Research Farm History

The Werribee Research Farm is situated on the north-eastern fringe of the Werribee Irrigation District. It was established in 1912 to investigate ways of improving agricultural production in Victoria. Early development was devoted to research into crop improvement with emphasis on rotations, fertiliser practice and plant breeding. The dry-farmed areas have been utilised for the production and testing of improved cereal varieties and the multiplication of seed of outstanding varieties for distribution to farmers.

The alluvial area has been devoted to irrigated permanent pastures. The first research activity in Victoria into watering and fertiliser requirements of irrigated pastures was conducted at Werribee in the mid 1920's. The program of livestock research had expanded greatly after the building of the S.S. Cameron Laboratory in 1960 as the headquarters for animal husbandry research. The School of Dairy Technology was established on the farm in 1939 and was later incorporated into the Gilbert Chandler Institute of Dairy Technology, which opened in 1968. An Agricultural Engineering group also worked here as part of the former Department of Agriculture – until disbanded in the late 1980’s. Today, only part of the original research farms exists and is managed by the Department of Primary Industries. Much of it is now devoted to Animal Sciences research.

State Research Farm - official opening 1949