Family, Fertiliser And Fifty Years

Liddles & Sons

The Liddle family recently marked a major milestone in their remarkable journey in agriculture, travelling from north Queensland to Sydney for the launch of a book honouring winners of the Australian Small Business Awards.

Held at the Shangri-La Hotel with more than 350 guests, including the Shadow Minister for Small Business, the event celebrated past award recipients from across the nation. Among them were the Liddles, recognised for their achievements in the Agriculture category in 2007, 2010 and 2016. Roger Liddle was also named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2013 for his role in developing the highly successful liquid fertiliser, Liquaforce.

Speaking of the gala, Heather Liddle reflected on the family’s beginnings. “At our very first time entering, we won the Agriculture Award, first having to contest a State competition. For a small family company from north Queensland, employing our three sons in various facets of agriculture, and competing with the big boys like Nutrien and Elders, recognition meant a lot,” she said.

From selling ag chemicals out of the back of a ute 50 years ago, the Liddles expanded into aerial spraying, fertiliser transport and equipment innovation. In 2007, they took a bold step by producing a liquid fertiliser designed to improve cane yields while protecting the Great Barrier Reef. “Success came after many trials and with support from the University of Southern Queensland,” Heather said. “Liquaforce grew into a factory supplying growers from Mossman to Bundaberg.”

As the business grew, so too did the family. Today, sons Josh, Rick and Cameron continue the legacy through aviation, transport, engineering and agricultural data services. The sale of Liquaforce to a Western Australian company marks a new chapter for the family.

Heather also paid tribute to the “Liddle Ladies”, wives and daughter Emma, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “Always supportive, ready to assist in any way needed – from office duties to acclaimed Christmas parties – they’ve been the glue of our business.”

The gala was a fitting celebration of the Liddles’ 50 years in business and Heather and Roger’s 60 years of marriage. “Thanks,” Heather concluded warmly, “for giving the Liddle bloke a go.”

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