It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Grant Edwards, General Manager of PGG Wrightson Wool. Grant was a friend to many within the business and a very dedicated member of the PGG Wrightson family. His passing is a great loss for those who had the pleasure of working with him in the wool and livestock industries. 

Over the past 40 years, Grant built a strong foundation of knowledge and leadership within the business. Having graduated Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, majoring in Wool Science, Grant started his career as a Stock Agent at Reid Farmers in Ranfurly in 1983. After several years Grant joined the wool business where he became Wool Manager, based in Dunedin. Following the merger with Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd, Grant became General Manager Wool until the merger with Wrightson Ltd in 2005. Grant was appointed General Manager Regions for PGG Wrightson until 2016. Since 2017 Grant has been based in Christchurch, leading our wool business.

Grant’s strength was navigating politics to ensure outcomes were good for growers, the wool industry and the business. Highly regarded by his peers, Grant was a member and often chair of various industry bodies. He could slice through what was meaningful to wool growers and had an exceptional understanding of how the wool business operated through all economic cycles. 

What made Grant special was his duty of care for his staff, he always cared for his team. Grant had a keen attention to detail and was firm in his conviction of sticking to our knitting. As a stalwart of wool, his passion for the wool industry was unwavering and his leadership will leave a lasting influence. Grant’s catchphrase was “Once you have a passion for wool it never leaves.”  The PGG Wrightson Wool team will continue Grant’s rich legacy of dedication to the wool industry and our wool growers. 

Grant was very proud of his family and loved his home province of Otago. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Grant's family and friends during this difficult time.