Agricultural Evolution
Over the past hundred years, the Orroroo and Carrieton district owes much of its prosperity to cereal grains, sheep and wool.
Following European settlement, agriculture and grazing rapidly advanced northwards. As the European population grew, demand for more arable land increased – aside from copper mining, agriculture was the main industry and there was a lot of faith in cereal cropping at the time.
While unpredictable rainfall in the north restricted the expansion of agriculture, the major barrier was the vast tract of pastoral properties which had been taken up from the 1840s. To encourage closer settlement and the spread of agriculture, the Government enacted legislation known as Strangways Act (1869) enabling larger parcels of land (up to 640 acres) to be bought on credit and at a fixed price, usually from £1 - £2 ($2 - $4) per acre.
Farming was a tough gig, with sowing and harvesting not only incredibly time consuming, but physically laborious. In the early years, cultivating twelve acres with seven horses was considered an excellent day’s work. Progress saw the introduction of seed drills, combines (‘combined’ soil cultivator and seed/fertilizer implement) and current day air-seeders.
“Dry seasons, grasshopper plagues, and declining wheat prices made the 1880s years of extreme trial for the farmers holding on beyond Goyder’s Line.”
The 1880s met the return of a severe drought, leaving many settlers ruined. With insufficient crop to regain seed wheat, let alone feed stock or buy the necessities of life, many farmers simply walked off the land. Those who prevailed gradually acquired vacant blocks blocks with combined dairying and sheep farming.
Equipment and supplies from many of the local businesses were instrumental to the work required to farm the land, not to mention the importance of businesses such as blacksmiths, saddlery and general stores.
While sheep were central to pastoral holdings, they weren’t considered an important part of farming systems until the 1930s; sheep grazing was labour intensive and required a reliable supply of water. In the early years, sheep weren’t even mentioned – they were classed as Small Cattle. Wheat growing had dominated until this time, however as seasons and world markets began to dive again, farmers sought alternative ventures.
With a growing demand for wool, Merino sheep were brought into the mix. Rudimentary shearing sheds were built, initially out of straw and gum posts, or corrugated iron, with a temporary wooden floor for the shearers. Sheep were shorn with hand shears or blades and a thriving wool and sheep industry quickly became a part of life, with regular markets held at the Orroroo saleyards.
Over the years, technology advances have improved efficiency and land holdings have merged, increasing property size and creating more economically viable farm units, but leaving a legacy of population decline, empty farm buildings and reduced community resources.
Today, the resourcefulness and adaptability of the districts’ tight-knit agricultural community cannot be understated. Despite the challenges of farming in an area that has endured crippling droughts, local farmers continue to innovate, diversify and embrace change.