David McEwan AM, is still giving back to Tasmania at age 97. Image: Phil Biggs
Celebrating a life on the land ONE OF OUR OLDEST DONORS IS CULTIVATING THE NE X T GENER ATION OF FARMERS
survive on the land but to thrive, using the latest research
In the 1930s, there were no school buses in the rural
Even now at 97, Mr McEwan has a thirst for knowledge
Tasmanian township of Cressy. And so, at the tender age of
and an optimism for the future of the agricultural industry
nine, David McEwan left home to study.
in the state.
The third-generation farmer recalls his time in Launceston
While the first seeds in what would grow into a life-long
at boarding school as challenging, both for his parents
contribution to the agricultural industry began on the
as they bid him farewell, and for a boy from the country
family farm, Mr McEwan’s forward-thinking leadership
finding his feet in the city.
was cultivated through his extensive involvement in the Tasmanian Farmers Federation.
“I think it taught me self-motivation and confidence,” he said. But his school life was cut short; the sudden death of his father forced him to return to the family farm. He admits he was “thrown in the deep end”, but with the help of neighbours and the government, he learnt to not only
A YE AR IN REVIEW 2020
and farming methods.
Over the years, his hard work, enthusiasm and expertise earnt him accolades aplenty. He held senior positions off-farm, including within the Australian Wool Corporation and CSIRO’s Division of Animal Production in Sydney.
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