OVER the past decade, Peter Corish's name has become synonymous with Australian agriculture.
Today the south-west Queensland farmer and president of the National Farmers' Federation from 2002-06 has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Mr Corish's honour recognises years of service to agriculture, particularly the cotton industry.
Most recently he has taken James Packer-backed rural property owner PrimeAg onto the Australian stockmarket and world stage, with its portfolio of 21 properties in NSW and Queensland.
His career spans service on the National Water Commission, Cotton Australia, the Australia-Japan Foundation and the Cairns Group of farm leaders.
He wrote a landmark report for government in 2006 on agriculture and food policy.
Mr Corish said he was proud to receive the recognition and honour.
"I've enjoyed being able to make a contribution to Australian agriculture over a fair few years. Very importantly I've had the support of my family,'' he said.
"They've kept the home fires burning, kept our family business operating and growing while I've been able to go and make a contribution on the broader stage."
Others honoured for their commitment to Australian agriculture were Stephen Moore, of Narrabri, New South Wales, Philip Pullar, of Cobram, Victoria, and Noelene King, of Frankston South, Victoria, who all received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Mr Moore was singled out for service to the community through the Narrabri Shire Band and the rural fire service, and to agriculture through plant breeding.
Mr Pullar was also recognised for his work in agriculture, particularly the development of the canned fruit industry, to the Cobram community, and to the sport of diving.
Ms King was honoured for service to primary industry through the Victorian agricultural show movement and as a mentor to rural youth.
An OAM has also gone to John Condon, a dairy farmer from Airly near Sale, Victoria, for his work in dairy herd improvement. And Rodney Polkinghorne from Wuk Wuk near Bairnsdale has been awarded an OAM for developing a standard beef grading system.
Doug Meyer from Henty, NSW, has received an OAM for his service to the community, particularly through the Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative. Mr Meyer has been the field days executive director for 37 years.
And Gordon McMaster from Narrandera, NSW, has been recognised for his service to the Merino wool and kelpie working sheep dog industries. He was among those to get the kelpie breed recognised.
John B Fairfax, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), for his service to the print media industry, particularly the development of news services in rural and remote areas, and to the community through executive roles with agricultural and charitable organisations.
- with AAP
