Drought Resilience in Regional Agriculture

An analysis of farm business survey returns and off farm income records for 640 broadacre and mixed enterprises across the northern Murray Darling Basin during the 2017 to 2020 drought. The article separates losses absorbed through farm equity from those offset by off farm employment and household support payments, and compares outcomes for irrigators and dryland producers. Written for agricultural economists and drought policy analysts.

A field day held at Longreach Pastoral College for graziers, agronomists and local government staff across central west Queensland. The programme covered ground cover monitoring from satellite imagery, fodder budgeting through consecutive dry years, stock water security and the mental health support available through rural outreach services. Sessions were delivered jointly by researchers and producers who managed through the 2017 to 2020 drought.