URGENT UPDATE: Former CBH Group chair Wally Newman has officially announced his candidacy for a board seat in District 4, igniting excitement ahead of the co-operative’s director elections. This surprising move comes five years after his resignation and amidst growing concerns over a potential corporate takeover of CBH.
Newman, a prominent Newdegate farmer, previously held a significant role on the CBH board for over 20 years, including a six-year tenure as chairman from 2014 until his resignation in April 2020. His departure followed a vote from fellow directors that favored current chair Simon Stead over him. This week, he has thrown his hat back in the ring, making a bold statement as the only candidate nominating outside of CBH Group’s Candidate Assessment Panel, which was established in 2021 to vet candidates for the board.
Newman’s return marks the second time he has sought a board position since his resignation, having been defeated in 2021 by Lake Grace farmer Royce Taylor. This year, he will compete against Taylor once more, as well as newcomer and respected Wagin farmer Clayton South.
Motivated by recent rumors of corporate interest in acquiring CBH, Newman expressed a desire to address what he calls “unfinished structural changes” within the co-operative. “Where there is smoke, there is fire,” Newman stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He emphasized that numerous growers have encouraged him to advocate for the co-operative model, which he believes needs refinement and continuous improvement.
“I have had a few phone calls in the past week or so… it was a last-minute decision,” he said, reflecting on the growing unease among farmers regarding CBH’s future. “There are less and less growers, and the structure needs to be fine-tuned more.”
Newman believes that while the co-operative model remains the “right one,” it must adapt to ensure fairness and equity for growers. He is particularly concerned about recent decisions made by the board, stating, “You constantly have to be looking at what is fair and equitable for the grower… and that is what I have always stood for.”
As he prepares for the election, Newman reminisced about a long-abandoned CBH toll system that once allowed growers greater control over grain movement and storage. While acknowledging the efficiency of modern freight and digital management systems, he argues that the original toll structure provided necessary transparency and influence for growers, which should not be overlooked.
With the election looming, the stakes are high. Farmers across the region are eager to see how this election might reshape the future of CBH, particularly in light of potential corporate influences on the co-operative’s operations. As Newman once again steps into the spotlight, the agricultural community will be watching closely.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds and the election date approaches.
