Willaba Farm

Willaba Farm Pa's Butternut Pumpkins

Meet Pa (Peter Conrick) and his family, the dedicated stewards of Willaba Farm since 1981. However, Mother Nature intervened again.

Willaba Farm, established in 1981 and located in Murbko, South Australia, is a mixed farming operation specializing in the cultivation of wheat, wool, and dried apricots. After acquiring the 540-hectare property in Murbko, South Australia, from a retiring farmer, they continued the tradition of mixed farming, producing wheat, wool, and dried apricots. In 2023, they faced significant challenges due

to scarce rainfall and warm winters, which severely impacted their wheat and apricot harvests. However, the Conrick family’s spirit of innovation remained strong. Will, Peter’s 22-year-old grandson, suggested diversifying their crops by growing pumpkins to offset their losses. Although initially unprepared for pumpkin farming, the family quickly adapted to this new venture. Pa shared, “We weren’t set up for growing pumpkins, but it was a great idea. We installed a drip irrigation system, bought the seeds, and prepared the soil for planting. By early November, the seeds were sown into the moist ground alongside drippers. Some warm days soon encouraged the seedlings to sprout. With our annual rainfall normally just over 200 mm, we had only received half that amount, 100 mm. Then, in just three hours, we got 75 mm of rain. The little two-leaf pumpkin plants couldn’t handle such a downpour, and over half were washed away. Fortunately, we had some seeds left over and replanted where needed. The rain also brought a crop of weeds that had to be removed by hand. After spending a couple of hours each day in the pumpkin patch, we eventually won the battle against the weeds.”

Despite these setbacks, the Conrick family persevered. They replanted the pumpkins and meticulously hand-weeded the patch, avoiding the use of sprays on the irrigated parts of the farm. Now, they are ready to sell their crop of butternut pumpkins seasonally at the market. The Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market was their natural choice. As avid market-goers themselves, they preferred to sell directly to customers who appreciate knowing where their food comes from, thus avoiding middlemen and unreliable customers at roadside stalls. The Conrick family, comprising Pa (Peter), Jill, daughter Rebecca, and grandson Will, launched Pa’s Pumpkins at the market on May 19, 2024. Customers visiting their stall can access Maggie Beer Farm Shop’s website for favorite pumpkin recipes via a QR code. The pumpkins, ripe and ready for sale, are lovingly displayed on a restored 130-year-old market barrow from the Adelaide East-end Market.

28/06/2026

Another successful day at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market. Thank you to everyone that popped past & supported our family farm.

Willaba Farm is back at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market this Sunday and we’re bringing a fresh haul of our organi...
24/06/2026

Willaba Farm is back at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market this Sunday and we’re bringing a fresh haul of our organic butternut pumpkins, grown in the rich soils of Murbko in the Riverland 🧡

🗓️ Sunday 28th June
⏰ 8.30am – 12.30pm
📍 Outdoor Stand No. 49

Come by, say hello, and pick up a pumpkin (or three). We’ll have plenty of sweet, smooth, golden butternuts perfect for winter meals.

See you Sunday, Adelaide!

Another happy customer! 🧡
24/06/2026

Another happy customer! 🧡

Fresh, Organic Butternut Pumpkins Are Back! Willaba Farm will be returning to the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market on ...
12/06/2026

Fresh, Organic Butternut Pumpkins Are Back!

Willaba Farm will be returning to the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market on Sunday 14th June and again on Sunday 28th June with a beautiful harvest of organically grown butternut pumpkins.

Choose from individual pumpkins or great-value 5kg and 10kg bags to stock up for winter soups, roasts and family meals.

⭐ Special offer for Senior Card holders ⭐
We’re happy to cut your pumpkin into ready-to-cook portions and bag it up for you to take home – making preparation that little bit easier!

📍 Find us at Outside Stall #49, just a short walk from the side entrance to the Angas Stirling Building.

Come and say hello, grab some fresh local produce, and support South Australian farmers. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you, Adelaide Showground Farmers Market. We look forward to being back at the Showgrounds this Sunday!
11/06/2026

Thank you, Adelaide Showground Farmers Market. We look forward to being back at the Showgrounds this Sunday!

The Willaba Farm Butternut Pumpkin harvest is in full swing! We look forward to seeing you again soon at the Adelaide Sh...
11/05/2026

The Willaba Farm Butternut Pumpkin harvest is in full swing!

We look forward to seeing you again soon at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market. Keep an eye out on our page for dates.

04/01/2026

We are officially SOLD OUT! Thank you for your support.

UPDATE, as of 1pm we are officially SOLD OUT & the farm gates are closed.Thank you for supporting local farmers.The Will...
03/01/2026

UPDATE, as of 1pm we are officially SOLD OUT & the farm gates are closed.
Thank you for supporting local farmers.

The Willaba Farm gates will be open 10am-2pm* this Sunday 4th January for fresh apricot sales.

Please bring your own box or container. Supplies are limited to one box/container per family/car

*Unless sold out prior

From all the family at Willaba Farm we thank you for supporting a local family business and wish you all a Merry Christm...
24/12/2025

From all the family at Willaba Farm we thank you for supporting a local family business and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The farm gates will re-open on Sunday 4th January 2026.

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