MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard is again proud to partner up with the American Motorcyclist Association in 2015 as they take on the World’s best Enduro riders in Kosice, Slovakia, at the International Six Day Enduro in September.

Now in its ninth year of involvement with the iconic event, Wellard is well entrenched on the world enduro stage after previously supporting teams from Australia and New Zealand, with great results. This year Wellard will continue its support of the U.S. National team, for the fourth consecutive year, and will be represented by some of the finest offroad riders in the country.

This year the contingent of 31 US riders will utilise custom-made team jerseys provided by Wellard for the Club and Trophy team riders helping bond the team into one unit. The Company will also provide some financial assistance awards to assist riders to make the trip to Slovakia.

After last year’s podium in Argentina by the Junior Trophy team and securing the overall individual Club rider award, Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini is looking forward to tasting greater success in Slovakia.

The terrain in Slovakia will be vastly different from the dry dusty conditions of Argentina and it is expected the US East Coast riders will have some advantage with their riding conditions being similar to what they will encounter in Kosice from September 7-12.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard congratulates Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and the Department of Agriculture for their success in negotiating a landmark feeder and slaughter protocol between Australia and China.

“The health protocol agreement will enable commercial negotiations to accelerate between Australian cattle exporters and Chinese importers, feedlotters and abattoirs,” said Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini.

“We believe that in time this will be a very important market for Australia’s cattle producers.”

In the past five years Wellard has exported 58,500 Angus and dairy breeding cattle to China, utilising an established breeder cattle protocol. The new feeder and slaughter cattle protocol set outs the market access and quarantine requirements for the export of feeder and slaughter cattle.

“Wellard’s longstanding commercial relationships and track record in compliance with China’s stringent health protocols will be important as we seek to work through the commercial and regulatory aspects of the new protocol to provide a new marketing opportunity for Australian cattle producers,” Mr Balzarini said.

“We want to be an active player in the Chinese beef market, not just as a cattle supplier, but in beef processing and wholesaling with a strong partner.

“As we pursue these opportunities in China we are mindful that we must continue to service our valuable existing markets which are very important to Wellard and to Australia.”

Wellard Chief Operating Officer Scot Braithwaite said the company possessed the shipping capacity to supply the Chinese markets and could increase that capacity if required, however it would take some time to develop the necessary infrastructure in China’s various provinces to handle significant numbers of cattle.

In addition, the 60-day quarantine required for slaughter cattle from Australia’s north (inside the BTV infected zone) to be exported to China’s Vector Active Zone, would make that particular trade cost prohibitive, unlike the southern zones were a 7-day quarantine requirement has been mandated for slaughter cattle. Northern cattle to be exported to the China outside of its Vector Active Zone only required the standard 7-day quarantine.

“It is not an easy protocol to meet as its various quarantine requirements will place considerable demands on producers and exporters. Wellard’s preliminary view is that the first commercial trade to develop will be feeder cattle from the southern BTV-free zones as the quarantine requirements are not as onerous and there is greater flexibility with maximum processing timeframes,” he said.

“This will complement other markets like Russia and Turkey which have proven to be intermittent buyers of southern cattle.”

All cattle exported to China must have resided on a property for at least three months, which will eliminate recently traded cattle from being exported.

Also, pre-export quarantine yards will only be able to house either China-destined cattle or other market cattle at any point in time.

“With a population of more than 1.3 billion people whose purchasing power is growing, China provides a great market opportunity for Australian cattle,” Mr Braithwaite said.

“Wellard looks forward to being an active player in the Chinese market where we can utilise our expertise to add value beyond the simple supply of cattle. The finalisation of the China protocol will also complement our existing, valuable markets in Indonesia and Vietnam, which Wellard will continue to service and develop.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Leading Australian livestock exporter Wellard has set a record for the largest amount of cattle of exported by the Company in a financial year.

A total of 389,327 cattle were exported by Wellard in 2014/15, aided by a record month in April 2015 when 54,314 cattle were transported on the company’s vessels, the MV Ocean Outback, the MV Ocean Swagman, the MV Ocean Drover and the MV Ocean Ute.

That April shipping figure easily outpaced the Company’s previous record of 46,000 head set in July 2014, and the FY2015 shipping figure trumped the 318,262 cattle exported by Wellard in 2013/14.

The cattle were shipped to Vietnam, Philippines, China, Indonesia and the Middle East.

Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the annual record was driven by a combination of shipping capacity, increasing trade with Vietnam and strong demand from Indonesia.

“In particular, the addition of the MV Ocean Ute to our shipping fleet has enabled us to meet strong demand from Vietnamese and Indonesian cattle importers, ensuring Wellard continued to provide a competitive marketing option for Australian cattle producers,” he said.

“However, the big numbers form just a component of Wellard’s live export story. The cattle have been transported on vessels that provide optimal animal welfare outcomes to importers who have embraced Australia’s Exporter Supply Chain Assurance Scheme and the animal welfare benefits it can provide.

“Our staff continue to do a great job. The logistics of sourcing, quarantining and shipping so many cattle requires professional and dedicated staff and robust systems and Wellard is proud to have both.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

It is not the dollars, it is animal welfare that is paramount when you are talking about managing sheep, and in its 35 years of operation Wellard has handled more that 32 million sheep.

With such a large and longstanding involvement in Australia’s sheep industry Wellard is acutely aware that the shearer plays a crucial role in the management of sheep and their valuable fleece.

The right wool length is important for transport and spinning, the right time of shearing is important for profitability. And aesthetically, a well shorn sheep looks great in its fresh, white coat. It is the Shearer who makes this difference.

