Westminster’s new-look Sturt Grove Farm was formally opened in August last year at a community event at the school’s Marion campus.


The facility is set on 4.5 hectares and at the centre of the redevelopment is the Thomas Foods International (TFI) Centre for Agriculture.


A longtime supporter of the Westminster Show Team, TFI extended its sponsorship to incorporate industry learning and training programs into the daily workings of Sturt Grove Farm.


The state-of-the-art Sturt Grove Farm facilities supports viticulture, aquaculture, livestock handling and food tech.


While Sturt Grove Farm has been adapted over time to suit the changing curriculum demands, its new-look and layout is a gamechanger to meet the evolving face of agriculture and its dynamic integration with science, technology and the environment.


In 1972, the historic Sturt Grove Farm was restructured for learning by legendary Head of Agriculture, the late Ian Young.


What he and a generous community achieved then for a fledgling School opened in 1961 was remarkable, establishing a practical teaching farm for students, especially those from the country.


In Ian’s time, the diverse agriculture program included meat birds, rare sheep, country tours, aquaculture, viticulture, vegetables and a museum.


Old scholars regularly affirm that Ian showed them different pathways through education to be lifelong learners.


The main roadway crossing the Sturt Grove Farm from the school to the boarding precinct is now dedicated as Ian Young’s Way, reflecting Ian’s belief that students with encouragement can offer more than just mainstream thinking to our world.


Westminster old scholar and current Head of Agriculture Andy Malcom is excited by what is offered through the upgraded farm to learn more about the important role of agriculture in our lives.


Having experienced Sturt Grove Farm as a former student, Andy feels the outstanding facilities and what they mean for practical and classroom learning are helping normalise agriculture in the curriculum to be as important as other sciences taught.


With a wide range of careers and positions available, the agricultural industry is a valuable option not just for students from a farming background, but those who are city-raised like Andy himself.


The school is grateful for the generous support of Thomas Foods International and the Westminster community to make this adventurous project a reality and amongst the very best of such educational facilities in the nation.


Sturt Grove Farm – a historical snapshot


Sited on fertile Kaurna Yerta, bounded by the original watercourse of Warripari (Sturt River), Sturt Grove is first recorded in 1838 as a 20-acre property managed by John Bradford for the South Australian Company. 


Having predominantly grazed sheep and cattle, the farm switched to grapevines, fruit and almond trees when the Hasenohr family took ownership in 1894. 


Olive trees grew in their homestead’s front garden and these can still be seen at the school. 


Well-known in the Marion district, the Quick family held the property from 1935 to 1959 before the SA Housing Trust (SAHT) took ownership. 


Having leased the property to Penfolds, SAHT agreed to sell Sturt Grove to neighbouring Westminster School in 1966.