From Scrub to Success - The History of Morgan Partners Farms

The story of Morgan Partners Farms is deeply intertwined with the and unrelenting challenges of the Mallee. It began in October 1905 when brothers William and Frederick Hammond, seeking new opportunities, left their family farm in Owen to carve out a life in the untamed scrub.

With little more than their horses and tools, they claimed Section 44 near Geranium, setting the stage for a legacy of determination and resilience.

The early years were marked by immense struggle. Water was scarce, and digging a well became their first monumental challenge. Using basic tools and a homemade ventilation system stitched from calico, they toiled through layers of clay and stone, finally striking water 170 feet down. Every day brought new hardships: clearing dense scrub, carting supplies, and facing the isolation of life in an unyielding environment.

In 1912, disaster struck when their camp burned to the ground. With only the clothes on their backs, they cooked eggs in a tin and slept under a ti-tree. By morning, neighbours rallied, bringing supplies and embodying the Mallee’s spirit of community—a spirit that became a cornerstone of their survival.

When World War I broke out, the family faced an unimaginable choice. Fred enlisted, answering the call to serve, while William stayed behind to ensure the survival of the farm and the family. Fred paid the ultimate price, losing his life in service to his country. William carried the weight of loss and responsibility, working tirelessly to keep the farm running. His efforts not only preserved the family’s future but also supported the fledgling Geranium community, which relied on pioneers like the Hammonds.

Left - Studio portrait of 2832 Private Frederick James Hammond, 43rd Battalion, from Geranium, SA. A farmer before enlisting, he left Adelaide with the 6th Reinforcements on HMAT Berrima (A35) on 16 December 1916. Pte Hammond served on the Western Front and died of wounds on 18 October 1917 at age 32.

Fred’s sacrifice and William’s unwavering dedication became defining moments in the farm’s history. Their story is one of courage, loss, and resilience—a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure.

In 1980, the farm passed to Clare and Colin Morgan, and their successors, David and Pamela Morgan, were instrumental in modernising the farm. Through their efforts, the property expanded, and modern technologies were embraced, preparing it for the future.

David and Pamela’s sons, Adam and Daniel, grew up on the land, learning its challenges and strengths. As adults, and as part of succession planning in 2019 they each took different paths. Adam assumed responsibility for the properties at Geranium and Jabuk and soon after purchased another property at Parrakie, while Daniel focused on farming in the Peake District.

Today, Adam continues to grow the business under the Morgan Partners Farms banner. He is passionate about working with the land to capitalise on its strengths, continually improving the soil and adopting new technologies and farming practices in the Mallee.

Adam standing in a paddock of barley & vetch soon to be cut for hay at Parrakie.

Morgan Partners Farms stands as a living tribute to its founders and a beacon of progress, innovation, and respect for the land. The legacy of courage, sacrifice, and determination lives on in every acre.