“Wellard has always paid attention to the selection of its Shearer and in their ability to carry out such an important job efficiently, proficiently and with the right focus on animal welfare. Hour after hour, run after run, sheep after sheep, they need to consistently demonstrate a good track record,” said Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini.

“But shearing is a hard and wearing job and even the best of Shearer needs to take a rest, and when the time is right, retire to preserve his or her body. So, with regret, in the past Wellard had to say goodbye to the Shearer, and us much as it was a big and long blow, the Company has kept a firm eye on the future to ensure a young replacement of the Shearer is even better and is as skilled and committed to the best welfare outcomes…like its predecessor.

“Good shearers are the product of natural skill, attention to detail and the right training from the beginning, even if this means they’re not ringing the shed immediately.

“After combing the world for the best replacement Shearer, it has been identified in the catching pen, its just needs a bit more time before it can start contributing to the Australia’s sheep industry.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has restructured its management team following the resignation of Wellard Rural Exports Chief Executive Officer Fred Troncone.

After four years in the role, Mr Troncone will be taking a break to spend some time with his family before moving onto some consulting work, including providing some ongoing advice to Wellard on a variety of projects.

“I am proud of what the Wellard team has achieved in the past four years and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead a group of people who are so passionate and professional about their work. Our team’s uncompromising focus on animal welfare has set new standards that enhance the strength and reputation of our company and our industry,” Mr Troncone said.

“Wellard is in great shape to keep providing Australian producers with access to existing and emerging international markets for quality Australian livestock and meat.”

Wellard’s CEO Mauro Balzarini will take over some of the roles left vacant by Mr Troncone’s departure with Feeds, Meat and Europe & America’s divisions now reporting directly to him.

“The systems and processes that Fred established helped the company through a period of growth and those benefits will last for the long term,” Mr Balzarini said. “The Trading division is Wellard’s largest subsidiary and Fred has taken this division and professionally driven it to the next level and I thank him for his substantial contribution.”

As part of the restructure, Wellard’s Asia Business Development Manager Scot Braithwaite will assume an even greater role within the Company as Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibility for Middle East trading is passed on to Domenico Bazzoni, who will manage it in conjunction with Europe and Americas from the company’s Italian branch office.

The Breeding and Dairy Export division, headed by Colin Webb, will relocate to Melbourne to be closer to the traditional supply areas Wellard has been sourcing cattle from to meet demand for dairy and beef breeding cattle.

Compliance and export licence duties as well as industry representation will be assigned to Brad Gosling, who has already worked closely with Mr Troncone, and David Jarvie a 25 years veteran in Wellard.

“Thanks also to Fred’s work, Wellard is now ready to keep on progressing with some more interesting initiatives coming online soon and it is fortunate to possess a dedicated team who are working hard to drive market global opportunities and the supply of clean, healthy livestock and meat for international consumers,” Mr Balzarini said.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Whitehouse as General Manager – Meat Processing and Trading.

Mr Whitehouse, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the meat processing industry, will oversee Wellard’s entire meat division, including operations at the company’s Beaufort River Meats abattoir near Kojonup, WA, and its growing meat (beef, mutton and lamb) trading business.

Prior to commencing with Wellard, Kelly had been working at New Zealand meat processor and exporter Taylor Preston, which processes 1.5 million sheep and 65,000 cattle annually.

Wellard Chief Executive Officer Mauro Balzarini said Mr Whitehouse’s experience as both a meat marketing manager and an operations manager suited Wellard’s requirements perfectly.

“It is almost three years since we purchased Beaufort River Meats, and the abattoir and associated meat marketing has performed well in that time but it is now time to look at further expansion,” he said.

“Kelly’s appointment will help drive Wellard’s meat division and trading operations to the next level and free some of management time back to our ever growing livestock export arm. We plan to increase output from our current facility at Beaufort River Meats, target the domestic market to balance with our export market and start looking at beef production too, so we can offer a greater catalogue of red meat protein for our customers around the world.

“In particular, Kelly’s knowledge of the international markets will be important as we target growing red meat exports into the region.”

Mr Whitehouse said he was excited by the opportunities available in the role.

“I have 30 years experience in the meat industry, in processing and marketing of sheep and beef products that are exported to many markets around the globe, and I look forward to utilising that experience and working alongside everyone to help grow the BRM brand to existing and new customers,” he said.

Mr Balzarini said Mr Whitehouse would work closely with rest of the Group to ensure that Wellard continues to offer competitive rates for sheep and lambs for processing and live export.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Statement from Wellard Chief Operating Officer Fred Troncone:

This month the live export industry agreed on a six point plan to ensure ESCAS-compliance and animal welfare in Vietnam. This six point plan was derived from the minimum standards Wellard had implemented at all facilities within its Vietnamese supply chain.

The requirement for beefed-up protocols originated from observations noted by some of Wellard’s in-country animal welfare observers. For the past four years Wellard has invested in animal welfare observers to monitor supply chains and provide reports back to Wellard in various markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam and various Middle Eastern countries, so that animal welfare outcomes are optimised.

Some of our customers also directly employ their own animal welfare observers to perform a similar function.

This is a crucial role to assess the level of ESCAS compliance at facilities in our existing supply chain and also facilities we are contemplating adding to our supply chain. Any issues that are discovered are dealt with immediately.

