 During 1866-1877, pioneer farmer Richard Marshall succeeded in solving the "red rust" problem in wheat by crossbreeding various wheat varieties and improved soil conditions using bone meal on the land.After good crop returns, a student at Roseworthy College named Charles Deland, led a campaign in favour of fertilizer.In 1873, the township had been fully laid out and a local newspaper publicised the achievement in a short article about "Wasley" stating "There can be no question that this is an excellent locality for a township".