Meet your new GIRDAC members
11 June 2025
The Goat Industry Research, Development and Adoption Committee (GIRDAC) plays a vital role in shaping the future of Australia’s goat industry.
Comprising of producers and industry experts from across the value chain, the eight-member committee advises on levy research and development (R&D) priorities, project review, service provider appointments and terms of reference.
GIRDAC is pleased to welcome two new members: Kieran Smith and Anita Dennis, who bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table.
Kieran Smith
Kieran Smith is an Agriculture Advisor with Western Local Land Services working on the Going Ahead with Goats project. He supports producers to improve productivity and profitability through advisory work, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
With a Rural Science degree focused on livestock production systems as well as a background working in both intensive and extensive livestock enterprises, combined with experience in livestock extension, he brings a strong mix of technical expertise and hands-on knowledge.
Kieran joined GIRDAC to deepen his understanding of how R&D priorities are set and to contribute practical insights to guide the industry’s direction, shaping future R&D activities in the goat industry.
Passionate about the sector’s growth, Kieran hopes to see goats widely accepted as a viable enterprise – either as a standalone operation or to complement other livestock enterprises on farm.
Anita Dennis. Image credit: AgForce Queensland.
Anita Dennis is the Goat Director on the AgForce Sheep, Wool, and Goat Board and runs a 50,000-acre goat enterprise, Taylor Dennis Pastoral, with her family in Central Western Queensland.
Over the past decade, Anita has focused on advancing rangeland genetics through strategic breeding programs. A founding member of QGoat and the Kalahari Goat Association of Australia as well as a member of Boer Goats Australia, she is deeply involved in industry development, knowledge sharing and advocacy.
Anita’s appointment reflects her long-standing commitment to the sector. She believes clear growth pathways through strategic RD&A, improved market access, sustainable expansion and enhanced producer education are essential to unlocking the industry’s full potential.
She also sees big opportunity in strengthening the domestic market and making premium goat meat more accessible to Australian consumers.
Together, Kieran and Anita bring valuable voices to the committee and passion for the growth and profitability of the industry.
