The meeting’s attendees discussed many issues and also heard from several guest speakers.

Katanning Saleyard’s progress was reported on by Katanning Shire deputy chief executive Carl Beck.

Wool delegate Wendy McDougall brought the attending wool growers’ attentions to their automatic shareholder status in Grazier Investment Company and the decisions to be made on what to do with shares on its demise.

Other matters discussed included farmers’ liability for awareness of laws, false declaration of grain, pressure of cash contracts and concern over effective use of monies through Farm Ready.

The benefits of WAFarmers’ connection with Grain Growers Ltd were explained by guest speaker Ray Morgan.

WAFarmers members will be offered membership at no extra cost.

State president Mike Norton also attended the meeting and spoke about the banking sector and the need for transparency of overseas investments in rural land.

Mr Norton also commented on the grain shipping delays currently being experienced.

This year is his final year in term as president and also the WAFarmers’ 100-year celebration.

He was thanked for his interest and attendance at zone meetings over the last four years.

At the conclusion of his report, retiring president Kym Crosby delighted members with his poem, Booking into Heaven.

From Broomehill, Mr Crosby has chaired zone meetings for six years and hands over to Ian McDougall from Wagin as the incoming president.

Priority activities for this year include focusing on new or renewed memberships, protecting and forwarding the agricultural industry and the constant need for farmers to be involved in the decision-making which is shaping their industry.