Australian Canegrower - 17 August 2015

Canegrower AUSTRALIAN

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Sugar on the table at TPP talks

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CONTENTS 17.08.2015

CEO'S COMMENT

3

There is nothing like seeing things first hand and in action. After my first round of visits to our sugarcane districts, there have been many lessons, insights and opportunities made apparent to me.

Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO

Cover: Harvesting planting material at Steve Muscat's Mackay cane farm.

Canegrower AUSTR ALIAN

The flagship of the sugarcane industry 17 August 2015 Price $8.95

Opposite: Centre pivot low pressure irrigator in action. Pic by John Flynn.

INDUSTRY NEWS 4 Coroner wants quad riders to wear helmets 4 Sugar still on the table at TPP trade talks 5 Partnership to boost farm job skills 6 Industry Spotlight – Permits to move machinery

Bumper irrigation parts and equipment feature!

Sugar on the table at TPP talks

Ag vehicle permits explained

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 16 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

7 Regional round-up

WHAT’S NEW 10 QSL - Managing a falling market 12 SRA Snapshot – The importance of hilling up

IRRIGATION PARTS & EQUIPMENT 13 Crunching the yield numbers 14 2014/15 water year in review and current allocation outlook 16 Getting drip irrigation right 18 Producing more, using less

ON FARM 22 New pivot produces yield gains and cost savings 26 Tour puts Isis sugar on show

MEMBER SERVICES 27 Classifieds 29 Rainfall report 17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower

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EDITOR’S DESK

Clear skies over Australia’s sugarcane districts for the past fortnight has meant good progress for the crush, even if it has been frosty at times.

The regional round-up from page 7 contains reports from some of the CANEGROWERS districts.

Looking ahead the University of Southern Queensland seasonal and operational three month forecast for the total amount of rain over the August to October period indicates low rainfall probability (20% - 30% of exceeding the long-term median rainfall) for most districts.

There are also indications the current El Niño pattern is strengthening.

You may have noticed this magazine is heavier than normal – there are extra pages! Our Irrigation parts & equipment feature has been strongly supported by manufacturers and suppliers of irrigation equipment and advice.

From page 13, there are articles and promotions to help you grow more cane while cutting input costs.

Tully cane on show A great cane display at the Tully and District Show recently illustrated just why the mill season estimate has gone up by 100,000 tonnes to 2.55m tonnes.

The quality entries kept show judges Jordan Villarus, Greg Shannon and Rick Chappel (pictured top right) very busy deciding winners in the many varietybased categories for sticks and stools.

Grower Ray Zamora and his assistants (pictured bottom right) handed out more than 1,400 samples of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.

Thanks to the Tully Times for the pictures.

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Australian Canegrower

| 17 August 2015

The on farm feature from page 22 also follows this irrigation theme, as Mackay grower Joe Muscat explains his move to low pressure irrigation and the ten tonne per hectare gain he’s seen in just one year.

And as harvesting and planting operations continue, if you are confused about the permits required to move machinery on roads – check out page 6.

The spotlight column is devoted to explaining the situation as it currently stands while CANEGROWERS continues to work to ensure the authorities understand the impact of the requirements on farming operations. 

Neroli

CEO'S COMMENT

Lessons, insights and opportunities for a strong future together

By Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO It is EKKA time in Brisbane and as the promotional material says, the Royal Queensland Show provides an opportunity for the city and the country to come together.

The Ekka is a genuine opportunity to showcase Queensland agriculture and with an estimated attendance of around 400,000 people over the 10 days it is an experience that many people take advantage of, getting close to the animals and fresh produce that in the end become the products they see on their kitchen tables every day.

We are represented in a display for children showcasing the different jobs and people involved in agriculture.

We have two profiles of people in the sugarcane industry – Herbert River grower Joseph Grottelli and CANEGROWERS Proserpine’s Christine Peterson.

Of course visitors to the Ekka don’t get to see the daily challenges that farmers face to make the farming system work, let alone make it profitable. There is nothing like seeing things first hand and in action to really understand it.

It is this principle that has been at the heart of the need to get out and understand our industry from the district perspective. I have continued to meet with our managers and staff as part of my first round of visits over the past two months.

“Being relevant to growers, servicing their needs and reflecting their views is at the heart of this organisation, and our district offices are the front door to that access.”

Dan Galligan CANEGROWERS CEO

Half way through these trips, there have been many lessons, insights and opportunities made apparent to me. Our district officers and regional engagement arrangements provide the most extensive opportunity for cane growers across the state to access their industry body.

Being relevant to growers, servicing their needs and reflecting their views is at the heart of this organisation, and our district offices are the front door to that access. Getting to know the people that work in these critical roles and understanding the extensive range of services they provide has been critical to gaining an early understanding of what makes CANEGROWERS tick.

To be relevant, representative and supportive of Queensland growers we must have ways to reflect and deliver on their needs and provide opportunities for involvement from all.

While I still have many districts to visit I am already amazed at the depth of experience and diversity of the services on offer and I have been inspired by the enthusiasm and skill demonstrated by people who work within the industry.

Mill operators, laboratory technicians, sugar terminal mangers and staff, insurance representatives, administration and finance, researchers, and growers services and extension staff. All of them are working in different ways to improve the productivity and profitability of our industry.

With commodity prices as low as they are, recent disappointing outcomes from Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and pressures on the farming systems through high input costs, I understand the challenge is large. Fine tuning our resources to deliver on the needs of every farmers business will take constant effort.

My first chance to work formally on these issues with our district representatives will be at our Policy Council meeting on 27 and 28 August.

In discussing the agenda with people it is clear that not every issue can be discussed let alone solved in one meeting. But, it is the resilience of the structures we agree on to work together that will be important beyond this one meeting and it will be through these arrangements that we will continue to work for the farmers who support us. 

Good news!

Ergon Energy will waive the fixed charge component of electricity bills for growers who switched to T66 when their region was drought declared.

The declarations were lifted on 30 April without growers having time to switch back to a more economic tariff.

CANEGROWERS appreciates the waiver as a practical way of alleviating some of the financial stresses farmers have faced in recent years. Ergon will not reintroduce the fixed charges until after the next meter reading, due after 13 July 2015.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey acknowledged CANEGROWERS for its advocacy.

Australia's agricultural representatives at the TPP trade talks in Hawaii: L-R Dominic Nolan (ASMC), Milton Bazely (SunRice), Greg Beashel (QSL), Robert Pettit (Dairy Australia), Noel Campbell (Australian Dairy Farmers), The Hon Andrew Robb MP (Australian Trade Minister),Andrew McCallum (MLA), Warren Males (CANEGROWERS), Charles McElhone (Dairy Australia) and Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon (GrainGrowers). Story on page 4.

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Coroner wants quad riders to wear helmets A Queensland inquest into the deaths of nine people in quad bike accidents has concluded with a call for helmets to be compulsory and for children to be banned from riding adult-sized bikes.

