Australians Urged to ‘Stand With the Land’ as NFF Reflects on 2025

As part of this year’s National Ag Day celebrations (Friday, November 21), President of the National Farmers Federation Hamish McIntyre joined Jess Dempster on FlowFM’s Country Viewpoint to talk about the importance of the day and reflect on the year that was in the agricultural industry for 2025.

Mr McIntyre said that while some farmers had enjoyed bumper seasons, others had continued to navigate climatic and economic challenges.

“The common thread from throughout the year is resilience,” he said, highlighting the the scale and value of Australia’s agricultural output.

“Australia’s farm-gate income is now approaching $95 billion annually, with a target of $100 billion by 2030,” Mr McIntyre said. “Achieving this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about telling the stories of our farmers, their innovation, their sacrifices, and their unwavering commitment to supplying food and fibre locally and globally.”

Under the theme “Stand With the Land,” this year's National Ag Day celebrations encouraged Australians to connect with agriculture—whether through supporting local produce, learning more about farming, or considering careers on the land.

“Agriculture is not just an industry; it’s a foundation for national wellbeing,” Mr McIntyre said.

Reflecting on his first few months in the presidential role, and looking back on the year that was in 2025, Mr McIntyre spoke about the NFF’s role in advocating for farmers amid rising input costs and global supply-chain pressures, citing recent fertiliser shortages that had affected crop yields in some regions.

“Our job at the NFF is to make sure governments understand that food security, regional employment, and affordable produce go hand in hand,” he said. “We need on‑shored manufacturing for fertilisers, fuel, and ag‑tech products, so Australian farmers aren’t at the mercy of global supply disruptions.”

He also noted the numerous extremes farmers faced across the country this year.

“Some regions battled drought while others experienced flooding,” he said. “Farmers are used to adapting to weather, but modern technology and strong policy support are essential for long-term sustainability.”

Looking ahead to the new year, Mr McIntyre highlighted the NFF’s priorities for 2026, including appointing a full-time CEO, finalising strategic goals, and ensuring reliable trade access for exports.

“Our focus remains on maintaining profitability for producers and continuing to supply high-quality produce to domestic and international markets,” he said.

Closing with a message for Australians, Mr McIntyre encouraged support for the industry and recognition of the vital role farmers play in daily life.

“Support farmers by choosing local produce, consider agriculture as a career path, and appreciate the profound contribution farming makes to the nation,” he said. “Agriculture remains one of the greatest and most vital careers—you can make a real difference.”