How our farmers are diversifying to mitigate drought impacts

At Suncorp we understand agribusiness communities are facing the daily strain when managing the widespread and devastating drought conditions. 

However, it’s during these times we’ve seen how resourceful and resilient our farmers can be as they adapt accordingly, whether through diversification, partnerships or investment in technology and infrastructure.

Recently Suncorp Group CEO, Steve Johnston, travelled to Pittsworth to visit local agribusiness customers who have evolved their business practices during tough times, and are proving diversification can be successfully implemented to safeguard against ongoing drought conditions in the region.

Meeting with the Youngberry family on their property, Andrew and Jennifer, explained to Mr Johnston how they’ve successfully adapted their strategic business operations to secure their future in farming. Mr Johnston was able to witness first-hand how the family’s implementation of water infrastructure and sustainability practices have reshaped their business model.

“As with most rural enterprises, the drought has greatly impacted the Youngberry’s operations, but they’ve implemented some innovative water infrastructure to safeguard themselves further,” Mr Johnston noted.

The Youngberry family have also managed to sustain a diverse agribusiness portfolio with the bulk of their operations focussing on two main areas: cucumber production and organic stock feed production. 

Also in attendance during the visit was Suncorp’s South West QLD District Manager, Adam Keen, who has longstanding relationships with many of the producers in the region.

“The drought has impacted Andrew and Jennifer Youngberry’s business in ways they never thought possible,” says Mr Keen.

“To mitigate these unprecedented conditions, they’ve reduced the landmass cultivated for crops, sold livestock and invested thousands of dollars in critical water infrastructure to ensure they have an adequate supply of clean water. Our regional communities are really doing it tough.”

“These communities are where our people and customers live, and they are the families that carry the responsibility of feeding the nation and are the custodians of our land. It is a big job, one that our customers, and our team, take seriously.”

During the visit Mr Johnston also noted how proud he was to hear from the family about the ongoing support provided by the Suncorp team on the ground to help operations continue.

“The family told me just how important it’s been to have the support of a strong team from Suncorp around them.”

“We’re very lucky to have some of the best in the business representing Suncorp Bank in regional Australia. They’re doing an amazing job of managing bushfire-related inquiries while still keeping up with the day-to-day work. They’re a credit to our business and exemplify the Suncorp spirit in action.”