The inquest report says that quad bikes are the leading cause of death on farms in Queensland.

On average, 15-20 people die each year in Australia on quad bikes.

The majority of people who’ve died fall into two age groups: 10-19 year olds and people aged over 50.

Deputy State Coroner John Lock said although head injuries were the most common primary medical cause of death of people involved in quad bike accidents (33%), helmets were not required in Queensland.

He recommended the Australian industry work on introducing a standard for quad bike specific helmets to meet the needs of the agricultural community.

Once that is done, he's recommended the Queensland Government legislate to make the wearing of helmets mandatory and launch a public awareness campaign.

Mr Lock said it was inappropriate for children under the age of six to ride any type of quad bike and children under the age of seven should not be carried as passengers.

Sugar on the table at TPP trade talks The latest round of Trans Pacific Partnership trade talks may not have produced an agreement - but they steeled CANEGROWERS resolve to fight for sugar to be part of any outcome and elicited an important political commitment in Australia.

As the meetings continued in Hawaii, five Queensland National Party politicians in the Australian Parliament issued an important joint statement warning they would vote against the deal if the result for sugar were unsatisfactory.

The negotiations in Hawaii started with high expectations that a deal would be forged between the 12 Pacific Rim nations involved but agricultural trade has proved to be a key sticking point.

“If the Australian sugar industry does not receive a substantial improvement in market access under the TPP, we cannot support a deal. We could not in good conscience give support to enabling legislation for the TPP if it ignores one of the most important industries in our state,” they said.

The Australian sugar industry is pushing for a substantial increase in the amount of sugar it is allowed to import into the United States, from the current 87,402 tonnes to 750,000 tonnes.

US negotiators are facing strong lobbying from their domestic industry to not allow more Australian imports, despite the US having a growing gap between what it produces and what it consumes. The shortfall is around 3 million tonnes each year.

“There’s no reason for the US to allow dumped Mexican sugar into its market while blocking access for unsubsidised Australian sugar,” said CANEGROWERS Head of Economics Warren Males who was in Hawaii for the negotiations.

“We could structure the trade in such a way that it would not impact on the livelihoods of US sugarcane and beet growers or the domestic support mechanisms, such as concessional loans, that they enjoy.”

The statement was signed by George Christensen MP, Senator Matt Canavan, Michelle Landry MP, Keith Pitt MP and Ken O’Dowd MP. During the talks the US did reportedly offer a slight increase in access for Australian sugar, of only 64,598 tonnes, but this small concession was rejected

by Australia’s Trade Minister Andrew Robb and he returned home with his negotiators, advisors and the Australian industry representatives without a deal.

In a statement the Minister said, “We all went to Hawaii with the aim of concluding, and while we didn’t quite get there we are definitely on the cusp.

Most importantly, the resolve remains to get this done.”

In an interview with the Australian Financial Review, Mr Robb pointed to the sizeable political pressure being ►

He said children under the age of 16 should not ride adult-sized quads but rather youth sized bikes which were lighter and speed limited.

Among his other recommendations was for industry groups to develop an accredited national training package which would become mandatory.

He also recommended that an Australian Standard be developed for crush protection devices.

Read the full inquest findings here www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0018/432306/cifquadbikeaccidents-20150803.pdf

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Australian Canegrower

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Senator Matt Canavan met Herbert River growers Brian Tabone, Chris Bosworth, Steve Marbelli, Steve Guazzo, Michael Pisano and CANEGROWERS Herbert River Manager Peter Sheedy.

INDUSTRY NEWS

placed on the US politicians by the sugar industry. While sugar represents 1% of the US agricultural sector, it’s reported that it accounts for about 20% of the farm industry’s political campaign contributions.

“They’re a powerful lobby and one of the biggest [financial] contributors to politics in Washington and that’s being reflected by the heavy nature of our negotiations,” Mr Robb said.

The TPP trade negotiations are set to continue later in the year.

“At least in the short term it gives us some comfort that sugar has not been thrown off the table,” said CANEGROWERS Chairman, Paul Schembri.

“The federal government remains committed to ensuring that sugar gets a fair deal across the line in the TPP. “The whole of the Australian sugar industry acknowledges the hard work of trade minister Andrew Robb to ensure that Australia’s cane growers can achieve a fair deal out of TPP. "We call on the US leadership to resolve the TPP issues.” n

Partnership to boost farm job skills A partnership between the State Government and farmer groups will establish Queensland’s first Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA).

to the spirit of partnership and collaboration we have found with the agricultural sector peak bodies, we can do all that and more,” he said.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne said the RJSA was being developed with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, AgForce, Growcom and CANEGROWERS.

“The alliance will lead the collection, analysis and publication of jobs and skills data from primary producers and that information will be invaluable in filling skills gaps,” Mr Byrne said. “More than $3 million was committed in the State Budget to fund this initiative.”

“One of our key election commitments was to work with industry to secure pathways for jobs in rural Queensland,” Minister Byrne said.

“Our intention was to help rural enterprises meet their seasonal employment needs, help people to acquire the skills required to satisfy potential employers and get more young people in rural and regional Queensland into apprenticeships that enhance their chances of long-term employment.

“I am delighted to say that, thanks

Clare Murray, Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO, said attracting and retaining a skilled and trained workforce was one of the greatest obstacles to future growth in the agriculture sector.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan welcomed the initiative saying he looked forward to working with industry colleagues to drive increased investment in training and jobs creation for Queensland’s 4000 cane growers. n

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| Australian Canegrower

5

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

What permit do I need to move my machine?

By Kevin Borg, Chairman CANEGROWERS Farm Input and Research Committee For two years now the Farm Input and Research Committee has been dealing with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to have workable rules put in place for the movement of oversize agricultural vehicles on our public roads.

You would remember some time ago that a 14 month trial was put in place for vehicles measuring 3.5m to 4.0m in width. In that trial there were what CANEGROWERS viewed to be unworkable requirements around signage and pilots that not only were excessive but also put the operator at risk.

CANEGROWERS has had success in moving TMR to reconsider. The process to get workable solutions gazetted is underway to ensure other road users are aware of a wide load.

In the meantime however, Table 1 shows the current legal requirements for the movement of vehicles between 3.5 and 4.0 meters under the trial notice.

For agricultural vehicles in excess of 4.0m in width permits must be applied for from TMR which will, in conjunction with your regional council, consider the application and apply what they believe are appropriate conditions for the roads they manage.

At this stage there are still a number of issues that have not been finalised with TMR and NHVR however CANEGROWERS is continuing to work with these authorities on other potential changes to these requirements to have a safe and more workable solution to these problems.

For some time now there has been a requirement for all vehicles over 4.6 meters in height to have a permit from Ergon Energy to move on public roads.