The work these people do is well known in our sector because if our animal welfare observers note potential issues with facilities or animals that we believe belong to another exporter’s supply chain we can’t and don’t turn a blind eye to it. Instead we immediately inform those exporters, not the Federal Government, so the exporter can immediately seek to rectify the issue and because it’s the right thing to do by the sheep or cattle. Wellard believes this is good for the long-term sustainability of the industry and in the best interest of Australian producers. The individual exporter, not Wellard, decides whether to self-report to the Federal Department of Agriculture.

This course of action is easily verified by the Department of Agriculture’s ESCAS compliance website. In the past two years all notifications of potential ESCAS breaches in Vietnam have been self-reported by exporters except one, which was a complaint by a member of the public made in June 2013 against a new customer supplied by Wellard. That customer received one shipment only from Wellard and has not been supplied since.

There have been occasions when other exporters’ staff have informed Wellard of potential supply chain issues and we have been able to immediately address the issue and where appropriate self report the issue to the Department of Agriculture. We hope and expect this will continue and invite any exporter who has any evidence to bring it to our attention because it is good animal welfare practice.

Every livestock exporter must be the guardian of animal welfare because individually and collectively we are also the guardians of the future of the live export industry and the farmers and the associated industries that rely on it.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard is getting a new kelpie.

Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the company had been doggedly searching to get its paws on a new ‘man’s best friend’, and had scoured breeders to find one with the right conformation and constitution.

“We’ve gone for a kelpie with an impeccable pedigree,” Mr Balzarini said. “The pup has been conceived and we are patiently waiting for her to come into the world. It comes from a long line of hard workers, particularly skilled at rounding up livestock and getting them moving in the right direction.

“More than anything, it will have the stamina to work stock for days and days, and our kelpie will be judged less on its size and more on its performance around animals.”

Mr Balzarini said any self-respecting Australian rural business should have a well-trained workaholic kelpie, and now Wellard can boast an addition to its pack.

“It was a revelation when I realised that while we had a Ute, we lacked a kelpie to complement it. We looked around for the best breeder and drove a hard bargain to make sure that we will get the pick of the litter.”

“Kelpies of this quality aren’t cheap, but I made sure we weren’t getting a pup,” Mr Balzarini said.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard Rural Exports supports efforts by the Australian industry to address a number of Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) issues, so that they do not undermine the continued operation of facilities that conduct their operations in accordance with ESCAS and proper animal welfare standards.

Wellard COO Fred Troncone said exporters to Vietnam need to work closely with their clients to assist  with the identification of any breaches or potential breaches.

“ESCAS is a supply chain-based system where underperforming supply chains are removed. This is exactly how the system was designed to work,” he said.

All cattle supplied by Wellard to Vietnam are processed using pre-slaughter stunning, and many of the abattoirs are new abattoirs constructed specifically to meet Australian standards.

Last month Wellard suspended three abattoirs in one region in Vietnam from its supply chain. The suspension was a proactive and pragmatic decision and was not in response to any alleged, perceived or known breaches of the Company’s ESCAS (see press release 27 February 2015). The importer who supplied the abattoirs agreed with the Company’s decision and immediately stopped the supply Wellard cattle to the nominated abattoirs.

Mr Troncone said the suspension was for risk management purposes.

“Some nearby abattoirs were not meeting the standards we require and it was important that there was no confusion about which abattoirs belonged to our supply chain and also to demonstrate our seriousness about absolute ESCAS compliance,” Mr Troncone said.

“Once Wellard senior management visited each abattoir and confirmed they were meeting acceptable standards, the suspension was lifted.”

This action is generally consistent with previous actions by Wellard to remove or suspend the supply of livestock to particular supply chains when compliance was at high risk.

In July last year Wellard also sought to improve animal welfare practices outside of the Company’s supply chain, by providing around 100 captive bolt stunners and charges to 50 abattoirs in Vietnam to help improve animal welfare and slaughtering techniques for cattle from all nations at the nominated abattoirs.

The abattoirs, which were not part of Wellard’s Vietnamese supply chain and mainly processed local Vietnamese cattle, used outdated slaughter practices which created welfare and safety risks to both animals and abattoir workers.

“This donation by Wellard was an investment in cultural change and immediate improvement in the slaughter techniques of these abattoirs in Vietnam so that animal welfare of local Vietnamese cattle was improved, this donation is also our way of contributing to a market which is supporting Australian producers by buying quality Australian livestock said Mr Troncone.”

Mr Troncone said Wellard was pleased that its Vietnamese supply chain complied with the RSPCA operational requirements “that must be in place to achieve good animal welfare outcomes in slaughter facilities”.

“Wellard is focussed on continual improvement of animal welfare outcomes throughout the world, and our Vietnamese importer is 100 per cent supportive and has made a considerable investment to ensure cattle are processed to the standards Australia requires,” Mr Troncone said.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has closed its forward contracts for August delivery of mutton sheep to the company’s Beaufort River Meats abattoir in Kojonup, after securing its required numbers.

The contracts lock-in prices of up to $3.80/kilogram for the producers who signed up to the supply agreements.

Wellard Livestock Manager Paul Mahony said Wellard offered the forward contracts through to August in response to demand from some sheep producers for guaranteed pricing.

“The BRM forward contracts give those producers price certainty, and unlike other commodities, there’s little production risk exposure because they know they will have the sheep,” he said.

“Given the current price has been pushed to $2.95/kg and the price during August/September last year topped at $3/kg, I think the producers who chose to lock in at $3.80/kg have made an astute decision which will give them pricing certainty at an historically favourable price.

“Feedback from a number of growers also suggests the $3.80/kg guaranteed has made their bank managers happy too.”

