Matters of Interest

Both, Mr J.E.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:19): I rise today to acknowledge the life of the late Mr John Edward Both and his invaluable contribution to the agriculture industry. John passed away at the young age of 65 on 19 May this year. His passing has deeply impacted the industry, friends and family and he will be greatly missed by all. He was described by the agriculture community as a wealth of knowledge and a true gentleman who was always willing to give his time to others.

John's wealth of knowledge about the agriculture industry began with his study at Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1969. John graduated with a Diploma of Agricultural Technology in 1973, excelling in his year, coming in the top 20 per cent of students and recognised on the campus honour board. John later went on to complete a Master of Business Administration with the University of Adelaide.

After graduating, John worked in the Public Service for a number of years, first as an editor of the Journal of Agriculture, then as district agronomist at the Kadina office for the South Australian department of agriculture. John then went on to work for TAFE, running on-farm training programs in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. He also worked as a Agsafe coordinator and developed a version of the chemical handlers accreditation course. In 1990, John work for Nufarm, a leading Australian-based manufacturer and developer of seed products and crop protection solutions.

John was employed as a territory manager for the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North. As territory manager, John interacted with growers, private consultants, resellers, agronomists and researchers. He became well-known for his ability to identify practical farming solutions and for his willingness to give his time to others to share his technical expertise.

John later took on the role of state product development manager at Nufarm, responsible for product forecasting, internal and external product training, marketing and trial work. John then spent three years as Nufarm state manager and then spent his final 17 years in research and development. Upon his retirement, Nufarm described his 27 years of service as incredible, acknowledging his significant contribution to product development and praising his willingness to give others technical guidance whenever it was required.

John was also a long-term member of the Crop Science Society of South Australia. He was also a committee member and president of the society from 2010 until 2012. John was always an active participant and frequently presented to members on a range of topics. He was recognised as an influential voice, providing industry guidance on important matters and advising government on issues such as chemical spray drift management, buffer zones and agricultural chemical labelling. In 2018, he was awarded life membership by the society in recognition of his outstanding efforts within the industry.

In life, John's knowledge and genuine nature left a lasting impression on every individual he met. I would like to take the time to extend my deep and sincere condolences to John's family, friends, work colleagues and to the community. His impact has truly been far-reaching, and his legacy will live on through the contributions he made to the agriculture industry.