Australian Canegrower - 14 September 2015

Canegrower AUSTRALIAN

The flagship of the sugarcane industry

14 September 2015 Price $8.95

Smartcane BMP - the momentum grows

Special 10-page Soil Health feature

CONTENTS 14.09.2015

CEO'S COMMENT

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The job for those who take on representative roles for their mill areas to come to the Policy Council is a big one but it is a task which embodies the very strength of CANEGROWERS. Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO

Healthy soil means a healthy crop.

Canegrower AUSTR ALIAN

Cover: Plant cane on rolling hills, by Bernard Milford.

The flagship of the sugarcane industry 14 September 2015 Price $8.95

INDUSTRY NEWS 2 Editor's desk 3 CEO's Comments

Opposite: A ratoon crop emerging at Mulgrave near Ayr, by John Flynn.

4 Movement on farm machinery road access 5 Smartcane BMP - the momentum grows Smartcane BMP - the momentum

grows

Special 10-page Soil Health feature

Editor Neroli Roocke Design, subscriptions, advertising and classifieds Wayne Griffin Articles appearing in Australian Canegrower do not necessarily represent the policies or views of CANEGROWERS Published every second Monday by CANEGROWERS Level 6, 100 Edward Street, Brisbane, Queensland Australia ABN 94 089 992 969 Postal Address: GPO Box 1032, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 Australia Telephone: 07 3864 6444; Fax: 07 3864 6429 Email: info@CANEGROWERS.com.au Website: www.CANEGROWERS.com.au CANEGROWERS/Members Card Hotline 1800 177 159 AUSTRALIAN CANEGROWER ISSN 157-3039 Volume 37, Number 18 Printed by Screen Offset Printing 202 Robinson Road, Geebung, QLD, 4034 Subscriptions Yearly subscriptions for 25 issues (postage included) Within Australia Overseas (AUD)

$140 inc GST $220

6 Regional round-up 8 Industry Spotlight: Is the age of our harvesting fleet an issue?

9 Lawyers back grower choice in sugar marketing hearing 10 QSL - Maintaining the industry's bulk sugar terminal

SOIL HEALTH 12 Why the right soil sample can make all the difference 13 Sixth harvest confirms trial site results 14 Fertag saves money and prevents leaching 15 SRA Snapshot: Sub soil amerlioration produces above par results 16 Choose the right fertilisers for your cane 17 Innovation and soil health 19 Is your sugar yield responding to soil health inputs?

MEMBER SERVICES 23 Classified 24 Rainfall report 14 September 2015

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EDITOR’S DESK

It's been a busy fortnight for the CANEGROWERS grower representatives with 21 of them travelling to Brisbane to meet as the Policy Council. CEO Dan Galligan summarises the importance of this event and the topics covered on page 3.

There was a further chance to champion the campaign for grower choice in sugar marketing at hearings into the Katters' Australian Party private members' bill.

The grower position was boosted by the Law Society - read what the lawyers had to say about fairness and competition on page 9.

The momentum surrounding Smartcane BMP continues to grow with another three people formally accredited in the three key modules. Read the latest on on page 5.

business! Take time to read through the studies and trials included in this feature along with the latest product news from our advertisers from page 12.

In the centre of this magazine you will find a flyer from a financial services company and the first of their four articles on the big financial topics for cane farmers is on page 22.

And do you know a video and computer-crazy teenager? They might be keen on sharing $18,000 in prizes in our Canetube comptition. Get them to check out the website: http://www. canegrowers.com.au/thecanetube/

Neroli

What do you think of climate challenges?

Honors psychology student Jacob Price says climate and weather are a part of most farmers’ everyday life and can have considerable impact on their business viability.

“We think it is important to ask farmers about the changing climate and whether it is influencing the way they approach farm work and plan for the future.”

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Australia’s most prestigious Award for rural women is now open to applications.

The 2016 Rural Industries R&D Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award helps boost women’s contributions to primary industries and rural communities by providing financial assistance, mentoring, resources and support for the Award’s state and territory winners.

State and Territory winners receive $10,000 to implement their idea and participate in leadership development opportunities.

2015 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award winner, Pip Job, said the Award has opened many doors for her.

This edition includes a 10-page special feature on soil health. Fertiliser and soil improvement products are not only an important part of a successful crop but they can be a big expense for the farm

A James Cook University study is recruiting farmers for a study into opinions on climate change.

APPLY NOW 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award

Research has indicated that challenges including financial restraints, workload demands and a lack of opportunities for change may prevent farmers from adapting their business to be more viable for the future.

Jacob says the results will be used to form an evidence base to guide future policy direction.

The study takes 15 minutes to complete and can be found here: http://bit. ly/1MKhnO4 

| 14 September 2015

“I encourage rural women who have a great idea that will benefit their community or industry to nominate for the Award – it’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your leadership skills, develop your networks and make a real difference to rural Australia through your chosen project,” Pip said.

“The Award has introduced me to a nation-wide network of hardworking and determined women; all working to create a better future for the industries in which they work and the communities they live in.”

Applications close on 31 October 2015 and a form can be downloaded from the RIRDC website: www.rirdc. gov.au/rural-women’s-award 

CEO'S COMMENT

Policy Council tackles tough industry issues

By Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO Representation is tough. Whether it is as the local football coach or on the local school’s P&C or as a member of Rotary or Lions, deciding to take on a representative role is tough work. It takes, time, skills in listening and reflecting others views and on occasions a broad set of shoulders to take a few knocks along the way.

It is no different for those farmers who take a lead role in driving industry issues from districts, mill areas or industry-wide representation.

At CANEGROWERS we recently held our second Policy Council for 2015. The Council, which is made up of 21 elected representatives from each of the Queensland mill areas, comes together three times are year to form the engine room of policy determination, strategic decision making and knowledge sharing for the industry.

This was the first Policy Council I have participated in and indeed it was only the 4th time the Council has met since we restructured.

It must be said that after such a long period under the old arrangements, this new process still needs time to settle into place. But this is to be expected.

Bringing that many people together just four times and asking them to take on a huge amount of information and make decisions, recommendations

“The Council forms the engine room of policy determination, strategic decision making and knowledge sharing for the industry.”

Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO

and provide feedback is a huge task.

Based on my recent experience with our Policy Council delegates, I know it is a task that they are up for.

The Policy Council has a huge work load. Our intent is to always try and achieve a number of key outcomes for any issue. That is to better understand the issue, make decisions and set policy, establish strategy and priorities and influence others to our point of view. Not every issue that we face as an industry is at the same stage or requires the same response. Managing the number of issues is half of the battle to ensure we do each justice and make progress towards our goals.

The list of issues discussed at the recent meeting was extensive, and so too were the outcomes. Just a taste of the breadth of the discussion included: Marketing – discussion around the critical time limits on current initiatives to support growers seeking choice in marketing pathways and decide on priorities and strategies from now to ensure industry certainty, security and trust. We heard from Lawrence Springborg MP on the LNP’s draft private members’ bill.

Transport – we reviewed progress on a difficult compliance issue and prioritised our next actions to influence more appropriate permitting requirements for farmers.

Irrigation – we reviewed proposed changes to the Water Act 2000 and the government’s position on Local Management of Irrigation schemes.

Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg MP addresses the CANEGROWERS Policy Council meeting.

Smartcane BMP – we acknowledged a number of recent accreditations, discussed process changes to build momentum and structural changes to ensure growers can own the program development.

Electricity – we have achieved a moderation in increases to electricity prices and now need to put a hold on the fixed component of tariffs and develop more flexible, targeted tariffs for agriculture.

Multi-peril crop insurance – are there options here for growers and how do we take actions to progress them.

Trade and market access – dealing with the next step of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and what it means for the bottom line of cane farmers.

Great Barrier Reef – understanding what may be proposed for reef regulations as well as determining how we get balance in the conversation around the analysis of scientific outcomes.

The job for those who take on representative roles for their mill areas to come to the Policy Council is a big one but it is a task which embodies the very strength that CANEGROWERS has to offer in giving all members engagement opportunities from their districts.

For this reason our ability to support our representatives with outcomes from these commitments that fall outside of and away from their own businesses is important. Further, we need to provide multiple ways for all growers to be involved, understand what is discussed, what the outcomes were and equally explain how everyone can play a part in the future.

There are plenty of jobs to be done and plenty of issues to take on, but the more we listen to our growers, respond to their issues and provide an opportunity for them to take on a leadership role, the stronger the industry will be for everyone. 

14 September 2015

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INDUSTRY NEWS

A journey of thousand miles begins with a first step

By Burn Ashburner, CANEGROWERS Senior Manager – Industry On Monday 31 August two new gazetted notices were released by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) which relate to cane growers moving oversize equipment on public roads.

They are significant because they set the path for future access across the industry.

The objective of this article is not to explain in detail the conditions of these notices and the technical requirements, but to show their strategic importance.

The notices are: 1. Queensland Heavy Vehicle Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle (Zone 1) Dimension Exemption Notice 2015 (no.1). This notice replaces the “trial” notice which was gazetted in December 2014 with some changed conditions which, in summary, are -- Roadside signage and one agricultural pilot or two agricultural pilots on major and minor roads. Previously it was just the former option.

-- Signage is required at the start and finish of the journey and at critical and major road intersections only. Previously it was at all intersections.

-- Certain roads in the Gold Coast Council area are now included.

2. Queensland Heavy Vehicle Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle (Bundaberg Region 5.0m wide) Dimension Exemption Notice 2015 (No.1).

This notice applies to Bundaberg Regional Council roads only and effectively applies the zone 2 conditions from FORM 14 instead of zone 1 conditions. For example 1 agricultural pilot is required for class 1 agricultural vehicles up to 5.0m width.

These are some of the first steps to achieve workable, safe and productive access to the road network for cane growers.

Firstly the Queensland Heavy Vehicle Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle (Bundaberg Region 5.0m wide) Dimension Exemption Notice 2015 (No.1) demonstrates that each regional council

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can provide access to its road network which allows cane growers to operate with a practical balance between safety of people and infrastructure and commercial productivity.

Cane growers in the Bundaberg Regional Council area are able to move class 1 agricultural vehicles up to 5.0m on council roads provided they comply with the conditions of the notice. They do not have to apply for individual permits.

The process to extend this to all cane growing regions is progressing and the cooperation of NHVR, TMR and regional councils is paramount to achieving this in a timely manner. This is work in progress.

Secondly it must be remembered that the Queensland Heavy Vehicle Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle (Zone 1) Dimension Exemption Notice 2015 (no.1) is a “trial” which ends on 31 January 2016.

I don’t think growers should under estimate the benefit this notice provides.

