10 Things to Know from QFF

1. QFF spotlighted SmartAg Queensland during Farm Safety Week, celebrating safety training for more than 2,600 producers across 35 regions. Delivered in partnership with CANEGROWERS, Cotton Australia and Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), the program is building safer farms statewide. Read the full media release.
   
2. Hear how QFF President Aaron Kiely has incorporated drones into his farming enterprise here. Aaron will be speaking at the Cotton Collective in Toowoomba, which runs from 5-7 August. Book your tickets here.
   
3. The SHINE program, supported by QFF and delivered by House Paddock Training & Consulting, is helping regional women build confidence, skills and direction in their careers and communities. Read more and register here.
   
4. Join QFF’s next Farm Business Resilience Program webinar on Monday 5 August to explore overlooked insurance gaps—like crisis and parametric coverage—and learn how to build a more tailored risk framework for your agribusiness. Register here.
   
5. The National Farmers Federation responds to the Australian Government lifting trade restrictions on beef from cattle raised in Mexico or Canada, and processed in the United States, and subsequently exported to Australia. Read more here.
   
6. Consultation is now open on the draft Burdekin Regional Water Assessment, which explores long-term water security options to support regional growth. Online forums and community drop-ins run until 22 August. Read more and register here.
   
7. Primary producers affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred (March 2025) can now access up to $75,000 in Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants to support clean-up and recovery. The funding is available across 16 activated LGAs. Read more and apply here.
8. The Queensland Government has committed $2.8 million to support SEQ horticulture producers improve water quality, protect waterways and boost productivity. Read more here.
   
9. CSIRO’s free Innovate to Grow program is now open to Queensland SMEs in agriculture, food and agtech. The 8-week online course helps businesses turn ideas into R&D opportunities, with support from industry experts. Read more here.
   
10. The Department of Primary Industries is offering $5,000–$50,000 grants to support education and management of varroa mite. Open to beekeeping clubs, ag businesses, grower groups and more. Apply by 18 August. Read more here.
    

Behind the Gate 

Belted Galloways at a beautiful getaway

Murray Prior has embraced agri-tourism on his Southern Tablelands farm.

Cute cows and a beautiful barn are drawcards for city folk.

Belted Galloway breeding, a biodynamics business, and a reverence for Aboriginal knowledge underpin the impressive operation.

The farm’s name, “Nguurruu”, is the Walgalu word for “camp”, given to the Prior family to honour the land’s long history as a place of shelter.

Christmas magic all year round

The Fraser family decided to branch out into a niche farming operation a few years ago.

They transformed 20 acres of former apple orchards into a real Christmas tree plantation on Queensland’s Granite Belt.

They’re now experts in growing the perfect Christmas tree, and making magic moments all year round.

A new look for Australian Farmers

Time for some news from us!

Australian Farmers will look a little different from September onwards.

We’ll have a new look, new name, but the same purpose- sharing stories from the bush.

We’re so grateful for your support, and we hope to continue to have your enthusiasm going forward.

Huge hay run helps South Australia

Almost 100 truckloads of hay have rolled onto drought-affected South Australian farms.

The mammoth convoy was a joint effort between Farmers Across Borders, Need for Feed, and the South Australian Government.

More than 6000 hay bales were sourced from all corners of West Australia.

The truckies assembled at Fraser Range Station before heading east, over the border, and through the quarantine checkpoints.

The trucks then dispersed to 400 farms across South Australia, delivering the precious feed direct to farms.

Recent rain has helped boost spirits in the dry state, but farmers are warning they’re not quite out of the woods yet.