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Shock change at the top of GGA

7/06/2008 4:59:00 PM
Grain Growers Association chairman Dan Mangelsdorf has been replaced in a shock changing of the guard by his former deputy John Eastburn.

Southern NSW farmer Gerry Lane, from Milbrulong, became deputy chairman at a meeting on Thursday.

Mr Eastburn subsequently resigned from his group director's position at GrainCorp the following day, but Mr Mangelsdorf remains on the GrainCorp board.

Mr Eastburn's departure follows a sudden exodus of other GGA board members from GrainCorp, including Mr Lane, Spencer Millear and Bruce Smith, who resigned last month but remain on the GGA board.

Mr Eastburn's resignation means GrainCorp is operating with the minimum five board members and a managing director.

GrainCorp chairman Don Taylor confirmed Mr Mangelsdorf was still on GrainCorp's board as of Friday but could not elaborate on the West Wyalong grower's future with the organisation.

"That's up to Dan to decide," Mr Taylor said.

The chief executive officer of the association, Peter Flottmann, refused to comment, saying the GGA would put out a media release soon about the board restructure.

Meanwhile, GrainCorp has officially lodged the bidder's statement for its off–market takeover offer for all the issued shares in Ridley Corporation Limited with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

GrainCorp's offer for the stock feed manufacturer is aimed at making the grain company Australasia's leading handler and supplier of agriproducts and bulk products.

The offer is one fully paid GrainCorp share for every nine Ridley shares.

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Comments


Date: Newest first | Oldest first
There is only a certain amount of time you can say you are representing growers in submissions to Government, when in fact Mr Mangelsdorf has been speaking on behalf of GrainCorp & other grain traders, before there is grass roots revolt.

Watch out VFF, SAFF & some in NSW Farmers Ass. You could be next to feel the wrath of grass roots members !

Posted by Average Wheat Grower on 7/06/2008 8:10:31 PM
It is revolting to see such absent minded ignorance still exists by a minority group of growers who believe that Mr Mangelsdorf did not represent the majority and as a result set GGA on a path to deliver benefits to industry in what is an exciting time in our GRAINS industry (not just wheat)! If it is in the interest of a handful of ignorant people out there who aim to destroy the future of a fruitful company then the thought makes me physically sick! Good luck to the so called average wheat grower.
Posted by Sick of the ignorance! on 10/06/2008 9:23:31 AM
To Sick of the ignorance. When I went to school 80pc equalled a majority! A chairman who puts in submissions to government saying "The board had consulted with members", when in fact the rest of the board did not see the submission before it was submitted has to go. There had been no consultation with the rest of the board , committee of advice, let alone members. A case of the tail wagging the dog instead of the dog wagging the tail!
Posted by Average Wheat Grower on 10/06/2008 9:00:30 PM
Dear 'sick of ignorance', Mr Mangelsdorf has admitted a number of times that he did not have to listen to members. He said it is he and his Board that made Policy and has refused on a number of occasions to accept a majority veiw on Policy. I do not know any organisation in Australia that would tolerate such abuse of power. All I can say is Don't let the door hit you on the way out Dan & bring on democracy GGA.
Posted by Barely surviving on 13/06/2008 11:50:46 AM

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Former GGA chairman Dan Mangelsdorf.
Former GGA chairman Dan Mangelsdorf.

Q: What impact will the abolition of the single desk wheat export marketing system have on your farm business?

Better off
(32.5%)

Worse off
(53.8%)

No change
(13.8%)

Total Votes: 385
Poll Date: 8/06/2008

2:41 PM AEST | AWI's new board can only succeed in old battles by fighting in new ways.
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