Howe family lists 1,258-hectare farming portfolio in Far North Queensland
The Howe family is selling their 1,258-hectare diversified farm portfolio in Queensland after more than 70 years, backed by 3,860 megalitres of water.
The Mareeba Farming Portfolio spans six properties across the Atherton Tablelands and includes 155,000 arabica coffee trees alongside mandarins, avocados, lychees and irrigated sugarcane. Founded by Tom and Yola Howe in the early 1950s as a small tobacco and vegetable operation, Howe Farming Group became one of the region's largest private employers under second-generation farmer Dennis Howe OAM.
Following his death in 2025, the family decided to divest the portfolio to focus on core enterprises. Coffee prices hit historic highs.
They're driven by concerns over tight inventories and weather-related risks in Brazil. Australian coffee consumption relies heavily on imports, creating opportunities for scaled local producers.
Expressions of interest close November 23.
- 1,258 hectares across six properties
- Portfolio size
- 3,860 megalitres
- Water backing
- 155,000
- Arabica coffee trees
- More than 70 years
- Years operated
Why it mattersCoffee prices hit 27-year highs as inventories tighten globally, making this portfolio attractive to buyers seeking exposure to premium Australian production.
AustraliaThe sale of this major Queensland horticultural asset signals the family's strategic shift and opens the door for investors in Australia's growing domestic coffee sector.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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