Gil Hollamby

Gil Hollamby studied at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute and graduated in genetics.

He then became Assistant Plant Breeder at Roseworthy Agricultural College in September 1961, working with Rex Krause, Senior Plant Breeder (1951-1972).  

Hollamby took over as Senior Plant Breeder and Associate Professor when Rex Krause retired in 1972 and remained at Roseworthy until April 2002.

Since his appointment in 1961 he has released major new wheat varieties such as Spear, Machete, Trident and Excalibur; bred specifically to grow in the dry Mediterranean agricultural environments of South Australia.

In 1997 Hollamby won the Australian Grain Institute’s Sir Condor Laucke Award for his work in plant breeding over 30 years in South Australia.

In 2001, Hollamby won the Unsung Hero of South Australian Science award for his work on wheat. 

In 2002 he won the Farrer Memorial Medal for his contribution to wheat breeding.

Mr Hollamby was also a University of Adelaide representative on the Wheat Quality Advisory Committee. 

Gil Hollamby is considered one of Australia’s preeminent wheat breeders.