Mr Mahony said the forward contracts provide BRM with some supply certainty at a time when numbers can be difficult to source.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard advises that it has suspended three abattoirs in one region in Vietnam from its supply chain.

The suspension is a proactive and pragmatic decision and is not in response to any alleged, perceived or known breaches of the Company’s Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

The importer, who supplied the abattoirs, agrees with the Company’s decision and will not supply Wellard cattle to the nominated abattoirs unless the suspension is lifted by the Company.

This action is generally consistent with previous actions by Wellard to remove or suspend the supply of livestock to particular supply chains.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini will swap his moleskins for lycra later next month to take part in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth CEO Challenge and support youth mental health initiatives.

The 2015 Hawaiian Ride for Youth starts in Albany on 24 March and finishes in Perth five days later.

For the first time, the event will feature the CEO Challenge in which WA corporate leaders will ride the final leg from Mandurah to Kings Park.

As a former Italian motocross champion, Mr Balzarini’s cycling interests have involved bikes with motors. He rode professionally for a number of years, competing in numerous International Six Day Enduros, long considered the Olympics of endurance motorbike racing. Wellard now sponsors club teams competing at the ISDEs.

Mr Balzarini said he was up for a different two wheeled challenge in which his legs would do all the work.

“Wellard is a big supporter of the state’s rural communities and we know that life can be tough for families, especially young people who can sometimes feel isolated,” Mr Balzarini said.

“My passion is to help rural families and that includes them being able to access to mental health services so no-one ever feels alone. As a result I would encourage rural Western Australians to help us to beat last year’s overall tally of almost two million dollars by donating to this worthwhile cause.”

Supporters can donate via the Ride for Youth website: https://www.rideforyouth.com.au/riders/ceo-challenge/mauro-balzarini

Wellard has a long history of supporting charities.

Each year the company raises money for the Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, both of which benefited from $50,000 raised from an auction and raffle at the company’s Corporate Party in late-2014.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard is pleased to advise that it has bought a ute.

Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the company had been viewing an addition to its stable of workhorses for some time, but had been unable to find the right one, until now.

“Like any Australian rural-based business, we recognised the value of owning a ute and quite frankly I wish we had been able to buy this ute sooner given the huge number of uses for it,” Mr Balzarini said.

“Utes are a unique part of the Australian rural landscape and have served generations of farmers.

“It will be invaluable to our business going forward and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel.”

Mr Balzarini said although Wellard traditionally bought new vehicles, the ability to purchase an older model at the right price that suited the Company’s immediate needs proved the deciding factor.

“It will fit right in with our other vehicles once I arrange for a new paint job,” he said. “It has the power to weight ratio that we require and with its fuel economy it will be able to cover large distances with a large payload without the need to stop for fuel.

“The ute has been put to work quickly given current seasonal conditions have created an immediate need for it, though when we get a chance we will stick it up on the hoist to give it a good once over so that it can continue to rack up the miles safely.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard congratulates the Australian Government and Trade Minister Andrew Robb on the successful negotiation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

“Negotiation of the ChAFTA is of utmost importance for the whole agriculture sector, and specifically for the farmers and businesses that rely on the live export trade,” Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini said.

“This Free Trade Agreement, combined with soon to be agreed health protocol for slaughter and feeder cattle, has the potential to grow farm gate returns for a large number of Australian farmers.

“Exporters to China are receiving strong demand for quality food, and specifically for red meat. Our company is approached regularly by Chinese interests to supply this important market.”

The ChAFTA provides a number of benefits to Wellard and its partners:

• Elimination of all tariffs on live animal exports within four years, including the 10 per cent tariff on live cattle (pure-bred breeding cattle already enter China duty free).
• Elimination of the tariffs on sheepmeat (currently ranging from 12 to 23 per cent) within 8 years.
• Elimination of the 18 per cent tariff on frozen sheepmeat offal within 7 years.

“We are very excited about China’s potential and its strong demand for cattle and sheep, both live and boxed,” Mr Balzarini said.

“Wellard will carefully study FTA before predicting the impact on Wellard business, but the indications are that it will be very positive for most of our divisions, considering that we are already a significant player in the country and we expect demand for livestock, meat and grains to grow.

“Already Wellard’s vertically integrated structure, which covers farming, feeding, processing, shipping and marketing has proven to be of interest to potential Chinese companies which are looking to establish supply chains.”

Wellard plans continue to develop the Chinese market sustainably, alongside its other Asian markets including Indonesia and Vietnam, and to continue to strengthen relationships with existing customers.

“In time I expect Wellard will have a significant presence in China in downstream processing to ensure the maintenance of animal welfare standards and product quality,” Mr Balzarini said.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

Website: www.wellard.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard Club Team riders have secured first and second place in the C2 class at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE).

This year’s event, in San Juan, Argentina, attracted more than 560 riders from 30 countries, and was contested in very dry and sandy conditions, resulting in one the hardest ISDEs of the last decade.

Wellard Club Team riders Gary Sutherlin and Andrew Delong displayed perfect riding throughout the ISDE to claim first and second in the C2 class,  providing some consolation after the team lost its third rider, Chris Bach, on Day Three due to mechanical problems. At the time the Wellard Club Team  was ideally positioned to claim the Club Trophy with an astonishing 16 minute lead as it won every special test in the C2 division.

However, Gary and Andrew were able to refocus and dominated the final classification of  the C2 class and the final motocross test to cement their outright placing at the top of the podium.

Wellard Enduro Team manager Peter Strickland said he was proud of the Wellard team’s riders, who were among the fastest ISDE riders not only in the Club’s division, but on many occasions the National Trophy teams, and showed great determination following the initial set-back as they still managed to finish tenth with just two riders.

