Summary

This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: A.2.1819106 – De-risking broadacre cropping NQ.

The project examined how broadacre cropping could be integrated into northern Queensland grazing systems with lower commercial and production risk. Delivered between 2019 and 2022, the project worked with producers, agribusiness and regional stakeholders to test crop options, management practices and diversification pathways suited to the semi-arid tropics.

The assessment found that sorghum presents a viable diversification opportunity for grazing enterprises when paired with appropriate agronomy, market access and risk-aware planning. Best-practice dryland cropping scenarios showed potential profit increases of $299–$617 per hectare per year in favourable seasons, while also highlighting downside risks in poor seasons of up to $880 per hectare per year, reinforcing the importance of informed decision-making.

The project generated practical tools and industry capability, including a sorghum agronomy package, decision-support frameworks and APSIM-informed modelling to help producers assess profitability, risk, resource requirements and operational fit before investing. It also contributed to new sorghum hybrid releases and strengthened regional industry collaboration through the formation of Far North Queensland Sustainable Cropping Inc., representing much of the region’s broadacre cropping sector.

Looking ahead, the project positions northern Queensland for more resilient mixed farming systems, with potential expansion of cropping area, stronger farm profitability and reduced barriers to agricultural diversification.