Could cropping transform Queensland's cattle country?

Queensland's North West is embarking on a significant agricultural transformation, aiming to diversify its traditional cattle country into a major cropping hub. A new $5.3 million investment, jointly funded by the Queensland government and the cotton and grains industries, will drive the "Unlocking Farming Systems for North Queensland" project.

The ambitious initiative seeks to establish production of 100,000 cotton bales and grow grain and pulse production to $100 million annually by 2035. The project will initially focus on the Flinders catchment, encompassing areas like Hughenden, Richmond, and Julia Creek, before expanding northward into the Gilbert catchment. Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett indicated that further investment would follow if the long-term viability of cropping is proven.

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It's my belief it is the only way to flood mitigate this region: to diversify your cattle business into cropping.

This push for diversification is partly a response to the devastating floods that impacted North West Queensland earlier this year. Lucas Findley, who heads Gulf Cotton, successfully planted nearly 5,000 hectares of cotton on his property north of Julia Creek within a week of the floodwaters receding. He believes that diversifying into cropping is the "only way to flood mitigate this region" and offers essential alternative options for producers.

Early results from trials support the economic potential of cropping. Richmond Shire Council reported that its grain sorghum crop at Maxwelton is expected to generate about $500,000 this year. Previously, a chickpea crop harvested by the council in 2025 yielded returns ten times higher than running cattle on the same land. "We're very pleased with the results," said Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton, highlighting the promising economic outcomes of the new agricultural direction.

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We're very pleased with the results.