“The ISDE is a very tough race which takes both exceptional skill and mental toughness to finish, so it is devastating when one of our riders isn’t able to finish the race due to mechanical failure,” Mr Strickland said.

“Regardless of the final positions, all riders performed well and we as a company are proud to continue to support them. I am also very proud of the excellent relationship Wellard has established with American Motorcycle Association which has demonstrated that the USA is home to some very strong Enduro Riders.”

In fact Team USA, which is also supported by Wellard, came second in the main Trophy Award, behind France, and managed to win the Junior Trophy Award, reserved for riders younger than 23.

Team USA rider Jeff Fredette, won the $1,000 Wellard support package in the online voting competition. He was competing at his final ISDE after setting the record of 34 consecutive ISDE appearances.

The second $1,000 support package was won by Cody Schafer for being the fastest non-Wellard Club rider across the six days of competition.

“All of the Wellard riders did exceptionally well, and we are delighted to have been a successful part of such a prestigious event,” said Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini.

“Over the past eight years of our involvement Wellard’s Club Teams have benefited greatly from ISDE team manager Peter Strickland’s experience and ability to identify fast riders. After so many ISDEs, he is really a specialist in this area and is already thinking about how to repeat the success next year.”

Wellard Club Team (L – R): Chris Bach, Gary Sutherlin and Andrew DeLong

Gary Sutherlin winner of the C2 division

Andrew DeLong in action at the ISDE

Gary Sutherlin flying high

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard’s vessel, the Ocean Drover, is in the process of being relocated to Singapore for repairs to the vessel’s bridge and accommodation areas.

The vessel left Fremantle yesterday under the control of an 8,000 horsepower sea tug for the 2.5 week voyage to Singapore.

Wellard Ships Director Paolo Triglia said while the sea tug was making its way to Fremantle, significant progress had been made in preparing for the repairs, arranging all spares required and removing the damaged infrastructure from the vessel.

“The progress achieved so far will limit the time required to refurbish the ship’s accommodation and bridge areas in Singapore,” Mr Triglia said.

“Singapore is home to the best repair yards in the world and we expect the repair to take approximately 10 weeks. We are also taking the opportunity to perform upgrades of the vessel to new, higher safety standards as well as performing other scheduled maintenance.”

“The Ocean Drover has successfully completed 142 voyages since launched in 2002 and we have no doubt that she will easily complete another 142 voyages and more,” Mr Triglia said.

For further information please contact:
Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard will supply 22,500 dairy cattle to Sri Lanka after securing two contracts worth almost $100 million with the Sri Lankan Department of Economic Development (SLDED).

The contracts build on the recent and successful completion of a previous contract to supply 2,000 dairy heifers to SLDED, which also included the renovation existing facilities and provision of management and education.

Wellard will source and supply 20,000 Friesian Jersey-cross heifers in the next two years to service the larger contract, as well as providing management and veterinary support.

In a second contract, supported by Rabobank and Australia’s Export Finance Investment Corporation, Wellard will supply 2500 Friesian Jersey-cross heifers to a greenfields farm in Sri Lanka to be built by Wellard complete with sheds, milking parlour and machinery.

Wellard Chief Executive Officer Mauro Balzarini said the contract with the Sri Lankan Government reflected Wellard’s previous performance and ability to provide high quality animals and capacity building.

“Let me congratulate our team for this successful contract. They have again proven that Wellard has proven it has the capability to select high performance animals that meet required health protocols, ship them safely to Sri Lanka and assist with the ongoing management to ensure they are cared for appropriately while maximising their milk production,” he said.

Mr Balzarini also paid tribute to Wellard’s partner in Sri Lanka, Foresight, which is part of the Access Group, and the company’s Project Manager Johann Wasserman, for the success of the initial supply and husbandry program and their ongoing role with the two new contracts.

“Wellard is excited that it can play a role in aiding Sri Lanka’s agricultural and nutritional development and this once again proves that live export plays an important role not only for Australia farmers but also for farmers around the world,” said Wellard Asia Business Development Director Scot Braithwaite.  “This is not just the supply of cattle but includes management, training and animal welfare education.”

Sri Lanka currently produces only 42 percent of its milk requirements and imports the remainder at a cost of US$300 million a year. To improve this scenario the Sri Lankan Government has a long term commitment to increase domestic milk production.

Wellard Dairy General Manager Colin Webb said Wellard would be sourcing Friesian Jersey-cross heifers because the breed was best suited to the local environment and production systems.

Wellard expects to convey the heifers in up to five shipments over the next two years and will be sourcing them from around Australia.

Part of the supply agreement also includes technical management and capacity building in-country, through employment and training of veterinarians and farm management advisers and supervisors.

The supply contract was signed by Mr Braithwhite with the Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr.Nihal Jayatilleke in front of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie and Economic Development Ministry Additional Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne.

Mr Webb said the previous 2000 cattle supplied by Wellard to the Sri Lankan Economic Development Industry had performed well in terms of both reproduction and milk production, and the dairy installed by the company was operating efficiently.

“All parties to the original supply agreement have been delighted with its implementation,” Mr Webb said. “We are therefore pleased to have been able to build on that relationship and the knowledge gain with a significantly larger contract.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard Rural Exports wishes to express its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Fremantle Port and emergency services crews for their response to the fire on board the Ocean Drover.

Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the incident demonstrated the capabilities and professionalism of emergency crews and systems to protect lives and infrastructure at Fremantle Port in the event of an emergency.