Table 1 (below): Trial conditions for ag vehicles 3.5-4.0m in width ROAD CATEGORY All road categories: Major Roads Minor Roads Critical Roads

CONDITION • Self-assessment the proposed journey can be performed safely; and • Portable roadside warning signs must be placed: -- at least 350m in advance of the travel zone in both/all directions; and -- at any road intersecting with the road along which the eligible vehicle is travelling; and • 1 pilot vehicle - ag pilot

Critical Roads additional conditions

• Eligible vehicle must have a minimum buffer zone of 0.5m from the centre line at all times (unless turning across a roadway); and • Maximum of 5km travel from a single journey

Table 2 (below): TMR likely escort conditions on permits issued for combinations which exceed height restrictions Only (based on travel height) Individual permits are still required this is not a class permit or Notice. These are likely escort conditions which will be applied. Road Managers have the right to impose different conditions i.e. based on risk to people or infrastructure.

OPERATION & ROAD TYPE

Unlimited travel

OVER 5.0M BUT NOT EXCEEDING 5.2M

OVER 5.2M BUT NOT EXCEEDING 5.5M

OVER 5.5M BUT NOT EXCEEDING 6.0M

ALL ROADS

CRITICAL & MAJOR ROADS

CRITICAL & MAJOR ROADS

1 Escort

1 QPS & 1 Escort

MINOR ROADS

MINOR ROADS

No Escort (route scoped, no obstruction)

1 Pilot

Short trips ** (no overhead obstructions)

(if obstructions)

1 Pilot

1 Escort

ALL ROADS

CRITICAL & MAJOR ROADS

CRITICAL & MAJOR ROADS

1 Pilot

1 Escort

MINOR ROADS

MINOR ROADS

No Escort

1 Pilot

(TMP required if obstructions occur)

(TMP required if obstructions occur)

ALL ROADS

ALL ROADS

ALL ROADS

No Escort

No Escort

No Escort

No Escort (TMP required if obstructions occur)

This applies to most harvesters once loaded onto low-loader transporters along with other machinery.

Loads in excess of 5.0m in height also have to apply for a TMR permit. The likely escort conditions that will apply to these permits is shown in Table 2. 

Crossing

* “Crossing a Road” includes 100m travel along the road. ** ‘Short Trip’ not to exceed 20 Km travel along a road.

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Australian Canegrower

| 17 August2015

Industry Spotlight sponsored by Smartcane BMP

INDUSTRY NEWS

CANEGROWERS Regional round-up

By CANEGROWERS district offices

Mossman and Tableland Mossman Mill crushed 38,233 tonnes of cane at an average of 12.37 CCS for Week 12 (1 August).

During a planned maintenance stop, No.6 mill’s top roller which was recently damaged was reinstated. The factory has now processed a total of 374,517 tonnes of cane for an average of 11.37 CCS. The Mossman Pool average to-date is 10.69 CCS and the Tableland Pool average to-date is 12.10 CCS.

of the district and growers in the wetter northern parts are getting anxious.

The QSL board and staff paid a visit and a number of growers took the time to meet the board and staff, and get an update on the market as well as marketing in general. Some of the analogies that Board member Sarah Scales gave in relation to the increased marketing costs for wheat post deregulation, highlighted the value of our current integrated system of logistics and marketing.

Tully

Herbert River

Crushing is in full swing and the crop estimate keeps increasing. It is now at 2.55 million tonnes and with 600,000 tonnes crushed to date, all involved are concentrating on making every post a winner.

Continuing fine weather has allowed harvesters to maintain their stride whilst the mills are endeavouring to optimize daily loadings whilst crushing rates are favourable with lower fibre content.

The quality of supply has improved as the recent fine weather has allowed access to earlier ratoons, and the CCS is rising as fibre levels reduce. Planting has been in full swing in the southern parts

The dry cooler weather is auguring well for improvement of CCS. Week 6 CCS was 12.2 with the season to date figure 11.7. 994,558 tonnees have been crushed.

Burdekin Although the dry weather is creating concern around the introduction of irrigation restrictions, it has been perfect for harvesting. The mills are crushing between 360,000 and 420,000 tonnes of cane per week.

Close to 35% or 2.9 million tonnes had been harvested as at 1 Aug. At the same time last year, although the crush started earlier, only 28% or 2.2m tonnes had been harvested. If the weather stays dry and the mills continue to perform at this level, indications are that the crush may be completed by early November.

On Wednesday 29 July, CANEGROWERS Burdekin, together with our colleagues from Herbert River, meet with the three Townsville-based Labor Party MPs to given them an overview of the impact on the Queensland cane industry of Wilmar’s NO CHOICE – NO QSL scheme.

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7

INDUSTRY NEWS

Regional round-up continues...

The meeting was at the office of Coralee O’Rourke, who is the Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland, with fellow MPs Scott Stewart and Aaron Harper in attendance.

Our key message was that Wilmar’s proposal will strip growers of their right to utilise QSL, an Australian, not for profit, industry owned marketing company that has faithfully served the needs of the industry for over 100 years.

General Manager Debra Burden and Manager Wayne Smith on 30 July meet with LNP MPs Dale Last, Andrew Powell (Shadow Minister for Energy and Water Supply) and Scott Emerson (Shadow Minister for Transport).

On 4 August SRA conducted an Innovation in Sugar Expo with sessions on banded spraying, real time water quality monitoring, legume farming systems and a nozzle demonstration.

In the legume session, Mike Hanks from DAF stated that some current practices are beating the soil to death and in some areas, Burdekin soils are biological deserts and that one of the key reasons for yield decline is soil health issues.

Mackay With the harmonisation of pilot and escort vehicle driver requirements, CANEGROWERS Mackay facilitated Pilot/ Escort Vehicle Driver Level 1 & 2 courses.

One course was scheduled but due to an overwhelming response, an additional three courses were organised. A total of 64 people attended the four courses.

A total of 74,620 tonnes of cane was crushed for the week at the Wilmar Plane Creek mill. Overall operational results for the week were pleasing, with throughput, bin weights and CCS returning to an upward trend. The highest CCS sample for the week was from a rake of fourth ratoon KQ228 at 17.40 from the Carmila Productivity District The Mackay area mills crushed 242,654 tonnes of cane with an average PRS of 13.53 for the week ending 2 August. Both Farleigh and Racecourse mills completed a maintenance day during the week to chemically clean

Harvesting on the Tableland. Photo by Lee.

Proserpine Just over 175,900 tonnes of cane were processed for the fortnight bringing the season to date total to 464,324 tonnes and meaning that after less than six weeks, a quarter of the 2015 crop has been crushed. Despite an extended planned maintenance stop, throughput for the fortnight exceeded budget expectations.

Harvesting conditions have been ideal and should remain dry for the rest of the month. A recent cold snap has seen an small increase in CCS. Season to date CCS now stands at 13.08.

