Market Outlook Forum 2023 Emerging Leader

Gayndah citrus grower Matt Benham loves talking citrus and when doing so his passion is both evident and infectious.

Matt farms with his wife Rachael and parents Murray and Averial and has actively sought opportunities to travel interstate and overseas to learn new growing techniques, adopt new technology and view his fruit in the market.

He is then always willing to share his insights with industry, saying that this is how an industry grows. He shares these through group grower visits, hosting workshops and field days – and the Benhams always have their hand up to host more.

“Even just other growers wanting to come over. If they can pack an esky and want to talk citrus, they’re always welcome,” Rachael said.

Matt is constantly investigating new technology and machines that meet his mantra of working smarter, not harder, particularly in the field of hedging and thinning.

He and Rachael are taking part in an R&D project with AusIndustry into alcohol production through the distillation of waste fruit, and Matt has been the driving force behind trials in liquid ferment, following initial investigation by Murray.

Murray has been passionate on trying new things and the importance of soil health, and Matt continues to explore and share new knowledge.

Gatton Uni bring students to the farm every year, as does a teacher from Dalby Ag School and now Caboolture High School. Rachael says Matt bamboozles them with citrus talk.

The irony to many is that Matt can get nervous at the thought of speaking, but Rachael says when you get him talking citrus it’s pretty hard to stop him.

As a leader of the industry, Matt is also volunteering time to industry committees. He is a past member of the Citrus Australia Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee, and has been part of the Southern Queensland Regional Advisory Committee for four years, recently being appointed Chair.

Think you know someone who deserves the next Emerging Leader Award? Ask our office about nominations on office@citrusaustralia.com.au or call 03 5023 6333.