Merino work recognised

Bill Gibson, the elder statesman of the merino industry, has been recognised for his vast contribution to the breed.

Mr Gibson, who lives in Wanaka, was presented with the Heather Perriam Memorial Trophy at the Otago Merino Association's recent merino excellence awards in Queenstown.

In presenting the award, Mrs Perriam's husband John said it was a privilege to present the trophy to someone who was deserving of it "in every possible way''.

Mr Gibson had a lifelong passion for the merino, inherited from his father Hector and passed on to his son Robbie, who now farms Malvern Downs at Tarras.

Mr Gibson had been a great "father figure'' to the younger generation.

The Clip of the Year competition, which was a "great industry window'', would not have been possible were it not for the foresight and dedication of people such as the Gibson family, who had constantly maintained and improved the genetics and point of difference the fibre offered product marketers today, Mr Perriam said.

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