William Farrer

William James Farrer (Known as "Father of Australian Wheat")

Wheat Breeder, Agriculturalist, Creator of 'Federation' Drought-Resistant Wheat (1901)

Born 1845-04-03

Docker, Kendal, Westmorland, United Kingdom

Passed Away 1906-04-16 Lambrigg, Tharwa, Australia

Lifespan 61 years old

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"My work is done for the public good, to make the barren earth yield bread for all."

Archival Overview

Visionary agricultural scientist whose systematic cross-breeding created 'Federation' wheat in 1901, a rust- and drought-resistant strain that transformed Australia into a premier wheat exporter.

Biographical Record

William James Farrer was born on April 3, 1845, in Westmorland, England. Graduating from Pembroke College, Cambridge, in mathematics, he emigrated to Australia in 1870 due to tuberculosis. Working as a surveyor in New South Wales, he bought an estate named Lambrigg near Tharwa (now ACT) in 1886 to pursue agricultural experiments.

Witnessing devastating fungal rust plagues destroying Australian wheat harvests, Farrer conducted meticulous artificial hybridization experiments. In 1901, he released 'Federation' wheat, a variety with short, sturdy straw, early maturity to escape summer drought, and high rust resistance. Federation wheat tripled Australian agricultural output, revolutionizing national farming.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Lambrigg Homestead Gravesite
Tharwa, ACT, Australia

                         GPS: -35.5100, 149.0700                    

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