Hereford icon Thea Manson passes after 70 years of passion for the breed
Hereford icon Thea Manson has passed away after 70 years of passion for the breed.
Ms Manson set up the Wanrua Poll Hereford Stud, Newry, in 1954 with husband Ian, and together the pair gave a lifetime to their cattle.
Known for her scones and love of entertaining friends, family and anyone interested in cattle, the 91-year-old left a legacy few could rival.
While she and Mr Manson moved into Maffra, 10 minutes from the farm, 25 years ago, they still had an important role in the stud, guiding son Andrew and daughter-in-law Caroline Manson since they fully took over the operation in 2012.
Andrew said his late mother played an "instrumental role" in shaping the Wanrua stud into what it was today.
"The perfect host, she took immense pride in welcoming more than 3000 visitors to Wanrua over 40 years - always with her signature warmth, and exceptional cooking - and helping turn acquaintances into life-long friendships," he said.
He said his parents started the stud from scratch with a few cows and built their operation to include some of the best genetics in Australia.
The National Hereford Show and Sale will celebrate its 60th anniversary at Wodonga this month, and Ms Manson was there from the very beginning.
Andrew said his parents had also become "legends" of the Melbourne Royal Show through the decades, and Ms Manson spent years at her husband's side, helping him exhibit their top stock.
"She was there all the time," he said.
He said his mother had a great eye for cattle and was very passionate about the breed.
"She loved the beautiful cherry red colour, good temperament and depth of body," he said.
"She always liked a good-framed animal."
At Wanrua's recent Stock & Land Beef Week open day, Ms Manson was part of the proceedings.
She dropped in to catch up with old friends and keep an eye on the cattle.
"She was a bit of an entertainer," Caroline said.
"She loved to host and was famous for her scones."
Andrew said his mother had "many, many friends" in Hereford circles, and there were so many people who had been good to both her and her husband through the years.
One of the highlights of their stud days was a visit to the World Hereford Conference in the US in 1976, along with some Australian breeders.
He said the Luke family, including Lady Luke, at Deepfields Herefords, Romsey, were close friends.
As were the Hanson family, The Braes Hereford, MacArthur, the Hawkins family, Springfield Poll Herefords, Finley, NSW, and Kate and the late Clive McEachern of the former Ardno Hereford stud, Wingeel.
"She was passionate about the cattle industry and its people throughout her life," Andrew said.
Thea is survived by son Andrew, her two daughters, daughter and sons-in-law, and grandchildren.
