The Dalby and Surrounding district enjoys the economic stability due to the diversity of rural enterprises developed over many years. Dalby has emerged as a strategic trading centre for receiving and marketing a large proportion of Queensland's thriving agricultural and livestock production.

The black soil plains of the Darling Downs are considered the richest farming land in the country. This region is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to grow both winter and summer crops in the same paddock in one year.

GRAIN PRODUCTION
All types of crops grown including cereals, course grains, legumes, bird seeds, oil seeds. Dalby is one of the largest grain receiving centres in the State, handling substantial tonnages of wheat, barley and sorghum.

COTTON PRODUCTION
District plantings of irrigated and dryland cotton average 68,000 ha. Three cotton gins in the region operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day from April to July. The gins and cotton farms are major employers in the area.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
The Dalby region has developed an important intensive animal feedlot industry and is currently Queensland's largest livestock selling centre. See Dalby-Wambo Saleyards

COAL MINING
Macalister coal reserves in the adjoining shires are at present a valuable resource of first grade steaming coal.

TIMBER INDUSTRY
3 sawmills harvest timber from the large state pine forests in the district.

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In addition to agriculture, mining and timber production, many emerging rural industries operate in the area. These include cut flower production, aquaculture, ostrich farming, viticulture and farm stays.