Farrer, William James (1845–1906)

English-born Australian agricultural scientist. In 1870, he migrated to Australia where he began experiments, which were largely successful, in developing drought- and disease-resistant wheats suitable for Australian climatic conditions.

He was born in Kendal. When he first migrated, he acted as surveyor for the lands department of New South Wales. He later bought land and became interested in the problem of breeding a rust-resistant wheat.