R. J. Low

Bledisloe Medalist 1937. Mr R. J. Low was at the College from 1910-1912. In 1914 he took up the management of a 2000 acre property near Kaikoura "Quail Downs" and later leased this property. He gave up the lease when he joined the N.Z. Expeditionary Force. In 1918 he bought his present farm of 360 acres at Highbank. There he has developed pedigree flocks of English and Border Leicesters and Southdowns, as well as a herd of Shorthorns and a stud of Clydesdales. He has been an outstanding exhibitor and taken a very large number of Championships throughout Australia and New Zealand. His farm is noted for its good crops and pastures and especially for its system of rotational grazing and pasture management. It was a very close second in the Ashburton Competition of 1936.

It has been stated frequently that Mr Low's presence in his district has certainly raised the standard of farming operations and it can be justly claimed that his activities have gone far in the advancement of practical Agriculture. Mr Low has been a very active member of organised farming efforts. He has been President of the Methven A. & P. Association and is still an active member of the Committee. He is connected with the Ashburton A.  & P. Association. He sponsored the local branches of the Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. He is highly esteemed as a judge of stock and demonstrator of wool and pastures and with his friendly and obliging disposition he has been ever ready to give his best advice to anyone seeking help. Mr Low takes a keen interest in all local bodies and district affairs and is interested in many phases of sport, especially among the youth of the district. The medal was presented to Mr Low on Diploma Day at the College in December, 1937.