Maize production on the Atherton Tableland was started to provide feed for the horses, mules and bullocks used in the mining industries that grew up around Herberton and Irvinebank in the 1880s, and in the canefields on the coast.
Early attempts failed because of a blight but by 1890, there were over 400 hectares of maize under cultivation near Atherton, with as many as 300 Chinese growing it for a living.
Early crops had to be planted by hand to avoid stumps from timber-felling operations.
Chinese farmers were displaced following the establishment of the post-World War I soldier settlement.
In 1926, the Atherton RSL conference was reported as discussing the plight of soldier maize growers, with one delegate declaring the returns did not give anything like a decent living, saying that the farmers were further handicapped by the fact that their areas were too small to be converted into mixed farming.
Criticism was also levelled at the price received, saying it was nothing like a fair return.
“The settlers were just about on their last legs, and unless the Government came to their assistance by granting larger areas, many would fail.
“In fact many had already left the Tableland, all of whom certainly were not wasters.
“The conference decided, owing to the silo expenses being considerably higher than estimated, and it was impossible for settlers to obtain a livelihood equal to the basic wage, the Government be asked to guarantee eight pounds per ton on farms clear of silo expenses and cartage.
“Strong criticism was also levelled at the financing of the maize pool.
“Several declared the Government was driving men off the land rather than encouraging them to take it up.”
The Atherton area·followed the same pattern as other soldier settlements, where delays and inefficiency, through insufficient land allotted and inaccurate, overburdening land valuations and debts imposed on settlement,the soldier had little chance of success.
Atherton appears to have had higher valuations placed on it, higher than other settlements.
The area's isolation from markets proved a real factor restricting development.
Its heritage is celebrated these days with an annual Maize Festival, which crowns a maize queen and has a float parade.