Meet some of the best young farmers of the Wide Bay Burnett
They’re the lifeblood of the land and the hardworking hands that put food on our plates. Some are even fighting disability and their own demons. READ THEIR INSPIRING STORIES
Central & North Burnett
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One of the key regions contributing to the productive food bowl that is southeastern Queensland, from massive fruit orchards to crops of countless varieties and thousands of head of cattle, is the Wide Bay and Burnett.
The secret behind this tapestry of farming networks and organisations is the young farming identities who have made it their mission to keep their family farms going, to set out on their own or to build a career in the industry.
Meet some of the most impressive and dedicated young farmers:
Brooke Dingle
Brooke Dingle comes from a long line of graziers in the Mundubbera and Burnett region, and is now the face of CR Cattle Co, a growing red brahman stud herd.
“I’ve always had a passion for animals and livestock in particular from a young age, coming from a generational grazing family, farming is second nature,” Ms Dingle said.
After graduating from high school, Ms Dingle took on study to graduate as a veterinary nurse, while still working hard on the family property managing irrigation, crop rotation and cattle health during debilitating droughts.
In 2019, her life was rocked by a life changing spinal cord injury, which left her permanently disabled and confined to a wheelchair.
In the years since her injury, Ms Dingle has faced the ongoing battle that comes with disability, but with the help of her family has been able to return to her stud cattle passion.
“I could spend the day in bed in pain crying but I force myself every single afternoon to get out with the cattle and the difference it makes is almost impossible to explain,” she said.
“The pain stops, the anxiety stops, the depression stops, the endorphins become overwhelming and I feel like nothing else matters in those moments.”
She hopes to use her unique personal experiences to inspire those struggling with their own disabilities to continue on with their agricultural passions.
Nicola McGregor
Nicola McGregor has been a staple on the Wide Bay Burnett agriculture scene since a young age, spending much of her youth on her grandparents’ dairy turned beef farm.
Today, she represents the industry in a diversity of positions, including as an agricultural agent at Eidsvold Rural, independent rural photographer, horse trainer, and owner of her own line of Charbray cross heifers which she shares with her partner Lindsay Beresford.
“When I’m not at work, I’m at home with my partner thinking of ways to modify and diversify our own herd, setting our paddocks up to best manage our country with the cattle we have,” she said.
Ms McGregor is a jack of all trades when it comes to industry knowledge, with certificate, diplomas and degrees in a range of topics from Agricultural Science, Veterinary Medical Technology, chemical certificates to Zoetis Vaccinations.
“I enjoy working with animals, I love how you can produce the optimal animal through selecting your breeding, I find it rewarding producing an animal that’s as close to your goals as possible,” she said.
“We (farmers) don’t always get the appreciation we deserve, but it still feels good knowing you’re providing for the country, no matter how big or small your personal impact is, it matters.”
Braden Hellmuth
Braden Hellmuth pursued his own interests in the agricultural industry in his early teen years, with no family experience in the industry to back him up.
From picking watermelons to weeding, Mr Hellmuth did everything he could to keep his hands in the dirt and by the time university rolled around he was travelling weekly from his Brisbane campus to his Bundaberg home to keep working on the weekends.
“Farming is a great hands-on environment; every day brings something new, and it’s great blend for my skills and passions,” he said.
His focused attitude led to positions with machinery operation and maintenance and today Mr Hellmuth has a keen focus on agricultural technology.
His educational background doubled with his hands-on experience has given him the tools to provide farmers and stakeholders alike the tools to improve their working practices with ease.
He hopes to continue in the agtech world, with a keen focus on demystifying new and exciting technology for farmers.
Gina Youles
A generational farmer on both sides, Gina Youles has two centuries of Australian agriculture in her blood.
Ms Youles spends much of her work day on the family farms in the Kilcoy, Jimna and Manumbar areas breeding brahman cattle and horses for their Australian stock horse stud.
“There’s always plenty to do around the farm, you’ll never catch me saying I’m bored and have nothing to do,” she said.
“No two days are the same and knowing that the hours of blood sweat and tears are going towards building my own future.”
Her passion for horse breeding is also a family trait, passed down through her great grandfather who educated and supplied the draught horses that were the tractors of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Ms Youle hopes to one day put her own name to a block of dirt, but in the meantime is finding deep joy in helping sustain and build her family name, improving the herd base and creating high quality working horses.
“My biggest driving factor is simply aiming for growth, aiming to improve our quality of cattle, and trying develop our properties, and seeing those goals and visions come to life,” she said.
