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AgTech – our two bobs worth
From a self-proclaimed Gen X digital migrant, last week’s AgTech Showcase at the Gatton Smart Farm was met with both trepidation and curiosity.
Pipeline to the future
Mackays Group operate a portfolio of large-scale tropical fruit farms in Queensland’s Far North. They are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their agricultural operations, investing in infrastructure and technology.
Stepping up sustainability
Adrian and Mandy Schultz of Luvaberry are no strangers to the ‘s’ word. They’ve had sustainability at the forefront of their operations since establishing their Wamuran farm 20 years ago.
AgTech solution to sweeten pineapple picking
Wide Bay pineapple grower Jeff Atkinson has a strong track record in using engineering and technology to enhance his farm business.
Welcoming Liz Ford: Southern Queensland QAWN Officer
Liz Ford has never been far from agriculture. Having grown up in Mt Isa before settling in Laidley, Liz has spent the last 15 years working in agribusiness workforce management across the Lockyer Valley Region.
Coming together to support growers through whatever Mother Nature throws at us
In the last 18 months Queensland primary producers have been affected by floods, impending drought, and most recently bushfires, with each event throwing a different set of challenges at our farmers.
Turning food waste into wow!
Did you know… that 25% of all the food we produce in Australia goes to waste? Along the food chain, this waste and associated losses cost $36.6 billion per year.
How’s your elastic band?
Last week all QFVG staff were asked to complete a mental first aid course by Christmas as it was recognised that horticulture is really struggling, and we needed to be prepared to support in any way we can.
On the shoulders of giants
International Day of Rural Women was celebrated last week during a week of turmoil in Australia’s history. Women too have had to fight for rights as a minority and respect for their roles in relationships, families, businesses, and society.
“It didn’t feel right” – why we’ve canceled our gala event.
2023 holds special significance for QFVG, aka Growcom, aka COD, as it commemorates our 100th year in operation.
‘Grow Your Field’ seed funding recipients announced
Streamlining on-farm compliance, an innovative AgTech solution for Australia’s pineapple industry, and drone technology solutions in organic bananas are just some of the amazing projects
Grow Your Field recipients named
Setting goals and charting the course of an entire sector for the next decade sounds like a daunting task, but Queensland horticulture hasn’t hesitated in beginning to execute its Future Fields strategy.
Data backs claim – it’s never been harder
When anyone asks me what I believe is the main issue in horticulture, the answer I have been giving all year is: “Within the last three years, input costs have risen between 30 and 65 percent and productivity has decreased by a third. What business can survive those numbers?”
A classic love hate relationship
Last week I appeared as a witness to the Inquiry into the impact of climate change on Queensland agricultural production where I had three minutes to sum up its relationship with horticulture. Here’s what I said.
Change of Auditor
The Board of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) hereby notify Members that the Board resolved to change auditors from BDO Audit Pty Ltd of Level 10, 12 Creek Street Brisbane QLD 4000 to HLB Mann Judd (SE QLD Partnership) of Level 15, 66 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000.
Morton Vale Farms strengthens drought resilience
Following a few good years of rain in the Lockyer Valley, Greg Lester and his brother Wayne from Morton Vale Farms knew from experience that a dry spell could be just around the corner. With the assistance on offer through Growcom’s Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) now was the right time to strengthen their farms’ drought resilience to secure their future in farming.
How are you? I’m good.
This is the way it goes does it not? Someone asks how you are – and you answer, “I’m good.” I mean your life might be falling apart at the seams, but the answer you give will still be a ‘I’m good’ wont it?
Commitment to stewardship
As the largest fresh produce company in Australia, Costa has a significant role to play in driving the sustainability of fresh food production as well as the protection of the environment in which it is grown.
Forewarned is Forearmed - Mareeba growers invited to prepare for extreme weather
Ahead of storm season, growers in Mareeba and surrounds are invited to Forewarned is Forearmed, a workshop at the Mareeba International Club on Tuesday 3 October exploring the use of climate forecasting tools to support on-farm decision-making.
Queenslander!
Queenslander was the war cry booming from the recent Granite Belt Growers Gala Dinner, with former State of Origin stalwart and fellow Stanthorpian (his words) Billy Moore at the helm of the microphone leading the charge on the night.