Smaller family-owned farming operations are at risk of dying as competition pushes prices for land and water higher.
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Griffith's Rural Farming Counselling service is on the front line of what smaller producers face.
Sarah Diggelmann says family businesses are feeling the pinch with rising land and irrigation water prices, and competition with larger operators forcing many to have to pay up or sell up.
"To make a viable and sustainable business you need more land to produce a decent return," Mrs Diggelmann said.
"Years ago you could make a decent living off a small farm but, not so much now just because everything is increasing in cost.
"This is where these smaller producers are finding it difficult because property sales are going up and they are competing against corporate businesses. The average to small farmer just can't afford it."
While expanding to compete sounds simple it's not just about getting bigger, it requires growers committing with eyes open to the financial risk and long-term investment required.
"Part of the problem now is that some people have the mindset that they are just running a farm, but they are actually running a business," Mrs Diggelmann said.
"You've really got to have your business-minded hat on to be able to make a profitable and sustainable business."
It's not just land prices that are causing concern for family farms in the MIA.
Competition from expanding corporate businesses, overseas market fluctuations and of course, water are all weighing down hard on farmers.
"Every client has some struggle with water," Mrs Diggelmann said.
"Anyone you talk to, it's always a talking point whether it's price or availability or trying to buy into water because it's just so expensive to buy in to on a permanent term."
It's not to say there isn't a future for small family farming operations.
Mrs Diggelmann says diversification and tapping into that passion and pride to produce a higher quality product is going to be key.
"The biggest thing is smaller growers can be diverse and they can provide quality," she said.
"Even though they may be a smaller operation, they are concentrating on a smaller scale property so the quality and attention is going to be higher."
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Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
