Vale - Geoffrey Robert King

Geoffrey Robert King was born on October 1, 1940, the eldest child of Rich and Nance, brother to Janice Russell (deceased) and Colin.

Geoff was educated at Maroona and later The Geelong College, before returning home to Bowmont to begin his agricultural career under the guidance of his father.

After Rich’s retirement, Geoff and Colin went their own ways with Geoff continuing with the Merino stud, selling 400 rams a year in the 1980s. Bowmont Herefords was founded in 1973.

“Growing up we saw Dad as a hard worker who was dedicated to the core on anything that he took on. Whether that was on the farm or in the many other facets of community service which he was involved in. Dad instilled in all of us the importance of hard work and humility,” son Sam King said.

“Other childhood memories include travelling around the nation with mum and dad either looking at, or for genetics, or tagging along to some of the many shows in which dad was one of the officiating judges.”

Bowmont Herefords gained momentum in the 1990s with major awards and many high prices received for bulls at the Wodonga National Show and Sale. Geoff served as sale committee chairman along with being a councillor for the Shire of Ararat and Rural City of Ararat, on the Ararat Regional