The Australian wool and racing industries and Tasmanian agriculture have lost one of their great leaders and thinkers with the death on Friday of fifth generation wool producer Rod Thirkell-Johnston AM, of Saundridge, Cressy. The family has operated mixed farming enterprises in the Cressy area, firstly at “Macquarie Hills’’, and then from 1979 at “Saundridge”.

Mr Thirkell-Johnston was awarded life membership of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) after serving as president of the association and also chairman of the TFGA Wool Council for many years up until his death.

In the 1990s, in his roles as president of the Australian Superfine Wool Growers Association and a member and chairman of the Australian Wool Council, he was pivotal in the industry’s efforts to overcome the wool stockpile crisis and the collapse of the wool market.

Mr Thirkell-Johnston was also active in many other industry roles, including the Tasmanian Fine Merino Breeders’ Association, the Tasmanian Racing Board, the Tasmanian Turf Club and the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001 in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

Today, TFGA president David Gatenby said Tasmania has lost one of the lions of the land.

“In Tasmania, Rod was regarded as a font of all knowledge. His grasp and memory of rural affairs was extraordinary. H was also a great conciliator. In moments of tension, Rod was able to see the path through the middle or was able to recognise the strategy might be a temporary retreat,” Mr Gatenby said.

“He was highly respected at all levels of government. His passion and his attention to detail in everything he did were his trademarks. His submissions were always soundly argued and written in flawless English.”

TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said it was a huge loss for his family and the farming industry, in Tasmania and more broadly.

“He will be deeply missed by our TFGA family; but also by so many others in our industry across the country. His unfailing commitment to the wool and racing industries; his prodigious memory; his generosity and selflessness, and his genuine concern for the greater good will leave a hole in our hearts.”

ASWGA president Helen Cathles said at the time he was awarded life membership:

“Rod Thirkell-Johnston has had an enormous impact on the superfine merino wool industry. There is not a single woolgrower whose enterprise has not benefitted by Rod’s tireless efforts to make representation to governments and industry bodies, highlighting the deficiencies and supporting the solutions.”

A memorial service will be held on 11th September; and details will be available closer to the date.
Jan Davis TFGA Chief Executive http://www.tfga.com.au/