There is still room to farm in Australia

The role of agriculture is still often discussed in the Dutch political debate. Think, for example, of the nitrogen crisis, halving the livestock or the gradual reduction of the available crop protection products. According to father and daughter Gerrit and Marieke Kurstjens, these issues hardly ever arise in Australia. "People who are considering a foreign adventure should definitely think of Australia. No nitrogen crisis, no fertilizer law, but a favorable tax climate for agriculture and plenty of room for farming."

Kurstjens made the switch 20 years ago from an arable farming, mechanization and contracting company in Grubbenvorst to an arable farming company in Moree in southeastern Australia. Agriculture in Australia is highly dependent on the amount of precipitation that falls. "If it doesn't rain for a year, it's hardly worth the effort to start the combine. The costs are also much lower in those years because you don't have to spray for weeds and fungi. Southeast threshing 5 to 6 tons of wheat per hectare.On average here in the region we are around 3 tons of wheat and barley per hectare, in combination with low costs, such as spraying by plane for $10/ha full field or spot spraying for $8 per hectare , combines for $50 an acre or $500 an hour."

But there are opportunities not only in arable farming. There are also opportunities for (intensive) livestock farming. "A nitrogen permit is not necessary here and you do not have to pay for the removal of manure. Feed is also relatively cheap. Transport of grain to the port costs 50 Australian dollars (about €30) from our farm. deduct from the price a farmer pays."

Shortage of professionals
According to Kurstjens, the biggest challenge in Australian agriculture is finding enough staff. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Australia was a popular destination for backpackers and school leavers, often with agricultural experience. That is now virtually at a standstill, resulting in a major shortage of professionals on the farms. This ranges from mechanics and drivers to technical specialists, agronomic and farm managers. "The Dutch and Germans in particular are known here for their thorough knowledge and good work morale."

The shortage of people is an additional reason for the older generation without a successor to now offer their company for sale or for rent. "When we first came here 20 years ago, you paid 300 guilders per hectare," says Kurstjens. "That has now risen to approximately €300 for moderate/poor soil and rises to €3.500 per hectare for good plots with an average annual rainfall of 500 mm. But those are still prices that you can pay with farmers. With little equity but good knowledge of agriculture, you can rent enough farms here with possible right of purchase."  

For information kurstjensfarming@gmail.com or via Facebook: Kurstjens Farming Australia