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The future is in the fabric of Burra

As a finalist for the 2024 Agricultural Town of the Year Award, the pastoral town of Burra prioritises quality and modern technology, propelling its global reach.

Oct 01, 2024, updated Oct 08, 2024
Shearing at Mokota. Photo: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

Shearing at Mokota. Photo: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

The mid-north town of Burra is the self-proclaimed “Merino capital of the world.”

Once a historic mining town, Burra has evolved into a leader in modern agriculture, earning recognition beyond its borders, particularly for its high-quality wool and sheep production.

Positioned between the Clare Valley and Flinders Ranges, Burra’s strategic location along major transport routes supports its agricultural reputation.

“It’s a crossroads for the country,” said Justin Lines, a sixth-generation Merino breeder at Lines Gum Hill.

“So east, west, north, south, we can send livestock anywhere to any market. Trucks are virtually going past all the time.”

Lines Gum Hill. Photo: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

Lines emphasised the importance of the region’s Merino studs, which he said contributes around 30 per cent of the rams that are needed for South Australia’s seed stock genetics.

Lines Gum Hill is a prime example of the forward-thinking technology embraced in Burra, utilising a genomics program to create breeding values, helping clients select Merino genetics best suited to their environments.

“The way that we are all using the next step of technology in agriculture is quite exciting,” Lines said.

“Small technologies are being built in town and then graduate out from there.”

This future-focused approach is echoed by William Gebhardt at Mokota, a sixth-generation farm producing broadacre crops and export hay, as well as Merino wool. Mokota integrates cutting-edge technology to secure domestic and international contracts, boosting local employment.

“We’ve invested in the latest machinery, and it’s made a significant difference,” Gebhardt said.

Emily Riggs, through her fashion label Iris & Wool, showcases the quality of Burra’s agricultural output by transforming local Merino wool into nationally acclaimed clothing.

After marrying a wool producer, Riggs was inspired to blend her love for fashion and her agricultural roots, with the brand also born from personal adversity.

“When I was nine years old, I had cancer,” Riggs shared. “Fashion became a form of self-expression for me. Those compliments made me feel good, planting the seeds for Iris & Wool.”

Riggs raises awareness for childhood cancer, donating a portion of Iris & Wool sales to the Childhood Cancer Association and gifting woollen beanies to children with cancer.

In 2023, Riggs opened a store in Burra’s town centre, creating a local attraction that showcases her pieces.

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“We share the farm-to-fashion story a lot. People love seeing how the wool transforms from paddock to garment,” she explained.

Iris & Wool. Photo: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

Her designs are now stocked in David Jones and have reached international markets, exemplifying the town’s far-reaching impact.

Burra’s agricultural strength extends to cattle. Princess Royal Station feedlot is one of the town’s largest employers and plays a vital role in the livestock sector, managing 85,000 head of cattle annually.

“Our beef is accredited for high-quality export to places like Europe and Japan,” Princess Royal Station general manager Rebecca Rowe said.

“It’s pretty special to think all of this comes from a small town like Burra.”

Princess Royal Station. Photo: Lara Pacillo/InDaily

Burra’s heritage also plays a major role in the town’s charm. The Burra Heritage Passport offers access to 11 locked historic sites, drawing visitors to explore its past. The town recently made the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for its connection to Cornish mining.

Local antique businesses like Burra Antiques and St Just Store reflect the town’s character, with owners proudly acknowledging Burra’s history and the strong sense of community.

“Burra’s heritage brings people here — the old stone houses, the history. It’s just got so much character,” said Burra Antiques owner Darrol Pollard.

Sandra Sims, founder of St Just Store, named her shop in honour of the Cornish miners who settled in Burra from St Just in England.

“If you look it up, this town is very similar to theirs. They’ve got the same chimney stacks and everything,” Sims explained.

“Burra is an amazing place. Real estate is booming. The buildings are unique, so many of them are bluestone and in incredible condition.”

Burra has over 50 community groups that embody the townspeople’s strong spirit, while volunteer-run events like the Burra Show and the Stud Merino Expo invite visitors, potential employees, and investors into the evolving landscape of agriculture.

“The blend of community and agriculture in Burra — it just fits together,” Lines said.

“Everything goes hand in hand and the support and the facilities we have in town to be able to do those things are quite incredible.”

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