Helping young growers innovate

Thriving through unpredictable weather and changing economies (all while inspiring the kids to follow suit) requires grit, adaptability and a great mind for business – like that seen in the Kingston family of Wilarene Farm.  

When the Kingstons arrived from England in the late 1800s, they were among the first to settle in the Cordalba area near Bundaberg where they started growing sugarcane. 

John and Sharyn Kingston - along with one of their three children - are continuing the family tradition, but with their own twist through diversification and growth.  

Today their farm is producing avocados and hydroponically grown baby cucumbers, as well as continuing their commitment to sugar.  

“We believe that in a rapidly changing world, having the ability to change will be the key to another successful generation of Kingstons farming in the area,” said John.  

“We believe hydroponics offer the quality, blemish free products that the markets and population are demanding - these are some of the things conventional farming struggle to deliver.” 

This venture is championed by their son Matt and housed in a 4,000 metre-square green house funded by a Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Sustainability Loan. 

Matt played a hands-on role in building the structure, which features cutting edge climate control and monitoring systems. It currently houses the baby cucumbers, known as “qukes.”  

These crisp, finger length cucumbers are rapidly increasing in demand as a healthy and convenient snack food. 

With Bundaberg known as one of Queensland’s most quickly advancing horticultural regions, Matt’s extensive research, planning and knowledge gained from local industry experts gave them confidence in what to expect from hydroponic production - allowing them to make an informed decision before taking the plunge. 

He was also able to obtain a fixed price contract for the product, giving the Kingstons the confidence they needed to proceed with their diversification.  

“Business planning, risk assessments and succession planning were some of the tools and processes that were undertaken along the way,” Sharyn said.

“The [QRIDA] loan gives us lower interest rates, more attractive terms and conditions, and the ability - if disaster strikes - to extend interest only payments.” 

Sustainability Loans assist Queensland producers in improving, expanding and diversifying their operations for long term success – they can be used for projects ranging from green houses like the Kingstons’, to alternative energy systems, soil improvement measures and on-farm processing equipment.

Find out more about our Sustainability Loans.