Farming the future – Katherine Research Station showcases its work
More than 1,300 people flocked to the Katherine Research Station Open Day last Saturday. The first in 10 years.
Families, producers and curious locals streamed through the gates for a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the Northern Territory’s key agricultural research hubs, turning the long-awaited return of the event, formerly known as Farm and Garden Day, into a celebration of science, history and community, with more than 40 stalls from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, industry groups and local businesses on show.
Set across more than 1,200 hectares, the Katherine Research Station (KRS) plays a critical role in the Top End’s farming future – from livestock management and hay production for government herds to trials of new crops suited to the region’s harsh, monsoonal conditions.
Susan King Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said the open day comes during a milestone year for the facility.
“This year marks 80 years of research and development and engagement here in Katherine,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that, but also to reconnect with the community after more than a decade without an event like this.”
Visitors explored farm tours, demonstrations, trade stalls and hands-on displays designed to showcase the work happening behind the station’s gates.
“Agriculture has so many links to the rest of the town,” Ms King said.
“It underpins jobs and local industries and is a big part of everyday life, so it’s important people can see the amazing work happening out here.”
That work has deep roots. The site began as an experimental farm set up by the Australian Army during World War II, focused on food security in the north. It later became a CSIRO research facility before transferring to the NT Government, evolving into a hub for livestock, cropping, horticulture and biosecurity research.
Among the biggest drawcards on the day were live livestock handling demonstrations, where dog handler Wilbur and his team showed how well-trained working dogs can transform cattle behaviour.
Crowds also climbed aboard the much-loved “train”, familiar to many from its days at Territory Wildlife Park, for guided tours across the property.
Elsewhere, visitors got a close look at cutting-edge projects underway at the station, including trials of agave as a potential biofuel source, virtual fencing technology using collars instead of traditional fences, and the Crops for Cattle project comparing feed strategies using locally grown inputs.
The open day atmosphere was relaxed and family-friendly, with food stalls, kids’ activities and a steady flow of visitors keen to see how research translates into real-world agriculture.
For Ms King, strengthening that connection is the ultimate goal.
“There’s a lot of work, a lot of people and a lot of innovation here that’s helping shape the future of agriculture in the Territory,” she said.
