A great stalwart of the agricultural industry, Ted Carter, passed away suddenly last Thursday, aged 91.
After studying Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide, Mr Carter started his career with the SA Department of Agriculture as officer-in-charge at the Kangaroo Island Research Centre, where he focused on improving the productivity of the inherently infertile soils.
This was the start of a lifetime of research work on sheep and pastures that saw him travel to many countries in the Middle East and South America.
In 1960, Mr Carter joined the Department of Agronomy at the University of Adelaide Waite campus, where he continued his research and inspired the next generation of agronomists and farmers.
During this time, he also traveled extensively, giving papers at conferences as well as supervising an increasing number of PhD students.
When he retired in 1993, he was still supervising 22 PhD students, as well as developing his post-work love of Khaki Campbell duck breeding and rose and tomato growing.
Former student Geoff Thomas said he would always fondly remember Mr Carter’s “gruff exterior”.
“Ted was a great lecturer and mentor who always had an eye for the practical and a real concern for the Waite and agriculture generally,” he said.
“He certainly made an enormous contribution.”
Mr Carter’s funeral will be held at Westbourne Park Uniting Church at 11am on Monday, November 19.