Raymond Nielson
Raymond Nielson is another generational farmer, with five generations of farming backing him.
From his youth, Mr Nielson has spent time on the family farm growing sweet potatoes, macadamias and cattle, with a background in sugar cane, grass seed and small crops.
“I admire that our farm has been carried down through generations,” he said.
“I enjoy watching it evolve and often look back at how far it has come.”
Alongside his family, much of Mr Nielson’s day is taken up with general duties, and the contract tractor work the family has taken on.
“I feel accomplished being able to manufacture machinery in order to save money for our enterprise,” he said.
“To be able to use that machinery and see it perform gives me a thrill.”
His forward focus is helping build his family business into one with a sole focus on the macadamia industry, and he hopes to use modern technology and old school thinking to get there.
Naomi and Darren Cooney
Naomi Cooney and her husband Darren operate a Mary Valley brangus stud operation Yabba-do, an agricultural business with a keen focus on sound breeding practices and modern thinking.
After purchasing the property in 2005, Naomi and Darren have worked hard to create a high quality line of brangus cattle and in 2018 they purchased an artificial insemination business to help back their vision.
“I have always loved working with cattle and get great enjoyment out of breeding and sourcing different genetics for people and our own animals,” Mrs Cooney said.
Through international visits to American studs and detailed genetic research, the Cooneys have elevated their herd to the level it is regarded for today.
Year round breeding and land management keeps the pair busy on their 90 acre (36ha) farm, but Naomi said she wouldn’t change a thing.
“It is long hours and hard work but the results that I see when others send me photos of their calves or their animals in the show ring and sale yard that I made through the AI process is very rewarding,” she said.
“I cannot see myself doing anything else.”
Marcus Dornauf
As managing director of Hillwood Berries Bundaberg, Marcus Dornauf is kept busy, managing and operating the construction, harvesting, growing and financing of the business.
Mr Dornauf and his family of five relocated to Bundaberg from Tasmania in 2022, a move which has allowed Hillwood Berries to operate year round across the two states.
The move allowed the family run business to expand from 50ha of production to 70ha, and Marcus said this allowed them to keep up with the ever expanding Australian berry market.
“Seeing site development or seeing plants grow over time is also very rewarding,” he said.
“Watching a plant go from a small plug, to flower and then ultimately to fruit is a rewarding process to be part of.”
Through his management position, Mr Dornauf said he had a keen focus on solidifying Hillwood as a leader in agricultural workforce operations.
“Agriculture as an industry has done poorly with labour management, broadly speaking,” he said.
“I would love for the industry to improve on its treatment and management of outsourced labour.”
Hayden Pratt
At the young age of 23, Hayden Pratt has already proven himself to be a young man dedicated to the future of the agricultural industry.
As a fifth generation Chatsworth farmer on his family beef property, Hayden has spent much of his life assisting in the growing, feeding, breeding, buying and selling that comes with managing a cattle operation.
“I aspire to produce high quality beef to fulfil meat industry standards and own and operate a self -sufficient beef farming enterprise,” he said.
On top of recently purchasing his own Kinbombi property, and managing his own livestock herd, Mr Pratt also serves as the Livestock Transport Operator for his family’s livestock transport business.
His youth has not prevented him from becoming a stalwart of the Queensland beef industry and he has spent time competing and judging at various cattle competitions across the state.
He is a member of the Australian Rural Leadership Alumni Network, a member of the Gympie District Beef Liaison Group management committee, a member of the Gympie Show Society, and has represented the region at various Royal Brisbane Shows.
“I would like to continue to be a leader in the community and agricultural sector and I encourage other young people to participate in beef industry,” he said.
Emma and Joel Muirhead
Emma Muirhead and her husband Joel own and manage the 24000 acres (9712ha) of land across the North Burnett which makes up Muirhead Family Proteins.
With a focus on regenerative agriculture and water and land conscious practices, the Muirheads are working towards their vision to “profitably produce clean, nutrient dense proteins that regenerate landscapes, nourish human bodies, minds, souls and reconnects humans to land, self and animal”.
The couple and their children have spent the decade since purchasing their land in the North Burnett taking on new and holistic agricultural practices.
“We are passionate about the good news farming story, the education of the industry and the remainder of the world to see that farming with nature to invigorate nature is vital to every element and living thing on the earth,” Mrs Muirhead said.
Both Emma and Joel have agriculture in their blood, having spent much of their lives on or around farms and the industry, and are using their lifelong skills to build a sustainable farming future for their families and the industry.
Charlie Garrett
Like many young farmers, Charlie Garrett grew up with a passion for the agricultural industry, watching his parents work family owned land.
