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North West QLD brothers forge their own path on the family station

Located 40 kilometres north of Hughenden in North West Queensland, Wongalee Station has been home to the Anning family for that last thirty years. 

Today, sixth-generation graziers Luke and Jake Anning are building their own futures in agriculture while continuing the family’s long-standing legacy.

Growing up on Wongalee Station, the brothers were immersed in the cattle industry from a young age, raising cattle for market alongside their family.

“I was given the opportunity by my parents to run a few cows in a paddock here,” Luke said.

Keen to take the next step in their agricultural careers, both Luke and Jake began exploring options to establish their own independent businesses while remaining part of the family operation.

Luke first heard about the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) through a friend and reached out to learn more about the support available for aspiring producers.

“I heard about QRIDA through a friend, so I contacted them and they got me started on the First Start Loan to purchase a few cows,” he said.

Through QRIDA’s First Start Loan, Luke and Jake were both able to access the support they needed to begin building their own cattle enterprises.

Jake said the loan helped overcome one of the biggest challenges for young producers starting out.

“I was asset poor and they were taking the existing cattle I had as security,” he said.

Based in Hughenden, QRIDA Regional Area Manager for the North West and Gulf, Sam Fryer, worked closely with the brothers throughout the First Start Loan application process.

Sam visited Wongalee Station to go through their applications, review cashflow projections and discuss the brothers’ business plans.

“When it came to all the bookwork, Sam was pointing us in the right direction,” Jake said.

After reviewing their plans, Sam said both brothers had strong business foundations in place.

“Jake and Luke were able to access the concessional loan rate, which has greatly helped their businesses achieve success,” Sam said.

Luke said having access to QRIDA’s support has helped them confidently take the next step in their agricultural careers.

“I would definitely recommend QRIDA. You can approach them, you can talk to them,” he said.

“They’re at a lot of the events that are around, so you can always go up to them and pick their brains about what the interest rates are and what the process is like.”

Sam said the First Start Loan program is designed to help the next generation of producers establish themselves in the industry.

“Whether you’re in a family operation, whether you’re going through succession, or whether you’re looking to start out on your own, the First Start program is a great program for people looking to get into agriculture,” Sam said.

Luke added that QRIDA’s support goes beyond simply providing finance.

“QRIDA seem to be very encouraging to not just pay back their loans. They want you to grow, they want you to prosper in this industry that we love,” he said.

QRIDA’s First Start Loans offer up to $2 million to help aspiring producers in the initial years of establishing their primary production business. For more information visit our First Start Loan webpage or get in touch with your local Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946.