Drought takes its toll claiming one of Queensland's largest free-range pig farms

The drought has crushed a free-range pork producer's dream of ethically farming heritage pigs, forcing her to shut up shop and dispose of more than 500 breeding and speciality pigs.

Julia and Shane Powell with their final load of
pork products ahead of their closing down sale.

Julia Powell's farm, Backfatters, in Queensland's North Burnett region, has become yet another victim of the drought as grain prices are driven through the roof.

"The drought has finally got us," Ms Powell said.

"Even though our sales are strong we've got to make some money off the enterprise and living off nothing doesn't work.”

Julia and Shane Powell's farm produced and sold up to a tonne of bacon, ham and sausages each week.

Read the ABC News story by Sarah Jane Bell and Jennifer Nichols - “Drought takes its toll claiming one of Queensland's largest free-range pig farms.”