Of The Farmer 2012 - and at this month’s Kangaroo Island Field Day.

Agriculture has always been the economic backbone of the island’s community, so these year-long celebrations are designed to remind us of the vital role our farmers play in feeding, clothing and providing building materials to house us and the significant contribution they make to our economy.

Island farming history is notable because the first crops ever grown in South Australia were produced at Cygnet River in the 1820s by William Day and Robert Wallen.

Now 24 per cent of island residents derive their income from agriculture and estimates based on census data (2005-2006) and PIRSA Scorecard put total farmgate income on the island at $55.4 million, from field crops, livestock, dairy, horticulture, seafood and wine.

PIRSA senior consultant Lyn Dohle said it was an exciting time for agriculture on the island because while broad acre farms producing crops, sheep, wool and meat were still very important, there were many new endeavours on smaller acreages.

“The island has more young farmers now than in the past 20 years and the majority of them are well educated and have off-island experience.

“They return to the island with fresh ideas, enthusiasm and passion. The industry is in safe hands as this younger generation takes us forward using new and smarter methods of production.”

Nine Roadshow vehicles equipped with interactive displays and a wealth of entertaining and educational materials will travel more than 55,000 kilometres across the nation during The Australian Year Of The Farmer 2012.

A Roadshow vehicle will be at the Kangaroo Island Field Day at the Cygnet River Racecourse on Thursday February 23.

Catherine Murphy