Agriculture
Written by Graham Wilson
Agricultural Bureau of N.S.W.
In August 1938 the Hon. Sec. of the Bingara branch of the Agricultural Bureau of N.S.W., A.J. Eipper, wrote to Warialda residents concerning ‘the advantage to be gained from the operations of the Agricultural Bureau’. The Bingara branch of the bureau was formed before World War One. Bingara had been chosen as the venue for the next District Conference of the Bureau to be held in February 1939.
Farmers and Settlers Association of New South Wales.
A meeting was held on Saturday 29 September 1906 in Bridger’s Hall to form a Bingara branch of the Farmers and Settlers Association of New South Wales. Mr McRoberts of Inverell attended to explain the purpose of the association. A meeting was held at Lyon’s Hall on Saturday 13 October to elect office bearers; Mr J.A. Lyons was elected to the chair.
Better Farming Train
The Better Farming Train travelled throughout the state to assist farmers and graziers and this train was located at Warialda Rail on Thursday 27 October 1927. Demonstrations and lectures were given on wheat growing, diseases of stock, wool classing, pasture improvement and other subjects for the man on the land. In the Women’s Section advice was given on Maternal and Baby Welfare, cooking and needlework. That evening, films were shown and lantern lectures presented in the open air. The train then continued onto Moree, Biniguy, Inverell and Delungra returning to Warialda on 27 October.
Wheat
In January 1898 Austin Mack of ‘Pallal Station’ reported that the area under cultivation for wheat was 250 acres and ‘the area will be materially increased for next season’.119 By July he had between 500 and 600 acres under wheat and was clearing more land to have it ready for wheat next year. Large sheds were under erection for storing wheat to save carting wheat to the homestead.
McIntosh of ‘Bingara Station’ also placed a large area of land under wheat in July 1898.
Wheat Silos
The Warialda Railway Station became a major centre for the transport of wheat. Early in January 1921 one train carried 400 tons of wheat. The silo at the rail yard was built from 1934 to 1935. The Minister for Agriculture advised the local member of parliament B.M. Wade M.L.A. in May 1938, that he would consider the matter of silos at Milguy, Crooble, Croppa Creek and North Star.
Prickly Pear Field Station
In July 1931 the Prickly Pear Field Station at Gravesend was offered for sale by tender. The equipment included two large galvanised sheds, two galvanised iron tanks, an office, a wooden bathroom, a T. Model Truck, piping and rotary pump.