26/05/2026
THE ROLE OF FARMERS DURING WORLD WAR 2
Prepared by Julie Yeomans for Quirindi and District Historical Society
With the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, and Australia’s call to assist, there was much pressure placed on the agricultural industry. Farmers were expected to maintain domestic food supplies and support the war effort by exporting meat, dairy, and canned goods.
This role did not come without challenges. Eastern Australia suffered record low rainfall from 1937 to 1945, causing sheep to die in large numbers and wheat crops to fail in several regions. Wool production dropped and dairying suffered badly. The Quirindi Butter Factory made only 6 tons of butter in 1940, compared to its usual 20 to 30 tons. By 1945 the Hunter River was virtually dry. Additionally, there were shortages of seed stock, fertiliser, fuel and rubber.
Agricultural organisations, which were already active in Quirindi and surrounding villages did their best to assist farmers. Country shows and field wheat competitions were urged to continue by the governing Council of the Agricultural Associations, with a view to encouraging a high standard of production. The Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Society (PA&H) was responsible for organising Quirindi Agricultural Shows. Their role was to promote best practices in farming, animal husbandry and horticulture and to foster innovation and pride in rural industries. The Quirindi Branch had a close association with Junior Farmers who were very active locally during this period, with clubs at Bolah Gap, Borambil, Braefield, Castlemountain, Quipolly and Wallabadah
By 1942, however, the pressures of wartime restrictions, labour shortages due to enlistment, and ongoing drought made it impossible for the PA&H to continue the annual show. The district field wheat competition was also abandoned that year due to a lack of petrol for crop inspections. The Quirindi Show resumed in 1946.
Labour shortages on farms became a serious problem as thousands of men enlisted. The Manpower Directorate, established in 1942 as a Division of the Australian Government, was responsible for allocating labour where it was most required, particularly during busy times such as shearing and harvesting. The Directorate also worked with local agricultural committees and managed applications for agricultural necessities including tyres, machinery, petrol and transportation of wheat to silos. It also held the power to decide who worked where. Employers in the rural industry were instructed to request identity cards from casual workers and to notify the National Service office if these could not be produced.
A committee was formed in Quirindi in 1942, with representatives from agricultural groups. Together, these groups gave the rural community a stronger voice and helped shape farming policy and education. E Cadell headed The Graziers’ Association of New South Wales, representing sheep and cattle producers and large scale pastoralists. J D York spoke for the Farmers & Settlers Association on behalf of small scale farmers and land selectors who were pushing for land reform and rural infrastructure. A T O’Donnell acted for the Agricultural Bureau, R Cansdell for local businesses and Messrs Lowry and Worrad on behalf of employees. Additional committee members were F Kimber, W McInnes and M T Ford.
One solution to overcome the shortage of workers was the Women’s Land Army, who performed tasks from milking cows and bagging wheat to driving tractors. Women were not accepted as workers by all farmers however a few local properties did employ them. Local girls who enlisted included Joan Elsley, Joan Shoobert, Marie Harris, Edith Maunder, Shirley Boyle and Beryl Squires. Merrigula, in the Premer district was among the properties that employed Land Army women.
Reference: Quirindi 1939-1950, Courage and Commitment by Dorothy Durrant; QDHS Archives
Photo: Women’s Land Army girls at Merrigula
