A picturesque small town in South Australia has been recognised for transforming the way we farm.
Penola, a town nestled in the Limestone Coast’s famous Coonawarra region, has been crowned the 2024 Agricultural Town of the Year.
The award, announced at the Regional Showcase Awards in McLaren Vale, highlights Penola’s leadership in agriculture, its innovative spirit, and its commitment to agricultural education.
Penola, with a population of just under 2,000, beat out stiff competition from finalists Burra and Kimba to take home the coveted title – an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
A celebration of agriculture and community
Penola is no stranger to hard work, and its agricultural diversity is what sets it apart. From dairy, beef, and lamb, to grains, potatoes, forestry, and wine, Penola has mastered the art of using its unique local conditions to its advantage.
As Cory O’Connor, Agricultural Teacher at Penola High School, says, he drives past pine plantations, paddocks full of cows and sheep, and then vineyards on his way to school each morning. “It’s a reminder of just how much diverse agriculture we have here, all in one small area.”
Penola’s agricultural efforts have earned it a reputation as a town that celebrates both the old and new in farming. The judges praised the town’s ability to pivot its agricultural focus when needed – such as shifting from hemp seed production to hemp fibre – as well as its strong sense of community spirit.
Cory says the town is definitely very proud of the award. “It’s amazing to see the spotlight on everything we’re doing here.”
Planting the seeds of education
At the heart of Penola’s success is its dedication to agricultural education – and Cory has been a key figure in making that happen.
Cory, who grew up in the town before leaving to study in Adelaide, eventually returned to his roots at Penola High School.
Here, he’s set up an entire curriculum in the past two and a half years that now caters to students from Years 7-12.
“We started from scratch,” Cory says. “There were no animals, no fences, nothing. We’ve built it all from the ground up.”
Thanks to Cory’s vision and “very generous locals”, the program now boasts chickens, turkeys, sheep, cows, fish and even yabbies.
The agricultural program has not only enriched the students’ education but also connected them with their rural roots.
“The kids love it. It’s about giving them a head start, showing them all the different opportunities of what their futures could look like in agriculture.”
And for some of them, connecting with animals makes a world of difference. “A few kids aren’t the most well-behaved in class, but when they come to work with an animal, they’re a lot calmer and more connected, which is amazing to watch,” Cory says. “They form a very strong bond very quickly.”
A future-focused community
The program has also created some “massive” opportunities for the students, including taking three steers to the Royal Adelaide Show this year – something that was both a challenge and a triumph.
“It was a bit scary for me because those steers are something like 400kg,” Cory says.
“But the kids absolutely loved it, and the steers were well-behaved – just walking around like big puppy dogs.
“Penola being recognised with this award is about the future we’re building for these kids, the pathways we’re creating for them to see a career in agriculture. It’s the community’s dedication that makes this town what it is.”
As for Cory? He’s not going anywhere. “I’ve had a whole lot of job offers from city schools since I set up the agricultural program here, but this is where I want to be, because the bunch of kids we have here is so fantastic. I love it.”
“The next part of the adventure is how do we expand the program to the junior school so it runs right through from reception to Year 12.”To find out more about the Agricultural Town of the Year Award, click here.
