A man who died while mountain climbing last week has been described as a passionate and determined friend who always strived to make a difference in his community.
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Michael Chilvers, a grain farmer from the Northern Midlands, was identified by Tasmania Police on Monday as the man who died while mountain climbing in the Cradle Mountain National Park on Friday.
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After reports, emergency services were called to Mt Geryon that a man had fallen from a significant height on the south peak.
Mr Chilvers was an agricultural industry leader and held many leadership positions in the Tasmanian rural sector. One of his most recent was a panel member of the southern grain growers group of the Grain and Research Development Corporation.
"Michael Chilvers was a greatly respected GRDC Southern Region Panel Member, and a much loved member of the GRDC community," he said.
"A GRDC-supported Nuffield Scholar, Michael was a deep thinker-courageous and innovative in his ideas with a strong sense of collaboration and "roll up your sleeves and get it done" approach to life on the land.
"He was justifiably proud of his and wife, Fiona's achievements and vision in transitioning the family farm in northern Tasmania from a traditional, dryland grazing base to a successful, intensive and diverse mixed farming enterprise which helped drive Michael's long involvement with GRDC.
"He always had an "open gate" policy and enjoyed nothing more than sharing with others the lessons learned from his own experiences-what worked, and just as importantly, what didn't."
Mr Chilvers also served on GRDC's High Rainfall Zone Regional Cropping Solutions Network and a strong and proud advocate and committee member of the GRDC Hyper Yielding Cereals Project.
Mr Chilvers was also a strong advocate for irrigation. As a user and early adopter, he was appointed as an independent director of Tasmanian Irrigation in 2015.
"Michael Chilvers was a great friend to many in Tasmania's agricultural industries, recognised for his passion and determination to make a difference," she said.
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"Michael played an instrumental role in setting strategic direction for the delivery of irrigation water to Tasmanian farmers, as well as the construction of new irrigation schemes."
Ms Hogg said she, on behalf of Tasmanian Irrigation, wanted to extend their wishes and support to Mr Chilvers' wife, children, family and friends at this time.
"There are so many people across the world who were touched by Michael's enthusiasm for life, adventure, fun and hard work," she said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Marcus McShane said Mr Chilvers was a valued member since 2009.
"He [Michael Chilvers] was innovative, forward thinking and a member of many boards including Tasmanian Irrigation. His contribution to agriculture in Tasmania was well-regarded and Michael was a good mate to many," Mr McShane said.
"Michael will be sorely missed by many members of TFGA and our sincere, heartfelt condolences are extended to Fiona, Charlotte and Felix, along with his extended family at this time."
Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett also paid tribute to Mr Chilvers, who he described as a "proud farmer."
"He was constantly looking at ways of improving and expanding his agriculture business," Mr Barnett said.
Mr Chilvers was a 2012 Nuffield Scholar and the chairman of TAP AgriCo, a grain and seed stockfeed business at Powranna.
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