Penola Named South Australia’s Agricultural Town of the Year for 2024
Penola, a small town with big ambitions nestled in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, has proudly claimed the title of South Australia’s Agricultural Town of the Year for 2024. The award, which recognizes excellence in agricultural practices, education, and community spirit, was presented at the prestigious Regional Showcase Awards at Beresford House, McLaren Vale.
Penola surpassed other strong finalists – Burra and Kimba – to take the top honor, with judges praising the town’s diversity in agriculture, community collaboration, and commitment to agricultural education. Known for producing a wide array of crops and livestock, Penola’s agricultural achievements span from dairy, beef, and lamb to grains, potatoes, forestry, wine, and even innovative ventures like hemp.
“Penola punches well above its weight in terms of agricultural output. We produce a diverse amount of produce from grains, prime lamb, delicious beef, pines, hemp, dairy, and, of course, grapes. We’re lucky to generally have high rainfall, access to underground water, and really fertile soils,” said Simone Kain, co-founder of George the Farmer and a proud Penola resident.
Kain, whose educational program and picture book series George the Farmer has educated millions of children worldwide on agriculture, added, “We’re a creative community. From artists to authors to artisan winemakers right through to our creative farmers who produce world-class products. George the Farmer has helped educate over 600,000 children in Australian classrooms alone about the importance of farming and where our food and fibre comes from. I love that George originates from a highly productive little town like Penola.”
Penola’s agricultural success is enhanced by its commitment to education. Judges noted the impressive uptake of local agricultural programs, including the curriculum at the Penola High School and George the Farmer, which has brought Australian agriculture to the world stage. The town’s flexibility in adapting to new agricultural opportunities—like transitioning from hemp seed to hemp fibre production—highlights its innovative approach.
Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll commended the town’s dedication to both community and innovation. “Penola embraces the whole spectrum of agriculture with diverse farming communities and innovative leaders in primary industries, agribusinesses, and agricultural education,” said Mayor Noll. “The whole community has been behind Penola’s success, and everyone should be incredibly proud of this achievement.”
As the sixth town to receive the Ag Town of the Year Award since its inception, Penola joins past winners in demonstrating the vital role agriculture plays in South Australia’s regional economy, generating $18.5 billion in 2022-23 and supporting vibrant communities across the state.
With record nominations and public votes this year, the Agricultural Town of the Year Award continues to shine a spotlight on the heart and resilience of South Australia’s rural communities, where agriculture forms the backbone of both economy and way of life.
For further information on this release please contact:
Emma Clay, Director Development Services
Email: council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
Telephone: (08) 8733 0900