Understanding the true cost of producing every plant has helped one North Queensland wholesale nursery improve profitability, strengthen decision-making and build a more resilient business.

Townsville Plant Wholesalers recently completed a detailed costing project through the Farm Business Resilience Program, giving the business greater visibility of production costs across more than 250 product lines. The project combined input from consultants, accountants, suppliers and historical business data to create a comprehensive costing spreadsheet that now underpins business decisions.

Established in 1982 and under its current ownership for the past eight years, Townsville Plant Wholesalers supplies Bunnings and independent retailers throughout Queensland, servicing customers from Cairns to Rockhampton and west to Mt Isa. As rising costs continue to impact the nursery industry, the business recognised the importance of understanding exactly where money was being spent and where efficiencies could be found.

Through the project, the team:

• Engaged specialist consultants.
• Reviewed current input costs across the business.
• Assessed production capability and output.
• Analysed data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.

While maintaining accurate costings requires ongoing monitoring as prices and production systems change, the benefits are already being realised.

The nursery estimates the project has contributed an additional 1–2% to its bottom line, while also improving production capability, increasing staff engagement and giving the team greater confidence in decision-making. Better understanding of production costs has also strengthened the business’s ability to negotiate with supply chain partners while continuing to offer competitive pricing.

Reflecting on the project, the team said understanding costs, systems and processes helps replace assumptions with facts.

“Knowing and understanding your costs, systems and processes can back your intuition around decision making to ensure the facts are driving the right decision making. By understanding the costs of production you are removing doubt.”

The Farm Business Resilience Program provided the structure and support needed to complete the project, demonstrating how better business information can help nursery businesses not only withstand rising costs but continue to grow with confidence.

Ready to grow your business?

Success stories like Townsville Plant Wholesalers show what’s possible when you invest time in understanding and strengthening your business. If you’re ready to improve profitability, sharpen your business planning and connect with a network of like-minded growers, applications are now open for the next Good Growers Network, starting in August 2026. Enjoy 12 months of expert training, accountability and peer support, with Early Bird pricing from just $348 until 1 August.

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