In the absence of this notice, growers would have to apply for an individual permit to travel or cross any public road with a class 1 agricultural vehicle 3.5m to 4.0m in width.

The results of this trial will be used in determining the access for class 1 agricultural vehicles over 3.5m in width after the trial concludes.

From here, there are a number of scenarios which could happen: • The trial results could determine that continuing this gazetted notice for access is not required. This would mean that growers would have to apply for individual permits to travel or cross any public road for class 1 agricultural vehicles over 3.5m.

• The trial results could determine that the current notice as is should be maintained.

• The trial results could determine that there is a need for a notice but the conditions applied need to be reviewed.

I think the main point is that we do not want to go back to individual permits and therefore the trial is really important in order to develop a workable, safe and practical gazetted notice for access for over 3.5m width class 1 agricultural vehicles in the future. 

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Agriculture’s contribution grows Australian farmers’ contribution to the nation’s wealth through export earnings is increasing, demonstrating just how vital farming is to the future of the nation.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showed a 7% increase in the value of rural exports in 2014-15, on the back of a 9.7% increase in 2013-14.

“Rural goods contributed $43 billion in exports in 2014-15 at a time when the value of all goods and services decreased by 4%,” Minister Joyce said. “These results are a strong vote of confidence from international markets in Australian farmers and the produce they grow.”

New CEO for Mackay Sugar Jason Lowry will replace Quinton Hildebrand as Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Sugar from 15 September.

Mr Lowry has been part of the company’s management team since May 2012, most recently as General Manager Milling Operations. Prior to that, he was the Director of Factory Operations at American Crystal Sugar Company which has five beet sugar production facilities.

Mackay Sugar Chairman Andrew Cappello said the Board was very pleased to have appointed someone with Mr Lowry’s extensive management and engineering background to lead the company into the future.

Drought hits Thai crop The Thai Sugar Millers Corporation is reporting cane in the country’s northeast has been destroyed by drought and crops in other areas will not give good yields.

The country has forecast production of around 111 million tonnes of sugarcane in its 2015/16 season but that could fall to 80-100 million tonnes if the dry spell continues. Thai millers reported 106 million tonnes of crushed in the 2014/15 season which was also affected by dry weather.

An official survey will be conducted in November before the start of the crushing season.

SMARTCANE BMP

Smartcane BMP – the momentum grows

By Neroli Roocke A quarter of all Queensland sugarcane farms are now registered with Smartcane BMP and an increasing number of growers are now pursuing formal accreditation in the key modules which focus on profitability and sustainability.

Among the growers to recently achieve accredited in the three core modules are CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg, Plane Creek grower Damien Borg and CANEGROWERS Herbert River Director Chris Bosworth.

Their farms are among the 161,950 hectares of farmland now within the Smartcane BMP program.

Kevin Borg says first and foremost he worked through the Smartcane BMP modules to know where he was in his farming practices and that he was up to a standard he was happy with in meeting his environmental responsibilities.

“As an industry leader, I needed our critics to know that we are serious about the roll out of BMP and our environmental responsibilities,” he said. “I recognised from the beginning that there were a number of difficulties in the process and I have provided a moving feast of feedback.

“There has been some very robust discussion and I am confident that this has streamlined the program so others can benefit.

“I hope that I can be an inspiration to others as the time has come where we now have the potential to be in the driver’s seat to take the environmental agenda into our own hands as an industry - I trust that all growers will take that opportunity,” Kevin Borg said.

The fruit and vegetable sector has become the latest to join sugarcane, cotton and grazing with a BMP – launching a program called Hort360 for production horticulture businesses.

Hort360, like Smartcane BMP, is being partly funded by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the Queensland Government was

supporting the roll-out of Best Management Practice programs to promote sustainable land management practices across several primary industry sectors.

Speaking to ABC Radio about Smartcane BMP he said, "We want more farmers to take it up and we want them to take it up not just because it's good for the reef but also because it's good for their farms.”

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg recieves "Ultimately that's his Smartcane BMP accreditation certificate from why we've decided CANEGROWERS Environment Manager Matt Kealley. to continue to invest in these programs, because we think they're together the standards for farming good for industry, good for farmers sugarcane, based on productivity and good for the environment. and profitability and sustainability.”

"Now if down the track the take up hasn't increased then we will have to look at other options because we do have to improve water quality running into the reef," he said.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri says that the reason so many growers had become involved in Smartcane BMP was the fact that it is driven and owned by growers.

“Our system is set by our experts - by science. It’s an approach that is more about making the best decisions for your farm and business,” he said.

“So it’s a system which really works for your balance sheet as well.”

“That’s why the whole Australian sugarcane industry got together and put together the Smartcane BMP. It is the industry scientists and sugarcane farmers who put

Mr Schembri said the current momentum must be allowed to continue as speculation arose that government may again look at the enforcement of regulation if uptake doesn’t pick up pace even further.

“CANEGROWERS believes it would be more strategic for government to support the industry and allow further time to demonstrate uptake of Smartcane BMP,” he said.

“There is so much commitment and goodwill which has got us to this stage it would certainly be a strong show of the good faith and support to give the industry a bit more breathing space to prove their mettle.

“Our expectation is that any grower going through Smartcane BMP should be acknowledged for their effort rather than be subject to regulatory enforcement.” 

14 September 2015

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INDUSTRY NEWS

CANEGROWERS Regional round-up

By CANEGROWERS district offices

Mossman and Tableland Mossman Mill has now reached the half way point of the crushing. At the end of August, Week 16, it had processed a total of 517,925 tonnes of cane for an average of 11.92 CCS. The Mossman Pool average to-date is 11.36 CCS and the Tableland Pool average to-date is 12.58 CCS. Over the past two weeks the Mossman Mill has crushed 42,339.15 tonnes and 36,767.19 tonnes respectively. If the mill continues to crush at the current average throughput and with the crop expected to be revised downward the Mossman Mill is looking like finishing crushing mid to late November.

There was an issue with the No.1 inter-carrier which caused an extended stoppage on Saturday and Week 17 has had reduced through-put to allow for a planned steam-off maintenance day.

Over the past two weeks Tableland Mill has crushed 26,776.27 tonnes and 28,170.46 tonnes respectively.

Cairns Region Weather remains fine both for farmers and fishermen! Planting is still being undertaken across the region. Inter-mill transfer cane issues are being addressed

by MSF hopefully leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders. Season length issues still remain foremost on growers’ minds.

Cairns Region is celebrating another three Smartcane BMP grower accreditations in the irrigation and drainage module, with good progress being made in other modules.

Tully While the official mill estimate is 2.55 million tonnes, current indications are that there is more than that available for harvest and crushing, with the estimate for most harvest groups increasing each week. It will require the remaining harvest period to remain dry and the mill to perform over 100,000 tonnes a week if the most is to be made of the season.

Mill crushing rates of 107 tonnes fibre per hour is well below the 118 tonnes per hour required in the cane supply contract. The weekly fibre percentage is on the way down, as is the amount of extraneous matter being measured

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in the samples. This will change as the harvest moves to older ratoons later in the season.

CCS has exceeded 13 for two of the past three weeks but season to date is below last year and more in line with the long term average for Tully.

Planting is still in full swing in some parts of the district, and Tully Cane Productivity Services (TCPSL) is releasing approved seed cane from the plots throughout the district. Tissue culture is being trialled by growers and TCPSL is providing a planter and technical support to growers. The release from tissue culture planted in the TCPSL plot has been a success, and it looks like tissue culture will become a part of the future in the Tully District.

The Burdekin Falls Dam level continues to drop and is now at 66%, compared to 93% at the same time last year.

Water restrictions remain in place, with allocations reduced to 71% for the BRIA and 50% for the Delta area. There is a great deal of concern of the impact if the region is hit with another failed wet season.

Herbert River

CANEGROWERS Burdekin Chairman, Phil Marano made the trip to Brisbane on Monday 31 August to speak at the public hearings held by the Agriculture and Environment Committee on the KAP Private Members Bill. Representatives also met with local MP Dale Last and Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington. Deb repeated the message given to the Policy Council

by Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg but also sought feedback on the LNP draft bill.

The absence of Victoria’s No. 11 boiler has impaired one week’s crushing performance in a big way. It has only been able to achieve up to 17,000 tonnes per day with intermittent stops.

The current week’s throughput is heading towards 120,000 tonnes for Victoria and about 78,000 tonnes for Macknade. CCS is steady at 13.2 for the week to date.

SRA Development Officer, Belinda Billings hosted the inaugural SRA Extension and Communication Advisory Group meeting in the CANEGROWERS Burdekin board room on Tuesday 1 September. The objectives of this group are to identify what SRA can do to add value and how SRA can support existing activities that address our regional industry priorities.

Burdekin

Mackay

More than 54% or 4.5m tonnes of the 8.27m crop had been crushed at the end of Week 12. Since the start of the crush on 9 June, only three hours has been lost due to wet weather. CCS continues to rise hitting 15.1 and the four mills are averaging over 375,000 tonnes per week.

Mackay Sugar has crushed just below 50% of the crop to date at a season average of 13.15 PRS.

If the mills can maintain this throughput, and there are no weather stoppages, the crush is likely to be completed by early November. To put this into perspective at the same time last year only 46% of the harvest was complete, even though the crush started a week earlier and the crop was slightly smaller.

Another car/cane train collision has put the skids into the community. This was the third collision in a fortnight.

An elderly man was seriously injured when he crashed into a loco heading to Pioneer Mill at 10:30am on Saturday 29 August. The loco driver was very shaken and spoke to local media warning drivers not to dice with death at railway crossings.

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The Mackay area mills crushed 205,433 tonnes of cane at a PRS of 14.72 for the week ending 30 August. Several pans were taken out of rotation through the week to repair tube leaks, resulting in significant lost crushing opportunity at Farleigh Mill. Marian Mill’s throughput was impacted by water addition and pan cycle extensions, while Racecourse Mill had a reasonable run.

With the harmonisation of pilot and escort vehicle driver requirements, CANEGROWERS Mackay facilitated the Pilot/Escort Vehicle Driver Level 1 and 2 course. One course was initially scheduled but due to an overwhelming response, an additional four courses were organised. Training was delivered

by TRANSQUAL Logistics Training on behalf of the Transport and Main Roads (TMR). A total of 80 people participated in the 5 courses.

Plane Creek Mill crushed a total of

INDUSTRY NEWS

70,631 tonnes of cane for the week ending 29 August bringing the season to date figure up to 636,512 tonnes of cane.

The highest CCS sample for the week was from a rake of first ratoon Q232 at 18.59 from the Carmila Productivity District. The CCS average for the week was 15.70. A cleaning intermission was held midweek. Just over four hours of factory stops occurred for the week. ►

Proserpine With Proserpine Mill approaching the halfway stage of the crush, a review of the remaining crop was undertaken.

