Reginald George Heading - In Memoriam

International agriculturist promoting sustainable farming techniques

2017 SA Local Hero

Few people can claim to have coined a phrase, but Reginald George Heading could. In 1976, George was involved with air freighting hundreds of stud dairy cattle to India after they were gifted by the Australian Government to aid herd improvement. George reported to the media that the Friesians travelled “cattle class” – creating the well-worn phrase that jetsetters know today. During his long career, George spent 25 years working in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain and Bhutan to equip local farmers with technical and practical knowledge, helping them apply modern Australian dryland farming techniques to improve the sustainability of their pastures and the health of their livestock. He addressed colleges around the world, making a tremendous impact on the viability of entire industries. George also gave his time in service to local community organisations around South Australia. He planted football ovals in Whyalla, established bowls clubs in Port Germein and rolled up his sleeves for the Rotary Club in Port Pirie.