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Prominent People

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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.

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Bowman, Edmund 1855 - 1921

Edmund Bowman originally managed the farming of sheep at Martindale Estate and then took a share in a large area north-east of Port Augusta. He became manager of Wandillah and then purchased part of the property when the land was resumed for closer settlement. He was very interested in community matters around nearby Burra and was highly respected by his fellow pastoralists.

Image: SLSA B 68463

Bowman, Thomas Richard 1835 - 1911

Thomas Bowman came to South Australia from Tasmania and became a pioneer pastoralist. He was well respected for his breeding of high-class sheep and cattle, and experimented in ostrich farming near Lake Albert. He was associated with a number of well-known pastoral properties.

Image: SLSA B 11300

Brand, James Ian (Jim) 1952 - 2005

Jim’s family was closely associated with the wine industry for generations, so it was logical that he also started in the industry. He studied oenology and viticulture and applied this knowledge in all aspects of the industry. He was appointed manager of the McWilliams Coonawarra production covering many varieties and was actively involved in many wine industry associations.

Image: The Advertiser

Brechin, Peter 1942 - 2025

Peter was a leading figure in the South Australian pig industry. He studied at Roseworthy Agricultural College and started at the Gepps Cross Livestock Market. He then purchased land and built up a successful pig business and was involved in the development of the industry.

Image: Stock Journal of SA

Brewer, Helen 1920 - 2012

Helen Brewer was a breeder of Romney sheep near Strathalbyn and was soon selling sheep in Australia and overseas. She managed the stud for more than 60 years and was a Life Member of the Australian Romney Association.

Image: The Advertiser

Brockhoff AM, Roger David 1927 - 2007

Roger Brockhoff took over his father's property at Lenswood, becoming instrumental in improving the orchard and promoting alternative crops. He was very active in the community being Chairman of the local council and a Lions Club member for many years.

Image: PIRSA Ag History

Brooks, George 1849 - 1926

Pastoralist. Born at Gumeracha, he started by buying hay, chaffing it, and carting it to Kadina, Wallaroo, and Moonta. He started buying properties in the mid north and Yorke Peninsula then secured a property every few years, including Buckland Park estate and Clifton Hills and Kanowana stations, until he became one of the largest landowners in the State.

Image: Pastoral Review, 16 November 1926

Brownell, Peter Ferguson 1922 - 2002

Peter Brownell was a soil conservation officer in the Dept of Agriculture before moving into plant physiology, firstly at the University of Adelaide and then at James Cook University, Townsville, where he was first to demonstrate that sodium was an essential nutrient for some plants.

Image: The Advertiser

Bruce, Robert 1836 - 1908

Pastoralist and writer. Robert Bruce arrived in South Australia in 1853 and was appointed overseer at Arkaba station and then took up Wallelberdina, adjoining the eastern shore of Lake Torrens and then Coondambo station. Bruce was innovative with developing the most efficient procedures for pasturing sheep and cattle and the least harmful methods of exploiting the countryside. He enclosed Coondambo with a vermin-proof fence, one of the first in South Australia's north-west.

Image: La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria, H4110

Bull, John Wrathall 1804 - 1886

Agent, farmer and author. An early land and stock agent, he owned and managed a range of farming properties. Bull was also a developer early grain harvesters in competition with Ridley. Recognised as the inventor of the principle of beating heads off a standing grain crop, which was incorporated into the successful mechanical stripper constructed by Ridley in 1843.

Image: SLSA Image B984 1880

Buring, Adolph Wilhelm Rudolph (Rudi) 1872 - 1950

Vigneron who helped develop the Queltaler label and was instrumental in the production, sale and national distribution of its wines.

Buring, Herman Paul Leopold (Leo) 1876 - 1961

Vigneron who helped develop the labels Quelltaler and later Leo Buring Wines and who was instrumental in the production, sale and national distribution of the wines.

Image: bestwinesunder20.com.au

Buring, Theodor Gustav Hermann 1846 - 1919

Vigneron who helped develop the Quelltaler label and who was instrumental in the production, sale and national distribution of the wines.

Butler, Charles Philip 1880 - 1953

Soldier and agricultural journalist. Following a distinguished military career, Charles Butler was appointed as editor of the Advertiser and Chronicle in 1929, and authored a significant book on agriculture.

Image: SLSA PRG 2801445166

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

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