“Incidents such as this are never welcome, yet they are anticipated. Yesterday’s coordinated response by fire fighters, paramedics, hospital personnel and other agencies was exceptional and Wellard is grateful for their efforts,” Mr Balzarini said.

The fire was fully extinguished last night. An investigation by the appropriate authorities into the cause of the fire will begin today. Wellard will provide any assistance necessary to facilitate the investigation.
A full damage assessment will also be undertaken once it is safe to do so.

The fire and damage was contained to the crew accommodation area and bridge.

One crew member remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition and Wellard will continue to provide support to him and his family.

A second crew member has been released from hospital today.

The remaining 45 crew members are being accommodated in Fremantle.

Ocean Drover was preparing to take on board 6,000 cattle. The company is making alternative arrangements to transport the livestock.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

One person has been injured and hospitalised following a fire on board Wellard vessel Ocean Drover at Fremantle Port earlier today. Three other people are being assessed by hospital doctors.

The fire is believed to have occurred in the ship’s accommodation area at approximately 8am. The fire has been contained to the accommodation and bridge section of the ship.

All 50 crew were safely evacuated from the vessel and been accounted for. One person – a man aged in his 40s – has been injured and is receiving medical treatment.

The remaining crew members are being assessed by St John Ambulance and Department of Health representatives on site. A number of people may be transported to hospital for further assessment if required.

No livestock were on board the vessel at the time of the fire. The vessel was preparing to load cattle for transport to Indonesia early next week.

Wellard is assisting emergency services in relation to the incident. The company wishes to express its appreciation to Fremantle Port and emergency services agencies for their comprehensive response to the incident.

The company’s focus is now on ensuring the injured crew member receives the necessary medical care, as well as making arrangements for crew accommodation on shore.

An update will be provided when the company has further information.

For further information please contact:

Mike Groves
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 427 065 551

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard can confirm there has been a fire on board its vessel Ocean Drover at Fremantle Port.

The fire occurred in the ship’s accommodation area. All crew have been accounted for and safely evacuated from the vessel. One person has been injured and is receiving medical treatment.

No livestock were on board the vessel at the time of the fire.

Wellard is working with emergency services in relation to the incident.

Further information will be provided by Wellard once the fire has been extinguished.

For further information please contact: 

Mike Groves
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 427 065 551

MEDIA RELEASE

September 22, 2014

Prime lamb from Wellard’s Beaufort River Meats (BRM) will be available throughout Perth and South West WA for the first time, after BRM began supplying Progressive Supa IGA’s nine stores this week.

Beaufort River Meats Business Development Manager Blair Brice said the Progressive Supa IGA supply arrangement was a major breakthrough for both the South West-based meat processor and WA consumers seeking quality home grown lamb. Previously Beaufort River Meats had exported its entire production.

“This is an exciting development for Beaufort River Meats to open the new domestic market for our South West lamb which we expect will be welcomed by WA consumers,” Mr Brice said.

“This supply arrangement is a clear sign of confidence from a major, local supermarket chain.

“Beaufort River Meats has an excellent reputation when it comes to processing lamb for export and now we are showcasing domestically the high-quality product we supply to overseas customers.”

Wellard is currently supplying a range of cuts including legs, square cut shoulders, shanks, necks and loins, as well as spring special sides of lamb.

“Progressive Supa IGA’s in-store master butchers will then prepare the cuts to meet their customers exacting standards,” Mr Brice said.

Progressive Supa IGA Operations Manager Frank Oliveri said consumers would be the big winners.

“Our managers pride themselves in knowing what their customers want and at this time of year it is high quality, fresh lamb in season from WA’s South West at a competitive price,” Mr Oliveri said.

“The Beaufort River Meats product will be clearly labelled so consumers can see exactly who is supplying their spring lamb.”

Wellard Livestock Manager Paul Mahony said Wellard buyers had added trade weight specifications to their buy orders in the past week to supply the Progressive Supa IGA meat cases.

“We have begun purchasing lines of lambs with a wider weight range, placing the slightly heavier lambs into the domestic market and the lighter end in the export market,” he said.

Mr Brice said the move into the cuts-based domestic market created better utilisation of the BRM boning room, which in turn had prompted Wellard to move into offering a greater cuts-based selection to its export market menu, in addition to its traditional six-way cut or whole carcase trade.

Mr Oliveri said BRM’s ability to source quality year round had influenced the decision to source BRM lamb from the South West.

“In summer we know we can get a consistent supply of grain finished lamb from Wellard’s feedlot, so we can in turn provide our customers with a consistent quality and quantity of supply.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

September 19, 2014

Wellard has donated 289 quality Western Australian lambs to hunger relief agency Foodbank WA as part of the inaugural Lamb Legends campaign to provide fresh meat to people who struggle to put a nutritious meal on their dinner table.

Wellard Livestock Manager Paul Mahony said the company bought the animals at the recent Muchea and Katanning sales and immediately donated them to Foodbank WA, in what was the campaign’s single biggest contribution.

“As a company that supplies nations in the Middle East and Asia with protein for their citizens, we also have an obligation to support disadvantaged Australian families,” Mr Mahony said.

“At the end of the day, these are our neighbours, people in our own community who need support.”

“Rural people are naturally generous people and we shouldn’t be surprised that an initiative like this has its genesis in the bush. The WA Nationals must be complimented for organising this campaign,” Wellard Rural Exports Middle East General Manager Harold Sealy said.

Wellard also acknowledged the contribution of other businesses that donated their services to transport and process the animals so they can be quickly and efficiently provided to Foodbank WA.

