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Dryland Farming

In the quest to produce viable crops, dryland farmers have been aided through scientific developments in crop-breeding and pest control, such as the introduction of myxomatosis, the introduction of super phosphate fertiliser, and inventions such as the Ridley Stripper and the stump jump plough.

The rapid development of new farming technology, such as tractors with pneumatic tyres, was matched by the decline in use of horses for transport and farm labour and the loss of related industries such as blacksmithing and coach building.

Catching and storing rainwater and utilising underground water supplies has always been a focal point for dryland farming communities. The legacy of this is evident in new irrigation systems and in the many dams, water tanks, windmills and ruins which still dot the landscape today.