It is with much pleasure that I present this report to Boran members for this 7th Annual General Meeting of the Association.

At long last we have had a break in the season with useful rain over most of the eastern states, giving a much needed confidence boost to producers.  Although it is early days yet, this should bring increased interest  in the undoubted attributes of the Boran breed.  During the drought, management has had to adopt very much a holding position with little chance of expansion. If we can return to more normal seasons I hope this will change.

Anyone who has been involved with the Borans will acknowledge their amazing ability to reproduce even under the harshest conditions.  Coupled with their early maturity I feel sure they will play a valuable role in the Australian cattle industry.  If we can prove to the processors that their meat quality is above the Bos Indicus average, we should have a highly saleable crossbreeding animal.

Unfortunately since May, due to a health problem, I have been unable to do much for our own business or the Boran Association. 1 believe the worst is behind me now, so 1 look forward to playing a more useful and vigorous role in the year ahead.

I am most grateful to Carmel for so ably handling the office work and to the rest of the committee members for their support and encouragement.  Kathy Hudson, in particular, deserves many congratulations for being able to produce the Boran Bulletin at such regular intervals.  Without a doubt, as a communication medium, it is one of our greatest assets.  As always she would appreciate as much input from members as possible.

1 wish all members a happy and prosperous 1999 and urge them to select and prepare as many animals as possible for Beef 2000.

John Windley
Chairman