As expected, the crop was reduced by 110,000 tonnes with the new estimate now standing at 1.65 million tonnes of cane.

The impact from YCS was always going to be difficult to quantify, however the latest assessment appears to confirm a 5 to 10% reduction in yields across most of the district.

CCS began to show a steady improvement during the month of August. Average weekly CCS for the past two weeks has remained above 14 units and it is hoped that this trend continues.

Season to date average CCS now stands at 13.41.

Given the reduction in crop size, the anticipated finishing date for the crush has been brought forward to late October. The Operations Review Committee is due to meet in the coming days to discuss the logistics associated with the remaining crop at which time a more precise finishing date will be established. Harvesting conditions remain ideal, however some

spring showers will help establish new plantings. Growers are reminded that the Hot Water Treatment Plant is now operating. Growers are urged to contact SSP to arrange bookings.

Bundaberg The Bundaberg Sugar mills crushed a total of 89,332 tonnes during week 12 of the season with a CCS average of 14.88 units. This is a slight increase from the previous week’s results of 14.75 units.

As a result base CCS has been increased to 14.10 at Bingera and to 14.00 at Millaquin.

We are now over the halfway mark at 55% of the estimated crop, a total of 959,573 tonnes of cane has been crushed so far with a CCS average of 13.89 units.

Major variety composition for the week included KQ228A (22% of supply) with a CCS average of 15.27 units, followed

by Q208A (16% of supply) with a CCS average of 15.01. Variety Q242A (CCS 14.79) and Q240A (CCS 15.21) were in an equal third position accounting for 14% of supply.

The highest CCS for the week was 17.20 units from Q240A plant cane.

Good rainfall was welcomed in several areas mainly Saturday night through to Sunday ranging from 8mm to 46mm and this has provided beneficial ground moisture for spring planting.

Isis Isis Mill has downgraded the crop estimate by 50,000 tonnes to 1.25 million tonnes of cane for 2015. As at 3 September the mill had processed 57% or 715,712 tonnes at a seasonal

average CCS of 13.57. The lack of rain through the months March to August contributed to the drop in crop estimate.

There are some high individual CCS tests being recorded at the moment. The highest test in Week 11 was 17.16 CCS for 4th ratoon Q208.

Isis Mill has been analysing the cane supply coming into the mill. Cane loss in the paddock and quality issues at the mill continue to gain plenty of attention across the cane supply chain. The increased trend in cane loss, extraneous matter levels, billet length and reduction in the number of crop ratoons must be addressed as a whole-of-industry approach. Growers, harvesting contractors and Isis Mill are working with SRA on these issues.

Rain (10 – 50mm) at the end of August disrupted the harvest and distribution of clean seed cane by Isis Productivity Limited but it will be very beneficial to the standing crop as well as providing a good foundation for the spring plant.

Growers looking at baling sugarcane trash this season should contact their baling contractor, indicating likely area and timeframe for baling. Growers are also asked to respond to the expression of interest circular from Isis Productivity Limited for pump assessments under the Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures program.

Maryborough Rain has delayed crushing during week 11 of the harvest. Toward the end of the week MSF had crushed only 19,375 tonnes at 13.95 CCS. The mill is approaching the halfway point of the harvest with 405,769 tonnes crushed at 13.05 CCS as at 3 September. The rain has been most welcome. It will be excellent on ratoon cane and also provide good moisture for the planting.

Rocky Point By the end of week 8 the Rocky Point mill had crushed a total of 111,039 tonnes of cane at an average CCS of 13.12. 23,009 tonnes was crushed for the week. The crop is currently harvesting to updated estimate.

This is the pile of stool and roots separated from one 6.5 tonne cane bin in the Isis district. The photo serves to illustrate the extraneous matter in a bin of cane - an issue which has negative impacts for the whole of industry.

Some light rain has not slowed the harvest and the mill has had minimal down time. Planting is in full swing and seedling stock is expected this week. 

14 September 2015

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Is age an issue in our harvesting fleet?

AGE OF HARVESTERS

By Burn Ashburner, CANEGROWERS Senior Manager – Industry CANEGROWERS undertook a survey of harvesting equipment in 2013 which covered around 270 harvesters and over 400 haulouts and trailers. The results paint an interesting picture of the harvesting fleet in our industry.

The three pie charts reflect the harvester, haulout and trailer ages as a percentage of the total number in the survey.

It can be seen that 26% of trailers, 27% of haulouts and 21% of harvesters are more than 20 years old. Further to this 66% of trailers, 52% of haulouts and 54% of harvesters are over 15 years old.

AGE OF HAULOUT

At the same time 22% of the harvesters currently in use have been purchased in the last five years and 38% are less than 10 years old - they harvest 56% of the cane compared to the 54% of harvesters over 15 years old which harvest 35% of the cane.

I was always led to believe that one dog year was equal to seven human years so a 10 year old dog is the equivalent of a 70 year old person.

AGE OF HAULOUT TRAILERS

I am not sure what one harvester year is in human years but I get the feeling some of our harvesting and haulout machinery is well over 100 years old in human terms!

The decision to replace machinery is a complex one and each grower or contractor will have a different set of circumstances.

However I believe that for each individual business the decisions made are rational at the time of purchase.

It can clearly be seen that in the good times of the 1995 to 1999 period a significant amount of machinery was purchased (perhaps over capitalisation to offset tax) and is still in use.

1970-94

>20yrs

1995-99

15-20yrs

2000-04 >20yrs

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In the lean period of 2000 to 2004 very little was purchased (living on the over capitalisation). Cashflow (or a tax problem) is critical in the decision.

Decreasing reliability, increasing maintenance and the benefits of technology change must also be balanced against the capital costs.

They say one dog year is equal to seven human years. I’m not sure what one harvester year is in human years, but I get the feeling some of our harvesting machinery is over 100 years old in human terms.

Generally old machinery is associated with decreased reliability and increased maintenance costs which eventually leads to the point where replacement is justified.

Added to this, changes in technology may provide an added benefit.

Rationalisation in the harvesting sector (leaving the industry with fewer harvesters) has perhaps led to the need for more reliable harvesters with a higher output (through better technology) and the result is the relatively high number of harvesters fewer than five years old (22% of harvesters).

If machinery has been under-utilised (this is changing) and maintenance is of a very high standard (the off season provides the opportunity for this), technology has not changed significantly and cash flow has been tight then the age of machinery is not surprising.

Growers and contractors have been making rational decisions. ď Ž

2005-09 5-10yrs 2010+ <5yrs Unknown

| 14 September 2015

Industry Spotlight sponsored by Smartcane BMP

INDUSTRY NEWS

Lawyers back grower choice in sugar marketing hearing

The right super option trumps market volatility

By Neroli Roocke

Supplied by AustSafe

An unexpected ally has waded into the sugar marketing debate on the side of farmers – Queensland’s lawyers.

The Law Society sent three representatives to the multi-party Agriculture and Environment Committee’s public hearing into the Katter’s Australian Party private members bill on sugar marketing.

dependent upon the commercial ability of a miller to market.

The lawyers joined grower and miller representatives in providing perspectives on the bill’s aims of recognising grower economic interest in the sugar produced, securing grower choice in marketing and setting up an industry dispute resolution process.

He told the Committee that if a grower was not satisfied with the miller as a marketer, they should not be stuck with them just simply because they milled the cane.

Chairman of the Law Society’s Competition and Consumer Law Committee, David Grace, told the Committee he believed the way the bill is drafted is fair, as are grower concerns about three big milling companies taking over all sugar marketing from the end of the 2016 season.

“The principles of competition would advocate choice,” Mr Grace said.

“The right of choice is an essential and critical path for protection of competition.

"The policy of competition is not to protect corporations but rather to protect competition.

“The right of a grower to elect who it is that will market his, her or their product is, I think, fundamental to protect competition policy. I think this bill addresses it in a fair way,” he said.

Mr Grace said the milling sector’s arguments about expropriation (or taking away) of rights was not a fair one as millers already get paid to mill the cane.

“Arguments about expropriation of rights simply deny the fairness of the notion of the grower’s economic interest,” he said.

“Because it means that the miller would have the sole rights to determine your markets.

“They may do a good job or they may do a bad job, but the grower is totally

"That miller may be a very good miller; it does not make him a very good marketer.”

"

The right of a grower to elect who it is that will market his, her or their product is, I think, fundamental to protect competition policy.

"

David Grace

“It is not to cast a view on whether the miller is good or not at marketing the sugar; it is rather to say that freedom of choice by those who produce it is an essential part of fair and competitive practice in the community,” he said.

The Committee’s Chair, Jennifer Howard MP, had earlier meet with CANEGROWERS Policy Council for an informal discussion.

She told the grower representatives the parliamentary committee is completely bipartisan with three government and three nongovernment members. It must report on the KAP private member’s bill by 14 September.

“Our role is to assess the bill and our recommendations will go to the parliament,” she said.

“The process so far has been excellent; everyone has had an opportunity to express their views.

“It is a tight turnaround and we will keep in contact with all the parties and keep as open a mind as possible.” 

The current share market volatility serves as a timely reminder for working Australians to review their superannuation investment options to ensure your super is achieving your financial goals.

AustSafe Super CEO Craig Stevens said regardless of what was happening in the market, an individual’s focus should be on decades, not days, and ensuring that your super plans reflect your stage of life, as well as your desired outcomes.

“Superannuation has a long-term investment horizon,” Mr Stevens said.

“The current market turbulence is unlikely to have significant impact on our member’s prospects over the longer term.”

“For most people super is a 40 plus year investment and as an industry super fund we aim to provide a consistent strong performing Fund over the longer term for our members.”

AustSafe Super’s MySuper (Balanced) investment option returned 10.56% after fees and taxes for the year ranking in the top ten of Balanced Super Funds in the June 2015 SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey.

This strong performance is the third consecutive year of double digit returns for AustSafe Super’s MySuper (Balanced) investment option and a reflection of our strong history of returns to members which have averaged 9.44% since the Fund’s inception in 1988.

“All superannuation members, including those with AustSafe Super, will now be receiving their individual member statements for the 2014/15 financial year,” Mr Stevens said.

“This is a timely opportunity to check their investment options, personal details as well as their Fund’s performance.

“I encourage all AustSafe Super members to take control of their financial future.”

AustSafe Super is the only industry super fund dedicated to rural and regional Australia, committed to looking after the retirement savings of members for over 27 years. 