Given the lower CCS, the Operational Review Committee elected to decrease the interim payment CCS by 0.50 of a unit to 14.22 ahead of QSL’s August payment increase. The ORC will review the position again at the end of August and make a further adjustment, if necessary.

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Australian Canegrower

their evaporator sets. Marian Mill stopped early in the week for a short time to replace hammer tips on one side. Both milling trains were down for six hours due to a blockage in the bagasse conveying systems.

This week’s result was the best to date in terms of crushing throughput and, despite the maintenance day at Racecourse, the site was still able to achieve a target of over 5,200 MWh produced through the cogenerations assets. The mills have now surpassed the 1.5 million tonnes mark for the season, having crushing over 31% of the estimated 4.86 million tonnes crop.

Isis Isis Mill has crushed more than 36% of an estimated crop of 1.3million tonnes of cane at the end of week 8. Tonnes to date are 471,795 for an average CCS

| 17 August 2015

of 13.06. There have been no significant hold ups so far in either harvesting or milling operations. Cold weather and light frosts are having an improvement on CCS. The weather has stayed dry and some crops are looking like they need a light irrigation.

The Childers Festival of Cultures was held on 25 and 26 July. The mill closed the tramline through Childers for this event for public safety reasons but impact on harvesting was minimal. The Isis sugar industry was featured during this festival with tours conducted through the mill and a cane fire in preparation for harvest (see separate story on page 26).

Bundaberg Bundaberg mills crushed a total of 86,571 tonnes of cane with an average CCS of 14.40 for week 8 of this season.

The average CCS increased by 0.42 units at both Millaquin (14.44) and Bingera (14.36).

By the end of July a total of 607,646 tonnes of cane had been crushed with a CCS average of 13.36 for the season to date which equates to 35% of this year’s crop estimate.

During the week a grower was fortunate enough to achieve 17.00 units from Q240A older ratoon which is the highest CCS so far this season. Once again KQ228A (30% of supply) was the variety to beat with a CCS average of 14.59 units followed by Q240A (26% of supply) with a CCS average of 14.49.

Q242A made up 14% of supply with a CCS average of 14.27 units. Q208A (13% of supply) had a CCS average of 14.55 units which was down 4% on the previous week. Collectively these four varieties account for a little over 80% of all cane supplied for the week.

Maryborough Towards the end of week 7 MSF’s Maryborough mill has crushed 262,516 tonnes of cane at CCS of 12.71. The weather has been favourable for harvesting over the past week and the crop continues to cut out to estimate.

Much of the standover cane from last season has now been harvested as the dryer weather allows access to these blocks. CCS levels have risen significantly over the past week with the mill average for week 7 at 13.38. Growers are busy with groundwork in preparation for the spring planting season. n

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QSL

Sign up for market updateS and QSL newS at www.qsl.com.au

ICE No.11 Prompt Futures Contract

QSL Forward Fixed Price Contr

Australian Dollar (AUD v USD)

19.0

Market Update

18.0

By Shaun Tupou, Treasury Analyst

480

17.0

Current as of 10 August 2015 0.90

460

20.0

0.98

520

0.96

500

0.94 0.92

16.0

0.88

440

0.86

420

Sugar 0.84

15.0 14.0

400

A 0.82 choppy fortnight for raw sugar futures saw the prompt October 15 contract trade across a 100-point range. Most notably, a steep weakening in the spot contract 380 resulted in significant 0.80 contract lows at 10.63c/lb.

Despite a relatively downhill week, sugar staged a small rally into 0.78 360 the last session, with October 15 trading up to a 10.96c/lb-high for the week before a late 0.76 sell-off saw prices settle just above life-of-contract lows (10.66c/lb).340 Spread activity for the 0.74 fortnight reflected much of the flat price action. Front spread October/March narrowed to -106 points before turning to trade back out to -125 points on the week’s close. Continued narrow 2015 2016 ranges and lighter trade volumes appeared to be the cause of such subdued price movement.

13.0 12.0 11.0

On the fundamental front, there were no significant developments for the fortnight, with QSL Forward Fixed Price Contract (A$/mt) weather 520patterns in Centre South Brazil and Asia holding much of the spotlight. While the weather in CS Brazil has been dry and looks set to stay that way over the coming week, there 500 likelihood of rainfall ahead. A mixture of cane flowering and wet weather has seen is a strong ATR (Total 480 Recoverable Sugar in Portuguese) fall behind last year’s levels. It will increase the importance of observing ATR levels during the upcoming UNICA releases for the periods of 460 drier weather.

In Asia, it appears the wet season is remaining firm, with speculation of El Nino being 440 rubbished.

Australian Dollar (AUD v USD) 0.98 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.90 0.88

The latest 420 Commitment of Traders report was released on Friday with a small surprise. NonIndex Funds increased their net short position by a mere 4500 lots. The Non-Index Funds added400 just shy of 20,000 shorts for the fortnight – currently net short 75,000 lots. Despite softening 380 flat prices, a further increase in shorts was as per expectations. This indicates that declining flat prices can also be credited to speculative selling.

0.86 0.84 0.82 0.80 0.78

360

Much like sugar prices, the Brazilian Real has begun to slide into long unchartered territory, 340 trading out to an astonishing, fresh 12-year low of 3.5072. The Real continued its slide from the previous week, where we saw 12-year lows at 3.4214.

0.76 0.74

2015

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

2016

2017

Going forward, this week we have the UNICA report for the second half of July (delayed) and we will continue to monitor the political headlines in Brazil. The price action of the Brazilian Real will be particularly important as it continues to dictate movements in the raw sugar flat prices in conjunction with speculative selling.

Currency

500

It was a choppy fortnight of trade for the AUD, which traded across a 184-point range. Notably, the AUD traded through 159 points following the RBA rate decision and statement on monetary policy. The RBA removed mention of a need for a weaker Aussie, which partnered with a weaker USD propelled the AUD to a 74-cent handle.

480 460 440

In the week prior, the Fed mentioned that “some” further improvement in the labour market would be needed to influence the chances of a September rate rise. Going forward, the Fed will continue to monitor the labour market and employment situation looking for indicators to prompt a raise.

420 400 380

Locally, we have limited economic events ahead, with consumer confidence on Wednesday. In the US we have retail sales advances, jobless claims, PPI and industrial production due.

360 340 2015

2016

2017

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

10 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

In the near term, we see limited upside for AUD thanks to down-trending commodity prices.

Despite China trade showing an increase in imports for iron ore, upside price action looks restricted to moves above 75 cents.

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

Managing a falling market

By Dougall Lodge, QSL General Manager Trading and Risk, Sales and Business Development

It’s been a tough market for Australian sugar producers lately, as for the first time in six years we’ve seen world sugar prices move below 11c/lb.

This move down has largely been due to a stronger US economy and US dollar which have negatively affected all USD-denominated commodities.

The weakening of the Brazilian Real, which is now trading at over 3.50 BRL/ USD (the highest level in 12 years) has also been a primary driver.

