10 Things to Know from QFF

1. The Queensland Parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee held a Mackay hearing into sugarcane bioenergy. During the discussions, CANEGROWERS Mackay outlined opportunities in mill cogeneration and virtual microgrids. Read more here.
   
2. Emerald farmer Nigel Burnett recently retired as Chair of Cotton Australia after 12 years serving on the board, leaving a legacy of leadership, global advocacy and sustainability. He hands over the reins to new Chair Liz Stott, with the industry acknowledging his outstanding contribution. Read more here.
   
3. Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Industry leaders warn food security is being overlooked in Canberra, with growers stressing the need for a credible national strategy that recognises their vital role in feeding Australians and driving prosperity. Read more here.
   
4. Greenlife Industry Queensland has launched new Essential Business Services for Nurture and Thrive members. The services connect members with trusted providers to help grow and strengthen their businesses. Read more here.
   
5. Biosecurity Queensland is urging vigilance after the invasive Suminoe (Chinese river) oyster was detected in Moreton Bay and Brisbane waterways. This pest threatens native species, fouls infrastructure, and is illegal to eat or use as bait. Read more here.
   
6. A new University of Queensland report, commissioned by Coexistence Queensland, outlines lessons from coal seam gas development to guide future energy projects. Read more here.
   
7. The Queensland Government has committed nearly $7 million for new projects in Far North and North West Queensland. The funding will help restore vegetation, protect wetlands and support landholders to boost productivity and resilience. Read more here.
   
8. With the support of $500,000 in Federal funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the RELA marketplace platform is rolling out a significant upgrade to its land assessment software: Assess 2.0. Read more here.
   
9. QFF’s crisis communications workshops in the Lockyer Valley (22 Oct) and Dalby (23 Oct) will help farmers prepare to communicate effectively during crises. These workshops are supported by Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers and Cotton Australia respectively.
   
10. The fifth international TropAg conference will be held in Brisbane from 11–13 November, bringing together global experts to share research and innovation addressing agriculture’s biggest challenges. Early bird registrations close 15 September. 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.