The Mackay Region is facing significant and compounding pressures across the farming sector.

In 2024, the sugar industry suffered $83 million in losses with unharvested cane left in the fields due to heavy rain and mill closures. The region’s last dairy farm has now closed under the burden of rising costs and unviable milk prices. Cattle producers continue to grapple with volatile markets, biosecurity risks, and recent severe flooding, while the broader agricultural sector faces labour shortages and ongoing land-use conflicts.

These challenges are not just economic—they weigh heavily on farmers’ mental health and wellbeing. By raising awareness and fostering community support, we hope this event will shine a light on these issues and provide a positive step towards protecting lives and livelihoods.

On behalf of Rotary, I would like to sincerely thank the Black Dog Ride for offering to fund this important and timely initiative.