Kate McIntyre and Matt Hintz from PB Agrifood with Mark Schmidt from Deacon Seeds.

MERCHANTS and traders from across the Queensland grains industry gathered in Toowoomba yesterday for the Queensland Agricultural Merchants (QAM) last formal meeting of the year.

QAM president and RainAg senior commodity broker, Scott Merson, said the meeting comes at the culmination of a challenging year for the industry.

He said the sector has worked through the constant pressure from flooding and associated road closures, planting and harvest delays and cost increases.

Mr Merson attributed the ongoing success of the industry to the ingenuity and persistence of its members as well as the welcome return of “fine harvest weather” over the last month.

“[We] are certainly all a resourceful bunch,” Mr Merson said.

“[We] have battled road closures and soaring rates while somehow keeping the wheels turning.

“We have seen innovative solutions to problems caused by container shortages for cotton exporters.”

Mr Merson said all industry members have kept the food and fibre supply chain moving through these trying times under the radar of public attention.

“What happens beyond the farmgate is not often understood or even considered by the general public.

“While most know that they should be grateful to our country’s farmers, no one ever cares to mention the role the trade plays in getting food and fibre products to where they need to be in the most efficient manner possible.

“[We] should be proud of the fact we work in a critical and interesting field.”

Formed in 1955, QAM brings together seed and grains industry members to create a collective voice for the sector and lobby for change where needed.

It currently represents member companies with an estimated annual turnover in excess of $1 billion and employs some 600 staff.

Blair Paterson and Scott Merson from RainAg

Gary Heidenreich, Darwalla Milling, and Chris Coore, Riverina.

Farmarco’s Rob Imray and Nick Kelly.

Network Grains director Craig Dennis and Mark O’Brien from George Weston Foods, Tamworth.

Geoff Shirtcliff, KB Agri Services; Bobbi Ryan, CHS Broadbent; and Jaco van der Merwe, Norco.

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