Robert Herriot

Bob Herriot was one of the first two students to graduate from the University of Adelaide in 1932 with the “new” Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree. His service to agriculture began as an agricultural science teacher at the Balaklava High School in 1932, later transferring to the Mt Gambier High School until 1937 when he joined the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (now CSIRO) in the soils division. Bob was associated with soil survey work at Waikerie and in the South-East of South Australia, Cobram in Victoria and the Wakool irrigation area in New South Wales.

In 1941, Bob Herriot joined the South Australian Department of Agriculture. It was his experience with CSIRO that enabled him to give outstanding service as Soil Conservator and virtually “save” much “borderline” soil. From Soil Conservator he became Chief of the Extension Service and finally Deputy Director of Agriculture.

In 1962 Bob Herriot was appointed Principal of Roseworthy where he remained until his retirement in 1973. It was during his term as Principal of the College that much of the updating and replacement of many outdated facilities and buildings took place. The college gained much in status and stability under his leadership.

ROCA AWARD OF MERIT 1967 – Robert Herriot OBE Bob Heriott received the ROCA Award of Merit in 1967 having received a Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science in 1962 for “outstanding contributions in the field of Agricultural Science”. The Award of the Order of the British Empire in 1967 was a fitting culmination for his service to agriculture as an educator and administrator.