HAMISH McIntyre grew up on the land in Queensland, learning the rhythms of farming from his family.
Today, he runs a sprawling family business across the St George, Dirranbandi, Quilpie, and Beaudesert districts, raising cattle, operating beef feedlots, growing crops, and producing broiler chicken meat.
Now, he has taken on a new challenge: leading the National Farmers’ Federation as its 15th president.
“I was encouraged by members to put my hand forward. I wasn’t actively seeking it, but it’s a great honour,” Mr McIntyre said.
“I’ve always been involved, encouraged by family to engage and make a difference, rather than just complain from the sidelines.”
Mr McIntyre brings broad experience to the role, having served as Chair of Cotton Australia and as a director on the Australian Wagyu Association and Agsafe boards.
He said his presidency would focus on connecting urban and rural Australia, ensuring good policy, and supporting the next generation of farmers.
“A key part of our work is showing politicians firsthand how policy affects rural and regional communities,” Mr McIntyre said.
“We need infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose, connectivity to operate modern machinery, and incentives to get young people back into agriculture.
“It’s a very different world from when our fathers and grandfathers farmed.”
He stressed the importance of buying Australian products to support local farmers.
“Everyone needs a farmer at least three times a day. Supporting Australian-made products helps the profitability and viability of our farmers,” Mr McIntyre said.
International trade and market access were also priorities.
Mr McIntyre welcomed recent tariff changes in the United States, which restored the previous Free Trade Agreement and made Australian beef, wine, and lamb more affordable to American consumers.
“It’s a win-win for both sides of the Pacific,” he said.
Domestically, Mr McIntyre outlined his three top priorities for the NFF in his first year: appointing a permanent chief executive, reviewing the federation’s funding model, and advocating on critical issues such as diesel fuel rebates, workforce shortages, and regional population growth.
He highlighted the importance of investing in regional infrastructure, including roads, rail, and bridges, to support the transport of food and fiber.
Energy policy and land use were also key concerns.
Mr McIntyre said he was supportive of all energy forms but remained cautions against projects that threatened prime agricultural land or relied on renewable corridors without community consent.
He also opposed water buybacks that removed water from consumptive pools, particularly where it harmed communities and made production costs unviable.
On workforce issues, he praised schemes that brought international workers to regional Australia, particularly in irrigation and mechanical roles, and called for policies that attracted young people to farming.
He also supported foreign investment in agriculture, provided it sustained food and fiber production.
“Keep doing what you’re doing, always consider safety, and stay positive. There’s always a way through challenges, and we will continue advocating for policies that support sustainable, productive farming,” Mr McIntyre said.
With his deep connection to the land and practical experience, Mr McIntyre’s presidency promises to strengthen the NFF’s influence and unify farmers across Australia in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Read the full sit-down chat with the new NFF president in the upcoming December issue of North West Farmer.
