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 recognises 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 honour, 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,” says Simone Kain, co-founder of George the Farmer and a proud Penola resident.
“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,” says Des.
“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 Agricultural 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.