DR CHRIS Abell doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Which is why he has trouble with some of his fellow directors at Australian Wool Innovation.
He is also a believer in "actions speaking louder than words".
Which is why his biographical note in the AWI election ballot papers is the shortest.
Chris would argue levy payers should judge him on the performance of the AWI board, and his contribution to that performance.
Chris won't blow his own trumpet about the fact he is one of South Australia's most successful pastoralists - wool and beef - a gifted physicist and engineer, and a versatile mechanic.
Fellow board member Dr Kevin Bell, a veterinarian and university professor, reckons Chris is the hardest worker and contributor to the board.
"He is also a lateral thinker and he is always thinking outside the square," Kevin told C&C.
The mulesing or anti-flystrike clips were Chris's idea. And despite reports from those keen to denigrate the clip research, Chris assigned all royalties to AWI.
He's one never to rest, and along with South Australian veterinarian Jack Coffey is also co-inventor of the latest injectable method to produce a bare breech on lambs.
Details of the compounds used in this injectable remain confidential, although AWI has contracted the South Australian Research and Development Institute to continue the development.
Chris and four other incumbent directors are facing an uphill battle for re-election on November 19.
It's a battle that has turned ugly between the five challengers backed by the Australian Wool Growers Association, and incumbents backed by WoolProducers.
Kevin said it would be a sad day for wool if Chris was voted off.
He said if Chris or the incumbents lost he would resign from the board.
