Graham’s journey from pharmacy to farm

Ex-pharmacist Graham Rowels returned to his family’s now second-generation 100-hectare property in Mundubbera and Gayndah, Southern Queensland to carryon Bee Knees Citrus and Margram Orchards.

“After 30 years of pharmacy I was looking for a change and mom and dad were looking for a succession plan,” Graham said.

After gaining qualification as a pharmacist, Graham owned both the Gayndah and Mundubbera pharmacies for 26 years. Graham admits it was a big decision to hang up his pharmacy hat, but he’s loved the change and loves being on the farm.

“The citrus industry is quite a challenging industry right now – all farming has its challenges but I’m liking the change of lifestyle,” he said.

“It’s plenty of hard work and hours, but it is definitely very rewarding.”

There are some similarities between the pharmacy and citrus, Graham said, particularly regarding nutrition.

“I understand the biology and chemistry behind a lot of things and I can translate some of the human physiology and chemical pathways across to the trees.”

Culture is also vital to both industries; in any workplace a good culture will generally lead to good outcomes and a respectful workplace, Graham believes.

“It’s important the team know what we are wanting to achieve, why we care, and ultimately be proud of our product.

“Reliance on a good staff and other similarities translate from pharmacy to the orchard. Building that good team of people around me is something that’s very important.”

Graham’s family is dependent on contract labor to help through the picking season and their work fridge is decorated with smiling ‘class photos’ as far back as 2013.

“One of the things I’ve been very humbled by the is the support that I have received from the other local growers. It has been amazing.”

The Bees Knees Citrus marketing was developed ‘many years ago’ for the domestic market and now extends across the export market too; sending Royal, low seed, and Honey Murcotts to export and Imperials, lemons, limes and Valencias to domestic.

“Because we are a smaller operation, we believe quality is one of those things that’s absolutely essential.”

Margram Orchards has two brands, The Bees Knees Citrus for first class or premium citrus and Spot On for second grade fruit or composite.

“In the export market presentation is very important and I think our box presents very well. You’ve got to be careful to make sure that expectations follow through to the product as well.”

While prices for fertiliser, labor and other items is rising, Graham said it’s a struggle to keep on top of what you thought it cost to grow a crop, compared to previous years.

“I think there should be some collaboration within the industry for region specific benchmarking, and I believe it should be driven by Citrus Australia to keep it arm’s length.

“Benchmarking gives us a better idea as an industry of our average category costs and allows the grower to utilize that information as a tool to improve their own business.”

Graham said if the average benchmark was less than your business costs then it would prompt investigation where things could be improved.

“You can benchmark and identify when something’s not right and address the potential problem. If the data’s not there, then how do you know?”

Graham suggested benchmarking could also be useful when dealing with suppliers and wholesale agents including chain stores.

“It may be beneficial and help influence fairer domestic market pricing via awareness.”

Graham indicated he sees a solid future for the citrus industry providing growers maintain good efficient processes to help stay ahead of a financially challenging landscape.