With an impressive resume including two years mustering in the wilds of the Northern Territory, Mr Garrett has been focusing on building his own agricultural presence with the help of his family.
He splits his time between the family ginger and cattle properties at Langshaw near Gympie, and continues to contract muster all while building his own mob of cattle, horses and working dogs.
“I enjoy the satisfaction and the challenge that come with farming and working cattle,” he said.
“I also enjoy the opportunity to constantly improve in everything you do and everything around you.”
Plans to return north to continue with his contracting mustering adventure were cut short in 2022, through a circular saw accident which also shortened the length of his thumb.
Charlie plans on using the resources and people around him to build his future, and is excited by what Southeast Queensland agriculture can bring.
Carl Nielsen
Carl Nielsen’s agricultural roots run deep, with more than 150 years of family agriculture in the South Kolan region in his blood.
“From as far back as I can remember I have been accompanying my father and grandfather to work on the farms, doing whatever is it they had on at the time, learning as we went,” he said.
With a working knowledge of sugar cane, cattle and diesel mechanics, he spends much of his time managing his family’s sweet potato and macadamia nut crops.
With his mornings taken up through harvesting sweet potatoes, and afternoon’s spent focusing on macadamia orchard management, Mr Nielsen also finds the time to consider the future of the family farm, with hopes of expanding current crop capacities.
“I love being outdoors and working with my hands, and get a huge sense of accomplishment physically seeing the results of my effort,” he said.
“I am driven by both the history and future of my family farm, both of which give me a strong desire to work hard to continue to make it a success.”
James Smith
With four generations of cattle rearing in his blood, and a double degree in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Queensland under his belt, James Smith is proving himself as a young pioneer in the agricultural industry.
After building his own line of Charbrays through the family farm at Mothar Mountain near Gympie, Mr Smith is already looking to the future of his mob.
“My parents, Warren and Eve Smith established Celestial Charbrays and since then I have established my own subsidiary: Celestial J Charbrays,” he said.
With a keen eye on the possibilities that come with artificial insemination, and more deliberate breeding practices, Mr Smith is hoping to cement his line of cattle as standouts in the region.
“The beauty of agriculture is knowing that you’re making a positive contribution to society through the production of your product – whether it be food or fibre,” he said.
Esther Ruffo
Esther Ruffo found her passion for the agricultural industry in high school, where she first began handling show cattle for friends and the Noosa District High School cattle show team.
Having spent her youth on the family thoroughbred breeding farm, Ms Ruffo knew what it took to handle larger animals, and put her skills to good work.
After leaving school she completed her Certificates II and III and a diploma in agriculture and by 2008 she had purchased her first Blonde d‘Aquitaine cow.
Her passion for the industry continued to grow, and now she spends much of her time managing the stud Droughtmaster-based herd and a small boutique head Blonde d‘Aquitaine stud herd with her partner in Widgee.
Ms Ruffo’s passion for boutique cattle breeding has lead her to pursue a course on artificial insemination and she is keen to put her new-found knowledge to good use for herself and the industry at large.
“The reward at the end, when you see what your passion and time has created in the form of progeny or results in the sale and show ring,” she said.
“When I wake up everyday I just think I am so lucky to have the opportunity to live where we do and be able to continue what we love everyday.”
Mitch Russo
With a history of sugar cane farming in his blood, Mitch Russo and his family are working hard to ensure the legacy that has been passed on to them continues for years to come.
Alongside his brother Tony, Mitch owns, leases and operates roughly 800 acres (323ha) of land outside of Childers.
With a focus on year round diversification, Mr Russo and his family had expanded from the initial sugarcane crops they grew in the past to oat, peanuts, grain, barley, lucerne and macadamias.
A mechanic by trade, Mr Russo spent the better part of a decade working in the Mount Isa mines, saving to buy his own farm to add to the family plot.
A desire to spend more time with his family and have a more rewarding work life balance brought him back to the family farm.
“It’s great working with your family,” he said. “It’s a really good lifestyle.”
Ross and Paula Warren
On most days you will find Ross and Paula Warren on one of their three pasture-based cattle properties in the Mary Valley, where they dedicate their time to raising and caring for their 200 Charolais breeders.
Since coming together in 2005, the pair have spent years improving their pasture crops to provide the best foundation for their mobs.
“We’re all about our animals, day in day out,” Mr Warren said.
“We feel very blessed to have this incredible environment to raise our cattle, it’s something we really value.”
Both Ross and Paula grew up on cattle properties in Queensland, and the pair have decades of cattle raising experience between them.
