Succession is front of mind for most farmers. Wool growing and veterinarian duo Michelle Humphries and Michael Gregory, who run a grazing operation and artificial breeding centres at Jerilderie and Yass, have started to think about this in the last few years. While farming succession is often challenging to traverse, Michelle and Michael have had the added complication of wanting the veterinary business, which they have developed and grown for 40 years, to continue to be able to service their sheep clients into the future.
“Passing a farm onto the next generation carries a profound legacy rooted in heritage, responsibility and continuity,” said Michelle. “On top of this, the continuation of Livestock Breeding Services is not only a transfer of a business, but also a lifetime of technical knowledge and a deep connection to the Merino industry and its people.”
It is not surprising that Michelle and Michael are excited by the recent decision of their daughter Edith and her fiancé, Lachlan Woods, both veterinarians, to return to Jerilderie to take over the reins of both LBS and the farm.
Both young vets have worked in mixed practice - Edith at Barraba and Lachlan at Taroom, QLD. For the past year they have both worked as veterinarians in Longreach, QLD. Flexible work arrangements have allowed them both to help at LBS with AI and ET programs over the past 4 years.
“It is quite a thing to step forward to carry on what has been so much more than a business - it has been our family’s life” Edith says.
Lachlan is keen to see the business grow further. “Edith and I have a vision to expand the reach of LBS, both geographically and with additional services.”
It certainly looks like it will be busy times ahead for this second-generation sheep business with two enthusiastic young vets at the helm.
Michelle, Michael, Edith and Lachlan.
Editorial supplied by Livestock Breeding Services.
