Moora Shire president likely first in the field

Miling farmer Ken Seymour might be the first to officially put his hand up for the only vacant seat on the CBH board, with plans to email his nomination to the WA Electoral Commission today.

Mr Seymour, who is also the Shire of Moora president, hopes to take on the seat vacated by retiring District 1 director Rod Madden.

Mr Seymour said he had been approached by farming peers and asked him to put himself forward.

“I have a passion for grain growing in WA, and a vision to return value to producers through the safe and efficient transport, storage and marketing and grain,” he said.

Mr Seymour said he had learnt a lot during his six years on the Shire of Moora council, including four years as the president.

He has also spent the last two years as the chairman of the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group, after joining four years ago.

“I have a knowledge of grain production systems and the logistical and legal requirements for transporting grain from farm to port,” Mr Seymour said.

“I have a well-developed network with people involved in decision making in transport systems, and an ability to work in effective decision-making teams.”

A fourth-generation farmer, Mr Seymour returned to the farm in 1982, running it with his two brothers. He has farmed and transported grain for the past 35 years.

Mr Madden announced in September he would not seek re-election, saying he was “very slowly” transitioning into retirement after 12 years on the CBH board.

Mr Madden was due for re-election in January, at the end of his three-year term.

He won the 2017 election in a landslide victory, reeling in 234 votes against Northampton’s Bradley Cripps, with 110 votes.