Vignette 40: Breaking new ground in Australian agriculture

In 1881, John Daniel Custance (1842–1923), Fellow of the Chemical Society FCS and Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society FRAS, was appointed Professor of Agriculture in the South Australian Department of Lands. He played a pivotal role in establishing Roseworthy Agricultural College, which opened its doors to students in February 1885. 

Custance’s vision extended beyond traditional education. He advocated for integrating research and teaching, believing scientific advancements were wasted without proper dissemination to farmers.

Notably, Custance advocated using superphosphate in Australian agriculture. He initiated experiments with superphosphates at Roseworthy Agricultural College, demonstrating for the first time the crucial role of phosphates in Australian agriculture and subsequently influencing sustainable farming practices. 

His recommendations and initiatives laid the foundation for sustainable farming practices across the country and addressed South Australian wheat growers’ challenges. His innovations were essential to Roseworthy’s history and agricultural education, and his practices will continue to shape the future of agriculture in our region and beyond.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Nurturing excellence. p.61