Our Story

The Livestock Collective Community

The Livestock Collective seeks to humanise the live export industry and create stronger connections with the broader livestock and agriculture communities by sharing authentic stories and perspectives directly from supply chain participants. This grassroots movement provides factual, up-to-date information to increase understanding of an essential industry often misunderstood by the public. Agriculture relies on hardworking, passionate people fulfilling a vital societal role – one deeply rooted in their identity. The Livestock Collective gives these individuals a platform to share their voices, bring clarity to the realities on the ground, and highlight the humanity behind live export.

Our History

In December 2018, The Sheep Collective was created through RETWA and Emanuel Exports Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Compliance Officer, Dr. Holly Ludeman. They embarked on a transparency challenge to address the live sheep export industry, which was in crisis after disturbing footage from the Awassi Express was released in April 2018 by 60 Minutes and Animals Australia. The footage highlighted the lack of information sharing by the industry with the wider community. Like many agricultural businesses, the live export sector was unprepared and lacked the skills to communicate effectively. This industry supports thousands of rural families, small businesses, and communities. The Sheep Collective project sparked a new conversation by filling an informational void through authentic stories and meaningful engagement.

The project provided unprecedented access to information, images, and footage. Building on The Sheep Collective’s success, The Cattle Collective launched. This movement evolved into The Livestock Collective, an overarching non-profit company.

Meet the Team

Our Directors: Holly Ludeman, John Cunnington and Steven Bolt bring a wealth of industry knowledge from many different areas to The Livestock Collective. From Veterinary expertise to on farm expertise in both the cattle and sheep industry sectors. All members of the board also sit on a number of other boards or committees, as we believe in collaboration with the wider industry.

Holly Ludeman

Managing Director

Holly Ludeman, founder and Managing Director of The Livestock Collective, is a veterinarian, agricultural scientist, and expert on the livestock export industry. With extensive experience in Australia and importing countries, she focuses on developing systems, training, and processes to improve animal welfare, compliance, and efficiency in domestic and global markets. Ludeman holds degrees in Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. She also serves as a Corporate Governance and Compliance Officer for Emanuel Exports.

John Cunnington

Director

John Cunnington serves as Business Development Manager for Halleen Australasian Livestock Traders Pty Ltd, a livestock exporter focused on South East Asia. Committed to industry advancement, John chairs the West Australian Livestock Exporters Association and sits on the board of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council. His supply chain experience lends an informed perspective to these roles. Recognizing Australia as a major agricultural exporter, John stresses the importance of strong trade partnerships. John holds a Bachelor's in Commerce (Economics and Finance) and a Master's in International Business.

Steven Bolt

Director

Steven Bolt, Principal of Claypans Merino Stud in Corrigin, Western Australia, actively participates in the sheep and wool industry through leadership positions. He currently serves as President of WoolPoll and previously was President of the Western Australian Stud Merino Breeders Association. In addition, he sits on the board of the Live Export Advisory Group. With a passion for the sheep and wool industry as well as small rural communities, Bolty is deeply engaged in representing producers.