Lessons in the Cattle Pen 

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 32 x 45 cm, 2021

The Riverina Welfare Farm Jersey stud consisted of 95 head and was of the best in the state. 

Prizes were won at local and Sydney shows, the herd was listed many times in the top three herds for milk and butterfat production and through the years, the dairy provided good financial returns for the Farm. 

The boys received instruction in milking of the dairy cows, care of the stud animals and showing of the prize-winning cattle

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008

In the Shearing Shed 

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 32 x 45 cm, 2021

The Riverina Welfare Farm ran a successful sheep breeding program, the boys were taught shearing and wool classing, and a successful shearing venture conducted. 

The one stand shearing shed was enlarged to include eight stands, of which two were reserved for the boys. 

Sheep management facilities were offered to the local community and in 1933, 32,000 sheep were shorn whilst 7,000 were dipped, bringing in an income to the farm of £6,700

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008

Fruit Grading 

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 32 x 45 cm, 2021

Grading oranges using The Lightning Elevator. The oranges were first planted in 1908 and thrived in the climatic and soil conditions of the area. 

The Department of Agriculture retained involvement in the existing orchard and vineyards. Mr Fred Chomley was Farm Manager until 1929. Agricultural staff included Fred Chaffey, Farm Foreman since 1914. Welfare Farm Manager was Hector Melville.

Superintendent Maurice Saxby was assisted by James Lauder followed by A Ogden in 1938 and T Hingston in 1940, who remained in charge until 1942

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008

Bread Making 

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 23 x 30 cm, 2021

Income was earned for the Welfare Farm through the baking of bread. Here the dough is being measure out and kneaded in preparation for loading into the tins on the right. The oven was a Metters Ltd, Bakery Engineers, Sydney.

The kitchen/dining room was built along with a number other buildings during the time of the Welfare Farm and are still in use today. Other current buildings include the buildings around the main quadrangle. Today they are referred to as the Administration Building, Recreation Hall, Dining

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008

Vegetable Plot

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 32 x 45 cm, 2021

When World War II started the farm became a major producer of vegetables for the armed forces. Vegetables were produced under irrigation and supplied to Leeton Cannery. Olive trees were planted as windbreaks in 1908.

As an operating agricultural enterprise, with large acreage, together with 50 acres of orchard, garden and grazing paddocks with a stud cattle breeding program, the Riverina Welfare Farm ran as a commercial success. Income from the farm was earned through sheep breeding and shearing, vegetable growing for Leeton Cannery, baking, slaughtering, milking and maintaining the Jersey herd

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008

Berkshire Pigs 

Riverina Welfare Farm for Boys Yanco 1928 -1942

Oil on board, 23 x 30 cm, 2021

Pig production had been an important part of the Yanco Experiment Farm since inception. A Berkshire stud operated in conjunction with the dairy herd. The piggery supplied pigs of pork-weight plus baconers to the kitchen each year, as well as offering pigs for sale to local farmers and butcher shops.

Up to 200 boys, in barrack style accommodation, lived and worked on the farm. MH Saxby, Superintendent, said: ‘There are no fences, no bars and no walls to the farm. All the boys are on their honour’. ‘My job here has been to fit boys to take their place in the community like other citizens, to fit them to live with other people and that

Image Source: M Saxby

Reference: Celebrating 100 years Yanco Agricultural Institute 2008