NSW Department of Primary Industries

Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute celebrates 130 years

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18 Oct 2023

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is throwing open their gates in support and celebration of the local community.

NSW DPI’s Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI) is open to the public on Saturday 21 October for a special day of celebration and discovery as it commemorates 130 years of primary industries research.

"We encourage everyone to attend this special event, because it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest developments in agriculture and explore the history of our station," WWAI Institute Director Deb Slinger said.

"Over 130 years, WWAI has made significant strides in advancing primary industries practices, and we're excited to share these achievements with the community.

“The site started in 1892 when the Department of Agriculture established an Experimental Farm on the site, with many well-known agricultural figures contributing to research at the site, such as William Farrer, Nathan Cobb and John Pridham.

Today, WWAI is the leading research institute for southern farming systems, with experts working across the fields of agronomy, viticulture, livestock production, the sciences of managing weeds, soils, entomology; as well as feed testing, cereal and oil laboratory services supporting producers across NSW and beyond.

The open day will run from 10am to 2pm and there will be plenty of displays, information and activities to keep all the family engaged, showcasing the world-class research and development that is conducted at WWAI, highlighting their important paddock to plate aspects of the research.

“The DPI farm tours which will bus our guests around the 893ha of farm to showcase exactly what and how we conduct our research in farming systems,” said Ms Slinger.

“These tours will demonstrate the diversity of agricultural production of the area including canola and other cropping experiments, our pastures featuring the Clover4Bees project and a soil coring demonstration.

“There will be plenty to see and do throughout the day, including olive oil and honey tasting, a chemistry experience, what bug is that?- beneficial insects for your garden, controlling garden weeds, game meat butchering demonstration and many childrens activities. Local food outlets related to primary industries will keep your hunger and thirst satisfied and there will be local entertainment to enjoy.”

In addition to the open day, NSW DPI’s Young Farmer Business Program Ag.x event will be held in Wagga on Friday 20 October to highlight the benefits of data-driven decision making to young farmers and fishers from across the Riverina.

Organised by NSW DPI with support from NSW Young Farmers, Future Farmers Network and Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Council, the event aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge, skills and tools needed to thrive in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving agriculture and aquaculture industries.

Highlights of the event’s program include a strong digital theme and hands-on learning of the future of Australian farming through technology and data innovations. Tickets to the Young Farmer Business Program Ag.x Wagga Wagga event are on sale now with interested attendees encouraged to secure tickets here:  
www.youngfarmer.nsw.gov.au/workshops-and-events

The open day is free, however please register at https://events.humanitix.com/wagga-wagga-agricultural-institute-open-day Tickets for tours and workshops are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

MEDIA: 6391 3686

Events over the weekend:

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au