John Crosby

Roseworthy Diploma in Agriculture, Class of 1969–70

John Crosby has successfully chaired numerous wheat and meat industry bodies over his career including senior roles with the National Farmers Federation and Agribusiness Association of Australia.

After various board and management positions, John has his own farming and investment business in the South East of SA and holds various board positions. John is the valued Chair of FREE Eyre Limited, Chair of the Agribusiness Advisory Board at The University of Adelaide and until recently, General Manager of the Dairy Authority of SA.

During his time at National Farmers Federation, John was a key player in the floating of Elders which was a part of Fosters at the time. He later moved to South Australia to take up a position as General Manager, Asset Development with Elders after joining the board.

"I left Elders to develop my farm at Lucindale into a highly intensive irrigation property and have diversified into exporting meat to Vietnam."

What was John's fondest memory while studying at Roseworthy?
"Roseworthy was an all-male affair during my time. As a consequence we spent a lot of time playing sport and drinking illicitly (we were not allowed to drink on College or anywhere near the Campus). After the mid-year exams in second year, about half our year decided to go to a movie at an Adelaide drive in theatre, without leave (which was required to leave the college). Someone took offence at our behaviour, the police were called and we were lined up in the rows of the drive in for a lecture by the police sergeant who showed up with about 4 other officers. It wasn't helpful that a few long neck beer bottles fell out of one of the vehicles as we assembled for the police. The legal age for drinking was 21 back then. Only three of us were 21 when the sergeant asked our age. Fortunately, they let us all go back to the movie. Had we been reported to the college we would have all been expelled!"