Tom Ashby was last week recognised with an Australian Wool Medal during ‘Wool Week’ for his commitment, dedication and service to the industry. The Australian Wool Industry Medal recognises men and women who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian wool industry.
There were five Australian Wool Medals presented, three from SA, one from NSW and one from Victoria. Chairman, David Michell presented the medals on behalf of Federation of Australian Wool Organisations (FAWO).
Tom has taken North Ashrose from strength to strength since the early 1980s, but his influence breeding Merinos has gone far wider.
After a long-running involvement with the SA Stud Merino Breeders he served as president of the Australian Stud Merino Breeders Association from 2006 to 2012 and has just completed a four-year term as president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders.
Mr Ashby, who is also a life member of Merino SA, says it has been really rewarding holding industry positions.
“If people don’t stand up for their industry nothing happens,” he said.
“I have met some many good people and had such a good insight into the whole industry.”
He says his greatest highlight has been working with clients across Australia and overseas, particularly South America, to improve their flocks while at the same time lifting the quality of their own stud flock.
“The industry is going along so well, it is just a pity there is a raging drought across about two thirds of Australia when we should be reaping the rewards.”
“We are really marketing wool to the world much better than we did in my early breeding years and the product is so much better.” he said.
Mr Ashby says it has been really rewarding working with young people coming through the industry over the past 15 years, including implementing the Breeding Leadership course in 2002 which is now a national event.
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