Go big or go home- the undercurrent hinting at the relationship between size and fortune in agricultural pursuits has been in existence for decades.
However, panelists at the Emerald Grow Queensland forum suggested the mantra of buying more land and more infrastructure to build wealth and capital gain may meet its match in coming years.
Technology’s slow rise to the forefront of agriculture has meant its inception has also been gradual, but QRAA chief executive officer Cameron MacMillan said it was opening real doors for farming’s next generation.
“The DNA of many farmers was that they had to get bigger to get better but now people are realising they need to invest in the property they’ve got,” he said.
“You’ve only got to look at the youth on this panel- they’re not going to take their businesses forward in the same way as you in the crowd, just as your generation did it differently to the one before.”
Mr MacMillan said the uncertainty in agriculture ranging from weather impacts to fluctuating commodity prices made efficiency gains difficult to find.
“The next generation will look at technology to get the best out of their country and there are huge opportunities available in the technology that’s presenting itself,” he said.
“From the most basic level of centre pivots to the more advanced technology in drones and GPS systems- people are starting to understand more about value adding.”
Questions from the floor following the official forum proceedings highlighted concern over young people’s desire to return to the land at all.
One Longreach grazier who did not wish to be identified said the pressure of the previous five years’ climatic conditions and the flow on effects were showing among young people.
“The Longreach area is on the brink,” he said.
“Our input costs have risen steadily yet our farm gate price remains static.
“Throw into the mix the financial, physical and mental costs of drought and the result is our children don’t want to go through what they’ve seen their parents go through.”
Emerald cotton grower Nigel Burnett went some way to allay these concerns and said in his experience young people were excited about a future in agriculture.
“You don’t have to go far to find leadership and vision in our industry and in rural communities,” he said.
“There is a real desire and passion in young people to make a go of it and we need to show kids there is a career path and it is possible to invest in their interests.”
Asked whether the rise of technology may lead to job shortages, Mr Burnett said niche agricultural occupations were finally seeing the light.
“Technology may take up low level jobs but it will provide minimal management jobs that young people are training for,” he said.
Mr MacMillan backed the work of government departments to make a career in agriculture a viable option for young people.
“I do believe the federal government is trying to jump in wherever there’s an opportunity to support the next generation,” Mr MacMIllan said.
“We’re seeing some pretty amazing things technology wise and we’re confident in funding vertical integration in this way to see those post farm gate values climb- that’s the key to a positive image for agriculture.”
