A tight three cornered contest in Gilmore could go down to the wire, opening the door to promises of real change in the beleaguered dairy industry.

Horticulture has fared surprisingly well considering the extent of the north Qld floods.

Ron and Nadine Atkinson, Pinnarendi, Mt Garnet, will combine their love of food with a desire to raise their children on a cattle property when they open the doors to their new station stay and cafe in July.