A memorial service will be held for respected Australian grain grower and well-known Garah identity Bill Yates on Monday at 2pm in Moree.
Mr Yates passed away suddenly on Saturday.
The service will be held at the Moree Anglican Church, 101 Boston Street,
“Bill was an industry leader, proudly contributing in many ways including as a dedicated GRDC Northern Panel Member from 2005 - 2011,” GRDC Chairman, John Woods said.
He was a also proud Managing Climate Variability Program ‘Climate Champion’. He was also Chair of the NSW Research Advisory Committee.
Bill's grandfather William began farming on the Garah family property in 1899. Bill returned to help his father on the property in 1972 after gaining a Master of Rural Science.
Mr Woods paid tribute to him on Wednesday.
He was passionate about education, having a Diploma of Agricultural Economics and a Masters in Professional Accounting.
Bill has been at the forefront of R&D for many years and was passionate about sharing knowledge to all that sought it, through an open gate policy that has seen many trials and field days on the Yates properties.
Bill has been at the forefront of R&D for many years and was passionate about sharing knowledge to all that sought it.
- John Woods GRDC Chairman.
Bill, his wife Anne, son Andrew and daughter Michelle have continued to invest in and grow the farm business. To the family, we express our gratitude for Bill's contribution to the industry, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.
The kind words by many in the last few days reflect his strength of conviction, his colourful character and his love of the land and especially his family.
He will be sadly missed.