There are about three decades between the average age of an Australian farmer and Felix Ringleben – a young dryland crop grower who purchased his first rural property during a challenging economic climate.
“I was 28-years-old when I first purchased this property,” Felix said.
“It’s such a difficult market to break into. Land prices have pretty much doubled in the past 10 years and interest rates are all over the place.”
Felix purchased 600 acres of land in the small farming region of Jondaryan, approximately 45 kilometres west of Toowoomba, and grows a mixture of crops dependent on market conditions, from sorghum and wheat to mung beans and chickpeas.
The up-and-coming grower purchased the property with a First Start Loan from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) - a Queensland Government financial assistance administrator focussed on supporting rural and regional communities.
“I’m really fortunate to have had access to this First Start Loan because it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” Felix said.
“I initially heard about QRIDA from one of the neighbours and he had a really positive experience with them, so I thought why not give it a go – it seemed like a really attractive option for me for purchasing my first property.”
QRIDA Regional Area Manager for the Darling Downs, Kate Dunk, said the concessional loan helps aspiring primary producers like Felix enter the agricultural industry.
“A QRIDA First Start Loan offers up to $2 million to assist people who haven’t owned a viable primary production operation, but who are super keen and want to get into primary production viably,” Kate said.
“As part of my role, I make sure people are aware of what’s available through QRIDA and what they may be eligible for. A big part of my role is getting on-farm with people and talking them through that process.”
Felix explained he built a strong working relationship with Kate over several meetings.
“I first came in contact with Kate, our Regional Area Manager, through this loan application process and I’ve been able to see her multiple times at FarmFest and a few other events,” Felix said.
“Kate was really helpful. The whole application process initially was a bit daunting, but she made it super easy.”
Now that Felix has gained a foothold in the rural property market, he is focussed on new ambitions.
“My initial goals are to establish myself as a farmer here and to carry out some sustainable farming practices,” Felix said.
“There’s something really special about being out here, on the land, and watching a plant, for example, start up as a tiny little seedling and at the end of the day you’re harvesting it and selling it – it’s just a really nice experience.”
Felix is showing the next generation of primary producers all that is possible with the Queensland Government financial assistance he has received.
“My advice to other young farmers like myself who are trying to establish themselves would be to give it a go and make the most of the great services and help that QRIDA can offer.”
For more information about how QRIDA’s First Start Loans could help you build a viable primary production operation, visit QRIDA's First Start Loan webpage here or call 1800 623 946.
