Industry stakeholders from across Cape York converged on Laura to discuss all things grazing in the region over two days on 20-21 May. Photo: Supplied.
Primary producers, land managers, Traditional Owners, industry experts and other stakeholders put the future of Cape York’s grazing sector in the spotlight at a two-day forum in Laura last week.
The 2025 Grazing Forum was hosted by Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) and featured expert presentations, engaging discussion and practical demonstrations as delegates considered their roles in ensuring sustainable grazing continued to deliver economic, environmental and animal welfare benefit to the region.
Updates were provided by Cape York NRM, Gulf Savannah NRM, AgForce and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, followed by presentations on savanna fire management, disaster resilience, agricultural innovation and environmental markets, with the carbon and natural capital accounting session sparking particularly lively conversation.
At the conclusion of day one, the Laura Rodeo and Campdraft Association fed delegates while Cooktown-born musician Ella Hartwig made the trip north from Brisbane to provide an evening of toe-tapping entertainment under the stars.
On Wednesday, the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation talked all things cattle genetics, before the Department of Primary Industries delivered a session on phosphorus supplementation and an update on the national feral pig action plan was provided.
An event spokesperson said the forum, which was supported by the TNQ Drought Hub, had provided delegates with a rare chance to discuss industry trends, advancements and concerns in person.
“The forum was praised by stakeholders and government representatives as a valuable networking opportunity, with meaningful conversations, reconnections and strong engagement across the two days,” the spokesperson said.
“It was a welcome reminder of the power of face-to-face connection in building knowledge and community.”
