38-year family farming legacy continues with QRIDA First Start Loan

Now, with the help of QRIDA’s First Start Loan, that family farming legacy will continue with Martin and Beck Eggerling. 

When the time came for Martin’s parents to pass on the baton of their sheep enterprise, he and his wife, Beck, embraced the opportunity with open arms to carry on the family operation.

“We purchased ‘Wynn Downs’ from Martin’s parents; they were here for 38 years prior to that. The opportunity came up and we grabbed it with both hands,” reflects Beck. 

Navigating succession can be a daunting task for many farming families, but Martin says the assistance of QRIDA's First Start Loan enabled them to accelerate their succession plans and turn their focus to creating a future for their children.

“The QRIDA First Start Loan, if we had never found it or applied for it, I don’t think we’d be where we are today. It did fast-track us quite significantly.

We’ve got three children of our own, and that’s something we’re certainly looking to do is set them up for their future as well,” he says. 

Local Regional Area Manager for the Central Highlands and West, Brad Whittington first met the Eggerling’s at the Isisford Sheep and Wool Show and was able to share information with them about how the First Start Loan could be used as a financial stepping stone to assist with family succession. 

“The QRIDA First Start Loan is a very good product to get young people into the primary production industry. 

“I helped Beck and Marty understand how the livestock schedules and cashflows marry up with what they're predicting and how they work.”

Beck says Brad's support was invaluable throughout their application journey. 

“The help we had from Brad throughout the whole process was second to none, he was so approachable. When it came to the application there were no silly questions, he made it all make sense, and he was wonderful. 

We advise people if they want to take that step, sit down with your Regional Area Manager, have the chat, ask the questions,” she says.

Brad encourages young producers to start the conversations and seek information on the financial support available such as First Start Loans.

“Doesn’t matter how small the question seems to you, ask the question and get an idea of where you can go with QRIDA’s products like our First Start Loans,” he says.

QRIDA's First Start Loan which offers up to $2 million in support, stands as a support beam for the next generation of producers, providing them with the financial stepping stone they need to make a start in agriculture. 

To learn more, visit QRIDA’s First Start Loan webpage or start the conversation with your Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946. 

Pictured: Beck and Martin Eggerling talk to their local Regional Area Manager, Brad Whittington (centre).