LONG-TIME Illawarra breeder Neville Mueller, Glenhaven, Murray Bridge, has been recognised for his commitment to the breed and the industry with a life membership to the Illawarra Australia SA branch.
Mr Mueller was presented with his badge at the Royal Adelaide Show, where he has a long association, starting at the age of four months old when he first visited the dairy shed with his parents.
“I led the reserve champion cow when I was nine and have shown every year since,” he said.
Mr Muellers association with the dairy industry includes judging at all the major Australian shows, except International Dairy Week and Adelaide – the latter because he was always competing. His judging has also taken him overseas, judging in New Zealand four times, England three times, at the All American Show and in France.
Mr Mueller has also been active on councils, including the national classification, bull selection and youth committees.
About 14 years ago he moved into “semi-retirement” but kept some of his favourite cow families, in part for his daughters and grandchildren who still like to compete.
Mr Mueller said he was touched by the honour.
“It’s something I treasure a fair bit because of the involvement I’ve had,” he said.