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower

9

QSL

Sign up for market updateS and QSL newS at www.qsl.com.au ICE No.11 Prompt Futures Contract 20.0 19.0

Market Update

18.0

By Shaun Tupou, Treasury Analyst

17.0

Current as of 7 September 2015

16.0 15.0

Sugar

14.0

It was another positive week for sugar, as the market took to positive gains across a constructive fortnight. Prompt contract October 15 surged to a fortnight high of 11.64c/lb in the last session before settling weaker at 11.27.

Despite weakness on the close, spot October 15 closed the reporting period a remarkable 83 points higher. It appears the market is comfortable holding a rally, proven by the consecutive rallies over the past week.

13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0

Similarly to the movements displayed in flat prices, spread activity narrowed notably. Trading down from -117, the front spread October/ March traded to a top of -82 points over the fortnight. Despite a turn from these highs in the following session, the October / March spread traded into positive territory across the whole of the past week before settling lower at -94.

Australian Dollar (AUD v USD) 0.97 0.95 0.93 0.91 0.89 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81 0.79 0.77 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65

Even though weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen insignificant movements over the past few weeks, the non-index funds reduced their shorts by a sizeable amount over the past week, adding a mere 2000 lots. The non-index funds reported a reduction of approximately 30,000 shorts as at 1 September 2015. Of interest will be the next report, which covers the best part of a rally which market expectation believes will see the non-index funds closer to nil shorts.

With China headlines directing much price action across currencies, the Brazilian Real was no exception. For the fortnight, it was all one way traffic as the Real traded down to a 3.86 low. Centre South Brazil has received below average and expected rainfall for the past two weeks. However, the latest forecast for the week ahead shows some very heavy rainfall. Interestingly, chatter around the potential effect of El Nino has begun again. Whether this will substantiate into anything further will be the key driver, but the latest forecast certainly creates some speculation.

QSL Forward Fixed Price Contract (A$/mt) 520 500 480 460

Going forward, this week we see the latest UNICA (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry) report for the second half of August as a key driver. Expectation is that production will be near 48 million tonnes crushed, partnered by 3 million tonnes of sugar crushed. The key out of this will be the latest ATR (sugar) levels, which will determine whether flowering in the regions is affecting yields.

440 420

Currency

400 380 360 340 320 2015

2016

2017

Data source: QSL Daily Market Report (Futures and Currency) & QSL Daily Indicative Prices

10 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

Serious volatility has been shown in currencies across the board over the past fortnight, with the Aussie dollar soaring over a 400+ point range (0.7310 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0.6908) following further weakness in global equities. Going forward this week, we see the AUD remaining under pressure following on from the weaker Friday close. Concerns regarding the commodity complex, the US and China will also provide reasons for AUD softening. US data continues to keep a rate rise on the radar, with the Federal Reserve due to meet next week. Locally, this week we see consumer confidence and employment data as our key drivers.

While all care is taken in the preparation of this report the reliability or accuracy of the information provided in the document is not guaranteed. QSL does not accept any responsibility to any person for the decisions and actions taken by that person with respect to any of the information contained in this report.

QSL

QSL: WORKING FOR YOU

Maintaining the industry’s bulk sugar terminals

By Damian Ziebarth, QSL GM Operations

One of QSL’s key functions is operating and managing Queensland’s six bulk sugar terminals (BST).

Each year our Operations and Logistics teams work hard to ensure the industry’s assets are being fully utilised and maintained, and that costs are kept to a minimum while maximum value is returned to the BSTs’ owner, Sugar Terminals Limited, and that company’s shareholders.

This week we provide an overview of some of the key capital works projects currently underway in three key categories: safety and the environment, critical plant replacement, and growth and efficiency.

For the 2015/16 Financial Year, QSL has budgeted approximately $2.2 million for projects across these areas, while STL will contribute about $5.4 million dollars towards these initiatives.

BST roof replacement project QSL is currently undertaking a significant project to replace 12 ageing galbestos shed roofs with marine-grade aluminium across each of the BST sites.

Safety projects Safety is of paramount importance to QSL and the main projects scheduled for completion this financial year include: • The design and installation of additional emergency brake units on the shiploaders at the Bundaberg and Mourilyan BSTs to prevent wind gusts propelling these shiploaders along their rails; • Converting conveyor controls from low voltage to extra-low voltage to protect our workers from accidental electrocution while operating conveyors at Mourilyan BST. Most of the conveyors at the other terminals have received this conversion; and

While in Cairns, the weigh tower is to be upgraded to reduce the risk associated with having a monopoly certifier.

Maintaining the BST assets is an expensive but critical task to ensure each site continues to operate safely and at maximum capacity.

QSL prides itself on its commitment to these sites and hopes to continue delivering gold-class logistical and operations services for the industry well in to the future. 

• The installation of a unique davit rescue boat system on the Lucinda jetty for emergency rescues when personnel work offshore. Currently QSL has to launch rescue boats from shore, which can take up to 40 minutes to reach the end of the 5.6km-long wharf.

So far, the roofs of Sheds 1 and 2 at Mackay and 3 and 4 at Lucinda have been replaced, with work on the Shed 2 roof at the Cairns site due to the completed shortly.

Other safety projects also include installing conveyor-belt guarding and upgrading lighting in all of the sheds to improve visibility for our workers.

The table below provides an overview of the planned replacement schedule for the remaining shed roofs.

Growth and efficiency projects

Table 1 – Proposed shed roof replacements:

along the jetty, and the commissioning of a belt-scanning system to assist with identifying and repairing belt weaknesses.

Key projects underway at the Lucinda site include the expansion and improved design of the Cathodic Protection System (CPS) in operation

YEAR

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

FACILITY

Cairns

Mourilyan

Cairns

Bundaberg

Bundaberg

Townsville

Townsville

Mackay

SHED NO

2

1

1

2

1

2

1

1

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 11

FEATURE

Why the right soil sample can make all the difference

By Kate Daly, SRA Development Officer, Burdekin Soil sampling and analysis is the foundation of all fertiliser programs. The way in which the samples are collected will have a significant influence on the analyses results.

Soil samples are used to establish nutrient requirements and provide recommendations, to assess crop production issues, to monitor soil fertility trends and, in recent years, to fulfil legislative requirements.

After discussions have taken place, it may be necessary to make adjustments to site selection due to controlled traffic, soil type, fence lines and poor growth.

Less obvious influences may also affect the area to be sampled.

Soil analysis is only one management tool but the results can greatly influence many decisions and practices which affect farm profitability.

Sample areas are usually blocks or management zones with the same soil type and with the assumption they have been and will be “treated the same”.

The four critical steps in soil testing are:

It is important that the soil sample is representative of the area to be analysed.

1. sample collection, 2. sample analysis, 3. interpretation/recommendation, and 4. nutrient application.

While all four steps are very important, if the initial sample collection is not done correctly, then the following steps will be affected.

Another important part of sample collection is the discussions that should be happening before the sample is collected.

No farm or management practices are the same so an element of sampling is to understand the type of analyses that’s required and how the results will be used in decision making.

Samples are typically collected after harvest and prior to planting.

Here are just a few examples of questions a farmer should ask themselves, or discuss with a contractor, before collecting soil for analysis.

What depth do I want to sample to and why?

Is the equipment used for collection suitable or likely to contaminate the sample (such as painted or galvanised shovels/buckets/auger)?

What sampling pattern will be used to ensure a representative sample is collected?

Does the farming system (e.g. burnt/ green) affect the sample collection?

Is the collection area mapped and aligned with reference or historical data?

Would using GPS reference points to collect from the same area each year be appropriate?

Where will the sample be sent for analysis?

A soil collection protocol should involve discussions and appreciation of the management intentions and expectations to maximise the benefits of farm nutrient inputs.

Are there areas of compaction (old headlands, fence lines etc.) which should be avoided?

When the samples collected are representative of the whole management area, you are far more likely to apply appropriate soil inputs at the right time, increase yield potential and ensure production costs are suitable.

What is the recent fertiliser application timing and history?

Ultimately, soil analyses results are only as good as the sample collected. 

Are there old dump sites of lime or mill mud etc.?

12 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

FEATURE

Sixth harvest confirms trial site results Supplied by Stoller Australia Stoller Australia, part of the worldwide Stoller group, has been increasingly investing in the Australian sugar industry and our footprint will continue to grow in the years ahead says Martin Shaw, Area Sales manager for north Queensland Stoller Sugarcane Research started replicated cane trials at a site in the Mackay area back in 2009.

The variety Q183 was planted with liquid fertiliser ClearStart15K+N @ 50lts/Ha and Action 5 @ 0.5Lt/Ha applied directly into the furrow at planting.

As Dennis and John Werner, owners of the farm, and other growers frequently comment the longer we can maintain yields over five years the better the return on our investment as it’s equal to money in the bank

94.68 84.00

80.00

60.00

40.00

20.00

0.00

Stoller

2015

Control

Stoller

2014

Control

2013

Stoller

Control

Stoller

2012

Control

Stoller

2011

Control

Stoller

2010

Control

It is applied 60 – 90 days post-harvest by ground or aerial methods to increase sugar content. The results so far are looking encouraging but it will need at least another year of work on this before this product is put out to the industry. 

100.00

Stoller

Where our plant and ratoon fertiliser program is being used, we achieved an increase in yield of 19.17 tonnes/ha to 83 tonnes/ha over the untreated cane and 3.4 tonnes of extra sugar per/ha giving a net return of $672 per hectare.

Replicated Trial Results in Mackay

Control

We have just collected the data from the sixth harvest at the trial site and the results are again confirming what we have seen each year.

Stoller Sugarcane Research now has trials in the Mackay, Burdekin, Ingham, Silkwood, Tully, Innisfail, Atherton and Mareeba areas and has started trialling a new product this year.

120.00

Cane Harvested (Tonnes per Hectare)

After each harvest ClearStart 15KZ @25ltr/ha and Action5 @ 0.5ltr/ha were re-applied onto the ratoon, either applied over the row through a boom sprayer (so it can be taken up through the leaves) or with an insecticide for cane grubs with or without granular N+K fertiliser applied through a stool splitter or side dresser.

Year Six

MORE CANE MORE SUGAR MORE PROFIT ACTION 5 CLEARSTART 15KZ+N ANALYSIS NITROGEN PHOSPHORUS POTASSIUM CALCIUM ZINC COBALT MOLYBDENUM

W/V

Stoller’s

CLEARSTART 15KZ+N is a unique Stoller formulation derived from MAP, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium, Zinc Oxide, Cobalt & Molybdenum.

PRODUCT CONTAINS TOTAL SOLIDS GENERAL INFORMATION

ANALYSIS

RT A ST+N R Z EA 5K L 1 C

8% 15.4% 5% 1.8% 0.7% 0.05% 0.05%

41% W/W WATER 59% W/W

• STOLLER’S CLEARSTART 15KZ+N is used as an in-furrow liquid injection fertiliser and can be used as a replacement for dry forms of starter fertiliser.

