10 Things to Know from QFF

1. QFF joined the Premier and Minister for Primary Industries at the Ekka for the unveiling of the finalised Prosper 2050 blueprint. Having contributed to its development since March, QFF and our peak body members will continue to be engaged as five-year regional and industry-specific action plans are designed to deliver on the vision for Queensland agriculture. Read more here.
   
2. QFF’s annual Celebration of Queensland Agriculture at Parliament House brought together peak body members, partners, key stakeholders and ministers to recognise the sector’s contribution, and continue to build effective relationships Read more here.
   
3. Join Co-Existence QLD CEO Warwick Squire, RELA’s Gary Lees, and Powerlink’s Dana Boxall on 21 August for PowerHour 2025. The panel will unpack the real impacts of renewable energy projects on landholders, share strategies to build trust and social licence from the start, and explore ways to reduce conflict and lift engagement standards. Read more and register here.
4. The Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program connects early career extension professionals with host agribusinesses or NRM organisations in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Over 30 officers have graduated since 2019. Hear from the latest cohort here.
   
5. Paradise Orchards in Mareeba is one of over 200 Queensland farms supported by QFF’s Industry Workforce Advisor program, receiving funding, HR advice and a tailored workforce plan to boost compliance, reduce risk and move towards digitised systems. Read more here.
   
6. Burdekin growers can register for specialised spray calibration training in Ayr and Bowen this September. Small-group workshops will cover best-practice spraying, equipment care, compliance, and sustainability. Supported by SmartAg Queensland. Register here.
   
7. Did you know chicken meat consumption has doubled over the past 30 years and that the industry employs over 7500 people in Queensland alone. You can learn more about the chicken meat industry through the Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF).
   
8. The Productivity Commission has released its interim report on Investing in Cheaper, Cleaner Energy and the Net Zero Transformation. Feedback is open until 15 September, with draft recommendations focused on energy infrastructure approvals, emissions policy, and climate adaptation. Read more here.
   
9. The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the launch of a national food security strategy to address supply chain vulnerabilities and ensure Australians can access fresh, affordable, locally grown food. Read more here.
   
10. Agricultural educators can register for a free teacher PD webinar series exploring different industries, with classroom ideas and school partnership opportunities. Delivered through the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Projt (CQUniversity, Qld Government funded). Register 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.