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The changing face of extension in the age of AI
The days of sharing advice over the Ute tray aren’t gone - but they are getting an AI upgrade.
New Farm Strong toolkit maps road through disaster to recovery
When it comes to mother nature, Queenslanders tend to keep one eye on the sky and the other on the forecast. The state’s severe weather season – which extends from October through to April – can bring the full gamut of extreme weather events from heatwaves and bushfires to floods and cyclones.
Building community and confidence
Twin Bull Kauri pine trees, with their six-metre-round trunks, stretch nearly 50 metres into the air amongst the lush rainforest that surrounds Lake Barrine. They’ve stood there for a thousand years.
Skill up to step up
When talking to job seekers about farm work, picking and packing roles are often the first that come to mind. However, once all that fresh produce is harvested, it must be transported off-farm and those are important jobs too.
The case for cocoa tastes sweet
As a grower, following food trends can open doors to new markets, provide an extra income stream, and even reinvigorate your passion for farming.
The cost of saying one thing and doing another
Have you ever said you’d do something, only to catch yourself doing the complete opposite? At the National Farmers’ Federation’s AgXchange Conference in late September, I heard a phrase for this very human habit - the ‘say-do gap’ - and it immediately resonated.
QFVG appoints Interim CEO as recruitment commences
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has announced leadership arrangements as the organisation commences recruitment for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Safe, respectful and inclusive celebrations: Positive Duty obligations
The end-of-year season brings with it a sense of celebration - team lunches, awards nights, and of course, the classic office Christmas party. For many organisations, these events are a way to reward effort, build connection, and celebrate success.
Casual Conversion for small business employers
From 26 August 2025, eligible casuals employed by a small business can issue a notice to their employer (in writing) to change to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway.
Right to Disconnect for small business employees
The right to disconnect now applies to employees of small business employers from 26 August 2025. It has applied to employees of non-small business employers since 26 August 2024.
Unlocking the power of DiSC – Toowoomba workshop 15 October
Have you ever thought about what really drives team performance? Or why communication sometimes feels effortless with one person and challenging with another?
Queensland growers show strong compliance – but risks remain
A recently released Fair Work Ombudsman report reveals progress for Queensland horticulture, with standout compliance in the Wide Bay and Moreton Bay, but some regions still rated ‘high risk’.
Rachel Chambers appointed Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner
Some big news for our QFVG family today – our CEO Rachel Chambers has been appointed by the Crisafulli Government as the next Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner.
The Missing Word in Canberra: Food
I’ve just returned from two whirlwind trips to Canberra. The first brought together around fifty industry leaders with eight MPs, three public servants, and a media expert (it sounds like the setup to a bad joke).
New arrivals explore ag life
Since May last year, nearly 480 English-language students at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba Campus have been introduced to the world of agriculture through Growcom’s Agri-Connect program. This opportunity has given students a chance to sample a career in agriculture and see the diversity of employment opportunities available.
Fresh support turns ideas into on-farm action
Growers in the Lockyer, Bremer and Pumicestone catchments are leading the way in land stewardship, with their efforts prompting the Queensland Government to extend funding for the South East Queensland Horticultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Incentive Program.
A well-fed Indo-Pacific is a safe and secure one
This is the core message we heard loud and clear from the National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper released in April this year. For those of us who live and breathe all things food – the realisation that successive Governments have left ‘eating’ out of our own defence strategy was, for me at least, more than a little disappointing.
The Business of Horticulture: round 2 now live!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Business of Horticulture course is back – giving Queensland growers practical skills, expert advice, and tailored support to grow smarter, not harder.
Missed IR Unpacked 2025? We’ve got you covered
The recording of our recent webinar with QFVG Partner Who Cares, and workplace relations experts Focus HR is now available to watch on-demand.
From mate to manager: supporting the leadership shift
In many horticulture businesses, leadership doesn’t come through a formal pathway - it’s earned in the paddock - the best picker becomes the supervisor, the most reliable operator steps up to manage a crew, or the longest-serving team member is handed more responsibility.