• CLEARSTART can be safely placed directly onto the seed in the furrow.

• Do not mix with alkaline products.

• It is always recommended to conduct a jar test or consult Stoller before mixing with other products such as insecticides.

• CLEARSTART may be mixed with Stoller’s ACTION 5 in furrow.

• CLEARSTART may be mixed with Stoller Cropping Zinc if additional zinc is required.

MIXING INSTRUCTION

• CLEARSTART is a total solution and needs minimal mixing.

• It is important that sufficient water is added to ensure that a continuous band of liquid is achieved in the seed furrow. 50 litres per hectare is normal, but higher rates can be used.

STORE IN A COOL PLACE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT CAUTION: Consult Stoller Australia or a Stoller Agronomist before mixing with insecticides or other products.

CONDITIONS OF SALE 1. Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than an officer of Seller, is authorised to make any warranty, guarantee or direction concerning this product. 2. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller's control, Seller's liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price.

SII0113

CALCIUM (Ca) as chloride

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Bio-FORGE

®

(%W/V) 5.0%

CAUTION

Stoller AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. 065 320 747 ANALYSIS

Harmful if swallowed. Always wear protective clothing and goggles.Wash thoroughly with soap and water after A.C.N. handling. EYES: Hold eyes open and wash with water continuously for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

SKIN: Remove all contaminated clothing and wash affected area with plenty of soap and water. IF SWALLOWED DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention.

Total Nitrogen (N) Soluble Potassium (K)

Formulated with Stoller’s proprietary mix of Stoller’s Co-Factors.

GENERAL INFORMATION • ACTION 5 is a secondary nutrient combined with natural growth activators ACTION 5, in conjunction CROP with a good nutritional program, provides an extra boost to seedling establishment and root development.

Winter Crops: Wheat, Barley, • ACTION 5 provides an important boost to a plant’s tolerance to adverse conditions and stresses and Oats, Chickpeas, Faba will enhance crop growth when temperatures prevail below 21C or above 31C and plant growthBeans is and Canola Summer Crops: Sorghum, suspended.

Sunflowers, Corn, Soybeans • ACTION 5 is completely available and absorbed by the leaf surface or the root system.

Cotton Crops • ACTION 5 is designed for use in foliar, seed row, seed and transplant water application and is non-phytotoxic when used as directed.

Vegetable Crops

2.5% 3.0%

DIRECTIONS FOR USE Cobalt (Co) 0.25% In Furrow/Irrigation Molybenum (Mo) 0.35% RATES COMMENTS Derived from Di-Formyl Urea, Potassium Hydroxide, Cobalt Sulphate & Sodium Molybdate 12.5-20 litres per hectare Apply with sufficient water to createGENERAL a INFORMATION 12.5-15 litres continuous band in the furrow BIO-FORGE® is generally used as a foliar spray, in furrow or as a seed treatment. BIO-FORGE per hectare 10.0-30 litres contains a range of key nutrients to ensure healthy crop growth even in stress conditions. An per hectare application of BIO-FORGE after stress can help the plant restore normal growth. Cobalt and 15-40 litres Can be applied at seeding or transplant can help reduce ethylene stress and the utilisation of nitrates. per hectare stages. Apply in multiple applications Molybdenum or MIXING INSTRUCTIONS as required troughout the crop.

ACTION 5 will disperse in water with little agitation. Many other agricultural chemicals can be sprayed Trees and Vines 25-50 litres Apply in multiple applications or as DIRECTIONS FOR USE simultaneously. CAUTION: Always Conduct a “Jar Test” using all products in proper proportion in per hectare required throughout the crop BIO-FORGE® is recommended for any crop under any conditions of stress: order to establish physical compatibility.

10-30 litres In furrow with billets at planting where available per hectare phosohorus (Colwell soil test) indicates 50-150ppm) • Any crop that is under stress from any source. Apply after stress symptoms appear, including SHAKE WELL BEFORE MIXING Sugar Cane 31-50 litres In furrow with billets at planting where available drought stress.

CONDITIONS OF SALE: 1. Seller warrants that this per hectare phosphorus (Colwell soil test) indicates 15-49ppm product consists of the ingredients specified and • Any transplant. Apply in transplant water solution, or within 7 days after transplanting.

51-80 litres Use these higher rates where available Harmful if swallowed. Avoid is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this per hectare phosphorus (Colwell soil test) indicates 5-15ppm contact with skin, eyes & • Any plant with herbicide toxicity. Apply when toxicity is first observed. label when used in accordance with directions under after clothing. Wash thoroughly Should be applied through Stream Jets or as a very course spray over the Sugarcane row normal conditions of use. No one, other than an officer of • Apply along with the first insecticide application. Many sucking insects can create toxins, cutting once re-growth is seen, as a replacement for granular fertilizer (rates above apply) Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee of with soap and water after which cause bud dormancy.

Always flush the system with fresh water immediately following use. direction concerning this product. 2. Because of time, place, handling. Avoid breathing rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Foliar Applications • Apply to all nursery crops or any crop that demands quick growth. BIO-FORGE will help sellers control, Sellers liability from handling, storage and spray mist. Use gloves andAll Broadacre crops above 5-15 litres Apply from 4 to 6 true leaves crops develop into actively growingAUSTRALIA and productive seedlings. use of this product is limited to replacement of product or per hectare onwards STOLLER PTY. LTD. goggles. refund of purchase price.

All Vegetable Crops 5-8 litres Apply from 4 to 6 true leaves • Apply BIO-FORGE on crops thatA.C.N. are flood065 irrigated.

Apply 6 days before irrigation.

320 747 STOLLER AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. per hectare onwards O Boxyellowing 2534 from irrigation Phone stress.(08) 82449588 STORE IN A COOL PLACE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT SII1011 A.C.N. 065 320 747 Sugar Cane 10-25 litres Spray where granular fetilizer has beenBIO-FORGE willP reduce Regency Faxto(08) 82449222 per hectare used already and a top up is required • Apply BIO-FORGE to any Park plant that will be exposed restricted water supply.

P O Box 2534 AUSTRALIA Phone (08) 82449588 STOLLER PTY. LTD. Australia 5942 www.stoller.com.au ClearStart 15KZ+N can also be applied at similar rates through micro-irrigation to trees, vines BIO-FORGE willSouth help plants maintain a more favorable water balance.

Regency Park A.C.N. 065 320 Fax 747(08) 82449222 and vegetables.

CONTENTS 20 200 800 1000 LITRES

WARNING

Australia 5942 P O South Box 2534, Regency Park, www.stoller.com.au South Australia 5942 Phone (08) 82449588 Fax (08) 82449222 www.stoller.com.au MADE IN AUSTRALIA

CONTENTS

5 10 20 LITRES

NOTE: Side dress with extra Nitrogen and Potassium as normal after full emergence.

USE OF FERTILIZERS WITH INOCULANT CAN IMPEDE Batch No: NODULATION AND IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

SEED TREATMENT To improve seedling establishment and early vigour, apply ACTION 5 to the seed at 500 ml to 1.0 litres per 100kgs of seed (grain). Apply ACTION 5 to potato seed at 1.0 litre per 2500kgs of seed. Allow seed Australian Patent: 737354 to dry for 24 hours before seeding. ACTION 5 is water based and should not be mixed with oil based seed treatments. Allow seed to dry before applying oil based treatments. Do not use treated seed for food, feed or oil purpose.

IN FURROW APPLICATION ACTION 5 can be used in-furrow at the time of seeding or planting and should be applied at a rate of 500 ml to 1.0 litres per hectare.

FOLIAR APPLICATION For continued healthy root growth and plant integrity apply ACTION 5 at regular intervals at a rate of 500 ml to 1.0 litres per hectare. Repeat applications every 7 – 14 days Dilution rates should not exceed 2% (i.e. 1 litre of ACTION 5 should be mixed with a minimum of 50 litres of water). Mix 10 ml of ACTION 5 per litre of water for hand spraying.

CROP RATE COMMENTS Cotton 1.0 litre per hectare Apply in furrow at planting directly onto the seed where Black Root Rot is a problem 1.0 litre per hectare Apply in furrow at planting for improved germination and establishment 500 mls per hectare Apply as a foliar spray if growing/weather conditions 1.0 litres per hectare persist that are conducive to Black Root Rot or slow growth This can be applied as a band spray as soon as the crop target is big enough. The 500 mls per hectare rate should be used only when 1.0 litre per hectare has already been used in furrow at planting. At all other times use the 1.0 litre per hectare rate.

Wheat, Barley, 500 mls per hectare Apply in furrow at planting or as a foliar spray as soon Corn as the plant is a big enough target.

Green Beans 500 mls per hectare Apply as a foliar spray for improved growth after planting or French or when adverse weather conditions persist.

STOLLER AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. Beans 1.0 litre per hectare Apply in furrow at planting directly onto the seed where A.C.N. 065 320 747 Red Root Rot is a problem.

O full Box 2534 Phone (08) 82449588 Faba Beans, 500 mls per hectare Apply as a foliar spray from first flower bud toPfirst Regency Park Fax (08) 82449222 Chick Peas, flowers open South Australia 5942 www.stoller.com.au Soybeans CONTENTS 1 5 10 1000 LITRES Potatoes and All Other Crops Consult your Agronomist/Consultant or your Stoller Australia Distributor

Stoller AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

(%W/V)

Made in Australia

BF AUS

®

APPLY BIO-FORGE® TO ANY OF THE ABOVE AT THE RATE OF 1.2 LITERS PER HECTARE. ONE APPLICATION PER SEASON IS GENERALLY SUFFICIENT. USE ENOUGH WATER FOR THOROUGH COVERAGE. NURSERIES, GREENHOUSE CROPS, TURF AND INDIVIDUAL PLANT TREATMENTS: Apply BIO-FORGE® at 120ml per 100ml.

FOR SEED TREATMENT: Apply 3.2 litres per tonne of Canola, Sorghum & Corn. Apply 2.6 litres per tonne of Cotton, Grain & Legumes.

CAUTION: Always Conduct a “Jar Test” using all products in proper proportion in order to establish physical compatibility.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE MIXING • STORE IN A COOL PLACE OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT • USE EYE PROTECTION If in eyes: wash with plenty of water. Call a physician if irritation persists.

If on skin: wash with plenty of soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

Personal Protective Equipment: Applicators and other handlers must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, waterproof gloves and shoes plus socks.

User Safety Recommendations: Users should wash hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. Remove clothing immediately if it gets inside. Then wash thoroughly and put on clean clothing.

