Service recognition to Paech

As published in the Stock Journal by Quinton McCallum

April 11, 2024

Judy Paech (pictured centre with husband Keith and Monarto Ag Bureau president Lincoln Williss ) receives her

lifetime service recognition. Picture by Quinton McCallum

JUDY Paech, the "heart and soul" of the Monarto Ag Bureau, was recently honoured with a lifetime service award.

Serving as secretary for more than two decades, the Lucernbrae Poll Merino co-principal is described by Bureau members as

the "glue that keeps everyone together".

A tireless volunteer, Judy has also served as secretary of the Callington Show Committee for 12 years, runs a pre-school musical learning group at Callington and is the organist and secretary at the Callington church.

Her and husband Keith also host Veterinary Science students from Roseworthy for on-farm education.

Monarto South farmer Robert Thiele said Judy had played an integral role in keeping the Bureau alive.

The Monarto Ag Bureau folded in the 1970s when the plans for Monarto City were announced, but was reformed in 1986 when local farmers, who hadn't had their land acquired, decided to get it going again.

"We could get secretaries for a while, but Judy was the person that came in and put her hand up to make it work

and held us together," Mr Thiele said.

"She is a tireless worker in our community. She is a saltof-the-earth person and held in such high regard around

here. Her lifetime service award was most deserved."

Monarto Ag Bureau president and Brinkley farmer Lincoln Williss said Judy had been nothing but supportive

in his time leading the organisation.

He said she had been receptive of new ideas and willing to help in any way, as he and other young farmers

in the area looked to reinvigorate the Bureau by holding more events and attracting more people to join.

"Judy is always willing to help out where she can," Lincoln said.

"If you have any questions or queries, she is always willing to take time out of her day to help or offer her opinion."

Her passion for helping others was evident on the night of receiving her award.

Never seeking the limelight, Judy was handing out hogget competition result sheets even as she walked to get her

photo taken.

Growing up at Steinfield in the Barossa, Judy met husband Keith at a Lutheran Dance. While she had always

done the farm books, when Keith's father died, Judy took on a more hands-on role.

She said the things she loved most about farming were spending time outdoors, working with animals, having the freedom of being your own boss, feeding and clothing people across the world and meeting new people.

"It's tough and the hours are long, but the rewards are amazing," Judy said.

As for volunteering, Judy said she enjoyed organising and helping people, and stepping up to the plate.