23 March 2026. Shane McCarthy, AgForce General President.
I write this column from the NT Cattlemen's Association annual conference in Darwin, which I attended with AgForce cattle board president Lloyd Hick and North Regional president Jane McMillan.
The main aspects that stand out to me so far to me are - fuel, fertiliser and food.
One big lesson we've learned from this latest chain of events is that fuel plus fertiliser equals food. It's surprising how quickly our food security can be put at risk without even one of those crucial ingredients.
There's distinct concern from industry about whether the Federal Government fully understands the real time effect on the ground in the agricultural sector.
Producers aren't able to get fuel or fertiliser easily and at a reasonable price, for whatever reason. This leaves producers asking, will I be able to plant a crop? Will I be able to fertilise it? If I can plant a crop and fertilise it, can I harvest it? Whether it's crops or beef or lamb, can I get that product to market? While EV's are aspirationally great, there's not much point having an EV if I go to the supermarket and there's nothing on the supermarket shelf.
So the croppers are at a crucial time - some have already probably made their decision. Do I even plant a crop at all at this stage? All because of the availability and price of fuel and fertiliser.
The flow-on effects are now being felt - with the price of other oil based products such as poly-pipe going through the roof.
Another point of concern for Queensland producers that's come up here is buffel. There's been a concerted effort from the anti-buffel brigade in the last week trying to get it put on the list of Weeds of National Significance.
But this grass is crucial for cattle producers. It's high nutrient, fast growing, deep rooted, and holds soil in place so that there's less erosion. There are multiple benefits to it, and Buffel grass has made the cattle industry what it is today, especially in Central Queensland.
It's already on the weeds list in the NT, but the attitude of AgForce and the current Queensland government, especially Ag Minister Tony Perrett is that it will never be on a national weeds list.
The Territory's just announced that while they're keeping it on their weeds list, they will give an exemption for primary producers with a permit.
While the Territory government thinks that's an acceptable outcome, AgForce certainly does not, and we'll be campaigning hard. Buffel should be put on a feed of national significance list - not a weed of national significance.
AgForce is aware of producers' concerns. We will continue to advocate for Buffel, working with the state government to get the best outcomes for producers.
Because every family needs a farmer.
