Agriculture
The valley's main agricultural activities are intensive horticulture, cropping and grazing. Major crops grown in the areas include grains, vegetables and lucerne. Most of the water used in agriculture is sourced from below the surface.
The valley contains fertile black soils which support a $160 million-a-year vegetable industry. However the viability of agriculture in the Lockyer Valley has been questioned after unreliable rains during drought, pest outbreaks and crop damage during severe weather have led to a decrease in agricultural productivity. Some farmers have instigated the use of laser measurements to ensure irrigation systems are optimally configured and yields are high.
Nearly all the nation's processing beetroot is grown in the Lockyer Valley. In 2002, the number of beetroot farmers had reduced to just eight farms. Golden Circle sources vegetables from the Lockyer Valley.
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