Supporting family farms to meet market challenges
Andy and Judy Veal are typical Queensland producers in many ways. The pair live and work on their avocado farm in Blackbutt with their adult children and their families. Everyone is involved in the family business.
Andy and Judy Veal
The Veal family are no stranger to tough times as well, since recovering from drought in 2010 and dealing with the odd hail storm the business has grown with help from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
The Veals have utilised QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans to assist with the purchase of property and equipment to help expand and create greater resilience in their business.
“Having QRIDA there made a world of difference. We feel they really care and want to keep people on the land and that aligns with our goals too,” Judy said.
With nine Regional Area Managers across the state QRIDA is able to meet on-farm to help with applications or simply discuss options for funding business resilience and sustainability.
Andy talks candidly about their experience with QRIDA.
"Yes, there’s a lot of information required but it is no more than we already utilise ourselves to make informed decisions," he said.
"You should be expected to understand your business and consider your plans; forethought is required to secure funding in today’s market."
Judy and Andy see information and feedback as one of the most valuable additions to their business operations.
"The quality assurance requirements set by our industry and retailers adds an additional level of work beyond producing the end product, but eventually you see the value in the information you have captured. It enables you to make informed business decisions that allows you to continually improve your production and profitability," Judy said.
The Veals say the greatest value in funding their on-farm improvements through QRIDA is the service they’ve received during and after the application process.
“Making repayment arrangements with QRIDA means a conversation, we never feel like we’re going cap-in-hand. Flexibility and a real understanding of rural life, and what it means to be a primary producer in Queensland set QRIDA apart," Judy said.
Today the entire Veal family enjoy life living on-farm and, armed with an intimate knowledge of their business operations, the family is well supported to tackle whatever comes next.
To learn more about how this loan can help you, visit the QRIDA Sustainability Loan.