REFER STOLLER AUSTRALIA MSDS Storage and Disposal: Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage or disposal. Open dumping is prohibited. Do not reuse empty container. Store BIO-FORGE® in a cool place and out of direct sunlight.

Dispose of empty container in a sanitary landfill or by incineration, or, if allowed by Australia and local authorities by burning. If burned, stay out of smoke.

CONDITIONS OF SALE: 1. Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than an officer of Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee of direction concerning this product. 2. Because of time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond sellers control, Sellers liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price.

1800 FERTILISER STOLLER.COM.AU Billboard_sugarcane_5000x2474.indd 1

5/4/2015 9:56:03 PM

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 13

CAUTION

Keep out of Reach of Children May Cause Eye Irritation

May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May cause eye irritation. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

FEATURE

FertAg saves money and prevents leaching Supplied by FertAg FertAg 0-8-0 is a calcium, magnesium and silicate phosphate fertiliser that does not leach away with rain like conventional fertilisers.

Plant roots that come in contact with the product will easily ‘digest’ (solubilise) the nutrients from the FertAg 0-8-0 using the root exudates.

In acidic soils it provides plant available nutrient while re-mineralising the soil with much required plant available silicon.

In an acid environment of pH 5.5 the product will release 25% of its nutrients in 24 hours.

It also provides a liming action because of its high calcium and magnesium content.

Importantly, it addresses the issue of runoff into creeks and waterways and leaching into water tables - being acid soluble, the product says where its spread!

Cane growers will benefit from reduced fertiliser costs of approximately $30 per hectare when using FertAg 0-8-0.

It is available from local agents with depots around the country in one tonne non-returnable bags on pallets.

Tropical agriculture FertAg 0-8-0 has application in tropical agriculture, such as sugarcane regions of Queensland and northern New South Wales, where there are acid soils, high rainfall, issues with high soil aluminium and iron, and where leaching potential is significant.

It is compatible with nitrogen, potassium and sulphur fertilisers for blending other macro elements.

Cane has a significant silicon requirement which impacts on yield and quality (CCS).

FertAg 0-8-0 has a high silicon content of 11% of which 96% is plant available with phosphorus at 8% with 96% also plant available.

This means it is highly acid soluble with the silicate slowly released over a period of 1–9 months depending on rainfall, soil acidity and plant access – it is not water soluble so there is no leaching into waterways.

Catchment trials Recent information from the WA Department of Agriculture (Swan River Catchment) indicates that phosphate leaching from an application of FertAg 0-8-0 is on average 13 times less than

14 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

soluble P fertiliser in heavy rainfall – FertAg 0-8-0 will remain where it is placed.

And the P remains 96% plant available as the silica prevents the aluminium locking up the phosphorus.

FertAg suggest an initial application to plant or ratoon cane of 250 to 350 kg per hectare followed up with application to each ratoon of 150–260 kg per hectare.

Over five years of the crop cycle this application strategy meets liming requirements for the term of the crop, releasing soil nutrients as pH changes with no leaching.

Application is simple. The product is spread over or into plant rows.

Rainfall, irrigation or mechanical action will incorporate the product into root zone.

FertAg 0-8-0 is currently supplied in one tonne bags or bulk ex Brisbane and it will be soon be shipped to Townsville for the northern region.

The company is committed to making the product available at a cost effective price to all cane farmers.

Contact FertAg on 1300 978 789 or www.fertag.com 

SNAPSHOT | SRA

Sub soil amelioration produces above par results

By Kate Daly and Jarrod Sartor, SRA Development Officer and Adoption Support Officer The adoption of sustainable soil health practises is vital to profitable sugarcane cropping and the long term viability of the industry.

soil biological activity. However, the application was labour intensive and not commercially viable in a system where yield averages are 80T/ha.

Ameliorants such as gypsum, lime and organic matter have long been used to improve the physical, chemical and biological condition of the top soil in agriculture.

But through adversity comes innovation and the Cronaus could see the benefits were there, if they could make their concept practical and economical.

Thus the idea for a mechanical sub soil applicator was conceived.

Now, an emerging body of work looking into addressing subsoil constraints through similar practices is gaining attention throughout the industry.

In Maryborough, Andrew Dougall, Group Agronomist from MSF, and local growers Darryl, Lester, and Brad Cronau have undertaken practical trials to assess the effect of deep soil ameliorant application on sugarcane crops that are limited by sub soil constraints.

Such conditions are common in Maryborough with up to 40% of the agricultural production area located on a sodic duplex soil type.

Compaction, poor aeration, reduced water-holding capacity, stunted root growth, increase of plant available aluminium and manganese are among the sub soil constraints which limit yield in the region.

The Cronaus’ philosophy is to look for management options which improve yield and profitability, while adopting good soil health practices.

Darryl Cronau considers the implementation of improved soil health management an integral part of their long term farm plan and essential for profitably in the future.

The Cronaus, working as the DAG grower group, received partial funding and support through an SRA Grower Group Innovation Project and a Reef Rescue Water Quality Improvement Grant, which allowed them to work on their ideal machine.

There were no blueprints to work from, just a few chalk drawings on the cement floor of the shed and the rest was in Darryl’s head.

The mechanical sub-soil applicator works exceptionally well and a larger feed belt is the only modification that the Cronaus would alter in a re-design.

Andrew, who has supported the project, explained that the process opens a window into the subsoil allowing for healthy root growth. “The compost

window improves root penetration, nutrient uptake and moisture availability,” he said.

“The applicator gives us the capacity to apply compost to sub soil layers at depths of up to 40cm conveniently and cost effectively meaning we can increase the area treated, assess the most beneficial application rate and determine the economic viability of the treatment,” he added.

In subsoils with poor aeration, and where soil water-holding capacity and root growth is impeded, amelioration applications such as compost may assist in the prevention of waterlogging through enabling drainage to the deeper soil profile.

SRA’s Dr Barry Salter is currently leading a project to determine the varying response rates in treatments that are applied to different soil types and to determine the long-term feasibility of subsoil ameliorant applications.

Interest in this field is growing with a number of other projects underway throughout the industry and our knowledge of farming on marginal soils steadily improving. 

SRA Adoption Support Officer Jarrod Sartor and Maryborough cane farmer Darryl Cronau with the mechanical subsoil applicator.

This led to the exploration of the use of subsurface applied compost in 2012. In these practical trials, compost was incorporated at a rate of 1015T/ha into the subsoil by deep ripping with a compost applied through a tube attached to the back of a tyne.

The results were rewarding with yield increases of 6-10% attributed to improved subsoil aggregation, increased water holding capacity and better 14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 15

FEATURE

Choose the right fertilisers for your cane Supplied by Koch Fertiliser Australia Cane growers are being encouraged to review their fertiliser programs this season to take into account the latest fertiliser options.

Koch Fertiliser Australia offers a range of fertiliser blends in one tonne bags, including an option that protects against volatilisation losses.

Geoff Robertson, Innovation and Development Manager for Koch Fertiliser Australia, said the company’s range of fertilisers could help cane growers provide tailored nutrition to their cane and reduce nitrogen losses.

Mr Robertson suggested using NEXEN® stabilised nitrogen fertiliser for sidedress nitrogen applications in plant cane and ratoons.

NEXEN® is made using AGROTAIN® stabiliser, a urease inhibitor used worldwide in crops and pastures to protect against volatilisation losses.

He described volatilisation as the loss of nitrogen as ammonia gas to the air, ‘like money up in smoke’.

Volatilisation losses can occur if urea is not incorporated into the soil soon after application by rain, irrigation or soil cover.

“NEXEN® gives cane growers the opportunity to sidedress nitrogen on the soil surface rather than having to band it below the soil,” he said.

Mr Robertson recommended cane growers consider using NEXEN® rather than urea unless they were expecting 10-15 mm of rainfall within two days of a nitrogen application to the soil surface.

He said NEXEN® could even be used when banding fertilisers, if excess trash was making it difficult to apply the fertiliser to a depth of at least 5 cm with full soil cover over the fertiliser band.

“The high concentration of urea in a band also has the potential to promote ammonia volatilisation losses, due to localised increases in soil pH, particularly on light textured soils,” he said.

For nutrition at plant cane establishment, Mr Robertson suggested cane growers consider MicroEssentials® starter fertilisers.

“Volatilisation losses are more likely and more severe if the soil surface is drying out, conditions are relatively warm or windy and there is a high level of trash on the soil,” he said.

MES10® fertiliser offers 12% nitrogen, 17.5% phosphorus and 10% sulphur in every granule, with half of the sulphur present as sulphate sulphur and half as elemental sulphur.

“In these situations, NEXEN® can help cane growers protect their nitrogen investment while they wait for rain to arrive.”

MESZ™ fertiliser also contains 1% zinc in every granule, with a portion of this zinc present as water soluble zinc for rapid uptake. ►

Feed it precisely what it needs.

Whatever nutrients your soil needs, KOCH Fertiliser Australia can provide them. Our new blending facility at our Brisbane Terminal is set up to supply

productivity or high-performance NEXEN® stabilised nitrogen, we can provide it by the truckload or in one-tonne bags.

the combination of nutrients you need to maximise this season’s crop. Whether you need a delivery of urea, a custom blend, MicroEssentials® to fine-tune

Contact your fertiliser dealer for more information or to book your next delivery.

NEXEN® and AGROTAIN® are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. MicroEssentials®, is a trademark of The Mosaic Company.

16 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

www.kochfertaustralia.com

FEATURE

Innovation and soil health Supplied by John Irvin, Principal of Irvin Farm

MicroEssentials® fertilisers can also be blended with nitrogen, sulphur and potassium based fertilisers to provide tailored nutrient solutions, thanks to Koch’s installation of a new blender in Brisbane this year.

“MicroEssentials® fertilisers are high quality, nutritionally balanced fertilisers that promote uniform nutrient distribution and improved nutrient uptake,” he said.

Mr Robertson said both products contained higher rates of sulphur than MAP and DAP, contributing to soil sulphur supplies and helping to improve cane growth.

“As well as directly supplying sulphate sulphur to the crop, the presence of elemental sulphur in the starter fertiliser band can help improve the availability of phosphorus through localised acidification,” he explained.

Mr Robertson encouraged growers to see their local fertiliser distributor for more information about how NEXEN® or MicroEssentials® fertilisers could help fine-tune their fertiliser programs this season.

Disclaimer: NEXEN® and AGROTAIN® are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. KOTE™ is a trademark of Koch Fertiliser Australia Pty Ltd. MicroEssentials®, MES10®, and MESZ™ are trademarks of The Mosaic Company. 

The sugarcane growing industry is implementing best management practices, environmental awareness campaigns and starting to come to grips with the threats of climate change.

