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The undulating landscape where the south west slopes meets the western plains has proven a bountiful region for agriculture over many generations.
Today’s farmers in Temora Shire continue to strive for excellence, despite the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and volatile markets.
Their outlook on the agricultural industry aims to make the most of the lessons of their forefathers, coupled with a willingness to try and stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
The local Temora Agricultural Research and Advisory Station has developed many significant trials over the years, with a wide range of wheat and oat varieties being bred on site.
As custodians of the land for future generations, local farmers take their environmental obligations seriously, with many active Landcare groups operating within the district. You can see it for yourself as you drive through the shire and see new areas of trees being planted each year.
In fact, district farmers have embraced a philosophy of farming harmoniously with the land for many years, as Temora’s Narraburra Cup competition, co-ordinated by Temora Shire Council, is thought to be the oldest soil conservation competition in the world. Whatever time of year it might be, there is always something happening in the local agricultural community – from shearing to sowing, windrowing or lambing.
Fortnightly sheep sales are held at the local saleyards, while the district always steps up a gear at harvest time, with grain receival sites across the district, including a bulk wheat sub terminal in Temora, frenetic with activity.
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Each season brings changes in the district’s landscape, from emerging green crops in autumn and winter through to the golden flowering canola in spring and the rippling texture of wheat paddocks in summer.
The traditional staples of wheat and wool continue to play important roles in local agricultural production, however, farmers have diversified their interests to embrace a wide range of products.
Cropping rotations now include a range of cereal crops including canola, barley, oats, triticale, lupins, field peas, faba beans and chick peas, as well as a number of pasture crops such as lucerne and clover.
On the livestock front, prime lamb production has experienced strong growth, and there are a number of sheep studs located across the district.
Beef cattle and pigs also feature strongly, including a local free range piggery which sells its products directly to boutique butchers and food outlets in metropolitan centres.
We also have our share of farmers taking on niche industries, such as deer, ostriches and olives, as well as local beekeepers producing honey for both the domestic and international markets.
Agriculture plays an important role in the shire’s economy, with local agribusinesses including grain merchants, machinery dealerships, fuel distributors, stock and station agents and one of the largest woolbrokers in NSW.
And of course, there are the many farming families who are at the heart of this strong agricultural community, with their resilience and focus on excellence and innovation ensuring ongoing success of this industry in Temora Shire.
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