27 April 2026. Shane McCarthy, AgForce General President.
There's been a lot of noise in social media lately from environmental groups talking about putting Buffel on the WONS list - the Weeds of National Significance List.
It's time to hear from the side of the argument that feeds the nation. As far as industry is concerned, that is an absolutely ridiculous stance to take. Buffel is a vitally important feed source for all stock - but particularly for the cattle industry.
It is a deep rooted, fast responding, nutritional, and highly nutritional grass that is vital for the industry to continue to thrive - especially the northern and central cattle industry in Queensland.
There are other weeds that are of far more concern which should be on the radar way before Buffel.
Weeds such as Leucaena, the lovegrasses, Navua Sedge, calatrope. Navuased, Neem Tree, Willow Cactus, and Sticky Florestina that are all harmful to livestock. If a concerted effort was made to put these types of weeds onto the National Weeds of Significance Lists we would be able to potentially eradicate them, if not control them.
So we suggest that these environmental groups divert their efforts to controlling or eradicating much more harmful species than Buffel.
Industry believes the current system of getting plants onto the Weeds of National Significance List industry is deeply flawed because when the list becomes open for nominations, anybody can nominate any type of plant and only the disadvantages of that plant are considered, not the advantages.
Species like Buffel underpin the northern cattle industry in Queensland, which makes up 49% of the national herd. Not to mention other animals that graze on Buffel, including native species.
We would absolutely be open to considering helping environmental groups keep Buffel out of pristine areas. Our normal good management practices encompass this and should be employed on all spheres of all environments.
Our industry as a whole should be given credit for the impressive environmental work we've achieved. Every pasture and paddock needs responsible management. And this is what Australian primary producers do.
Recent evidence coming out of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) in Brazil in November last year shows this, (https://www.croplife.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Web-version_Climate-smart-agriculture_an-independent-technical-review.pdf) with this CropLife Australia report showing that Australian farmers are more environmentally friendly than their international peers - with emissions from Australian farm producers up to 40 per cent lower than other nations. Agriculture and emissions have fallen 20% over the last 30 years.
Australian agriculture has decoupled growth from land use, producing 60% more output from 28% land use than 30 years ago. We do more with less and we do it better than anybody else in the world.
It's stupid to throw the baby out with the bath water. Industry and especially AgForce will do everything in their power to make sure that important food sources like Buffel do not make it onto any weeds list, and we'll be leaving no stone unturned to ensure that happens.
Because remember, every family needs a farmer.
