Western Downs exporters kickstart global markets
Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program, delivered by TSBE’s Food Leaders Australia, has announced its 2020 cohort, ready to make inroads into new markets.
AS GLOBAL supply chains face unprecedented change, and consumer purchasing patterns shift, the newest cohort of up-and-coming exporters on the Western Downs will work with experts to diversify their businesses and explore new markets onshore and overseas.
Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program, delivered by TSBE’s Food Leaders Australia, has announced its 2020 cohort ready to make inroads into new markets.
Meet the Western Downs businesses joining the program this year: Coggan Farming, Devon Court Stud, Downs Sheet Metal & Janke, Fraser Valuers, Morrissey & Co Pty Ltd and Rangeland Quality Meats.
RANGELAND QUALITY MEATS
Dulacca grazing operation Rangeland Quality Meats will join the 2020 program with its premium paddock-to-plate products. Rangeland Quality Meats is a farmer-owned and family operated business, proud of its long history in the industry. The business stands behind products they have fine tuned during the 140 years the family has been grazing cattle in Queensland.
The business is excited to be part of the program this year with hopes to better understand the complexities of export and continue to build the business for the future.
FRASER VALUERS
CHINCHILLA-based Fraser Valuers is an independent local firm specialising in rural valuations across western Queensland since 1987.
Fraser Valuers provides a tailored service offering for customers from pre-purchase due diligence, financial lending valuations and ongoing support for rural property management.
It has extensive experience in rural, commercial, industrial and residential valuations, using the most up-to-date data and technology available, including digital mapping software to ensure accurate valuations for clients.
“We are excited to be part of the Emerging Exporters Program, to assist our business develop a greater understanding of how we connect with sustainable investment opportunities for agriculture across the region,” business owner Rob Fraser said.
DOWNS SHEET METALS
DOWNS Sheet Metal, based in Dalby, provides a wide range of manufacturing services across the region. Downs Sheet Metal provides specialised manufacturing services of laser cutting, fabrication, pressing, CAD design, machining, and powder coating, as well as the manufacture of a wide range of tool and fridge boxes.
“With the learnings and support provided in the Emerging Exporters Program, we are looking forward to developing our export knowledge for future opportunities” business owner Michael Pearson said.
COGGAN FARMING
BASED on the Western Downs for more than 80 years, family-owned farming operation Coggan Farming will join the program this year.
The Coggan farming operation near Meandarra covers over 55,000 acres, with a diverse range of production including cattle and lamb feedlots, irrigated and dryland farming, extensive grazing operation and Meat Master stud. The Coggan family prides itself on being producers of high-quality protein for the Australian and international markets.
“We are looking forward using the think tank of the Emerging Exporters Program for developing our brand Lincoln Produce and long-term business planning,” Cindy Coggan said.
MORRISSEY AND CO
Jandowae-based Morrissey & Co is a fifth-generation family owned and operated company, established in 1910.
Best known for producing the original calf-branding cradle, invented 70 years ago, Morrissey & Co develops quality cattle equipment that is durable, easy to use and built to last in the harshest of climates.
Business owner Christine Morrissey was thankful for the opportunity to be involved in the program this year.
“We are thrilled to be participating in Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program to develop and grow our business for the next generation,” she said.
DEVON COURT HEREFORDS
Based on the Western Downs, Devon Court Herefords is a third-generation farming enterprise established more than 110 years ago. The 250 stud females and 800 commercial cows are run alongside the grain farming enterprise by brothers Tom and Alex Nixon.
While its main business is in breeding quality Herefords and growing grain, a few years ago the business saw an opportunity to diversify, creating its boutique beef brand, DC Beef.
Tom said it was humbling to be part of Shell’s Emerging Exporters program and hoped their involvement would assist DC Beef to establish international opportunities and develop the high-end domestic market.
“What we’d try and gain from the program is more of an international perspective, that would be a grand goal for sure but we’d really like to see that domestic, high-end restaurant trade would be a really great place for us to showcase what our breed and our program can achieve,” he said.
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