The National Farmers Federation secured Federal Government funding for 25 young farmers from across Australia to attend the two-day congress under the Next Gen Farmers Program.

Beef producers, dairy farmers, grain and rice growers and wool producers made up the "youngins" who took every opportunity to ask questions during the sessions and debate some of the big issues facing farmers today and in the future.

NFF president, David Crombie, said it was "no accident" that those farmers were in Brisbane, with a longer-term strategy now in place at NFF to encourage and support young farmers to return and stay in farming.

Riverina-based rice grower, Chris Morsehead, is not new to farm lobbying, having previously worked as an executive officer for the South Australian Farmers Federation and more recently been involved with the Rice Growers Association.

He said the main reason he's gone back to the farm is "because I love it" but more than anything, it's been an economic decision, and he's keen to be part of the future of agriculture.

"I can see big opportunities in agriculture," Mr Morsehead said.

"There's definitely ways we can all do things better."

Mr Morsehead says he can see a future in agriculture if the policy settings surrounding irrigation in particular are improved to better value farming and food production.

"Unless there is some definite direction on water policy and some security for irrigators , it's not confidence inspiring," he said.

"Currently, there is no scope to plan. Young irrigators are looking for certainty to invest and grow our businesses."

He said the community and State and Federal Governments need to start proving in their words and actions that they want farmers to continue providing Australia's food.

North Queensland dairy farmer, Stewart Clyde-Smith, agreed, calling for locally-based decision making and an appreciation of the good work farmers do.

He said with margins tight enough, continual regulations kept chewing into the bottom line for farmers.

"I think we need the right settings, incentives and encouragement to keep farming," Mr Clyde-Smith said.

"With high population growth in areas like mine, some farmers might see it as more attractive to leave farming, but we need to get the settings right for those farmers to stay."

Both farmers agreed for the need for young farmers to take a more corporate approach to family farming, and said more and more young farmers were beginning to run their farms as though they were the chairman of a board.