AgriFutures Australia’s John Smith, General Manager Research has welcomed the appointment of Dr Sue Hatcher in her new role as Manager Research Chicken Meat and Tasmin Rowe in her new role as Research Coordinator. Both Sue and Tasmin join Manager Research Georgina Townsend in managing the Program and its research, development and extension (RD&E) investments.
“The appointment of Sue and Tasmin builds on our commitment to the Chicken Meat Program,” said Mr Smith.
“The chicken meat industry continues to grow from strength to strength and has an estimated retail value of around $6.6 billion. AgriFutures Australia is investing in resources to ensure they match this growth. I am very excited by this investment which will help develop and identify the innovative projects needed to deliver impact to the chicken meat industry,” Mr Smith added.
Georgie Townsend welcomed her new colleagues.
“I’m excited to work with the team to give the program the energy to grow into a truly-world class RD&E program,” said Georgie.
“The chicken meat industry is fast paced and there is always more to learn about chicken meat production. RD&E allows for the refinement of practices, improvement of food safety, animal welfare and management of resources and it gives evidence for decision making and that’s critical in an information driven world.”
Sue Hatcher, who has more than 26 years’ experience in applied sheep production research as a Principal Research Scientist with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and as a consultant, said she was excited to make a contribution to a different rural industry and for the opportunity to learn about chicken meat production.