MERINO stalwart Ron Collins – one of the most highly respected Merino industry figures from the mid-1950s to the early 2000s – died in Adelaide last week, aged 86.
The late Mr Collins was general manager of John Collins & Sons for many years, taking over after the death of his uncle - the legendary Arthur (AL) Collins.
During his time at the helm, Collinsville stud sold numerous Merino and Poll Merino rams for world record prices and sold more than 4000 rams annually.
It was widely recognised as having an influence on one third of the national wool clip through its many successful daughter studs and many commercial clients in the agricultural and pastoral areas of Australia.
During his career, he was president of the SA Stud Merino Sheepbreeders Association and the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders.
One of his more noteable achievements was convincing the ACTU and the Federal Labor Government at the time that their planned embargo on stud Merino ram exports was ill-conceived and he helped devise a compromise solution.
The late Mr Collins is survived by his daughter, Virginia, as well as four grandchildren Rachel, Katherine, Richard and Elizabeth.
AASMB president Phil Toland, Victoria, acknowledged the outstanding contribution Mr Collins – a life member of the association – had made to the Merino industry.
Mr Toland said Collinsville has been a big player in the industry and Mr Collins had been an instigator of a lot of what the South Australian Merion breed was known for in its large, plain-bodied, heavy cutting sheep that would walk long distances.
“He had a big part to play in that. Collinsville genetics have gone everywhere around Australia and around the world,” Mr Toland said.
AASMB life member Rob Ashby, Old Ashrose, South Australia, received his membership from Mr Collins at last year’s Royal Adelaide Show and will deliver a eulogy at the funeral service tomorrow in Adelaide.
Mr Ashby said his family had a long association with the Collins’ after many years of buying rams and establishing their stud on Collinsville bloodlines.
“His main interest in life was Merino sheep and Collinsville. In his time at Collinsville as general manager, it was probably one of the most successful,” he said. “Ron took over in 1969 and Collinsville enjoyed one of its really stellar periods through the 1970s and early 1980s.
“Ron was a big man with a big heart and very meticulous in everything he did. He had a terrific memory, he was always very well prepared in his association roles and set high standards for himself and everyone around him.
“His influence in the stud breeding industry itself was huge. He was a worker and used to put in tremendous hours.”
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