Further, as sugar remains a highly regulated market globally, many producers are being insulated from lower prices via government support.

This impedes pricing signals reducing production levels, continuing the sugar surplus cycle.

Meanwhile in the physical market, we are working our way through the record high stocks of nearly 80 million tonnes and are now in our third year of having physical stocks larger than 43% of annual consumption.

The location of these stocks is critical for their impact on the world market, with the largest exporters, Brazil and Thailand, recently enhancing their storage capabilities and the world’s largest raw sugar importer, China, already sitting on 9 million tonnes of stocks.

Together these factors will dampen the potential for trade flow deficits to support price increases too rapidly.

But thankfully we should not be heading back below 11c/lb as the cost of production in Brazil (not including their financing cost) is estimated at this price, so the current ICE 11 prices are at the bottom of Brazilian comfort levels.

MINIMISE MARKET IMPACTS In the current falling market environment those QSL members who have allocated tonnes to QSL’s committed pools have secured some very competitive pricing versus the current market levels.

QSL members who have undertaken individual forward pricing up to two seasons prior to the current season have also locked in pricing at relatively higher levels.

QSL has also been very active in advancing both our in-season pricing in the committed pools and our sales program, and as a result all 2015 QSL pools are well ahead of the benchmarks for the year to date.

A key driver for QSL or any marketer to optimize pool returns in a falling market is leveraging the timing of sales, the corresponding futures position profile for these and the storage capabilities of our bulk sugar terminals.

For example, at the moment there is a US$25-30 per tonne advantage for sales made against March 2016 vs October 2015.

The ability for a marketer to manage their storage, maximise their exposure to the March 16 contract and minimise their exposure to the October 15 contract is paramount to securing value and will outweigh any advantage in the timing of the actual pricing in the position.

There is potential for the El Nino weather system to negatively impact Brazil’s supply chain and milling capability.

The sugar vs ethanol split for the year to date in Brazil has also been much more focused on ethanol and they may not reach full-year assumption levels.

Together these factors may see the Brazilian estimate revised down to 3132 million tonnes.

Market speculators are once again short around 5 million tonnes of sugar futures.

This means that they will need to buy back their sold positions at some point before the end of September.

China’s 2015/16 local sugar demand will outstrip the production there by around 6 million tonnes.

The level of imports will depend on the stock replacement programs.

The local Zhengzhou sugar futures market has been very volatile recently as participants there pushed prices up to over $200/t above import-parity levels.

For further information regarding the current status of the global raw sugar, visit www.qld.com.au. n

LOOKING FROWARD There may be some hope for the sugar market to rebound from current levels in the coming year.

The factors we are keeping an eye on include: 17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 11

SRA | SNAPSHOT

Hilling up – Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

New precision ag manual is available

By Phil Patane, SRA Development Officer, Ingham

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has released a new manual, Precision agriculture for the sugarcane industry, which provides advice for growers looking to invest as well as those who are already using precision agriculture.

It is vitally important to ensure a consistent row profile as it will need to last the entire crop cycle.

4. Aim to produce a flat smooth

Providing a consistent row profile that matches harvester basecutter height and angle is important to minimise pick-up losses, stool damage and soil in cane supply.

5. Consistent row profile that

Hill height and shape will vary depending on cultural practices and agronomic considerations.

Although it is not possible to stipulate a specific height or size, some general rules do apply:

1. For conventional planting, ensure

that plant cane is properly filled in.

Start bringing in soil once there are eight to ten shoots per metre. Research indicates that there is no yield impact from filling in early versus filling in late.

However, filling in early leads to reduced stool damage due to the improved row profile. Filling in late causes soil not to flow properly into the centre of the hill, resulting in a volcano effect.

The volcano effect causes high soil in cane supply and increased pick-up losses. Stools are more prone to damage as they are not properly supported.

2. Flat or hollow profiles are

unacceptable. Harvesters cannot pick up cane out of a hollow.

3. Avoid excessive clods in the row

as this increases soil in cane supply.

interspace free of tine marks to give the harvester a level platform. matches basecutter angle is the key to minimising stool damage.

The main focus is to provide a row profile which matches harvester basecutter setup. Establishing a row profile which matches basecutter setup reduces pick-up losses, soil intake and basecutter damage.

It is vitally important that growers and operators discuss the correct row profile that matches harvester setup to achieve an optimal outcome.

Remember that damage to hill shape during harvesting cannot be effectively corrected by cultivation in ratoons.

Case study Chris Condon is a Tully grower and harvester owner. He follows a number of general rules and in particular the importance of discussion between grower and operator, which has allowed him to produce the optimal outcome.

“I continually have a discussion with my harvesting operator to ensure the hill height and shape match harvester basecutter setup, even if it involves me doing an extra pass,” Chris said.

"It is vitally important to have links between operators and growers to allow both parties the optimal outcome.” 

Tully grower Chris Condon inspects his crop

SRA Manager Mr James OgdenBrown, said there was significant potential for gain for the industry, with greater adoption able to benefit both growers and millers.

“With production costs increasing, this is another way for the Australian industry to improve its productivity and competitiveness.

“This guide sets out steps to adoption, outlines the benefits, and provides case studies on growers who are already putting the technology to good use.

“I encourage growers, millers, and advisors to grab a copy of the guide.”

Proserpine cane grower Tony Large is part of a local farming group that has spread and shared the investment in precision agriculture across this group, allowing the group to make investments that would have been difficult for them as individuals.

“For us, precision agriculture is about efficiency and making us more sustainable, for example by reducing soil compaction,” he said.

Although his group has already made the investment, he said that the manual would be useful for those who were looking to invest.

“I found it (the manual) especially useful where it ran through the range of GPS units that are available to help you choose which one suits you,” he said.

“I’d advise anyone looking to make the investment to consider those recommendations in the manual.”

For a copy of the manual email Andrea Evers on aevers@sugarresearch. com.au or call (07) 3331 3333. 

12 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

FEATURE

Irrigation parts and equipment advertising feature The next 13 pages contain advice, products and services all aimed at helping you get the best sugarcane output you can from the water and electricity you pay for!

Crunching the yield numbers

By Neroli Roocke Mackay grower Tony Bugeja expected a yield difference between the cane under his new centre pivot and the cane just outside its reach – but the size of the productivity gain has astounded him.

“I had been expecting a 20 tonne difference. When it came in at over 40 tonnes I was blown away,” he admits.

Australian Canegrower featured the Bugeja family’s installation of low pressure irrigation last edition (03/08/2015).

Tony outlined a $33 per hectare saving in irrigation costs with a new pivot.

The system is being used to apply more water in smaller amounts to top up soil moisture with greatly reduced electricity demand for pumping.

winch at 65mm per irrigation irregularly spaced during the growing period.

Farmacist is now looking at fertiliser plans for each of the areas and Tony believes there is the potential to reduce the amount of nitrogen he’s using.

