Our Story

OUR STORY

The Willoway story began in 1998 when Ben and Anthea Brinkworth purchased their first property at Willalooka, in South Australia's South-East.

What started as a single farming property, has overtime evolved into the Willoway Group: A diverse and progressive agricultural business, operating across South Australia and New South Wales. Although the business has grown significantly, the Willoway Group remains true to its roots. Guided by strong family values, hard work, and a commitment to innovation.

Over the years, Willoway has expanded through strategic investment, sustainable farming

practices, and a focus on continuous improvement. Today, the Group encompasses broadacre

cropping, lucerne seed production, livestock, wool, irrigation, and hospitality ventures, while

continuing to invest in the future of Australian agriculture. Despite its growth, Willoway remains a family-owned and operated business, driven by the same principles that shaped its beginnings: stewardship of the land, support for regional communities, and a passion for producing quality outcomes for future generations.

Growth through innovation

From the beginning, Willoway's growth has been driven by a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Focusing initially on the lucerne seed industry, Ben and Anthea Brinkworth applied knowledge gained from agricultural regions across Australia to develop new production techniques that improved crop consistency, water efficiency, and overall farm performance. These advancements reduced the impact of salinity, improved the use of valuable resources, and delivered yields that consistently exceeded industry benchmarks. Over time, this success enabled the expansion of the business, establishing Willoway as one of Australia's leading producers of lucerne seed and high-quality lucerne hay, with a reputation that extends to domestic and international markets.

A New Chapter

In 2020, Willoway Farming Pty Ltd was established to further develop the Group's irrigated cropping and livestock operations.

The business expanded significantly following the passing of Ben's father, Tom Brinkworth, bringing together a broader portfolio of properties across South Australia's South East and pastoral regions, as well as the Western Lands and Riverina regions of New South Wales.

Today, Willoway Farming manages a diverse agricultural enterprise that spans over two million acres, supporting cropping, livestock, wool, and seed production enterprises across some of Australia's most productive farming regions. Ben and Anthea, along with their children are supported by a dedicated team of long-serving property managers, station hands, mechanics, local contractors, and administration staff who have become an integral part of the Willoway family.

For the Brinkworth family, success isn't measured solely by production- it's measured by the health of the land, the strength of their people, and the legacy they leave for future generations.

Investing in the Future

As custodians of this growing agricultural enterprise, Ben and Anthea continue to invest

heavily in the long-term sustainability, productivity, and resilience of the land. This multi-year investment program represents one of the most significant development projects undertaken by the Group and includes:

Renovation and improvement of more than 20,000 hectares of pasture.
Large-scale native vegetation regeneration and environmental stewardship programs.
Over 500 kilometres of new fencing and livestock laneways.
Construction of new operational infrastructure, including distribution centres, shearing sheds, storage facilities, livestock yards, and water systems.
Investment in modern machinery, transport equipment, and farm technology.
Development and refurbishment of staff housing, accommodation units, and shearers quarters across multiple properties.
Establishment of a centrally located workshop to support the Group's expanding fleet and operations.

Through strategic investment, innovation, and responsible land management, Willoway

Farming is building an agricultural business designed to thrive for generations to come.