Honour for lamb pioneer

An agricultural career spanning decades has earned Q Lamb label creator Peter Trefort an induction into the Agricultural Hall of Fame.

The Narrogin resident was named the 61st inductee of the Royal Agriculture Society of WA exhibition on Tuesday.

In coming months, Mr Trefort will be the subject of a painted portrait to join dozens of others on display at Perth Royal Show.

Mr Trefort has worked in leadership roles across the agricultural industry and is well known for his passion for the WA colleges of agriculture.

He worked hard to ensure large farm holdings at each college, develop relevant stud programs, and upgrade educational machinery and technology.

Mr Trefort was also a driving force behind the rebuild of the Denmark and Morawa campuses.

RASWA president Rob Wilson said his passion agriculture was one to be admired.

“Peter’s dedication and vision has been central to the development of our robust agricultural education sector,” Mr Wilson said.

“It is his drive to reform and enhance education that has seen WA develop a world-class capacity for training and developing students into the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. His induction to the Hall of Fame honours his tireless efforts.”

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Mr Trefort was swamped with supporters at Tuesday’s award luncheon, where he was honoured on stage.

He received an honorary doctorate in science from Murdoch University in 2007 for his contribution to the WA meat industry.

Mr Trefort is also well known for his work helping lamb producers develop a high-quality lamb meat product available at a competitive price.

In developing the Q Lamb label, he helped WA farmers realise lamb meat was a high-quality food and more than a wool by-product.

The Agricultural Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 to recognise the greatest achievers in agriculture.

It includes men and women who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of agriculture, farming and their communities.

An independent panel reviews nominations and offers recommendations to the Agricultural Hall of Fame Committee to announce the winners.

Each inductee’s portrait hangs in the Agricultural Hall of Fame Gallery in the David Buttfield House at Claremont Showground.