“Farmacist know as much about our farms as we do,” Tony says of his agronomic advisors.

“We do a lot of work with them and we’re grateful for their willingness to come on farm.” 

The next step was to compare yields under and immediately outside the pivot.

This was done in late July by Farmacist using a weigh trailer.

“This is a plant cane block of Q240 of roughly 7.9 hectares, of which 2 hectares is outside the pivot,” Farmacist Project Manager John Markley explains.

“Under the pivot the yield was 163.33 tonnes per hectare while outside the pivot, where it was irrigated using the winch, the yield was 120.37. That’s a difference of 42.96 tonnes.”

The area under the pivot had 15-20 irrigations at 20mm per irrigation evenly spaced when required.

The area outside of the pivot’s reach had four irrigations using a high pressure 17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 13

FEATURE

2014/15 water year in review and current allocation outlook Supplied by Waterfind Australia A land of extremes, Queensland experienced extreme drought and floods during the 2014/2015 season.

Especially dry conditions were recorded in the northern two-thirds of the state where large areas received less than 60% of average rainfall (including the Mareeba Dimbulah, Burdekin Haughton and Proserpine Water Supply Schemes).

By contrast, south eastern Queensland (including Bundaberg and Mary River Water Supply Schemes) received average rainfall.

Prolonged dry conditions have also led to a situation where more than 80% of the state is officially in drought, the largest area ever to be declared under drought.

has been mostly below average for the last three irrigation seasons.

volumes increasing almost two-fold compared to the 2013/14 water year.

According to Bureau of Meteorology data the state-wide average rainfall during 2014 was 561.1 mm, 10% below the historical average.

In November 2014, water storage levels dropped to the lowest level seen since late 2007.

Waterfind’s Queensland Rainfall Index for the past five years shows that rainfall

As a result the demand for temporary water was high, with temporary traded

Starting with April 2015, water storage levels in Queensland continued to decrease causing temporary water prices to trend upwards towards the average highest value registered during the 2014/15 season - $100/ML. â–ş

Waterfind Queensland Rainfall Index - July 2010 to June 2015

14 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

FEATURE

The demand for irrigation water is likely to remain high and seasonal assignment prices are likely to increase, particularly in the drought declared areas, where irrigators did not receive 100% allocation for other than High Priority Water Allocations (e.g.

Burdekin Medium Priority, Upper Condamine Medium Priority, St George Medium Priority).

Forward water markets Despite continuing dry conditions, announced allocations for SunWater regions are high with most regions receiving 100% allocation at the start of the 2015/16 water year, on 1 July.

Moving forward into the new season, a possible way to manage risk and water security in the coming months is to contract water on the forward market.

As an extension of the spot market, the

forward market enables the contracting of temporary and permanent parcels at a set price to be delivered at a future date.

said Jordan Barratt, Water Broker, Waterfind Queensland.

The forward market enables buyers and sellers to trade groundwater and surface water.

For further information on water trading in your region, spot and forward contracts, please contact Jordan Barratt at the Waterfind Queensland office on 1800 890 285.

“The forward market provides growers with the essential tools to manage their water requirements with confidence,”

Sign up for your personalised Weekly Water Report with data specific to your region. 

REACH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK Is cutting corners robbing you of extra profit?

Install a Reinke® swing arm corner and bring 29 extra acres under irrigation with up to 408 feet of uniform water and chemical coverage. It’s a simple change that can go a long way to boost your yield and profit.

Please call us for more information

Chris Dawson 0427 049 686 Mark Kurtz 0400 748 687 Office 07 4992 1955 17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 15

FEATURE

Getting drip irrigation right

By Matt Clift, Rivulis Irrigation Reduced water allocations, a more competitive global environment and rising input costs have led to a significant uptake of drip irrigation over the past five years.

Once you have decided to install drip, there are a number of options that a cane grower is presented with — lateral configuration, dripper type and flow rates to mention just a few.

About 30 years ago when Rivulis Irrigation was originally T-Systems, we installed our first sugarcane drip irrigation system in Bundaberg.

Over the past three decades we have installed numerous drip irrigation systems, and based on this experience, have developed a number of general recommendations for growers considering drip irrigation.

Choosing the right layout An increasingly common crop configuration is 1.5 – 2.0 metre centres with dual rows of cane.

Early drip systems would have one line of drip tape between the two rows of cane.

However, in peak water use conditions one row of tape often does not provide the necessary water for growth.

On a hot day in north Queensland, up to 12mm a day application rate can be required.

As such, for dual row applications, we recommend one line of drip tape under each row of cane (i.e. two lines per bed — see Figure 1).

Not only does this provide the water required for peak growth, the reduced distance between the tape and the active root zone increases efficiency of the system.

Distance between drip emitters Correct spacing between each drip emitter can make a big difference.

Early sugarcane drip irrigation systems used drippers spaced at 50 – 60 cm intervals. However this practice has generally been superseded by closer dripper spacing of 25 – 30 cm.

Figure 1- Recommended dual row drip configuration The benefits of closer dripper spacing are numerous but are all related to water movement.

When irrigating, you want water to move laterally, not down through the soil profile where it is either lost (including any fertilisers added) or is harder for plants to uptake (see Figure 2).

By keeping drippers spaced at 25 – 30 cm intervals, water flows laterally quicker, ensuring a continued wet strip along the row of cane.

Increased distance between drippers can lead to dry patches between them, and more water lost through the soil profile while trying to achieve lateral movement.

It should be noted that closer dripper spacing intervals do not need to come at an extra cost.

Because Rivulis T-Tape has emitters manufactured into the tape itself, as opposed to inserted moulded drippers, there is no cost difference per metre between five drippers per metre (20 cm spacing) and two drippers per metre (50 cm spacing).

This makes dripper interval spacing an agronomic decision instead of an economic one.

Wall thickness The thickness of the tape itself is commonly measured in mil (thousandths of an inch), with drip tape ranging from 6 to 25 mil wall thickness.

Generally we have found 12 – 15 mil wall thickness to be suitable for sub-surface sugarcane.

16 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

We have 15 mil tape that is still in operation 20 years after being installed.

Because rodents will eat through even very thick tube if they want to, instead of investing in tape thicker than 15 mil, we recommend practising simple good farm hygiene and rodent control.

Dripper type A common question we receive is, ‘Should a system use pressure compensating (PC) drippers?’

A PC dripper (also known as flow regulation) has a silicone membrane in each dripper that regulates the pressure so a specified output is given within a large pressure range.

PC drippers are often used in orchards and vineyards. The Rivulis D5000 drip tape contains PC drippers; however, in the majority of cane applications, we would recommend a non-PC drip tape such as T-Tape.

Pressure compensation will greatly increase the cost of the drip irrigation system.