This emerging awareness is a driving force to find ways to do more with less.

Allan Blair from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is one such person who is driven by the needs of change when he began developing his dual herbicide spray bar for sugarcane.

While the use of twin application is not new, the use of Glyphosate in an unshielded sprayer is a big step from the current shielded devices currently on the market.

Allan’s use of Paraquat as both the shielding agent for the Glyphosate and the band spray application for knockdown and pre-emergent chemicals in a band in the row of sugar cane brings the ability to significantly reduce the amount and cost of herbicides used in the industry.

Allan also got into place the limited registration for the use of Glyphosate in interrow application for sugarcane in partnership with his innovation.

When analysing the potential of this tool it leads to a rethink of what can be achieved when necessity drives innovation.

The uses of relatively low volume spraying of Glyphosate in the interrow can double a sprayer’s productive capacity.

The reduction in the use of low cost herbicides chemicals such as Diuron or

alternatively the use of more modern higher cost low impact herbicides is a big step in bringing environmentally sustainable practice to a practical level.

Allan and his team’s contribution are part of an emerging precision agricultural system for sugarcane that include BMPs, variable rate fertiliser application, controlled traffic solutions, zonal tillage, satellite mapping and multi-row operations have been facilitated by GPS guidance technology to bring precision outcomes to sugar cane farming.

While individually these operations do not bring great savings, the bundling of the whole package is where “more can be done with less” enabling sustainability to become good business for sugarcane farming.

The big winner that is emerging from this bundling is the reputation of the industry to embrace change and create a new image of responsibility surrounding waste reduction systems.

The maintenance of our soil fertility is the most vital ecological service our industry can perform.

These improving and new practices are good for our soils ability to continue to produce quality outcomes for our farming community and set the platform for future technology advances as part of a dynamic industry that is in tune with our society’s environmental needs.

For more information on the dual herbicide spray bar contact Irvin Farm on 07 4776 2511. 

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 17

FEATURE

Is your sugar yield responding to soil health inputs?

Supplied by NutriFert Australia The benefits of having a healthy soil are well known to growers. Between plough out and planting, considerable time, effort and capital is spent addressing key soil health issues.

Lime is applied to adjust soil pH to allow optimal nutrient availability and supply.

Compost and manure applications are made to boost organic carbon levels.

Silicon products are also often spread, when available and cost effective.

The combination of some or all of the above three inputs prior to planting is an effort to keep a strong healthy soil during the coming crop cycle, lasting for up to five seasons of cane production.

Based on soil tests, advisors recommend the optimal NPKS fertiliser strategy to maximise yield over the crop cycle.

Interestingly, growers often find that while high fertiliser inputs are occurring, yield is rarely seen to increase through the cycle.

In fact it may not have dramatically increased for a number of cycles.

NutriFert Australia has identified this same issue in other high value, irrigated broadacre and horticultural crops where efforts made to improve soil health have not been directly translated into increased yield or quality of final product.

NutriFert Australia’s Group Technical Manager Asia/Pacific, Andrew Olley says a key discovery was made when they analysed thousands of soil tests, fertiliser inputs and interpretation against crop yield.

“It was found that yield can be improved provided that small doses of soil health inputs are made regularly in combination with NPKS blends,” he said.

“High organic carbon content in the soil, the maintenance of optimal soil pH and the availability of silicon to improve nutrient and water efficiencies resulted in higher yields and quality of end product.”

“NutriFert Australia has been working in sugarcane for a number of years now and has developed the SugarSmart range,” said Mr Olley.

Andrew Olley, Nutrifert Group Technical Manager Asia / Pacific

“When brought back to basics, SugarSmart are blends of NPKS to suit grower requirements, with the addition of high stability organic carbon as humic acid, superfine lime and high plant available silicon all as granules in the fertiliser blend.”

Small doses of high concentrate soil health inputs applied with NPKS blends have been shown to maintain, through the cane crops yearly cycle, the optimal soil conditions for yield performance.

These soil health inputs using the NPKS as the carrier are highly cost effective as only one pass is required, hence greatly reduced machinery traffic on fragile sugar soils.

The key soil health components used in SugarSmart NPKS blends are: Amorsil Max – High Cation Exchange Capacity and high plant available Silicon content.

Amorsil has the effect in the soil of binding aluminium and manganese in acid soils to prevent root damage while allowing silicon to accumulate in the crop.

This accumulation reduces water stress, reduces lodging due to stronger stalks and promotes more upright leaves to

intercept greater light levels, which in turn produces higher sugar yields.

Amorsil also acts to absorb and hold nutrient from fertilisers increasing nutrient efficiency into the crop.

Humisol SG - granulated humic acids which are highly stable organic carbon based molecules that develop as a precursor to coal formation.

Studies have shown that high quality humic acids per kilogram are equivalent to applying up to 30 tonnes of manure to the soil.

Humic acids improve nutrient retention, water availability and structure of soils.

OzCal - granulated super fine limestone being highly reactive due to small particle size and high neutralising value.

Placing lime in the root zone, where acidification is occurring due to the release of urea and sulphate ammonia is far more efficient than a conventional lime application once in a crop cycle.

SugarSmart blends, through our key partner Lindsay Rural, is able to supply NPKS blends containing soil health products as replacements for standard industry sugar blends or as prescription blends based on soil analysis to meet grower requirements.

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 19

FEATURE

Trial shows benefits of dosing cane with mineral mulch Supplied by Rob Howe, Shiftwaste The ongoing development of the Mineral Mulch fertiliser reached a milestone recently with some of the replicated trials being measured, weighed and analysed.

Peter Watson from Ag-Culture in Bundaberg was on hand working up a sweat cutting and bunching the cane for Dr Graham Kingston to document and review.

The current commercial scale trial is showing a 20cm stalk height advantage from application of 6 t/ha of Mineral Mulch. The result backs up the results of previous trials with a similar material that showed yield responses up to second ratoon.

Mineral Mulch is a sustainable soil amendment product containing muchneeded soluble plant-available silicon and calcium silicate. The importance of silicon to plant nutrition was reinforced in Dr Graham Kingston’s recent article in the Rural Weekly.

“Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust after oxygen and is a major constituent in rocks and soil. However complex silicates in rocks and sand generally do not supply plant available silicon. Silicon availability

to plants relies on the release of monosilicic acid from the weathering of clay minerals and certain fertilisers.

Silicon is classified as a beneficial, rather than essential element for plant growth. However, the importance of silicon to plant growth has been widely recognised since the 1970s, with reports of yield responses in a wide range of crops including rice, sugarcane, cucurbits and strawberries.

Canadian researchers have shown that silicon allows plants to activate genes which down regulate adverse response to stress – similar to an immune reaction. The role of increased strength of cells walls with silicon is less clear and any benefit of foliar sprays is not attributable to silicon as it can only enter the plant through the root system.

The symptoms of silicon deficiency in sugarcane are distinctive. The upper side of lower leaves in the canopy develop a white fleck and a bronze freckle which can cover the whole leaf surface.

Symptoms develop during the peak growth phase in summer when the soil can no longer meet crop requirements.

Benefits of silicon for sugarcane have been known since the mid-1970s.

20 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

Research in Australia has shown yield responses between 0 and 45%, with the average at 16%. The requirement for a silicon fertiliser supplement can be reliably indicated by soil or leaf analysis with sandy or light textured soils most likely to be deficient in silicon. Around 30% of soils in most sugarcane regions of Queensland are candidates for silicon supplements.

To give Mineral Mulch a go and see the results for yourself, give Wendy (0447 888 029) or Rob (0447 888 018) a call, or send an email to info@mineralmulch. com for further information.

FEATURE

Mastering Controlled Release Technology Supplied by Impact Fertilisers Recent trials and grower experiences have shown that controlled release fertilisers can improve nitrogen uptake in sugarcane, improve productivity and reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.

tropical growing conditions.

Improved efficiency

“It delivers a minimum of three months of controlled release nitrogen, to supply the crop nitrogen throughout its critical growth stages,” Mr Ellice-Flint said.

Single applications of uncoated fertilisers provide too much nitrogen while the crop is young and not enough during the main growth period beginning December to January.

The granule coating is the key

Agromaster is designed to minimise nutrient release for the first 20 to 30 days after application in order to increase the efficiency of nitrogen supply.

Controlled release technology better matches nitrogen supply to crop demand from planting or ratooning and through the key periods of crop growth.

Other nitrogen efficiency fertilisers do not provide controlled release of nutrients.

For example, inhibitor technologies supply all of the nitrogen immediately, coinciding with low crop demand when applied in September to October.

Additionally, research has shown that some nitrogen inhibitors are potentially only effective for 20 days when soil temperatures rise above 20°C.

Agromaster uses a new and advanced type of polymer coating to control the release of N into the soil.

This new technology is able to withstand the warmer soil temperatures and is resistant to the microbial activity of northern Queensland. Agromaster is therefore able to maintain a more accurate and sustained nutrient release.

The polymer coating technology found on Agromaster is unique to the Australian market.

Unlike other slow release technology available, Agromaster provides nitrogen over a set time that is defined and predictable, giving grower’s security in knowing that their crops will have access to nitrogen at critical growth stages.

The slow initial release is more costeffective as it allows growers to provide initial plant requirements of nitrogen through an alternative, cheaper source (urea) and banking the added controlled release source of nitrogen to be utilised later on when the crop requires it.

Agromaster can be blended to suit your crops’ requirements. It is available in Impact Fertilisers’ standard blends or as a prescription blend.

Agromaster has been designed to make the process of blending as easy as possible as it has a harder coating and is therefore less likely to abrade. Further, the granules are larger and more uniform in size.

Agromaster® is a trademark of ICL Specialty Fertilizers. 

The effective use of N has never been more critical with reef regulations in place and growers making concerted efforts to limit nitrogen runoff. As growers are improving their practices in fertiliser application with timings and rates, so too must the technology available on the market better meet crop needs.

Controlled release for tropical climates Impact Fertilisers and ICL Specialty Fertilizers have combined to take the next step in supplying innovative technology by delivering Agromaster®, the next generation in cost effective controlled release fertiliser.

Jack Ellice-Flint, the National Agronomy Services Manager at Impact explains, “Agromaster allows the delivery of nitrogen to the crop in the most highly efficient manner yet seen in northern Queensland.”

“Controlled release technology has been available on the international market for some 30 years, but Agromaster is the first product specifically made to suit the tropical conditions of northern Australia.

Agromaster has been tailored to suit

Mitch McColl (left), Area Sales Manager for Far North Queensland, Impact Fertilisers and Jack Ellice-Flint (right), National Agronomy Services Manager, Impact Fertilisers

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 21

Putting the squeeze on farm debt!

