The Monto Agricultural Strategy is a new project which aims to empower growers in what was once the Monto Shire by providing relevant information regarding diversifying income streams, reducing financial risk and ensuring more reliable farm incomes.
Key sectors to be investigated include, but are not limited to, livestock industries, cropping, horticulture, hemp, bio fuel, dairy, beekeeping and wool. Parameters that will be considered regarding these sectors comprise of productivity, social and environmental implications specific to the Monto district.
As part of developing the Ag Strategy a survey will soon be mailed to all landholders within the Monto district as well as circulated on the Burnett Catchment Care Association Facebook page. This survey is to collect data from Monto residents in order to better understand the existing agricultural situation and to direct the Ag Strategy going forward.
Completing the survey is not compulsory however we hope to get as may responses as possible. The more responses we receive, the higher chance we have of producing a strategy that is relevant to our local landholders. In my experience, it is uncommon for funding to be awarded to such a specific agricultural region so I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity. All valid responses to the survey will go in the draw to win a $500 gift voucher at a Monto rural supplies store (your choice of FarmStuff Monto, Kewpie Rural Monto or Monto Rural Traders).