Queensland's agricultural sector is powering ahead, recently surpassing its previous record with an estimated value of $23.44 billion for 2022–23. This remarkable achievement reflects the sector's resilience, despite facing ongoing challenges like supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages and extreme weather events.
However, behind the impressive figures lies a sobering truth: agriculture remains one of Australia's most dangerous industries. A recent spike in farm-related fatalities and injuries serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those working the land.
The Economic Backbone of Queensland
Queensland's agricultural industry is a powerhouse of productivity, with a rich and diverse output that fuels the state's economy. Leading the charge is beef, an industry worth a staggering $6 billion thanks to the state's thriving cattle and calf production. Sugarcane comes in sweetly behind, contributing nearly $2.5 billion through both farming and processing. Meanwhile, cotton is having a moment, booming by 26.4% to surpass $1.5 billion in value.
Among the standout regions, Toowoomba reigns supreme, generating a whopping $1.36 billion in agricultural value. But it’s the Lockyer Valley that tells the most inspiring story, bouncing back from the devastating 2022 floods with a remarkable 42% surge in production, marking it as Queensland’s fastest-growing agricultural success story.
As Jo Sheppard, CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, puts it: "Queensland's agriculture sector is a significant contributor to the state's economy and an integral part and backbone of rural, regional and remote communities"
This success underscores why it’s so critical to protect farmland and prioritise the wellbeing of the people behind these numbers.
The Hidden Dangers on Queensland Farms
Despite its economic strength, farming remains one of the most hazardous industries in Australia, and the safety challenges are mounting.
A Concerning Rise in Fatalities
According to Farmsafe Australia, 72 lives were lost and 133 serious injuries recorded on Australian farms in 2024 alone. That's more than twice as many farm fatalities as the year before.
Queensland has seen one of the most dramatic increases, with serious injuries rising from 11 to 61 cases in just 12 months. These aren't just numbers, they represent real people, families and communities impacted by preventable incidents.
Farm Vehicles: A Persistent Threat
Farm vehicles remain the most common cause of fatalities. In 2024, side-by-side vehicles were linked to 14 deaths, quad bikes to 10 and tractors to 8.
"We must stop treating these incidents as unfortunate accidents and start treating them as preventable tragedies," says Felicity Richards, Chair of Farmsafe Australia.
The takeaway? Safer equipment use and better training must become non-negotiables.
More Than Machinery: Environmental Risks
From managing hazardous chemicals to working alone in remote areas with no phone signal, farmers face serious risks every day. Queensland’s wild weather only adds to the danger, especially during storm and flood seasons.
Isolation doesn’t just make the job tougher, it also delays emergency response, turning minor incidents into major threats.
The Mental Load: Invisible but Vital
Financial stress, social isolation and unpredictable weather all take a toll on farmers’ mental health. This, in turn, can impact decision-making and safety practices.
As highlighted by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, addressing mental health is just as important as physical safety on the farm.
Building a Safety-First Culture
Creating safer farms doesn’t happen overnight, but with leadership, planning, and practical action, it can be done.
Leading by Example
Farm owners and managers set the tone. When they lead with safety, it becomes embedded in the daily routine. Regular equipment checks, open communication, and visible commitment go a long way.
As noted in the Safer Farms Report: "Having a safer culture on farm is often found in the small, everyday actions."
Systems That Support Safety
Effective risk management starts with systems: equipment inspections, incident reporting processes, and clear emergency procedures.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s Serious About Farm Safety guide provides helpful templates to get started.
The Power of Ongoing Training
Safety training shouldn’t be treated as a one-time event, instead, ongoing refreshers, seasonal inductions and hands-on learning with new technologies are essential to keeping safety front of mind and ensuring it becomes second nature on the job.
Farming Smarter: How Tech is Changing the Game
Unsurprisingly, technology is playing an increasingly important role in keeping farms safe. Let’s look at how:
Smarter, Safer Systems
More than 75% of Queensland farmers are now using AI-powered crop monitoring tools. These tools allow for precision spraying and remote monitoring, reducing both exposure and on-ground risk.
Wearables, Drones, and Lone Worker Devices
New safety innovations include wearable emergency alert systems, collision-avoidance sensors, and farm-specific lone worker devices that provide real-time updates. Drones are increasingly being used for crop inspection, keeping workers out of harm’s way.
Queensland’s Safety Regulations: What’s New?
Queensland has recently strengthened its approach to agricultural safety.
Rural Plant Code of Practice 2024
As of September 2024, the updated Rural Plant Code of Practice sets clear expectations for safe machinery use, including tractors, quad bikes and drones. It also includes visual guides, updated diagrams, and advice on collaboration between duty holders.
Calls for Further Support
Industry groups, like the Queensland Farmers' Federation, are urging the government to support rebate programs for rollover protection systems and safer vehicle transitions.
Their message is clear: investment in education and prevention is far more effective than a compliance-only approach.
Keeping People at the Heart of Farm Safety
At its core, farm safety is about protecting people, their lives, health and wellbeing, not just ticking boxes or following procedures on paper.
Open Conversations and Recognition
Encouraging workers to speak up about risks and recognising safe practices helps build a culture of shared responsibility.
Tackling Isolation and Fatigue
Initiatives that promote community connection, address fatigue, and ensure access to support services are just as critical as wearing helmets or maintaining equipment.
A Safer Future for Queensland Farms
Queensland’s farmers are already delivering extraordinary results, now it’s time to elevate safety to the same world-class standard.
With bold leadership, innovative systems, and practical, supportive regulation, we can transform the story of farm safety from one of risk to one of resilience and respect.
The challenge is real, but so is the opportunity. Because behind every number is a name, a family, a future. And every action we take toward safer farms is an investment in a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable future for Queensland agriculture.
