Queensland Country Hour

Its the subject of countless aspirational real estate programs around and the daydreams of many urban office workers - escaping to the country to live a simpler, more peaceful life. But your desire to go rural could threaten the community you hope to join, and the industry that keeps it going. 

When Agriculture Minister Murray Watt flew into Perth to announce the live sheep export trade would end on the May 1, 2028, it devastated West Australian producers. But they aren't the only farmers concerned. 

While the government maintains the ban will not extend to cattle, Jo Sheppard, the chief executive of the Queensland Farmers Federation, says it sets a dangerous precedent for governments to shut down legitimate industries they don't agree with. 

Su McCluskey's farm is a metaphor for her life. Raising beef cattle for more than 30 years close to Canberra, it's now her job to bring the politicians and policy makers in the nation's capital closer to farming, as the first Special Representative for Australian Agriculture. 

As she promotes agriculture to heads of state, Adam Fennessy is at the head of the federal Agriculture Department, hoping to guide the industry through the challenges, and opportunities, ahead.  

As the iconic red dirt of Birdsville's desert country turns green after months of flooding, Queensland is emerging from more than a decade of drought. But with other parts of the nation still dry, the question is how long can it last?

Many pet owners will tell you they know what their animals are saying, but what if you could be sure? CSIRO scientist James Bishop is using artificial intelligence to find out, and it could help improve animal welfare in the cattle industry.

And if you've ever wanted to have beef for dessert, one ingenious butcher has found a way: Wagyu ice cream.

In the brutal drought of the late 1990s, many farmers were forced to walk away from the land.

Dave McGiveron was determined to get back on it, but he wanted to do it different. With the help of his partner Bianca, a facebook page, and 150 dedicated farmers, he's doing exactly that, through Our Cow.  

Beef Australia, the week-long cattle convention held once every three years in Rockhampton, is a massive drawcard for one segment of the population: politicians. 

So does federal agriculture Minister Murray Watt think it's brave when he's called out for a lack of leadership in front of 700 people? 

There is currently more cattle in Australia than in the USA, which at about 28.2 million head, is at its lowest point since 1951.

US analyst Lance Zimmerman grew up in Kansas, and shares his insights on the future of a key competitor for Aussie beef.  

It employs almost 200,000 people, is worth about $14 billion, and on average Australians eat 19.2kgs of it per year. 

Beef is big business, and once every three years that business gathers in central Queensland at the 'Beef Capital' of Rockhampton to do deals, eat meals, and turn the wheels of the cattle industry. 

As the nation debates if supermarket prices reflect the true effort and cost of producing food, one price farmers are getting is remaining high - for their land. 

Fewer farms are being sold, but rural property prices continue to rise. It's boosting confidence but would it be enough to encourage even the bravest investor to buy a meatworks?