In addition, PC drippers are manufactured separately and inserted into the tape, leading to further price increases as dripper interval distance is reduced (i.e. more drippers per metre), unlike Rivulis T-Tape, where drippers are manufactured into the tape.

As almost all irrigated cane in Australia is on relatively flat ground, pressure compensation is a premium that is rarely required. ►

FEATURE

If pressure compensation is primarily used for longer run lengths, this inherently means that there is large pressure loss across the system Pressure loss across an irrigation system is often a symptom of poor initial irrigation design that can lead to increased pumping costs.

Main lines and submains When designing a system, it can be tempting to reduce main-line and sub-main costs by using smaller diameter piping.

Although you will save money upfront, our experience has shown this can lead to significantly increased energy bills.

Pressure is lost as it passes through piping due to friction loss.

Once you go over 1.5 metres per second, significant pressure loss is incurred, resulting in increased pumping costs to still achieve the required pressure.

We would generally recommend keeping to a maximum of 1.5 metres per second for the main line and two meters per second across the sub-mains dependent on the situation.

The difference in cost is not to be underestimated.

A poorly designed system with incorrect main-lines and sub-mains compared to a correctly designed system we have modelled to equate to 46% increase in pumping costs.

Summary Every situation is unique, and we recommend you engage professionals to develop a system specifically for your requirements.

Ensure your designs are completed by an experienced drip irrigation designer, and only work with drip irrigation companies with a proven track record of drip irrigation in sugarcane.

When we talk to growers who use drip irrigation, we often hear comments such as, ‘It is nowhere near as complicated as I thought it would be’.

Drip irrigation is easy, and can yield great results if you work with partners who can provide the expertise to deliver a system that best meets your needs. 

Figure 2 – Water movement by soil type & dripper interval spacing

Servicing the far north's irrigation needs

By Pumping Irrigation & Machinery Services Pumping, Irrigation and Machinery Services prides itself on being the Far North Queensland distributor and certified installer of Valley Pivots. Valley is a worldwide leader in precision irrigation.

The Valley brand of centre pivot, linear, and corner equipment provides solutions for conserving water and meeting the growing demand of agricultural farming.

We also have a large range of drip irrigation suppliers, which means that we can provide a tailored solution for whatever crop you are growing.

With a multitude of different flowrates, sizes, pressure compensated and noncompensated drippers, there is plenty of choice to tailor a custom system, while reducing the loss of water that traditional systems can cause. 

FOR ALL DOMESTIC, RURAL & INDUSTRIAL PUMPING SYSTEMS DESIGN • SUPPLY • INSTALLATION • REPAIR PUMPING, IRRIGATION & MACHINERY SERVICES 8 Reynolds St Mareeba • Ph: 4092 1622 • Fax: 4092 1750 Email: sales@pumpingirrigation.com.au

www.pumpingirrigation.com.au

1300 477 443

QBSA Lic No 1181013

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 17

FEATURE

The Simple Challenge Producing more while using less with mechanised irrigation

By Chris Slade, Reinke Irrigation System The challenge for growers worldwide is simple, or at least it sounds simple, grow more with less.

The United Nations recently updated its world population projections, and the numbers are impressive; an estimated world population of 9.7 billion by 2050, 10 billion by 2055, and 11 billion by 2088.

The world is growing and with this growth the demand for food and fuel will grow as well.

Professional growers are tasked with the challenge of meeting this demand while using less of the precious, and sometimes costly, inputs necessary to grow a successful crop.

So, maybe not as simple as it sounds, but I have yet to meet a grower that is not up to the challenge.

This challenge will not be met by accident. It will take advancements in strategy, new technologies and a well formulated plan that is executed efficiently, and mechanised irrigation can be a critical tool for meeting this challenge.

Mechanised irrigation by center pivot or lateral system allows growers to reduce inputs such as fuel, electricity and labor, while maximising the use of our most precious input‌water.

It gives growers the ability to apply water where it is needed, when it is needed and in the quantity that is needed.

Combine this with advanced technologies like weather stations and soil moisture monitors, and the precision and efficiency of mechanised irrigation increases even more.

Efficient irrigation is critical in any operation, maybe even more so for sugarcane growers in Australia, as water availability decreases and the cost of water increases.

As a sugarcane grower, ensuring you are getting the absolute most production out of your inputs, especially your water, is vital to your operation’s success.

Mechanised irrigation systems can also be customised to meet your specific irrigation needs.

and are perceived as early adopters of technology, this challenge does not need to be met alone.

The SugarGator pivot from Reinke is a great example, as it features taller towers specifically designed for sugarcane irrigation.

It is the responsibility of all of us that work in agriculture to continue to work and innovate to provide solutions to the challenge of producing more with less.

The taller towers allow water to be transported above the crop canopy, and paired with a customised sprinkler package and drops, provides efficient water application to the crop when needed.

These solutions must be sustainable, profitable and productive to be effective.

Another customised irrigation solution is the Reinke Pivoting Lateral, which operates much like a typical lateral system, with the added ability of pivoting the entire system at precise locations in the field.

This offers the flexibility to cover more ground with efficient mechanised irrigation, using only one machine.

The benefits and advantages of mechanised irrigation are strong enough to warrant cane growers to look further into a possible mechanised irrigation solution, and I encourage you to contact your local irrigation dealer/specialist to learn more.

Growers worldwide will continue to work to meet the challenge presented.

While cane growers in Australia are amongst the most efficient in the world

18 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

Mechanised irrigation could very well be one of the sustainable, profitable and productive solutions that can help you meet the challenge of producing more with less. 

FEATURE

VIRTUAL BUS TOUR Season 2015 to be released soon

BANDAMA 2000

This year’s virtual bus tour DVD is due for release in the next couple of months and will again be jam packed with great on-farm stories from around the State.

AUSTRALIA office

● Improved rubber compound

Each video segment is a ‘farm visit’ featuring a cane grower showing us around their cane property and filling us in on practices, machinery and technology they have implemented on farm. We get to see how they’ve gone about implementing new tech and hear about the results they’ve achieved – both the successes and potential pitfalls to look out for when implementing a similar project on farm.

While the DVDs will be sent directly to cane growers across Queensland in September, growers who would like an advance preview of this year’s series can head to YouTube, where CANEGROWERS is uploading a segment each fortnight.

There are 12 farm visits in the 2015 season, covering a hit list of best management practices and new technology most requested by cane growers after successful previous seasons.

DRAG IRRIGATION HOSE ● Low pressure loss ● All sizes available at our new warehouse ● Shipment within the week ● Sizes: 2 ½”, 3", 3 ½”, 4", 4 ½”, 5” and 6” ● Mining hose also up to 8” ● Lengths: 150 and 200 metres ● Delivery anywhere in Australia & New Zealand

CONTACT TIPSA OFFICE IN AUSTRALIA: TEL: (02) 9517 9995 EMAIL: tipsa.sydney@tipsa.com

PLEASE ENQUIRE NOW!!!

