11 December 2025
Queensland primary producers are optimistic about their profits and industry outlook,
according to a new survey commissioned by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
QRIDA Rural and Industry Economist John Gillespie (pictured right) said two thirds of surveyed primary producers were optimistic about their industry’s outlook for the next year.
“Optimism amongst primary producers was driven by a favourable weather outlook, solid commodity demand and export volumes,” John said.
“Significantly, the survey also found many producers were planning for the future of their farm businesses, with almost half of surveyed producers having a succession plan in place for their farm businesses, and one quarter expressing an interest to implement a plan.”
Half of surveyed producers anticipated their profits would be average for the year ahead, and one quarter above average, with the strongest confidence from Central Highlands and Wide Bay-Burnett, followed by the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley, and lastly the Far North and North Queensland.
“The confidence in profitability was underpinned by high demand across key industries, especially Queensland beef which has been forecast to achieve a record gross value of production (GVP) worth $26.79 billion for 2024-25,” John said.
“Horticulture was also a standout, with a 11.1 per cent improvement in GVP over the previous year.”
The optimism amongst Queensland producers was also reflected in planned investment strategies for the coming year.
“Among the surveyed producers, 63 per cent said they would purchase new technology, 71 per cent new infrastructure, and 73 per cent equipment,” John said.
“These investment strategies are all closely linked to productivity improvements which QRIDA’s First Start and Sustainability Loans can help producers fund.
“Overall, the survey signals a sustainable future for Queensland producers, as optimism, underpinned by favourable economic and climate conditions, and aligned with good investment decisions, leads to the stable long-term success of our agricultural industry.”
In order to help producers feel more confident while making decisions for their farm businesses, QRIDA will be hosting a free Smarter Debt Better Profit webinar about cost management and strategic planning for primary producers in early 2026.
“Following the successful launch of QRIDA’s Smarter Debt Better Profit webinar series in October, we will be hosting another instalment in this series in early 2026 about how producers can improve their decision-making about managing costs,” John said.
“Keep an eye out on QRIDA’s website and socials for more information about this free webinar over the coming months.”
For more information, visit qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946.
Additional survey information:
The economic outlook survey was undertaken by independent research agency Market & Communications Research collected the data via telephone interviews with 160 primary producers across various agricultural industries including cattle, cane and horticulture located across rural and regional Queensland from the north, west and south-east of the state.
The random sample of primary producers surveyed had applied for one of QRIDA’s programs including the First Start Loan, Sustainability Loan, disaster or drought programs over the 2024 to 2025 financial year.
For the first time, additional survey questions about economic optimism formed part of QRIDA’s annual client and program owner survey.
The client and program owner portion of the survey collected data on 250 QRIDA financial assistance applicants including primary producers, small business owners, and non-profit organisation representatives, and revealed pleasing results about QRIDA’s services.
In the 2024-25 financial year, 84 per cent of surveyed clients were overall satisfied with QRIDA’s services. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of surveyed clients were likely to recommend QRIDA to a friend who could use QRIDA’s services, which was the same result as the previous financial year.
In the 2024-25 financial year, 91 per cent of surveyed program owners were satisfied with QRIDA’s services. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of program owners were likely to recommend QRIDA to other agencies and departments.
