Coggan Farms, Condabri Beef, and GF Oats Shine at inaugural Darling Downs Food and Fibre Awards night

The innovation of Darling Downs agricultural industry was on full display at the Darling Downs Food and Fibre Awards night, with businesses taking home awards for innovation, biosecurity and trade and export.

Darling Downs Food & Fibre Awards

Three Darling Downs agricultural businesses have been recognised as being a cut above the rest at the inaugural Darling Downs Food and Fibre Awards night.

Celebrating excellence in innovation, biosecurity and export across the Darling Downs, the awards night recognised industry figures leading the way with through agricultural technology.

Innovation Award winner Coggan Farms – Ben O’Brien from Suncorp Bank presents the Innovation Award to Emily Coggan from Coggan Farms

The Innovation Award was presented to Meandarra’s Coggan Farms, who was the first Australian farm to deploy an 18m wide autonomous spraying platform in in 2021 through SwarmFarm Robotics. Since then, the business has expanded to two autonomous machines, which have sprayed more than 65,000ha.

Through the technology they have been able to reduce their workforce, enhance chemical application precision, and extend spraying windows.

The team were also recognised for their use of Halter’s virtual fencing. Using GPS-enabled collars that provide audio and electric shock cues livestock can be guided away from designated boundaries, creating a virtual fence and enhancing pasture management reducing the need for additional labour.

Biosecurity Award winner Condabri Beef – Rowie Beveridge presents the Biosecurity Award to Trinity Sheppard and Tim Mitchell from Condabri Beef.

Meanwhile the Biosecurity Award was presented to Miles producer Condabri Beef.

The team was presented the award for implementing a range of proactive biosecurity measures which include livestock traceability and compliance, commodity assurance, digital visitor and contractor management, advanced monitoring at ramps and weigh bridge and water and feed quality monitoring.

These systems work together to minimise disease risk, reduce environmental impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of their operation.

Finally Australia’s leading supplier of gluten-free oats GF Oats, located in Meringandan, took out the Trade and Export Award.

GF Oats is a pioneering Australian company that provides oats specifically grown and processed to be free from contamination capitalising on a growing global demand for healthy, gluten-free and plant-based options.

Trade and Export Award winner GF Oats – Nilesh Prasad presents the Trade and Export Award to Garry McGeorge and Kylie Martin Hollonds from GF Oats.

TSBE executive director Dr John McVeigh congratulated the winners and said the awards highlighted Darling Downs' competitive food sector.

“We received a diverse mix of submissions, showcasing the incredible work our region is doing in biosecurity, export and innovation,” Dr McVeigh said in a press release.

“A big congratulations to all our award winners.

“The Darling Downs Food and Fibre Awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and global impact of our agribusinesses, and this year’s winners show just how forward-thinking and adaptable our region truly is.

“TSBE is proud to support these businesses and continues to advocate for initiatives that strengthen our region’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, innovation adoption and global market growth.

“From biosecurity to export readiness, we’re committed to backing the people and ideas that keep the Darling Downs at the forefront of Australia’s food and fibre industry.”

Originally published as Coggan Farms, Condabri Beef, and GF Oats Shine at inaugural Darling Downs Food and Fibre Awards night