Maintaining a family business in primary production for over 100 years is no mean feat.
Thriving through unpredictable weather and changing economies requires grit, adaptability and a great mind for business – like that seen in the Kingston family of Wilarene Farm.
When the Kingstons arrived from England in the late 1800s, they were among the first to settle in the Cordalba area where they started growing sugarcane.
John and Sharyn Kingston - along with one of their three children - are continuing the family tradition, but with their own twist through diversification and growth.
They’re now producing hydroponically grown ‘quke’ cucumbers and avocados as well as continuing their commitment to sugar.
John Kingston believes that in a rapidly changing world, having the ability to change will be the key to another successful generation of Kingstons farming in the Cordalba area.
“Hydroponics offer the quality, blemish-free products that the markets and population want - these are some of the things conventional farming struggle to deliver,” he said.
The venture is being championed by their son Matt and housed in a 4,000 metre-square green house funded by a QRAA Sustainability Loan.
Matt played a significant hands-on role in building the structure, which features cutting edge climate control and monitoring systems.
Matt obtained a fixed price contract for the product, providing the confidence they needed to proceed with their diversification.
Sharyn Kingston said business planning, risk assessments and succession planning were some of the tools and processes that were undertaken along the way
Bundaberg is known as one of Queensland’s most quickly advancing horticultural regions. Matt’s extensive research, planning and knowledge gained from industry experts gave them confidence in what to expect from hydroponic production, allowing them to make an informed decision before taking the plunge.
Another of the family’s smart business decisions was funding the project with QRAA’s assistance.
“The QRAA loan gives us lower interest rates, more attractive terms and conditions, and the ability - if disaster strikes - to extend interest only payments,” Sharyn said.
Sustainability Loans assist Queensland producers in improving, expanding and diversifying their operations for long term success – they can be used for projects ranging from green houses like the Kingstons, to alternative energy systems and on-farm processing equipment.
The family’s way of life isn’t one they’d ever want to trade, but they also know that evolving their business is essential to maintaining it.
“John was born in this area and has worked in this environment all his life – he has never thought of living anywhere else.
“When we married, this tradition was carried on - we believe raising children in this lifestyle brings different values and opportunities to them.
“The long term goals are to have varied risk pools, so we can ride out the ups and downs of production.”
Sustainability Loans are available for up to $1.3 million, with interest rates as low as 3.11 per cent.
Visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au
