S5 Ep 21 - NFF President

1 day ago

2 min read

Season 5

Life is busy when you’re running your own farm, whilst also the president of the National Farmers Federation. Hamish McIntyre and his wife Mary started their own farming business in 1999, working hard to save enough for their first property. Determined to grow and diversify, they’ve built up to running several properties across Queensland which include irrigated and dryland cropping, feedlots, sheep, cattle, chicken and goats. It’s an inspiring self-made story. To learn more Hamish McIntyre of McIntyre Agriculture joins me now.

Hamish shares his favourite places across the McIntyre Agriculture properties, including the unique flat-top landscapes of far western Queensland and the diverse wildlife of the coastal properties.
He explains how his early career in agronomy shaped an operation built around diverse income streams, including grazing, dryland cropping, irrigation and feedlots.
Despite growing up in a farming family, Hamish didn’t inherit a family farm and shares how a strong education, saving early and making the most of opportunities helped him and his wife Mary get started.
For those trying to enter agriculture today, Hamish explains why he still believes it’s possible—with hard work, diverse income streams, a strong financial structure and good people around you.
Drawing on his agronomy background, Hamish explains why adding chicken production gave the business access to its own litter for fertiliser, while also creating another reliable income stream.
As President of the National Farmers’ Federation, Hamish discusses how continuing to farm allows him to bring real-world examples to industry advocacy and why getting involved is so important.
Hamish shares what he loves about life on the land and how growing up in agriculture shaped his belief in learning by doing, listening to those who came before him and continually adapting.
He discusses the disconnect between consumers and food production and why Australians should better understand the high standards behind the food they eat.
After witnessing devastating farming accidents, Hamish reflects on the dangers of agriculture and why workplace health and safety must remain an ongoing priority.
Looking to the future, Hamish hopes to continue growing the family business organically and give his sons the opportunity to become the sixth generation of farmers in the family.