19 November 2024.
In a remarkable testament to agricultural excellence, innovation, and community dedication, beef and grain producer Kurt Mayne has been honored as the AgForce Producer of the Year for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who exemplify industry excellence, passionate leadership, and a strong community focus.
Industry Excellence
Kurt's profound understanding of advanced agricultural techniques has been pivotal in optimizing production, quality, and efficiency within his enterprise. As an early adopter of cutting-edge technology, he has harnessed valuable data to monitor and enhance cattle weight gain, ensuring high-quality beef and grain outputs. His commitment to sustainable farming is evident through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and a significant reduction in chemical usage by 80-90%. Notably, Kurt has eliminated synthetic urea from his operations without compromising yield, thereby substantially reducing emissions. His meticulous planning and adherence to best practices underscore his success in the agricultural sector.
Passionate Leadership
Driven by a clear sense of purpose, Kurt leads by example across all facets of his life. His passion for mentoring youth reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Community Focus
Kurt's advocacy for the farming industry is demonstrated through his active involvement in various community initiatives. Collaborating with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), he has hosted wheat variety trials on his farm, providing local growers with insights into optimal wheat varieties for the region. His dedication extends to numerous community boards, including a five-year tenure as president of the Rolleston State School P&C, where he spearheaded fundraising efforts exceeding $100,000 through can recycling—a program that continues to benefit the school today. Currently serving on the Central Queensland GrainCorp Growers Board, Kurt has implemented systems to enhance harvest management for both farmers and GrainCorp. His commitment to youth development is further evident in his involvement with rural youth rugby, ensuring equitable opportunities for children in rural areas. Additionally, Kurt supports various important organizations through sponsorships.
Kurt's recognition as the AgForce Producer of the Year 2024 highlights his unwavering dedication to advancing Queensland's agricultural industry and his profound impact on the community. His achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow producers and underscore the vital role of innovation, leadership, and community engagement in the agricultural sector.