SA’s rural industry has farewelled one of its icons, with the passing of North Ashrose Merino and Bundaleer Shorthorn stalwart Graham Ashby.
Last week the much-loved identity lost his battle with leukaemia, aged 78.
Few had a greater passion for Merino sheep and Shorthorn cattle than Mr Ashby, who was one of the industry’s most successful stud breeders and great livestock marketers.
He formed many enduring friendships with clients and fellow stud breeders, and had an impeccable memory for pedigrees.
But his lasting legacy will be the herds and flocks, spread across Australia and overseas, which have been enhanced by the top studs’ genetics.
Mr Ashby also gave selflessly to the industry, spending almost 60 years on the SA Shorthorn Society committee. This included three terms as branch president within a 10-year period.
He was honoured with life membership of Shorthorn Beef in 2002, and a Merino SA service award in 2012.
From his first time judging sheep as a 19-year-old at Wudinna, Mr Ashby quickly gained respect among his peers and went on to judge sheep and cattle at every Royal Show in Australia
He also officiated in Argentina in 1987 and 1988, and had the privilege of judging in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1989 during the World Shorthorn Congress.
“Breeding stock, whether it was sheep, cattle or horses, he was always about the three Cs – constitution, conformation and consistency. It was not just about being the best, but being consistent,” son Tom said.
The Ashby family has enjoyed unparalleled success in the showring in close to 70 years as exhibitors at the Royal Adelaide Show.
This included last year’s show where North Ashrose stud was the most successful Merino and Poll Merino exhibitors and most successful wool exhibitor, and Bundaleer Shorthorns won the interbreed sire’s progeny.
One of Mr Ashby’s greatest breeding highlights was in 1978 when Bundaleer Dixon won supreme champion at the Sydney Royal Show.
Dixon went on to be one of the breed’s most influential bulls during the next decade.
Mr Ashby was a talented footballer playing three seasons for North Adelaide from 1962 to 1964. This included selection in the SA state squad after just five matches in the SANFL.
The following year he played in the losing side of the 1963 grand final at Adelaide Oval in front of 55,000 people.
He also coached Gulnare and Gulnare-Red Hill to five premierships in 12 years.
Mr Ashby will be greatly missed in his local community where he was a life member of the Broughton Football Association and Gulnare Football Club, Rocky River Cricket Association, Gulnare CFS, and the Gulnare Bowling Club, where he played for 30 years.
He is survived by wife Biddie, their children Tom, Matt, Jane, Sarah and Rachel, and 13 grandchildren.
Tributes have flowed in from many in the industry.
Roger Fiebig
Merino SA president
Graham was a great ambassador for our industry. He was very competitive in the showring and an excellent salesman when it came to selling rams, and he always acknowledged a good sheep. He had a wealth of experience as a sheep and wool judge throughout Australia and beyond.
As principal of North Ashrose, he has led the way in one of the top Merino studs in the state and Australia, selling rams across Australia and overseas.
Peter Mattner
Shorthorn Beef SA president
Graham was held in high regard within the Shorthorn Society. His knowledge of the breed was unsurpassed and his willingness to share his knowledge, particularly with young breeders was invaluable. Graham served on the state executive for many years, holding the position of president on several occasions. The SA Shorthorn Branch acknowledges the contributions Graham made as a breeder and supporter of Shorthorns in SA and nationally.
Graham Day
Allendale and Days Whiteface Poll Hereford studs, Bordertown
Graham was an extremely talented, and one of the most successful stud breeders in Australia. He was an astute and sought-after sheep and cattle judge in Australia and overseas. He was a mentor to many new and young breeders. His interest and knowledge of the livestock industry was unparalleled. A highly-respected and loved person – he will be mourned Australia-wide.
Gordon Wood
Landmark SA studstock manager
Graham Ashby was one of the greats. He was a stalwart of agriculture nationally and abroad, always sharp as a tack, a man of incredible endurance from his sport to sheep and cattle breeding, his support of youth through royal and country shows, SA Junior Heifer Expo and a willingness to impart knowledge to anyone keen to learn. Graham's sense of humour and ability to never give in will be sadly missed.
Tom Penna
Elders studstock marketing manager
One of the great characters of the livestock industry. Well-known nationally, everyone has a Graham Ashby story. Through the decades Graham built a strong relationship with scores of stock agents. He welcomed us and imparted his passion and knowledge. I have many fond memories of the man and, like many agents, will miss his company.
Wal Merriman
AWI chairman
He was a good friend and great family man. His stockmanship was first class and he had a positive attitude to life and business.
