Wayne Newton is looking forward to life on the farm and travelling

Mr Newton will not seek re-election in the the forthcoming AgForce general elections and will retire when the new grain board president takes over in November. 

A long time voice of the grains industry, Mr Newton is credited with bringing the once fragmented industry together on both a national and state level.  

Over the past 40 years, Mr Newton has seen many of changes but cites technological advances and the introduction of new farming techniques. 

Mr Newton and his brother-in-law Glenn were involved in much of the early work on zero tillage on the Darling Downs, firstly spraying out sorghum with Roundup in the early 1980s.  

“I think the introduction of zero till has been the most influential, particularly during the heavy drought years along with technology,” he said.  

“Other improved issues in the wider farming community is farming systems, plant genetics, soil fertility, and nutrients. 

“Farmers have recognised how important research and development is their industry by improving crop efficiency, varieties and natural resource management.”

Mr Newton farms 1600 hectares of grains and cotton across four properties with his wife Bev, and Bev’s brother and sister-in-law. 

He said the changes by the Queensland Government to the Duties Act to eliminate stamp duty transfers of family farms after much lobbying by AgForce had allowed the younger generation to become involved in running the farm including his own son. 

Mr Newton said he has no further agri-business aspirations and will spend more time on the farm and travelling with wife Bev.

Outgoing AgForce grains president, Wayne Newton, Dalby, believes the future of the grains industry is in good shape with the automation taking place and the diversification of markets. 

“We all have tractors now that steer themselves, and honestly, it won’t be too long before tractors will be driving around paddocks without an operator,” Mr Newton said.

“One of the biggest restraints to industry is the lack of connectivity as the industry becomes more reliant on remote monitoring of equipment.”

He said that while he has little control over the weather, the domestic market for grains, in particular, pulses is growing with crops being used for bio-fuels and cattle feed. 

Mr Newton has also held other industry positions including sitting on the Grains Research Foundation, Darling Downs Research Advisory Committee, Conservation Farmers and the National Grains RD&E Strategy Committee. 

He is also involved in AgForce policy development on transport, water, telecommunications and weeds and will retire his position at the end of his term in November.