Meet Australian macadamia nut farmer Michael McMahon

Nestled in the sun-kissed stretch between Bundaberg and Childers in Queensland, farmer Michael McMahon and his family are helping shape the future of Australia’s native nut – the macadamia. With four school-aged kids and a passion for sustainable agriculture, Michael’s family’s farm, in Farnsfield, is the culmination of over a decade of planning, learning, and a bold decision to switch from citrus and blueberries to something truly unique.

“We’ve been growing macadamias for five years now,” says Michael, whose family invested in the industry after selling their previous farm. “It gave us the opportunity to buy a new property and really do something different. Macadamias had always interested me – it just made sense.”

A farm with no typical day

Michael’s days are varied and hands-on. “There’s no such thing as a typical day,” he laughs. From checking in with staff, irrigating, to jumping into the tractor himself for pruning or harvesting, Michael wears many hats. He also spends time in the office – tracking data, managing operations and planning years ahead.

Despite the joys of the job, there have been hurdles. One of the biggest? The 2019 announcement that Paradise Dam would be lowered – a critical blow to the region’s irrigation scheme. “It was a real shock,” Michael recalls. “But the local community has worked incredibly hard to push for the government to restore it.”

An ideal growing region

Michael is quick to praise the Bundaberg region, describing it as one of the best places in the world to grow macadamias. “We’re just north of where they grow wild, and we’ve got the right mix of climate, soils, and access to reliable water. Our farm uses GPS technology with ±2cm accuracy, which helps with everything from planting to harvesting.”

They’ve planted their orchards in single-variety blocks, allowing them to fine-tune care and quality. “We can manage and market each variety individually to create the best possible eating experience.”

All about the macadamias

Unlike many mixed-crop farms, the McMahons focus solely on macadamias. And yes – Michael is a fan himself. “I enjoy them roasted and salted the most, but I’ll happily eat them raw too,” he smiles. “Honestly, any recipe with macadamias is a hit in my book.”

While he appreciates the growing number of products using macadamias, he believes nothing beats the nut on its own. “It’s the ultimate snack – simple, delicious, and satisfying.”

Gifting nature’s luxury

For Michael and his family, macadamias are more than just a crop. “They’re truly 100% Australian, they taste amazing, and they’re good for you. I always bring them as gifts when visiting friends or travelling – especially to places where they’re hard to come by.”

Whether shared at family gatherings, savoured during quiet moments, or wrapped up as thoughtful gifts, macadamias bring people together. And that’s exactly what Michael hopes everyone feels when they enjoy an Aussie macadamia. “I hope they love them so much they want to come back for more.”

A grower’s pride

Reflecting on his journey, Michael says some of his most memorable moments are marked by milestones on the farm – like planting the first tree, or harvesting their first commercial crop. And the feeling of cracking open a perfect macadamia? “A mix of achievement and relief,” he says. “It’s a year-long effort, and you only get one shot at it each season.”

With eyes firmly on the future, Michael McMahon and his family are committed to growing more of those perfect nuts – one season at a time.