Graziers to improve their operation with QRIDA after Beef 2024
John Metelli, Bradley Whittington, and Sam Fryer
20 May 2024
Graziers feeling inspired to boost their business following Beef Australia 2024 may be able to access concessional finance from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to carry out a range of on-farm improvements.
QRIDA Regional Area Manager for Capricornia, John Metelli, said Queensland’s beef industry had been buoyed by the triennial event in Rockhampton from Monday 6 to Friday 10 May.
“After eyeing off on-trend ag-tech, inspecting winning cattle, and listening to thought-provoking perspectives on the latest farming practices at Beef Australia 2024, there are a lot of graziers who are feeling motivated right now to establish their own beef business or improve their existing operation,” John said.
“QRIDA has a range of concessional loans and grants which could help graziers secure the future of their operation.” 
John said graziers had already been enquiring about QRIDA’s range of financial assistance programs, with its exhibit at the Robert Schwarten Pavilion busy during Beef Australia 2024.
“We received enquiries from up-and-coming graziers about how our First Start Loans could help them enter into lease and share farming arrangements while they build their herd and improved their operational skills,” John said.
There was also a lot of interest from families about how QRIDA’s First Start Loans could help them carry out succession arrangements.
“Our Sustainability Loans were also a popular topic of conversation with graziers regarding how the loan could help them upgrade equipment and machinery, prepare for drought, erect exclusion fencing, and more.”
Beef Australia 2024 was also an opportunity for QRIDA representatives to catch up with clients including Biloela graziers, Sam and Casey Alsop, who first accessed QRIDA financial assistance when they began their beef business a decade ago.
“We got a First Start Loan from QRIDA to purchase Sam’s parents’ property about ten years ago,” Casey said.
“We used a QRIDA Sustainability Loan to purchase our other block of land, Apex Downs, and some breeders.
“The loan money was also used for water infrastructure and a lot of fencing projects because this was traditionally a set-stocked property, and we wanted to move into rotational grazing.”
Casey said she regularly catches up with her QRIDA Regional Area Manager to find out how QRIDA’s financial assistance could benefit the changing circumstances of their operation and to help with any loan applications.
“We think it's important to have a good relationship with your Regional Area Manager. John is just easy-going, and easy to talk to,” Casey said.
To find out more information about how a QRIDA First Start Loan or Sustainability Loan could improve your beef enterprise, visit QRIDA's First Start Loan or Sustainability Loan pages or call 1800 623 946.
