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Institute for Future Farming Systems

CQUniversity’s agricultural research program is a world leader in delivering practical solutions which are bolstering the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the livestock and horticulture sectors.

In particular, it is internationally recognised for its specialist skills in the development of non-invasive, precision management tools, with its research in this area independently assessed as above world class (ERA ratings of 4 and 5 in the last two assessments).

Northern Australia's Agricultural Innovator

In mid-2015, CQUniversity established its flagship Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS) to drive the delivery of new agricultural innovations, and provide an environment for practical, skills-based training and research-led teaching delivered by industry experts.

Agriculture science research at the Institute for Future Farming Systems Transcript

Importantly, its research is grounded in industry needs – the Institute’s researchers live and work in the communities they serve, with staff working closely with industry partners and primary producers in Bundaberg (Australia’s largest vegetable producing region), Emerald (a major broadacre farming area), and Rockhampton (Australia’s beef capital).

Among its many successes have been the development of the widely adopted hand-held NIRS (near infrared spectrometry) gun, which assesses the ripeness of fruit, bolstering crop productivity through optimised harvest timing and improved fruit quality.

And in the livestock sector, the research team has developed automated data gathering tools to monitor the condition of individual animals and assist graziers to make more informed production and marketing decisions.

The Institute utilises world-class facilities including the laboratories at the Central Queensland Innovation Research Precinct (CQIRP) and the 3200-hectare Belmont Research Station.

The Institute for Future Farming Systems aspires to use its Central Queensland base and the collective skills of its staff to become the major contributor to successful agricultural industry development in northern Australia and for CQUniversity to become Australia’s top agriculture university.

Contact Details

Institute for Future Farming Systems

Central Queensland Innovation Research Precinct (CQIRP)
Building 361, CQUniversity, 630 Ibis Avenue, North Rockhampton QLD 4701

Michael Thomson (Communications and Engagement)
Phone: +61  07490 6884
Email: m.thomson@cqu.edu.au

Mrs Caroline Jowsey
Phone: +61 07 4150 7056 (ext. 57056)
Email: c.jowsey@cqu.edu.au