Sobering outlook for parched agriculture industry

Cattle and cane producers could lose $377 million in the next financial year

DROUGHT PACKAGE: communities and farmers in Flynn will get a boost from the Coalition Government's $709 million drought relief package.

WITH feed thin on the ground and cane sweltering under drought conditions, Queensland farmers could be hit with a $742 million loss in the coming financial year.

On Thursday, December 5, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries released a report warning the sector could shrink by 5 per cent this financial year, largely due to continued drought.

Cattle and cane producers would be hit hard, the Agtrends report wrote, with both industries' production values to drop by 6 per cent compared to the 2018-19 financial year.

Graziers across Queensland will be hit by a $310 million production loss, while farm gate production for sugar to fall by $67 million.

Graziers said some of the cattle at the Landmark Mackay Sarina cattle sale appeared "drought affected" after the long dry season. Photo: Zizi Averill

While the Mackay region has been sheltered from drought declarations, 90.3 per cent of the Isaac region, and 89.9 per cent of the Whitsunday region were drought declared in September.

It was a sobering read for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner.

"While Queensland primary producers are among the best in the world at handling climatic variability, this drought is having a significant impact," Mr Furner said.

Too alleviate this pain, Mr Furner said drought relief programs were available, with a further $74.6 million committed in this year's State budget.

To help farmers adapt to the changing climate risks $21 million had been allocated through the Drought and Climate Adaptation Program, he said.

"We have committed $10 million to our Rural Economic Development grants program to help agricultural businesses in regional areas expand and grow jobs," Mr Furner said.

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