John Curtin

Growing up in the Wheatbelt town of Ongerup with my three brothers, we worked with Dad on the farm.  Our farm was 14,000 acres with crops of wheat, barley, canola and we also ran sheep.  I worked with my dad until 1992, when I purchased part of the farm and ventured into cattle, sheep and cropping.  The opportunity to expand the farm to include cattle was presented and I worked with cattle for the next 7-8 years.  

In early 2000, I moved with my wife and three daughters to Margaret River to work on two large South West Wineries, working in the Viticulture industry for the next 18 years.  My long-time mate and Farm Manager of Rhodes Pastoral, Michael Wright, presented me with the opportunity to return to my early passion of farming cattle, I was offered the position of Cattle Manager on Rhodes Pastoral farm.

I have studied different fields of Agriculture completing my Cert IV and later my Diploma of Agriculture. I am also a qualified Training Assessor, an avenue of interest, I am still very eager to pursue.  This qualification has helped me in my roles with the fire, rescue, and bush fire brigade, assisting me with passing on imperative skills and ensuring students understand what they are learning. 

I spend my weekdays on the farm and weekends renovating our home in Bunbury.  I love taking fishing charters and watching motor car racing.  I have been an active volunteer for many years with the fire, rescue and bushfire brigade, a role I enjoy.