Greg Williams on his 37 years at Moses & Son
It is a bittersweet moment as we prepare this article, bidding farewell to one of our M&S legends, Greg Williams. After 37 years as the ‘man in the shed,’ Greg is hanging up his hat and moving on to greener pastures—retirement!
In this article, Greg shares his journey, the industry changes he has witnessed, his love for the land, his grandkids, and of course, the lifelong mates he has made along the way.
Greg, mate, you will be missed. Thank you for the memories and for keeping our operations in check.
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Bidding Farewell: My Journey with M&S
How it all started
My family originally settled in Temora in 1901, and my friendship with Marty goes back to our childhood. We played junior football together, so we have shared a lifetime of memories.
Marty Moses approached me back in 1987 while we were playing tennis at Narraburra. He wanted to know if I’d be interested in working with him and his father, Bruce, who was still at the helm at Moses & Son, to help start a rehandling operation. At the time, I was busy wool classing, shearing, and running my farm, but the opportunity intrigued me. So, in February 1988, I joined Marty, starting as a permanent casual while juggling my farm work.
In 1994, after selling the family farm to my brother, I transitioned to a full-time role. I continued wool classing until 1998, when I moved to the new sheds where wool testing was carried out, spending a lot of time working on the core machines. Over the years, I upskilled through TAFE courses in computer skills and wool typing accreditation, as well as wool buying.
Eventually, I became warehouse manager before shifting to merchandise in 2014—a complete change but a challenge I thoroughly enjoyed. Around the same time, I took on the role of operations manager, which kept me on my toes. I was fortunate to have a strong team around me, helping me navigate the decision-making process. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless farmers, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Reflections on the Industry
Witnessing Change in the Wool Industry
Looking back, the changes I’ve seen in the industry are remarkable. The introduction of computers in the 1990s revolutionised how we worked, from scanning wool clips at sheds and emailing data to brokers to the implementation of computerised testing machines. These advancements have significantly improved efficiency, allowing growers to have their clips sold within a much shorter timeframe.
More recently, Moses & Son has transitioned to electric forklifts from gas—although not in all stores yet. Work safety regulations have also become much stricter, which is undoubtedly a positive shift for the industry.
A major transformation has been the introduction of eID for sheep. This is one of the most significant advancements, allowing farmers to identify sheep on properties accurately. It has brought greater transparency, tracking ownership, preventing theft, and ensuring disease-free livestock sales. The traceability this provides has become essential in the wool market, offering buyers the data they need to make informed decisions.
Over my 37 years at Moses & Son, I have seen incredible shifts in prices. When I sold my farm, land was worth about $400 per acre. Today, that same land is valued at $4,000 per acre. Likewise, the price of lamb has quadrupled. But you can’t look back—you just have to keep moving forward.
What’s Next?
It has been an honour to work alongside Marty and the rest of the team past and present, and to be part of a business that prioritises its growers and clients. That’s what I have loved most—the relationships.
As a lifelong farmer, I don’t intend to stop moving in retirement. My focus will now be on spending time with my four children and eight grandchildren, all while making sure I don’t drive my wife insane! I still plan to dabble in farm work with neighbouring properties, but for the most part, I’m looking forward to family time and a well-earned break.
My last day at Moses & Son will be February 28th, marking the end of an incredible chapter in my life. It has been an honour to be part of this business, and I will always be proud of the role I’ve played in its journey.
To my colleagues, clients, and friends—thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the support. It’s been one hell of a ride!
A Final Message from Moses & Son
Greg, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment over the past 37 years have left an incredible mark on Moses & Son. Your expertise, leadership, and friendship have been invaluable, not just to the business but to all the farmers, clients, and colleagues who have had the privilege to work alongside you. We cannot thank you enough for your contributions, and while we will miss seeing you every day, we know this next chapter is well deserved. Enjoy your retirement, cherish the time with your family, and know that you’ll always be part of the Moses & Son family. Cheers, mate!
