De-risking broadacre cropping options in northern Queensland

Reference # A.2.1819106
Project Status Completed
Timeframe 3 years (2019 to 2022)
Project manager Ian Biggs

CRCNA Funding $274,395
Total project value $1,585,465
Project research participant Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland (QAAFI-UQ) ; Radicle Seeds Australia Pty Ltd ; GC & SR Rickertt ; Harris Operations Pty Ltd – Strathmore Station ; BIJ & RJ Pedracini – Prestwood Station ; Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd ; AgForce Qld Farmers Ltd ; Elders Rural Services Australia Limited

Research Programs 2. New and developing industries in Northern Australia
Location Brisbane, Richmond, Clermont, Georgetown

Summary

This project was a participatory on-farm program, with growers leading the RD&E activities to identify the best crop and management options and to bridge the gap between current and potential yields. The research supported skill development among farmers and identified high-profit, low-risk options in broadacre cropping by trialling sorghum, maize and forage crops.

Key activities included:

Working with farmers to identify and address knowledge gaps in cropping, ensuring their engagement throughout the life of the project through a participatory RD&E approach.

Conducting trails at “Strathmore Station” (Gilbert catchment) and “Curra” (Burdekin catchment) to develop adapted agronomic packages.

Supporting farmers and managing trials at “Prestwood Station” (Gilbert catchment).

Collaborating with Radicle Seeds Australia Pty Ltd and Elders Rural Service Australia Limited to identify optimal combinations of hybrid characteristics in maize, sorghum, and forage crops suited to northern Australia’s environments and markets.

Communicating project outcomes with farmers, consultants, AgForce members, and agribusinesses across the Gilbert and Burdekin catchments.

Expected outcomes

The project delivered approximately $10 million in farm gate returns across North Queensland, with peak adoption estimated at 84 per cent.

It has improved understanding of crop management practices required to maximise yields and minimise risk. The project also enhanced knowledge of the performance of available grain cereal and forage varieties in northern Queensland environments, and supported the adoption of proven technologies such as conservation agriculture. These outcomes will enable farmers and agri-businesses to make more informed decisions and investments in broadacre cropping, with a clearer understanding of profit and risk drivers.

Seed companies have gained valuable insights into the optimal combinations of crop physiological traits in sorghum and maize for various environments across northern Australia.

Farmer advocacy groups are now better equipped to develop informed policy briefs, backed by robust evidence on the productivity potential of alternative broadacre cropping options.