Basham's service to dairy sector recognised with industry award
September 19, 2024
Basham's service to dairy sector recognised with industry award
Basham's service to dairy sector recognised
Brenton Higgins recipient David Basham in the Guernsey ring with his trophy. Picture by Elizabeth Anderson
Fifth generation dairyfarmer and politician David Basham has been recognised for his contribution to the dairy sector with the Brenton Higgins Award.
The award was set up in memory of dairy processor, and former Golden North owner, Brenton Higgins AM, to recognise significant effort, service and contribution to the South Australian dairy sector.
It is normally presented at the Royal Adelaide Show and Dairy Industry Association of Australia's awards and gala dinner, held in early August, but with Mr Basham unable to attend that night, it was presented during the Presidents lunch at the show.
Mr Basham took on the Pleasant Banks Guernsey stud that had been started by his grandfather, Bun Basham, and was an active supporter of the breed all his life.
He attended his first annual general meeting of the SA and WA branch of the Guernsey Cattle Society of Australia in 1990, and sat on the executive committee from 1992 to 2000.
In 1992 was elected to the SA/WA committee and was on the executive until 2000, after being elected junior vice president in 1993.
In 1993 he was nominated as an inspector for the Geurnsey breed at the Royal Adelaide Show, and became a steward in 1994 - both roles he still continues.
In 2002, he became treasurer of the SA Dairyfarmers' Association, serving 18 years in total on the board, including 10 years as president.
In 2017, Mr Basham was elected president of the Australian Dairy Farmers and chaired Animal Health Australia for several years.
In 2018, he entered state politics and became Member for Finniss, then serving as Primary Industries Minister from 2020 to 2022.
Mr Basham said he was honoured and thankful to the DIAA and RAS for the award.
"As someone who knew Brenton Higgins, I'm very aware of privilege of this award," he said.
He said the award came as a surprise.
"You don't work to make your industry better to get awards," he said.
Mr Basham said he was most proud to have been part of setting up SADA Fresh milk, which sells in Coles and directs 20 cents a litre towards projects that benefit the dairy industry.
"It was an amazing achievement to first get it on the shelves in SA, then to go on and have it exported to China - it was about showing it could be done," he said.
"It's a great legacy to have that to support the dairy industry."
While Mr Basham has since sold his dairy farm, he says he still feels a connection to the industry, including leaving the Presidents lunch to steward the Guernsey judging.
