YARRAM Park general manager and highly respected local beef and sheep stud farmer, Jeremy Upton, has died aged 62.

The Australian Hereford breeder passed away unexpectedly on January 16. He worked at Yarram Park for over three decades and was an iconic figure in the world of agriculture.

Owned by Antony Baillieu, the Western District Pastoral Company has been run by the Baillieu family since 1948 and has now become one of Victoria’s most well-known stud farms.

Mr Upton attended the 2023 Hamilton Weaner Sales at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) just two weeks ago.

Tributes have flown for the local who was recognised for the great contribution he made to the beef cattle industry.

Herefords Australia released a statement and passed on its condolences to his wife Jenny, his son Tom and daughter Georgie.

“Jeremy worked and managed at Yarram Park at Willaura, in Victoria’s Western District for more (than) 30 years,” it read.

“Yarram Park is renowned for its Hereford stud and Jeremy was recognised as one of the industry’s most respected stud managers.

“We also extend out condolences to Jeremy’s friends and colleagues and take this time to acknowledge the significant contribution he made to the Hereford breed.”

Rural Industries Skill Training (RIST) also released a statement thanking the 62-year-old for his contribution to youth agriculture.

“The RIST board, staff and community will remember Jeremy for his outstanding commitment to and leadership of RIST, his kindness, wise counsel and his advocacy for primary producers,” the statement read.

“He gave generous and unequivocal support to growing the potential of young people in agriculture and to opportunities for lifelong learning.”

A public memorial service will be held at 11.30am on Monday, January 30, at 47 Recreation Road Dunkeld, Victoria.