They plan to continue to intensely manage their mobs while also aiming to improve herd quality and breedability.
“We really appreciate the support of people who have bought cattle off us,” Mr Warren said.
“We want to keep breeding bulls that produce good progeny that puts meal experiences on people’s tables throughout the world.”
Meegan Seeds
Having grown up in the cattle industry, Meegan Seeds has built herself into a Jill-of-all-trades with extensive experience and knowledge in cattle, dogs, horses, fencing, machinery maintenance, smelting, feeding, vaccination and supplements.
She currently splits her time between home blocks in Monto and Calliope, managing the 400 head of cattle she and her husband own.
Mrs Seeds followed her father into the cattle industry, after spending her youth helping him with contract mustering and fencing.
“This was a great way for me to see and learn about different grazing properties and practices,” she said.
Since meeting her husband and raising her children, she has expanded her cattle rearing knowledge, while also continuing to contract muster and fence.
“I love watching our cattle improve each year with the introduction of new bulls and better handling practices,” she said.
Bree Watson
Through her current role as the CEO of the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Bree Watson acts as an advocate for hundreds of growers and farmers across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay Burnett.
“I am driven to contribute to the sector, to ensure farmers have a voice, to share the successes of the sector and that decision makers visit farmers and the region to understand how things actually operate,” she said.
“I’m particularly driven to keep ensuring as many people as possible know and value where their food comes from.”
Her history with the agricultural industry is deep rooted, having grown up on an Avondale strawberry farm owned and operated by her parents.
After leaving school, she undertook a Bachelor of Photography before realising her true passion for the agricultural industry, and she changed gears to obtain a Bachelor of Environmental Science (land management major) and then a Bachelor of Science (Hons).
Much of her day-to-day is spent advocating for local growers, and pushing herself to be the best representative for her industry.
Elizabeth Condon
Elizabeth Condon wears many hats during her week, from working and managing a busy veterinary practice, Maryborough Veterinary Surgery, to maintaining cattle, and educating and advocating for the Australian stock horse.
She grew up with a passion for the agricultural industry, and a love for the horses that have come to define outback Australia.
“I personally am striving to provide the market with safe, reliable and handy horses to be used in any line of work, but will excel in the rural industry,” she said.
Since graduating from high school where she focused on agricultural studies, she has completed a Certificate III in agriculture, and obtained her Bachelor's in Veterinary Science.
Ms Condon and her partner Alex Papping are striving towards a future where they can work their own land, and provide high quality and reliable cattle and horses for the industry they both love.
Ashlee Christensen and Ben Weller
Ashlee Christensen and her fiance Ben Weller are both kept fairly busy, working on Ben’s family farms across Eidsvold, Monto and Mundubbera.
Alongside their own cattle mobs, the pair help manage the day-to-day requirements that come with an expansive cattle operation, including pasture improvement, mustering, weaning and fencing.
They spend their time focusing on getting the most from their mobs and enjoy the rewards of watching years of breeding process culminate in high quality cattle.
“It’s exciting during calving season to see what our new bulls have produced and to see the new crossover is looking for our cows,” Ashlee said.
Both have a history of life on the land having grown up in family farming communities and both are passionate advocates of their local regional shows.
Ashlee is a talented horsewoman, who can be seen at a regional show in the hack ring, the show jumping ring and in the campdraft arena.
Ben is also a keen campdrafter, and enjoys the opportunity to judge at local campdrafting events when he can.
Bonnie Coolee
In her current role at Bundaberg’s Formatt Machinery, Bonnie Coolee has brought years of agricultural experience and networking to become the first female agricultural machinery saleswoman for the Wide Bay Burnett.
Since graduating from the Australian Agricultural College in Emerald in 2006, where she was awarded the North Australian Pastoral Company scholarship, Ms Coolee has moved to take over the reins at her family farm.
She spends much of her spare time continuing the family legacy at their North Isis property Versdale, a fifth generation mixed crop and cattle farm.
“I love the feeling of carrying on a family legacy, and that fact that I am female, showing that I’m passionately and enthusiastically capable of doing so, particularly in what was considered a very male dominant industry, is also very rewarding and gratifying,” she said.
Ms Coolee is a keen advocate of her industry, and through her role with the Bundaberg Show Society, she takes the opportunity to network and educate on the importance of Queensland agriculture.
She hopes to continue expanding on her education, and using her new found knowledge to boost the future of her family farm.
“I’m also extremely passionate about supporting the Women in Agriculture movement and mentoring other young farmers who are equally as motivated to prosper in their respective industries,” she said.
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