10 Things to Know from QFF

1. Artificial intelligence, drones, elite pineapple genetics, and sustainable farming practices will take centre stage when Australia’s pineapple industry gathers for the 2026 Pineapple Field Days in Hervey Bay from 30 – 31 July. Read more here.
   
2. From golden hour harvests to the little boots of the next generation, this year’s Click 26 Photo Competition has delivered a stunning visual tribute to Australia’s cotton industry. See this year’s winners here.
   
3. QFF Corporate Partner CarbonLink has published an article on how practice changes in soil carbon farming are strengthening farm performance, profiling a Central Queensland farm that has experienced this strengthened performance first-hand. Read more here.
   
4. Queensland agriculture is one of the most dynamic and diverse industries in the country – and it needs the next generation of talented, curious people to help shape its future. The Careers in Agriculture Magazine has been developed to help students, teachers and parents explore the depth and breadth of career opportunities across agriculture. Download a copy here.
   
5. Last week QFF’s Water and Energy Policy Committee Chair Michael Murray appeared on the Queensland Country Hour discussing agriculture’s concerns regarding proposed changes to critical minerals development approvals which could prevent landholders from challenging projects. Listen here (from 1:00).
   
6. The QFF delivered Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) Program aims to strengthen workforce pathways, improve industry confidence in training, and ensure sector-wide skills development aligns with real-world industry demand. Meet the Chairs leading the program’s Industry Reference Groups here.
7. A recent report estimates fire ants could drain $176 million a year from the Gold Coast economy if left unchecked, with nest detections rising from 13 in 2022 to more than 13,000 last year. Read more here.
   
8. CANEGROWERS invites you to celebrate the past, the present and the future of the cane industry as they mark 100 years of history, resilience, and community at their Centenary Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall on Thursday 29 October. Register here.
   
9. ABC Landline has explained the rise in global demand for whey protein and how current shortages are presenting opportunity for Australia’s dairy sector. Watch it here.
   
10. The United States has announced a safeguard investigation into lamb imports from all countries, including Australia. The National Farmers’ Federation notes there is no immediate impact on Australian sheep producers’ ability to supply the US market, and the industry is well placed to engage constructively with the process ahead. Read more here.