industry with a unique platform for ongoing development. “
Past and present CEO’s of WAMMCO, Des Griffiths and Coll MacRury as well as directors, staff and members of the WA cooperative have welcomed Dawson’s induction this week.
Des Griffiths said as well as his remarkable integrity, honesty and tenacity, Dawson had a unique foresight and ability to recognise opportunity. His role with fellow directors, in averting an imminent collapse of WAMMCO when he took over as Chairman in October, 2000, was now legendary.
“Dawson was a keen observer of lamb industry developments in New Zealand and drove WAMMCO’s early investment in the North American lamb distribution operation that gave WA producers access to the higher returns from heavier lambs into the US. It was largely this investment and a change in WA’s lamb production culture from ‘quantity to quality’ that saw WAMMCO pay its first pool bonus to producer members in 2005.”
Coll MacRury said Dawson had been a ‘prime mover’ behind WAMMCO’s acquisition of the Goulburn processing plant two years ago, because he saw the need to expand the cooperative’s future beyond WA.
“Maximising returns to producer members to reward their investment and efficiency, and investing heavily in processing technology and in global marketing to keep Katanning and Goulburn ahead of the play, have been vital extensions to Dawson’s personal ideals and successes as a farmer.
“I believe many WA producers have yet to fully understand and appreciate the value developed for them in WAMMCO through the incredible foresight and efforts of Dawson and his directors .”