Yorke Peninsula farmer and Australian agriculture leader Jamie Smith loses cancer fight

The state’s grain growers will pause this week to mark the passing of a farmer celebrated as a national champion of his industry who has been “lost too early”.

Jamie Smith is being remembered for his ‘incredibly important contribution’ to farming in this state. Picture: Supplied by family

A South Australian grain grower, celebrated for his “quick wit and generosity” is also being remembered for the “incredibly important contribution” he made to his industry.

Yorke Peninsula farmer Jamie Smith, 57, who lost a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer almost two weeks ago, has been labelled an agricultural “champion”.

He will be farewelled at the Central Yorke Football Club Maitland this Friday, in what is expected to be a huge country gathering, with many mourners to travel from properties interstate.

Proud family man Jamie Smith is pictured here with wife Helly and children Alex and Izzy. Picture: Supplied by family

Wife Helly said this week: “Jamie was many things to many people and left a lasting impression to all he met.

“He generously gave his time and wisdom.

“He was a great family man, boss, friend and mentor.

“He will be missed by everyone who met him.”

Mr Smith was also a proud dad to son Alex, 25, and daughter Izzy, 24.

“(Dad) didn’t quite get home for his last laps on the header as we planned, but his spirit will be with us as we gather the last grains from the paddock,” his children wrote in the funeral notice.

“No doubt he will be watching from above and quietly checking it is done to his liking.

“We will celebrate his life in style in Maitland when our harvest will be in storage.”

Late on Tuesday, the state’s peak grain growers organisation, Grain Producers SA (GPSA), issued a statement to pay tribute to the work and influence of Mr Smith.

It referenced the SA farmer’s “incredibly important contribution” as its founding director and also his role as chair of Grains Council of Australia, saying he has left a lasting and “outstanding legacy for South Australian grain producers”.

Mr Smith grew up on his family’s dryland cropping, meat and wool production farm at Maitland and was involved in many different roles across the grain industry.

GPSA chair John Gladigau said Mr Smith’s contribution in helping establish GPSA would always be remembered.

Mr Smith’s family had hoped he’d be home for one last harvest. Picture: File/stock image

So too his support to improve outcomes for farmers in dealing with mining and exploration companies through the association’s mining task force.

“Those who knew Jamie talk very highly of his passion and contribution to the South Australian grain industry … for now we remember a life lost too early and a champion of our sector,” he said.

The sentiment is being shared nationally with Grains Council Australia referring to Mr Smith’s role in “creating a stronger and more unified national grain producer voice”.

“Jamie will always be remembered as an honest, fearless and determined leader who understood the basic political principle and importance of strength in numbers,” GPA chair Barry Large said.

Mr Large described the dedicated farmer and community man as “a loyal friend to many people involved in the industry, leaving lasting memories of his determined character, big heart and quick wit”.

Grain Producers Australia’s Andrew Weidemann is among those paying tribute to Mr Smith.

GPA Southern Grower director Andrew Weidemann also said Mr Smith helped create a lasting legacy in the Australian grains industry due to his strong leadership and contributions for growers in South Australia and across the nation.

“We all benefit from his selfless contributions and determined leadership over a long period of time,” Mr Weidemann said.

“Jamie is held in high regard by GPA and those who saw first-hand the strength and determination of his character and forthright leadership when representing growers, during challenging times.”

Mr Smith’s service will be at 2pm with the event to be live-streamed from 1.45pm at vimeo.com/event/3930376

Family say a donation in his memory can be made to the Ardrossan Community Hospital which supported his cancer journey. Envelopes will be available at his gathering.