Gunnedah Shire Council is celebrating a successful collaboration with the University of Sydney's Institute of Agriculture to mark the 80th anniversary of the Gabo wheat variety.
Last week, Council and the University hosted a successful field day at Gabo farm and the release of The Story of Gabo, written by Professors Lindsey O'Brien and Peter Sharp. The book was launched by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and was funded by a Heritage NSW grant through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The Story of Gabo follows the journey of the Gabo wheat variety - released in 1945 by the University of Sydney - which was a turning point for the Namoi Valley's farmers who had battled with stem rust on the fertile, but previously high-risk, black soil plains.
The release of the high-yielding, rust-resistant variety, alongside new farming technologies like the disc plough, unlocked the region's agricultural potential, turning it into a significant wheat-growing hub and bolstering the farming community's confidence.
The Story of Gabo includes the accounts of Gunnedah district families, the Beesons and Hathways, whose contributions in time, farming expertise and land for testing and seed production helped bring Gabo to fruition.
Members of both families attended the 80th anniversary celebrations, along with other local landholders and members of the Gunnedah Rural Museum who will set up a Gabo display later in the year, funded by the Heritage NSW grant.
Council's Manager Economy and Growth Susan Frater said more than 100 guests at the book launch were gifted with loaves of bread containing Gabo wheat.
"Wheat from last season's crop was stoneground at Wholegrain Milling and artisan bakers Reverence Road crafted loaves from the flour," she said.
"It was a lovely symmetry, generously supplied by local businesses, and a wonderful memento for those who share in Gabo's history."
Ms Frater said many months of hard work and a strong collaboration between Council and the Institute of Agriculture had culminated in a historic and memorable day.
"It's fantastic that we were able to celebrate Gabo's origins right here in the Namoi Valley where it all unfolded," she said.
"And what a privilege to host Her Excellency in our Shire at such a time.
"Agriculture remains the heart of this region and we are proud that our farmers played such a pivotal role in the wheat variety's development.
"Many thanks to Tim and Mandy Gavin for opening the gates of Gabo Farm, and congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make the anniversary celebrations a success."
Captions:
Gabo farm owners Tim and Mandy Gavin, authors Peter Sharp and Lindsay O'Brien, and University of Sydney Associate Professor Guy Roth amongst the wheat at Gabo farm.
The Beeson family at Gabo farm.
The Hathway family at Gabo farm.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller at the launch of 'The Story of Gabo'. Her Excellency is holding a loaf of bread made from Gabo wheat.
