Peter retires after Jolly good 39 years

Katanning man Peter Jolly will retire this week after committing 39 years of his career to the Great Southern agricultural region.

Mr Jolly started with the Department of Agriculture and Food as a biosecurity officer in 1976 after finishing up a short career on the railways as a station master.

His office wall is littered with appreciation certificates, awarded by the department over the years to recognise his contribution to the industry.

He helped develop an abattoir surveillance program to reduce footrot as well as an electronic risk assessment system for fox control.

Other innovative projects Mr Jolly played a major role in included the control of locusts, coddling moths and the eradication of starlings.

Mr Jolly said his passion for the job never wavered.

"I loved it, I love the people, I love talking to farmers and I like the diverse work," he said.

Highlights for Mr Jolly include baiting dingoes from an aeroplane north of WA and wading through snake-infested swamps to shoot and trap starlings near Esperance.

DAFWA Katanning manager Keith Ohlsen said Mr Jolly had made a significant contribution to agriculture in the Great Southern during his long career.

"Peter was committed to agriculture protection in the Great Southern and played a part in many campaigns by the old Agriculture Protection Board and DAFWA," he said.

"(He) always did this in a way that mirrored his name, with a smile on his face and an inevitable witty comment.

"His presence in the Katanning office will be greatly missed by all who valued his experience and advice."

Mr Jolly will live in Katanning and plans to travel.