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Sustainable Agriculture Luncheon
Sustainable Agriculture Luncheon
On Tuesday, 10 September 2024, leaders from across Queensland’s farming and energy sectors gathered at Queensland Parliament House for the Sustainable Agriculture Luncheon hosted by Farmers for Climate Action.
Among the 200 attendees were Jim and Jo from Ag Energy Australia, proudly representing the role clean energy plays in strengthening rural communities and farm businesses.
Bringing Energy and Agriculture Together
The luncheon sold out within two weeks, reflecting the growing momentum behind practical climate solutions for agriculture. Farmers travelled from across the state to connect with Members of Parliament and discuss policies that support deep pollution reduction while maintaining productive, profitable farming operations.
Jim and Jo joined conversations focused on how renewable energy is helping farmers diversify income, improve resilience, and future-proof their operations.
Listening to Farmers, Engaging with Leaders
Guests heard from both the Queensland Agriculture Minister and the Shadow Agriculture Minister, followed by a Q&A session that gave farmers the opportunity to share first hand experiences of climate impacts and energy transition opportunities.
For Age Energy Australia, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and clean energy providers. By working together, the agriculture and energy sectors can deliver solutions that reduce emissions while supporting regional prosperity.
Continuing the Conversation
Following the luncheon, farmer delegations met with Ministers and Shadow Ministers to continue discussions around climate and energy policies that benefit rural communities.
Jim and Jo’s attendance underscored Ag Energy Australia’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and empowering farmers to participate in Australia’s clean energy future.
Harnessing the Wind
Ag Energy Australia Brings Wind Power Closer to Home
The team from Ag Energy Australia recently packed up their gear and hit the road for a journey to Barcaldine, carrying one mission: to install a SODAR system, an advanced wind monitoring device that will help map the region’s wind potential for a future wind farm.
Hitting the Road
Driving through the wide-open landscapes of central Queensland, the team soaked in the scenery, stopping at small towns along the way. The trip was an opportunity not just to transport equipment, but to connect with the heart of the region—the farmers who know the land best.
Meeting the Locals
At each farm stop, the team shared stories over fences, cups of tea, and dusty outback roads. Farmers were curious about how the wind project would affect their properties. The answer: opportunities for extra income through land leases, long-term partnerships, and a chance to be part of a project that brings sustainable energy to their region.
Installing the SODAR
The SODAR system went up smoothly, quietly scanning the skies and collecting critical data on wind patterns. This data will guide the design of the wind farm, ensuring it’s efficient, safe, and minimally disruptive to the land.
Benefits for the Region
Beyond individual farms, the project promises new jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. The wind farm will generate clean, renewable energy that strengthens Queensland’s power network while supporting economic growth in Barcaldine and surrounding communities.
A Journey of Connection
Installing the SODAR was only the beginning. It marked the start of a collaborative journey—one that blends innovation with community, technology with trust. Ag Energy Australia’s road trip shows that renewable energy isn’t just about turbines on the horizon; it’s about people, place, and building a sustainable future together.
Dual Role in Climate Leadership
Farming Forever National Summit
Jim and Jo of Ag Energy Australia at the 2025 Farming Forever National Summit In September 2025, Jim and Jo, founders of Ag Energy Australia, attended the Farming Forever National Summit in Canberra, representing their dual roles as farmers and renewable energy developers. The summit, hosted by Farmers for Climate Action (FCA), brought together over 300 farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the future of climate-smart agriculture.
Farming Meets Renewable Energy Hosting
As farmers, Jim and Jo founded Ag Energy Australia to help agricultural businesses host renewable energy projects on their land, such as solar, wind, and battery storage. At the summit, they shared how farmers can generate new income streams by hosting renewable energy projects while maintaining traditional farming practices like grazing and crop production.
By integrating renewable energy projects alongside their agricultural operations, Jim and Jo are helping farmers reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability, and boost profitability.
Economic Opportunities Through Renewable Energy
A key theme of the summit was turning biodiversity and carbon offset projects into passive income. Jim and Jo highlighted how farmers can host renewable energy projects alongside regenerative agriculture to unlock new revenue streams while reducing emissions. By hosting solar and wind energy projects, farmers can benefit from long-term financial returns while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient future.
Shaping Policy for a Sustainable Future
With 11 MPs and Senators in attendance, the summit provided an important platform for policy discussions on supporting low-carbon agriculture. Jim and Jo emphasized the role of farmers in leading climate action, advocating for government policies that support both renewable energy and sustainable farming practices.
Looking Ahead
Through their work at Ag Energy Australia, Jim and Jo are proving that farmers can be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, all while improving farm resilience and profitability. Their participation in the summit reinforces their commitment to helping farmers host renewable energy projects and thrive in a changing climate.
Curious about hosting renewable energy projects on your farm? Contact Ag Energy Australia to learn more.
On the Road with Jim and Jo
Jim and Jo Talk Renewable Energy with Farmers in NSW
Farmers Jim and Jo, from Ag Energy Australia, recently embarked on an inspiring road trip through South West NSW, visiting the Cobar and Bourke regions to share their story and meet local farmers. Their mission: to discuss the opportunities for hosting renewable energy projects on farmland and highlight the benefits these initiatives can bring to rural communities.
Jim and Jo speak from experience—not just as farmers, but as hosts of a renewable energy project on their own farm. This first hand knowledge allows them to provide practical insights and answer questions with authenticity and transparency. “We understand farmers because we are farmers,” they shared, emphasizing how renewable energy can provide additional income streams, support sustainable farming practices, and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
Along the way, Jim and Jo enjoyed informal coffee-and-chat sessions with local farmers, sharing information and personal stories about renewable energy in a relaxed, approachable way. By talking openly about their own experiences, they made it easy for farmers to ask questions, explore ideas, and imagine how renewable energy could fit on their own land. Their honesty, transparency, and genuine understanding of farm life left a lasting impression and sparked meaningful conversations about the future of renewable energy in agriculture.
