History

The Tasmanian Farmers and Stockowners Association

The Tasmanian Farmers and Stockowners Association was formed in 1908 by pastoralist Albert Mansell in response to union militancy and the detrimental impact of Federation. It sought to defend members' interests and take action on 'practical and urgent' problems, including stock stealing.

From 1919 it became known as the Tasmanian Farmers, Stockowners and Orchardists Association (TFSOA), and by 1930 it had over 1000 members in some 19 branches. Various committees had been formed, dealing with the marketing of crops; rabbits and other pests; freights; stock diseases and brands; immigration; bush fires; and meat export.

The TFSOA supported research into diseases and pests, and the establishment of the University's Faculty of Agricultural Science in 1962. Its main function was to represent rural employers in fixing employees' rates of pay and conditions of work. From 1984 to 1988 it operated as the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Employers Association and then as the TFGA Industrial Association.

Further reading: The Tasmanian Cyclopedia, Hobart, 1931; J McRae, The Tasmanian Farmers, Stockowners & Orchardists Association, Hobart, 1961; K Murphy, 'The Lyons government, the Legislative Council, and the “One House Bill”', THS 8/1, 2002. Reference: The Companion to Tasmanian History, University of Tasmania

History was made for primary producers in Tasmania when the long-sought amalgamation between the Tasmanian Producers' Organisation and Primary Producers' Union was finally achieved without dissent on either side.

The committee announced that it had agreed to name the new organisation the Tasmanian Farmers' Federation.

T.P.O. members stood, clapped and cheered P.P.U members. The latter in turn rose and gave T.P.O. members an equally enthusiastic reception, ending with “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.”

"This is the day of days," said the PPU president.

"I am thrilled and delighted by the decision. Now we will be able to submit our problems and difficulties to governments with one voice. I hope that those who produce, who have been 'sitting on the fence' will enter the new organisation. For it is more than an organisation, it is a brotherhood, meeting on common ground for the common good."

The Advocate Newspaper, 1946

From TFGA to TasFarmers

For more than half a century, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has been the united voice of Tasmanian agriculture. In 2023, the organisation embraced a new chapter in its proud history, unveiling a refreshed identity as TasFarmers.

The rebrand signified more than just a new name; it reflected a renewed commitment to representing the next generation of Tasmanian farmers while honouring the organisation’s deep roots in advocacy, leadership, and community.

This transformation was launched on 12 December 2023, coinciding with the opening of TasFarmers’ new headquarters in the heart of Longford.

TasFarmers Presidents

John Allwright	1980-1983	James Walch	May-Oct 2002
Geoff Ashton-Jones	1983-1985	Brendon Thompson	2003-2004
Bruce Stewart	1985-1987	Rupert Gregg	2004-2005
L.D (Ferdie) Foster	1987-1990	Roger Swain	2005- 2009
Henry Edgell	1990-1992	David Gatenby	2009-2013
Peter France	1992-1995	Wayne Johnston	2013-2019
Rod Thirkell-Johnston	1995-1996	Marcus McShane	2019-2022
John Gee	1995-1996	Ian Sauer	2022-current
Kem Perkins	1998-2002

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History

The Tasmanian Farmers and Stockowners Association

From TFGA to TasFarmers

TasFarmers Presidents

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