During World War Two many people who normally worked on farms to produce food and other essential items joined the armed forces to fight the war. The government had to find people to replace farm workers to be sure that people in Australia as well as those fighting overseas had adequate supplies. The nationwide Women’s Land Army (WLA) was formed in July 1942. Within two years there were about 3000 women working on farms in the country. Most WLA members worked full time. Their work was especially important in growing fruit and vegetables, the cotton industry, and on dairy and poultry farms.