For 25 years, we have been supporting farmers in the Brigalow region to thrive.
However, the motivating factor for a group to form in 2001 was not local to Queensland, but 8000km away in China. To improve air quality prior to the 2004 Beijing Olympics, many Chinese factories closed, and the reduced supply pushed prices of fertiliser and chemical to unprecedented levels. Locally, farmers were struggling to access products, and the economics of grain growing were being challenged.
Determined not just to survive but to thrive, Neil Wegener and eight other growers from the Northern Darling Downs contracted local agronomist Glenn Milne to consolidate and share relevant agronomic information. Glenn was exceptional at helping growers understand the ‘why’ behind agronomic recommendations and was foundational in building the culture of sharing, learning and continuous improvement that still holds true today. Over the ten years Glenn was in the role, the group grew to 18 members.
Landcare then stepped in to provide a facilitation role and was able to access several guest speakers for meetings. Before long research partners were contacting the Brigalow Group, seeking speaking time at meetings, collaborators for trial sites and extension activities.
By this stage 35 local farmers were on the mailing list and Neil Wegener was spending many hours organising meetings, guest speakers, phoning for RSVPs and being the overall contact point for the group. Chinchilla business owner and agronomist Russell Wood supported Neil in prioritising relevant topics and DPI and GRDC staff based in Toowoomba became key contacts. But the group was still largely driven by Neil and Neil wanted a succession plan!
The presence of formal grower groups in southern and western Australia, and the absence of groups in Queensland has long been debated but presented an opportunity for further learning. With the financial support from a GRDC Study Tour grant, four growers each from the Brigalow Group and Western Downs joined with QDPI staff and two agronomists to visit groups in South Australia and Victoria. This was sufficient motivation to take the next step and formalise the structure and function of the group.
We are now a registered not-for-profit group operating with an executive and steering committee. Farming businesses pay a membership fee and industry partners have been approached for sponsorship. A facilitator has been contracted to work with the group in organising and running the meetings and distributing regular email correspondence. The facilitator also works with industry representatives to streamline communication and activity within the footprint of the group.
The exciting next phase is upon us as we look to expand our reach, connections and effectiveness in the Brigalow region and beyond.
Group Founder & Current Chairman- Neil Wegener
Image from 2001 when the idea of a forming a group to share information was born.
Visit to the Lowbank & Districts Ag Bureau in South Australia - August 2024
Winter Field Walk involving inspection of GRDC supported trials with DPI and Censeo - July 2025
The Brigalow Farming Group is an incorporated not-for-profit entity committed to supporting its members through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
We have an ABN (44 231 790 486) and are registered for GST.
A diverse Steering Committee of nine, which includes at least one non-grower, leads the group and guides a facilitator who liaises with industry, provides regular email updates and organises meetings and field walks.
Chairman Neil Wegener signing the first Facilitation Agreement with Vicki Green - May 2025