The Lamb Legends campaign is an initiative of the Nationals WA and has been supported by sheep graziers, livestock vendors, transport companies and meat processors.

Last year, Foodbank WA provided more than 4.5 million meals to disadvantaged WA families. The animals donated by Wellard and others will provide about 55,000 portions of meat for distribution by Foodbank WA.

The sheep and lamb donation is the second time Wellard has supported Foodbank. In November 2012 Wellard provided Foodbank in Queensland with its biggest ever single donation of livestock (25 cattle) using a newly created beef cattle supply network.

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini has been appointed to the Australian Federal Government’s Trade and Investment Advisory Council (TIPAC).

The TIPAC, which meets for the first time today, was formed to provide an important source of advice on the challenges and opportunities involved in advancing the Federal Government’s trade and investment agenda.

“This group brings considerable horsepower to the table as well as a unique and high quality commercial perspective to the task of advancing trade and investment,” said Federal Trade Minister Andrew Robb.

“TIPAC members are all highly respected in their fields and offer insight and expertise across all of the areas of Australia’s key strengths. As a government we are determined to leverage these strengths to help drive sustainable growth.”

Mr Balzarini was selected to provide advice on agribusiness given Wellard’s extensive involvement in the production, export and shipping of grains, livestock and meat.

Other food and agribusiness members include, Philippa Purser (Managing Director of Cargill Australia); Alison Watkins (Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil); and Joy Linton (Non-Executive Director of Bega Cheese).

Mr Balzarini said he was honoured to form part of the TIPAC.

“Agriculture in Australia has a promising export-driven future, and I am happy to put my knowledge at the disposal of Minister Robb who should be commended for utilising the experience of export-orientated business leaders to ensure the Government is providing the best support it can to Australia’s exporters.” he said.

“To capitalise on those opportunities there needs to be a concerted effort from business and Government to remove barriers and facilitate trade in both directions.

“The trade decisions Government and business make now will have ramifications for decades to come. Australia must use every competitive advantage it has in a competitive international environment to win export opportunities.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has expanded its exports into China to include commercial consignments of high quality Dorper breeding stock and accreditation of its abattoir, Beaufort River Meats (BRM), to export to China.

Building on the company’s significant presence in China as an exporter of high performance dairy heifers from Australia and New Zealand, Wellard has just completed the airfreight of more than 1200 Dorper rams and ewes and has shipped its first container of mutton to China.

The sheep were sourced from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia for a client in Inner Mongolia.

A 100 per cent success rate was achieved on the 12 hour Singapore Airlines flight from Perth to Hohhot, Inner Mongolia (including refuelling stopover).

The sheep are currently undertaking a 45 day quarantine period in China before moving onto their new host property to form the nucleus of a breeding flock. They were quarantined in Australia for 30 days prior to departure.

Wellard General Manager Harold Sealy said the sheep were purchased by large, privately owned farming organisation which supports many of the smaller farmers in the state of Inner Mongolia.

“Wellard expects to develop this market further as there is appears to be strong demand for high quality sheep genetics from China, and Australia is perfectly placed to supply those genetics,” Mr Sealy said.

Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini said the Dorper sheep exports and BRM China accreditation expanded Wellard’s supply portfolio of protein and genetics to China.

“Wellard has more than 25,000 dairy and beef breeding cattle already booked for supply to China from Australia and New Zealand before end of the year, and we are currently developing specific assets in China and in Australia with the expectation that feeder and slaughter cattle exports to China will commence in the short term,” Mr Balzarini said.

“Wellard is very well positioned to take advantage of growing demand for beef, sheepmeat, beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep genetics in China.”

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard is proud to be supporting the next generation of young motocross champions in Western Australia by sponsoring a free coaching day for the local Kojonup community, south of Perth.

Wellard invited local riders and their families to the Yannawah track in Kojonup to develop their motocross riding skills with one-on-one tuition from the Wellard/BRM/Yamaha team’s riders.

The local riders were tutored about safe riding; encouraged to develop their existing skillset and were lead through a series of demonstrations and practical exercises by some of the best riders in the sport.

Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini said he was thrilled the company could be involved in such a great local event, which was initiated by the entrepreneur spirit of Charlie Young,  and hoped one day out of this experience, some of the participants may turn their passion into a sporting career.

“It is more than just teaching your riders how to ride an off road bike, it is focussed on encouraging them to take up sport as a way of living, and do it in a safe and fair way. We’ve had positive feedback from the local community members about the coaching day and hope to get involved in more local community events like this in the future because it was such a rewarding day for everyone involved,” said Mr Balzarini.

Local Kojonup rider Charlie Young even managed to safely clear the Big Balls Dam Replica 36 metre jump.

“This jump has been a part of the Young family for many years and to be one of the first to clear it, and to beat Dad, feels absolutely awesome,” said Charlie.

Topping off a great day of riding and skills building for everyone involved was a barbeque, provided by the team from Wellard’s Beaufort River Meats.

To see the local riders in action, visit the following video at http://youtu.be/_NyhQpFOd88

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has processed its 500,000^th head of livestock through its Woodanilling abattoir, Beaufort River Meats (BRM).

The company hit the milestone with a 19.3 kilogram mutton carcase, which has been broken and frozen for export to Taiwan.

More than two thirds of the half a million animals processed at BRM have been mutton sheep and one quarter have been lambs. The remainder of the throughput included rams, goats and some deer.

Previously BRM only supplied frozen product, however since it was purchased by Wellard it has developed a large, vibrant air freight chilled carcase trade to the Middle East. Smaller mutton carcases are predominantly used for 6-way product and the larger animals are allocated to the frozen whole carcase market.

