Jim Conroy is helping forge the future of the cattle breeding industry.
The Bacchus Marsh resident was presented with a Medal of the Order of Australia on Queen’s Birthday for his service to the industry and the sport of polo.
Mr Conroy is general manager and executive director at Semex Australia, a Melton-based company that sells “high-quality” cattle semen and embryos.
“We’re selling frozen semen or embryos from animals of the highest quality to breeders and milk producers of Australia to try and improve their overall efficiency and get more kilos of milk per hectare,” Mr Conroy said.
“We’re providing food to the community … farmers have to be as efficient as they can.”
He said that if farmers didn’t get the best return on their investment it made it harder for them to stay in business.
“And if the supermarket can’t get a certain margin, they don’t continue to sell it. We’re helping meet demand.”
His contribution to polo was also recognised as part of the OAM award.
Mr Conroy founded the Yaloak Polo Club, in Ballan, which attracts visitors and players from near and far.
He said he was humbled, and embarrassed, about receiving his Order of Australia.
“I’m extremely indebted to the people – who will know who they are – I’ve worked with and played with,” he said.
“When you’re involved with all these activities, you can never do anything as a one-man unit.
“It’s always about the people around me and I’d like to recognise them.”
