Research scientist, Geoff Stubbs was famous throughout Queensland for his tall frame and his bushy eyebrows. He refused to trim his eyebrows until the age of 95 when they affected his ability to read his favourite scientific journals.
Working for Bayer, Geoff made a huge contribution to animal health in Queensland through his development of such products as Asuntol cattle dip, Rametin sheep drench and Neguvon horse drench. These products are now at the end of their product cycles. In the 1980s, the products controlled up to 80 per cent of their respective markets.
When Asuntol was launched in Australia, there were significant problems because the waters in Australia were many times heavier than waters in Europe.The product was settling to the bottom of the dip. Dr. Eric Endrejat from Bayer in Germany and Geoff were given the task of resolving the problem. 20 litre drums of bore water from Amberley were routinely flown to Germany to help with formulation development and the problem was solved.
Continuing to work on Asuntol, Geoff observed that farmers who had muddy cattle dips had better results than farmers who used clean water. Geoff proved that the better performance of ‘dirty’ dips was because the mud in the dip stuck to the animal’s hair, ensuring that more of the product stayed on the animal, increasing protection from ticks. Geoff also demonstrated that the addition of a small amount of Asuntol after each dip further improved results. Asuntol became the biggest selling cattle dip in Australia.
Due to Geoff’s involvement with Asuntol, his household was one of the first in the street to have a home telephone. As a result, Geoff would sometimes receive early morning calls from concerned farmers, requesting a visit. Geoff would always oblige, usually arriving the same day, always taking the first available flight. On one occasion, returning from Rockhampton, Geoff was late for his flight, and boarded, wearing his stained overalls and smelly gumboots; an uncomfortable and odoriferous trip for his fellow passengers aboard the old Fokker Friendship!!
In the 1960s, I used to accompany Geoff on his field trips to the sheep farms around Warwick where Geoff was field-testing the effectiveness of a new product, Rametin, for the control of barbers-pole worms. We would leave home in Brisbane in the early hours and travel via Cunningham’s Gap, before arriving at the selected farm. On the way back home, Geoff and I would always enjoy a meal in Warwick followed by an ice-cream at Aratula, arriving home late at night. During the day, we were busy.
In the 1960s, I used to accompany Geoff on his field trips to the sheep farms around Warwick where Geoff was field-testing the effectiveness of a new product, Rametin.
- David Stubbs
Usually the local Bayer sales rep identified properties where there were both worm infested sheep and a farmer who was willing to let his flock be tested. Upon arrival at the property, Geoff would start taking faecal samples from the penned sheep and my job was to organize the sample bottles, ensuring they were placed in the car for the trip back to Brisbane.
After the sheep had been drenched, Geoff would revisit the property to assess progress. The formerly emaciated sheep became healthy specimens with thick, rich fleeces. Rametin is also coming to the end of its production cycle, 50 years after Geoff and his team launched the product.
Rametin was one of the first products to be launched as a result of the ‘Silly Ideas Club’ at Bayer. Geoff’s silly idea was to have a product that was a one-size fits all. Sheep drenches traditionally required dose adjustments based on the weight of the animal. Geoff realised that with a little tweaking he could recommend a single dose for Rametin regardless of the animal’s weight.
In 1968, Geoff, with his old German colleague, Dr Eric Endrejat, established the Bahr’s Hill Bayer Veterinary Research Station for the testing of products for the Australian and international markets. Much, valuable research was undertaken.
Geoff always received wonderful hospitality and fine home cooking from families in the bush. He would reciprocate by picking up supplies in town for the family before arriving at the property; whatever was requested.
Geoff was able to develop high quality veterinary products, because he received support from his work colleagues. Similarly, he provided valuable technical support to the sales reps in the field and frequently travelled around the state, always insisting on high standards in dealing with customers.
Geoff’s family grew accustomed to having a father who was often absent. When he was back from his trips, he regularly attended such events as school meetings and was on the sideline when a family member was playing sport. Geoff was a keen Rotarian; a foundation member of the Mt Gravatt Rotary Club.
Every year, Geoff looked forward to the RNA show. The Bayer pavilion occupied a prime spot overlooking the entrance to the main arena. Geoff would enjoy having a beer with graziers from across Queensland. As kids, we would sneak into the back of the Bayer pavilion, drop our show bags and rest before heading off to the many attractions.
In due recognition of his achievements, there were special guests at his Retirement Dinner in 1982, including two Bayer executives from Germany, the editor of Queensland Country Life and the Minister for Primary Industries.
Upon retirement, Geoff and his beloved wife, Margaret, moved to Mt Tambourine where both became heavily involved in local activities.
Later, Geoff and Margaret moved to Paradise Point on the Gold Coast. After Margaret suffered a stroke, Geoff visited her at the nursing home, every day, until she passed on in 2004. Aged 96, Geoff died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home on 6 December, 2016.
Geoff’s major achievement was the research and development of hugely successful animal health products through which graziers and their families gained access to secure livelihoods. More than likely, anyone who has ever enjoyed a lamb roast or worn a garment made from Australian wool, or simply had a glass of milk, has benefited from his research. Geoff really made his mark.
