Advisory Committee

Dr Sue Hatcher is an independent agricultural consultant and livestock scientist with more than 30 years' experience working across Australia's sheep and livestock industries. She was previously a Principal Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, where she led research programs focused on livestock genetics, productivity and profitability. 

Drawing on a strong background in research, genetic improvement and industry engagement, Sue now works through her consultancy, Makin Outcomes, providing strategic advice, project management and independent expertise to a range of agricultural and livestock organisations. 

Sue has extensive experience working with producers, industry bodies, researchers and service providers, and is well regarded for her ability to bring people together, facilitate constructive discussions and help translate complex technical information into practical outcomes for industry. 

She currently serves as Chair of the Southern Australian Livestock Research Council (SALRC), Co-Editor-in-Chief of Animal Production Science, Editor-in-Chief of Animal Science Proceedings, and Vice President of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences. 

Matt and his family are the proud owners and managers of Low Footprint Lamb a “Nudie” shedding flock in Western Victoria near Hamilton.

Matt is a first-generation farmer he has accumulated 40 years of experience in the livestock industry, serving in various roles including stockman, stock manager, farm manager, livestock contractor, and research technical officer. He developed a sheep business in bluegum plantations in southwest Victoria, and eventually purchased a farm in 2015.

His passion for agriculture is driven by a firm belief that through genetics, we can improve production, reduce health risks, and decrease labour requirements in each generation, making farming more efficient, more profitable and more enjoyable. This conviction, coupled with performance recording and scientific advancements, keeps him motivated and excited about the future of livestock breeding.

David is a Merino seedstock breeder and co-owner of family-run business Moojepin Merinos near Katanning, Western Australia. He established Moojepin Merinos in 1992 and began selling rams in 1997. As a foundation member of MerinoSelect, he has a longstanding commitment to using genetic information to guide breeding decisions.

 David has a longtime commitment to using ASBVs to guide breeding decisions. Over three decades, he has combined performance recording, research collaboration and practical on-farm selection to breed productive, fertile and easy-care Merinos. He brings an open-minded perspective to the Sheep Genetics Advisory Committee, with a focus on making genetic information practical and valuable for breeders and their clients.

Kate has a passion for sheep breeding, with a solid base in strategic planning, financial management and marketing. With husband Chris and 3 children, Kate runs around 7000 breeding ewes and has been recording in LAMBPLAN for over 12 years.

Sally is passionate about rural communities and agriculture, and has a vision for a united wool and sheepmeat industry.

Sally grew up on a grazing property in the Monaro region in NSW. She studied Agricultural Science and completed post graduate studies focusing on animal breeding management. She worked for NSW Department of Primary Industries and now runs her own consultancy business. 

Belinda grew up on their family Merino Stud in North Central Victoria. With a passion for sheep breeding, she worked for many years for Artificial breeding companies across eastern Australia, while completing her Bachelor of Rural Science (Hons) and Post Graduate study through the University of New England.

While well versed in data collection and collation as a data manager, Belinda also runs a commercial Merino and cross bred operation in North Central Victoria with her partner and family.

Jason Ledger is a molecular geneticist and one of the founders and Managing Director of XytoVet. Based in Western Australia, Jason has extensive experience in the practical application of DNA technologies and genomics within the Australian livestock industry. 

Through XytoVet, he works closely with sheep and cattle breeders, breed organisations and industry bodies to help producers make effective use of genomic information in breeding programs. His particular interests include improving access to genomic technologies, translating complex genetic information into practical breeding decisions, and ensuring new technologies deliver genuine commercial value to livestock producers. 

Jason brings to the Advisory Committee a combination of scientific, commercial and industry experience, together with a strong interest in sustainably profitable livestock production, animal welfare, and the continued development and adoption of objective genetic evaluation within the Australian sheep industry. 

Mel Dowling's passion for agriculture began growing up on a mixed farming property in Katanning, Western Australia. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Western Australia, establishing a strong foundation in animal production, genetics, and agricultural systems. 

Mel started her career with the WA Department of Agriculture, where she worked as a Genetics and Wool Research Officer before moving into an Extension Officer role, helping producers adopt new technologies and management practices. She later owned and operated a rural retail business for 10 years, gaining valuable experience in agribusiness and customer service. 

Today, Mel works as a Genomic Product Specialist, supporting livestock producers, breeders, and industry stakeholders in the application of genomic technologies. Her focus is on translating complex genetic information into practical, real-world tools that help producers improve animal performance, productivity, profitability, and flock resilience. Combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of agriculture and producer needs, Mel is passionate about helping the livestock industry harness the benefits of genetics and genomics.