This is the first of a four-story series covering the big financial topics for cane farm owners, which include debt reduction, cashflow management and estate & succession planning.

Throughout this series, Dan Allman and Kim Evetts of Evetts and Allman Financial Advisory will bring to the surface, some practical information regarding topics their clients engage them in to help achieve their financial goals.

In this issue, Kim Evetts (who also owns a cane farm himself) explains the real importance of effective debt reduction and cash flow management.

Kim adds, “What reducing debt does is provide that all important commodity we all search for and that is increased cashflow”.

Why debt reduction?

Reducing debt is the first step we discuss with our clients because once this is addressed, and we have a plan in place, it will help to increase the equity and equally the future plans for expansion and succession.

Our main objective is to help give farm owners the tools and strategies to have more choice and control over the direction of their business, increase the flexibility in their decision-making which in turn increases their cash flow and ultimately improves the lifestyle for their family.

As part of the debt reduction process, we work with our clients to touch on some factors that are uncontrollable, such as the weather, the price of sugar, expenses, disease or the impacts of legislation.

This helps to see what can be controlled – the debt – by simply paying down in good times or using off farm income.

By lowering debt and showing a history of paying down debt, this displays to lenders your capacity and willingness to service and reduce debt, therefore enhancing your future lending prospects around expansion, should it be required.

Reduce debt and increase equity We help our clients to reduce their debt, which in turn increases their equity and future expansion plans (succession planning).

The larger the equity, the more viable they are from the banks point of view, particularly for long term farmers who can pay down debt when times are better.

Increasing equity may provide flexibility in the tougher times, and also allows more space to negotiate with a lender around repayment levels so that much needed cash flow is put where you need it most, when you need it most, for your farming enterprise.

But what about tax we hear you say?

There are many strategies that you can implement to manage your tax liability and many do not include purchasing another tractor, for example, which is an unnecessary capital expense.

business or farm, our job is to help them to start chipping away at achieving their long term goals, whether that’s to expand the business, introduce family members or invest in the business.

We encourage our clients to focus on the long term, 10 – 15 years.

Start now so you will be in a better position to hand over the family farm without leaving the kids with a huge amount of debt.

Come and talk to us about your goals and we can help you plan for your future.

At Evetts and Allman, we offer a complimentary one hour consultancy session for new clients, so we encourage you to take this opportunity to talk to us and find out how we can help you be in the best financial position for your family’s future.

Many of these strategies will make your farming enterprise more viable, create greater control and allow you to consider succession planning.

We find that a lot of our farming clients and business owners tend to bury themselves into their

DISCLAIMER Kim Evetts and Dan Allman are an authorised representatives of Financial Wisdom Limited ABN 70 006 646 108 AFSL 231138.

This document contains general advice. It does not take account of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

You should consider talking to a financial adviser before making a financial decision. Taxation considerations are general and based on present taxation laws, rulings and their interpretation and may be subject to change. You should seek independent, professional tax advice before making any decision based on this information.

22 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

WHAT’S NEW MEMBER SERVICES

FIRST 5 LINES FREE* FOR CANEGROWERS MEMBERS! Book online anytime of the day or night at www.canegrowers. com.au or email us at ads@CANEGROWERS.com.au.

Next deadline is 18 September 2015.

*As a FREE service to CANEGROWERS members, Australian Canegrower will print suitable classified advertisements UP TO 5 LINES FREE, FOR ONE ISSUE ONLY. A charge of $5. 50 will apply for each extra line or part thereof. A charge will apply for advertising of noncane growing activities. Advertisements must relate exclusively to cane farming activities, e.g. farm machinery etc. Advertisements from non-members are charged at $11 per line incl GST. Only pre-paid ads will be accepted.

Beaulieu R.U.M.

Graham Twyford Machinery Sales Pty Ltd

Attention Canegrowers The first step in achieving a high yielding cane crop is a good strike and vigorous growth in the early stage of your crop.

This can be achieved easily by simply adding 5 litres of R.U.M per acre to your dip water.

2011 MASSEY FERGUSON 5465 4 WD Tractor 120 HP. 1,967 Hrs. Fitted with 6 tonne Side Tipper BSM type.

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WESTHILL TRACK INFIELD TRANSPORTER Front Unloader 4 Metre Delivery. 12/14 Tonne Elev.

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14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 23

CLASSIFIEDS 20 Molloy Street, Toowoomba QLD Ph: 07 4615 0100 Email: manager@gessner.com.au www.gessner.com.au

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Herbert River – Burdekin

The 2015 sugarcane harvest is underway • Are you looking for a job?

• Are you looking for a worker?

We can help! Hop onto the CANEGROWERS Employment page to list a vacancy or check out the work that's available. http://www.canegrowers.com.au/page/Industry_Centre/Careers/ CANEGROWERS has a web page to help you find harvesting work and workers. Browse the listings or put up one of you own.

Good Luck!

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24 Australian Canegrower | 14 September 2015

RADIAL TRACTOR TYRE size 18.4 x 38.

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MASSEY FERGUSON 3090, 4WD, air con cab, 110HP, 6000hrs. VGC. $25,000 + GST. Howard HR40, 80in, rotary hoe with crumbler roller & new blades. VGC. $8000 + GST. Pope T35 water winch with 10 chain hose. Good cond. $6000 + GST. Aluminium pipes, 5in, approx. 50, $50 + GST per pipe. Ph: 0417 635 232 HODGE 24 PLATE offsets g/c $4500 +gst.

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+gst. Cane country duel row stick planter had little use $4000 +gst. 0417609580.

TOFT FULL-TRACK harvester 1983 model in good condition, POA Ph 4958 5253.

Massey 5460 dyna 4 125hp 600hrs $60,000+. 1 ton trash Incorp fert bin $3000. DIESEL ENGINES CAT 90HP $3000. DEUTZ 140HP $4000. CAT 3054 FOR PARTS $500. CAT C9 FOR PARTS $ 500. Ph: 0428340685 EXCAVATOR – JCB JS220, 2005, quick hitch, crane lock valves, hammer/auger/ tilt piping, tight pins & bushes, UHF radio, new GP bucket. $45,000+gst. Ph: 0419700761.

TRAILER - Tipper Tri-Axle Supa Dog, bisalloy, spring suspension, air operated dolly lock, 2-way tail gate, retractable mesh tarp. $16,000+gst. Ph: 0419700761.

8 X RIMS AND TYRES, 8.25 x 20, good condition, suit a Bedford Ph: 0417 743 745 MCLEOD 3 ROW multi-weeder (extended to 5.2 metres/17 feet), good condition $5000.00 + GST Ph 49595883 or 0407643441.

CAT EXCAVATOR 1992 - 307 with hydraulic tilting hitch. Attachments –1500 mud bucket, 800 bucket, 450 bucket, 300 bucket, Ripper, 5 finger grab, augerdrive 400, 600 auger, lift bracket, ½ hitch to suit 307. Open to offers. Ph 49595883 or 0407643441.

HODGE -1 ton fertilizer box, fitted to heavy duty double row Hodge grubber with 10 x 1 ¼ legs $3200.00 + GST or near offer. Ph 0407643441 or 49595883.

VALTRA 6400 4WD Tractor - 1ooHP, AirCon Cab, 2004 Model. 3700 Hours. Good Condition. $30 000. (incl GST) ONO PHONE: 0418710958 / 49503048.

Bundaberg - Rocky Point DROP-DECK, tautliner and flat top extendable for hire. 07 4159 8174 or 0417 004 717.

K line speedtillers for hire, efficient tillage implement, phone AgQuip hire. 1300 859 869 www.agquiphire.com.au FORD 8360 TRACTOR, 8000 hrs, Good condition. Ph 0741296149 or 0428798744

Wanted TRACTOR TYRES of all sizes. 0418 775 698 all hours.

TRAILERABLE STOOL splitter in good order – Ph: 0407 773 929 (Mackay – Proserpine)

Planting, 3 row ripping, slashing, carting, offsetting. Ph: 0402687016. Email: Ester.

Potgieter@aurizon.com.au (Mackay / Sarina Area)

Positions Vacant Wanted: Reliable farmhand to carryout farm duties on sugarcane properties in Home Hill, Burdekin region. Phone: 0429826274.

Property MACKAY: For sale cane farm Pinnacle area 07 4958 5253.

HERBERT RIVER: Cane farm 60.73ha with machinery and 4 bedroom dwelling at 194 Lannercost Ext Rd, Ingham Ph. 40454321

Mackay: 1750 Acres, seven lots, Coastal flat freehold property. South of Mackay suppling Mackay Sugar. High rainfall area and endless potential for diversification.

House and garage, equipped irrigation system, shed, machinery and equipment.

Phone 0417 636 828 – (07) 4959 1036 Wanted to Lease - Cane farm; SarinaMackay area. Ph: 0419 771 504 Do you want a FREE electronic version of Australian Canegrower delivered to your email inbox every fortnight?

To receive your free electronic copy, email us on: editor@CANEGROWERS.com.au.

Rainfall Report Recorded rainfall (mm) Location Mossman

7 days to 9am 31.08.2015

7.09.2015

Average rainfall (mm)

Year to date

Jan–Sep

0

0

1009

Mareeba AP

0.2

0

576

1834 736

Cairns

0.4

0.4

1362

1689

Mt Sophia

2

0

2911

2800

Babinda

0

0

1422

3641

Innisfail

0.8

3

1930

3052 3548

Tully

1

1

2199

Cardwell

2

Tce

1065

1754

Lucinda

2

0

733

1790

Ingham

0

0

821

1671

Abergowrie

0

0

952

1522

Townsville

0

0.2

248

908

Ayr DPI

0

2

350

752

Proserpine

9

0.6

611

1098

Mirani

0

0.1

626

1211

Mackay

0.6

0

648

1256

Sarina (Plane Ck)

11

0

782

1368

Bundaberg

7

0

591

722

Childers South

15

0

628

618

Maryborough

21

0

742

865

Tewantin

35

0

1117

1261

Eumundi

37

0

1380

1288

Nambour

47

0

1475

1270

Woongoolba

15

0

1102

1006

Murwillumbah

19

3

1313

1196

Ballina

22

9

1472

1411

Woodburn

22

6

817

1088

Work Wanted General Farm Hand / JCB Fastrack. Can drive New Holland Semi 52 dual, New Holland G240 dual, JCB Fasttrack T3,

Zero indicates either no rain or no report was sent. These rainfall figures are subject to verification and may be updated later.

Weather forecasts, radar and satellite images and other information for the farming community can be accessed on www. bom.gov.au. Weather report provided by the Bureau of Meteorology’s Commercial Weather Services Unit.

14 September 2015

| Australian Canegrower 25

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