Keith breeders Ian and Sue Carr, Castle Camps stud, have been bestowed honorary life membership of the SA branch of the Australian Border Leicester Association for their tireless work over several decades.
Mr Carr was almost speechless when branch president Mark Grossman made the announcement just prior to their on-property ram sale especially acknowledging their "hard work behind the scenes".
The couple were the first recipients in about 20 years to receive the accolade.
"It is a real honour to be recognised by your peers that you have done something for the breed," Mr Carr said.
"You do it because you want to, you don't realise that perhaps you have been doing for it as long as you have."
For more than 30 years Mrs Carr was the state secretary, only retiring in February this year and Mr Carr has held numerous positions on the state executive over the years, including president and secretary.
He has also been head steward for more than 30 years for the breed's judging at the Royal Adelaide Show and is the current federal Border Leicester Association secretary.
Castle Camps stud was established in 1979 with foundation ewes from Fraser stud, Birchip, Vic.
Last week the Carrs held their eighth and most successful annual on-property sale with 70 Border Leicesters averaging an impressive $1975.
"The demand for Border rams and first cross ewes is very strong which is great to see," he said.
Mr Carr says he always considered it important to "put back into the breed".
"When I started all the breeders were all helpful so I suppose that rubs off that you then want to help others," he said.
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