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Prominent People

Department:

This section lists industry people who have made a significant contribution to the achievements and success of agriculture in South Australia and Australia. Where information is available from a readily available source, a link is provided.

A

Adam, David Bonar 1900 - 1951

After a period as plant pathologist with the Victorian Department of Agriculture, David Adam accepted a position as Head of the Department of Plant Pathology at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute in 1934, a post which he held until his death. At the Waite Institute he commenced a study of soil-borne fungus which resulted in disease of wheat. He provided basic information and understanding of the disease, enabling farmers, by sound agronomic practices, to mitigate its ravages.

Image: University of Adelaide

Alexander, Don 1933 - 2015

Don Alexander was a water engineer who spent much of his career in the Engineering and Water Supply Department, although his professional role was of considerable significance to agriculture in the State. That Department was responsible for irrigation districts in the Riverland, servicing horticultural and viticultural industries. He was chaired of the South Australian Water Resources Council and oversaw the operations of the regionally-based Water Resources Committees. Don also was Director of the former Department of Lands which had responsibility of pastoral land management.

Image: The Advertiser

Andrewartha, Herbert George (Andy) 1907 - 1992

Entomologist and ecologist who had a significant role in research with plague locust and apple thrips along with a leadership role at the University of Adelaide.

Image: Australian Academy of Science

Angus, William 1871 - 1965

Director of the South Australia Department of Agriculture from 1904 to 1910.

Image: http://pir.sa.gov.au/aghistory

B

Barrow, Peter McKee 1928 - 2016

Peter Barrow was a world renown agricultural scientist. He was initially involved in soil conservation and then barley research, later becoming the Chief Agronomist. He was heavily involved in developing dryland farming techniques, supporting projects in countries in the Middle East.

Image: PIRSA Ag History

Beare, John Allan (Allan) 1916 - 2007

Allan grew up on a farm in the Mid North and attended Roseworthy Agricultural College, joining the Department of Agriculture in 1938 originally specialising in horticulture then in soil conservation. He was appointed Soil Conservator in 1955 and was a proponent of South Australia’s dryland farming expertise. He represented the Department on many State and National committees.

Image: The Advertiser

Blackburn, Gerard (Dick) 1918 - 1999

Dick Blackburn was well known pedologist and contributed much to knowledge of southern Australian soils and landscapes. He began his career as a pedologist at CSIRO Division of Soils in Adelaide in 1946 and was based here until his retirement in 1983. He was a leading practitioner of soil science and his scientific work over the years represents a major contribution to Australian soil science and agriculture.

Blesing, Albert Percy 1879 - 1949

Farmer and politician. From a farming background, Albert Blesing had a long political career. He was the SA Minister of Agriculture from 1933 to 1944, and in his role as Minister for Afforestation (1938-44), promoted extensive planting of Pinus radiata forests in the South East of SA.

Image: SLSA Image B6323 1933

Butler, Sir Richard 1850 - 1925

Premier. Sir Richard Butler had a long political career, holding numerous Ministerial portfolios and was Premier for a short period. He played a key role in the building of Outer Harbour and locks along the River Murray.

Image: SLSA Image B61945 1925

Bywaters, Gabriel Alexander (Gabe) 1914 - 2004

Gabe Bywaters was an excellent Minister of Agriculture and a Minister of Lands (amongst other portfolios) and guided agriculture through a difficult period with decisions that were hard but necessary.

Image: SA Parliament

C

Callaghan, Sir Allan Robert 1905 - 1993

Sir Allan Callaghan was a formidable figure in agriculture. He was Principal of Roseworthy Agricultural College at a young age, Director of the Dept of Agriculture for 10 years, a member of the Australian Embassy in Washington and then Chairman of the Australian Wheat Board.

Image: National Library of Australia

Cant, Rodney Revett (Rev) 1927 - 2021

Rev Cant joined the Dept of Agriculture and became a horticultural adviser had a great interest in winemaking and was respected by the citrus industry as a national pioneer of different varieties.

Image: The Advertiser

Carter, Edward (Ted) 1927 - 2018

Ted completed a degree in Agricultural Science before moving to Kangaroo Island as the Officer in Charge of the research centre at Parndana. He was instrumental in supporting the subdivision and development of land for soldier settlers returning after World War 2. After his Kangaroo Island work he was appointed as a Lecturer in Agronomy at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide.

Image: The Advertiser

Carter, Maurice Vernon 1926 - 2014

Maurice Cant was a plant pathologist based at the Waite Institute at Urrbrae having previously worked for the CSIRO. His research identified the cause of gumosis in apricot trees and other plants and became a world authority.

Image: The Advertiser

Christian, Arthur William 1893 - 1956

Pastoralist and politician. Initially a teacher and grazier, Arthur Christian was elected to state Parliament in 1933 and became Chairman of the Public Works Committee in 1944. He was Minister for Agriculture from 28 May 1954 until his death on 8 January 1956, associated with introduction of legislation for bulk handling of wheat, bushfire prevention and control, and plague locust control.

Image: http://pir.sa.gov.au/aghistory

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