Markets BRM is supplying to include all of the Middle East, Taiwan, the United States of America, Canada, West Indies, Jordan, Israel, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore. In recent weeks BRM received approval to export processed sheep, goats and deer to China.

BRM General Manager David Jarvie said the BRM operation was going from strength to strength with a co-ordinated buying program; committed abattoir staff and management; and an expanding market penetration created by the trading staff of Wellard.

“Importantly, the change from seasonal operations to year-round processing has enabled BRM to attract and retain high quality staff, which is crucial in the food business. In my 30 years in the industry I have never been in an abattoir with such a great, productive atmosphere,” he said.

Beaufort River Meats has operated continually and seamlessly since November 2012, when Wellard purchased the facility from the Macri family, who remain integrally involved with the abattoir’s day to day operations.

“With robust forward orders, we expect operations to keep going at full speed until a routine maintenance period in winter, said Mr Jarvie.

In addition to purchasing smallstock from throughout Western Australia, Wellard has also been able to use its Baldivis feedlot to grow out store lambs to weights and grades suitable for processing at Beaufort River Meats.

“This integrated model provides extra efficiencies and utilisation of Wellard assets and marketing opportunities for store sheep producers,” Mr Jarvie said.

ENDS

For further information or high resolution version of photograph below please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Around March last year Wellard identified a number of issues of concern with respect to a shipment of sheep to Bahrain and Pakistan.

After conducting its own investigation, Wellard proactively informed the Australian Federal Police of those concerns. Recently the Company became aware of additional irregularities which it has also reported to the Federal Police and to the Department of Agriculture.

The company is extremely disappointed that it has been placed in this position and has been actively working with the regulatory authorities to assist their investigations.

As the matter remains under investigation by the regulatory authorities, and Wellard is assisting with those inquiries, the Company cannot provide any further information.

 ENDS

For further information please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has added an additional 2,000 hectares to its rural landholding in Western Australia, through the acquisition of a property adjacent to its Dongara Agri Hub at The Grange.

The purchase of the property adds to the existing 14,500 hectares Wellard Agri farms at The Grange and takes Wellard’s total rural landholding to 37,662 hectares, with an additional 20,000ha of leasehold.

Wellard Agri CEO Tim Macnamara said the ability to purchase a well managed property adjacent to The Grange was commercially attractive.

“The bolt-on acquisition will enable Wellard Agri to run more sheep and cattle and crop more hectares at The Grange utilising the capital infrastructure and management expertise Wellard has already invested in ” Mr Macnamara said.

“The benefits and synergies we were able to achieve from the addition of another property to our Watheroo Agri Hub in February 2013 provided us with the confidence to assess and pursue additional bolt on acquisitions at other Agri Hubs that provide additional returns on investment through the economies of scale.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard advises that one its ships, the MV Ocean Drover, is not achieving the success rates normally expected or achieved by the vessel, due to a number of issues it has encountered on its current voyage to the Gulf of Aqaba.

The company has advised the Department of Agriculture Fisheries that the sheep and cattle mortality rate on board the vessel is currently exceeding the reportable threshold, which will trigger an automatic investigation into the voyage. Wellard will co-operate fully with that investigation.

A longer than normal voyage duration due to mechanical issues, which caused the vessel to stop for repairs and then travel at 70% of its normal high speed, and a change in feed prompted by the extended voyage, have been the main causes of the mortality on board.

“This result is extremely disappointing and unacceptable to our company,” said Wellard Managing Director Mauro Balzarini.

“The Ocean Drover has consistently been a high performance vessel. Its voyage success rate on more than 130 voyages in the past 12 years is 99.32 per cent for sheep and 99.82 per cent for cattle, which exceeds the industry average for both species. We strive for 100 per cent success, so to exceed the reportable threshold on this voyage is unsatisfactory.

“We will make changes as a result of this issue, but we need to thoroughly assess what they should be.”

The livestock on board the vessel continue to be cared for by an AQIS accredited veterinarian and four Australian stockmen. In addition, Wellard’s shore-based veterinarian and an independent veterinarian engaged by Wellard have been providing additional support to the on-board vet, stockmen and crew.

The provision of feed, water and ventilation to the 42,000 sheep and 6,000 cattle on board the vessel have been unaffected by the vessel’s mechanical issues due to the back-up systems built into the ship to protect and enhance animal welfare.

Wellard is providing regular reports to the Department of Agriculture.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 433 886 871

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellard has taken the decision to load additional livestock feed on the MV Ocean Drover as the vessel continues its voyage to Gulf of the Aqaba.

Loading of additional livestock feed safeguarded the continued provision of energy and protein to the livestock on board at levels in excess of their daily requirements.

Since encountering mechanical issues the MV Ocean Drover has been operating at speeds below its normal high cruising speed which has extended the voyage duration and prompted Wellard to take the decision to load additional fodder. That reduced cruising speed is similar to the normal cruising speeds of many livestock, and other, vessels.

All animal services (feed, water and ventilation) on the board MV Ocean Drover have remained fully functional throughout the voyage and the livestock remain in good condition.

Wellard is continuing to provide daily updates to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and is committed to keeping animal welfare at the forefront of the company’s operations.

The vessel continues to experience calm seas, low humidity and daytime temperatures of 27-28C, well below the 35-40C the livestock experienced in their paddocks before being transferred to the vessel.

ENDS

 For further information, please contact:

Cameron Morse

Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888

Mobile: +61 433 886 871