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Vale Michael Jeffery (1937-2020) – Australia’s first National Soils Advocate

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Sustainable Agriculture

Wheatbelt NRM would like to extend our heartfelt condolences at the loss of former Governor-General and inaugural National Soils Advocate Michael Jeffery, who died last month shortly after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

Born in Wiluna in WA’s outback in 1937, Major General Jeffery served in the armed forces from 1958 to 1993, including postings in Malaya, Vietnam, Borneo and Papua New Guinea.

He was promoted to the rank of Major General and from 1986 took command of the 15,000 person strong first division, moving later into public life as the Governor of WA (1993-2000) and Governor-General of Australia (2003-2007).

However, it is his passionate advocacy for the environment and promotion of soil health initiatives for which he will be fondly remembered in the Wheatbelt community.

Serving as Australia’s first National Soils Advocate from 2012 to his retirement due to ill health last year, Major General Jeffery addressed three Talkin’ Soil Health conferences with Wheatbelt NRM and made numerous regional visits to meet farmers passionate about soil health.

He was a supporter of Wheatbelt NRM brokering partnerships with national organisations such as Soils for Life, an organisation devoted to the promotion of regenerative farming practices.

Major General Jeffery leaves behind many legacies, not least of which is the National Soil Strategy, currently out for public comment.

He has also been honoured with the launch of the first General Jeffery Soil Health Award, which will recognise someone doing exceptional work to improve soil health in Australia.

The award will be awarded to an individual farmer, land manager or extension specialist who is making an outstanding contribution to improving, championing or educating others about soil health through the integrated management of soil, water, plants and animals, and who is advocating for improved soil management more broadly.

Nominations close March 31.

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