The late Andrew Gubbins, a Mortlake pioneer in the development of Australia's beef cattle industry, has been recognised posthumously in this year's Australia Day Honours List.
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The Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia was awarded for his service to the beef cattle industry.
The medal is being accepted by Andrew's widow, Mary Gubbins. He is also survived by his three children - Tom, Charlie and Amanda.
Senator Sarah Henderson said she was delighted to be a referee for Andrew Gubbins' nomination for an Australian honours award along with Ian Smith, a former Victorian finance minister, and Professor Rob Banks, who is now director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit at the University of New England.
Mr Gubbins, who died at the age of 85 on May 27 last year, was an icon of the Australian beef cattle industry.
Over five decades, utilising innovative technologies in genetic improvement, he played a leading role in the development of the Angus breed as Australia's premium beef cattle.
Mr Gubbins' legacy as an innovator in the development of Angus genetics and as a leader in progressive breeding practices is regarded as second to none.
As owner, with wife Mary, of Te Mania Angus, Mr Gubbins was one of a small number of beef cattle producers who worked closely with scientists to improve the commercial efficiency of the Angus breed.
Professor Banks believes that since 1990 the economic value of the genetic improvement of Angus cattle could be valued at $5 billion.
He credits a significant part of this value to the hard work, innovation and determination of Mr Gubbins.
Mr Gubbins was a quiet and humble man who was highly regarded Australia-wide, in every sector of beef farming industry - from research, across large scale commercial breeding enterprises and through feeding and processing.
He worked closely with scientists and technicians worldwide, pioneering trials which included on-farm IVF, bull fertility testing and objective measurement.
Not only was Mr Gubbins an eminent beef cattle producer but a renowned conservationist.
Since 1961, his farming practices were based on working with nature and not against it.
While Te Mania is regarded as one of the most impressive cattle breeding operations in the world, Mr Gubbins never hesitated to share his knowledge and support the development of the industry more broadly.
The award recognises a lifetime of work which continues to benefit Australia's beef cattle sector.
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