Tom Broderick, who died recently, contributed significantly to technical agriculture in several areas.

A native of Dungarvan, Co Waterford, Tom read agricultural science in UCD, culminating with the degree of MAgrSc in 1958.

Joining the Department of Agriculture, Tom’s first involvement was with the genetic improvement of the pig population.

At the time, Irish bacon was excessively fat for the UK market.

Devising and implementing an intensive programme based on recording, performance and progeny testing, Tom and his colleagues dramatically improved quality and created a basis for a significant increase in sales, especially in Britain.

He was also involved in the improvement of cattle and sheep.

Turning his attention to crops, Tom again made his mark through the schemes of seed certification and variety evaluation.

A man of many talents, in his retirement Tom turned a leisure hobby of boat building into a lucrative business in collaboration with his sons.

To his wife Marita and family the Irish Farmers Journal offers deepest sympathy.

AM