De-risking broadacre cropping options in northern Queensland

Project locations: Richmond, Clermont, Georgetown

Project partners: 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

Project summary and impacts

This project investigated how broadacre cropping could be integrated into grazing systems across northern Queensland to improve profitability, resilience and land productivity. Working with producers, agribusinesses and regional stakeholders, the project tested crop options, varieties and management practices through on-farm trials and modelling.

The research identified sorghum as a strong diversification opportunity for northern grazing enterprises, with several experimental hybrids outperforming existing commercial varieties and progressing toward commercial release. The project also developed practical agronomy packages and decision-support tools to help producers assess cropping opportunities and manage production risk in highly variable seasonal conditions.

The project demonstrated that integrating cropping with grazing can improve business resilience, support more efficient land use and create new regional economic opportunities across northern Queensland.