To better support our distributors, Tipsa currently stocks all types of hoses and accessories in Australia

While most farmers tend to wait for the DVD, the online version is also a valuable resource for government, universities, researchers and the community, as they can see firsthand how our cane growers are farming in a proactive, sustainable and environmentally integrated way.

The 2015 season of the successful Virtual Bus Tour project has been proudly sponsored by two proactive government programs; the Australian Government Reef Programme and the Queensland Government Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures initiative. 

LEADERS IN DESIGN

AUSTRALIAN MADE

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MANUFACTURING THE LARGEST RANGE OF HARD AND LAY FLAT HOSE IRRIGATORS IN AUSTRALIA

Very low labour requirement • Extreme versatility • Portable • Low cost Long life and simple maintenance • Easy to operate • Excellent water uniformity Low acreage losses • Able to work around obstructions

TRAILCO lay flat hose Travellers : Use Angus Dragmaster hose.

T50

T50 125m run, 25mm hose.

T100 165m run, 38mm hose T150-2 T150-2 200m run, 52mm hose.

T200-2 up to 300m run, 63 - 76mm hose.

T250-2 up to 400m run, 63 - 76mm hose.

T300-2 up to 400m run, 76 - 89mm hose.

T300 TURBO up to 400m run, 76 - 89mm hose. up to 400m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T400 T400-2 up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T450-2 up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

T300 TURBO T400 TURBO up to 600m run, 89 - 114mm hose.

50m BOOM up to 400m run, 76 - 102mm hose.

85m BOOM up to 600m run, 102 - 114mm hose.

TCS20 Effluent Irrigator up to 200m run.

85m BOOM T400 TURBO

50m BOOM

TRAILCO hard hose Polyreels :

T100

Use polyethylene pressure hose.

T200-2

T250-2

TP40

TP32 100m run, 32mm hose.

TP40 120m run, 40mm hose TP90 TURBO up to 350m run, 90 - 110mm hose.

TP110 TURBO up to 394m run, 110 - 125mm hose.

TP140 TURBO up to 500m run, 125 - 140mm hose.

TP140 TURBO

T300-2

TP90 TURBO

TP110 TURBO T450-2

TRAILCO IRRIGATION (AUST.) P.O. BOX 1278 EAGLE FARM, 4009 Phone : (07) 3260 1828 Fax : (07) 3260 1877 Web : www.trailco.com.au Email : sales@trailco.com.au

Please send me further information on the full range of Trailco Irrigators and our nearest dealer Name ...................................................................................................

Address................................................................................................. .........................................................P/code.........................................

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17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 19

FEATURE

Years of experience built into every irrigator Supplied by Main Engineering Main Engineering has been servicing the agricultural industry since 1998. With 1,500 square meters under overhead cranes and the latest in CNC machinery, we can manufacture high quality agricultural products at affordable prices.

We’ve spent the past two years designing and manufacturing soft hose irrigators and hose trailers and the past 17 years repairing irrigation equipment - so we know what works and what doesn’t.

Our new irrigator is an 8’’ piston drive capable of an irrigation run up to 600m with one set up. We set out to build a simple machine, with ease of maintenance in mind.

The machine features stainless steel pipe work, a galvanized steel frame and induction hardened pins and bushes in all the moving parts which will add up to huge savings down the track with maintenance.

We designed our own 4-way control valve which eliminates the need for a temperamental spool valve and the water powering the ram is via a selfcleaning filter.

These machines really do have the power and durability to handle any conditions and the tricycle style steering gives deadly accurate tracking, so finding your irrigator three rows off course in the morning is no longer an issue!

Our heavy duty hose trailers will hold up to 500m of hose. The reel is designed to hold 3’’ to 4/1/2’’ hose, simply bolt the correct spacer in place to suit the size hose you are using.

This machine also features adjustable guide rollers so you can position them to allow your hose to roll up with less strain which equals less wear and tear on both the hose and trailer.

With our in-house CNC capabilities we can complete the entire job from the design stage right through to mass

production. No one else in the area has capabilities of this magnitude and we are proud that we are able to offer this to our customers.

We set out to build this machinery to be more reliable with less maintenance and we truly believe we have achieved this.

Both machines are in stock and ready for delivery, just in time for the irrigation season. 

Main Engineering Irrigators, Hose Trailers and Billet Planters ready for IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!

Hose Trailers Billet Planters

ME800 Irrigator also available with hose reel

Quality Billet Planters & Soft Hose Irrigators Manufactured Locally at Affordable Prices 16 Horsford Place, Proserpine | www.mainengineering.com.au

20 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015 main_engineering_aug 2015 V3.indd 1

4/08/2015 7:53:16 AM

FEATURE

Bauer in stock and ready to go

 Pumps  Irrigation  Plumbing  Filtration

BAUER HARD HOSE IRRIGATOR IN STOCK NOW

Supplied by Think Water Think Water Whitsunday, in Proserpine, is the local Bauer agent for the supply, installation and servicing of pivots, laterals and hard hose irrigators.

Owner Noel Gardner travelled to Austria last year to spend a week of intensive training on the full range of Bauer products.

$80,000 INC GST + free Bauer gun

He gained valuable insights into how everything is either manufactured or quality-controlled, internally by Bauer.

Think Water Whitsunday currently has a 500m length Bauer hard hose irrigator in stock, ready for the farmer to collect and start irrigating.

The price is $80,000, and includes a free Bauer gun.

“Hopefully farmers will see the benefit of us having a machine available in stock that they can look at before they purchase, and they won’t need to wait up to 14 weeks for delivery!,” says Noel.

Ph. (07) 4945 1033

QBSA: 1144101

133 Main St, Bruce Hwy, Proserpine When asked the benefits of buying a Bauer machine from Think Water Whitsunday, Noel said, ”It has the best clearance, is well balanced and has very low pressure losses through the turbine system.”

Anyone who is interested in the Bauer irrigator and would like further information, please call Think Water Whitsunday. 

THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE

IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS THAT INCREASE YOUR PROFITS

Lindsay is the single-source irrigation manufacturer that can develop the right system for your individual needs. We’ve combined the strengths of all Lindsay companies and products into one simple yet powerful package: the Plan to Profit Portfolio.

www.lindsay.com

Lindsay Australia Warehouse: Lindsay International (ANZ) Pty Ltd 19 Spencer Street Toowoomba QLD 4350

© 2014 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic is a trademark of the Lindsay Corporation.

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 21

ON FARM

Joe Muscat says the benefits of his new computer-controlled centre pivot irrigator go beyond the yield gains in the cane it waters. He and Steve can now put their time and energy into better irrigating the rest of the farm.

SHORT & SWEET OF IT • Joe and Steve Muscat have installed centre pivot irrigation on their Mackay region farm.

• Soil moisuture probes give accurate readings of soil moisture before irrigation is scheduled.

• Two 30 kilowatt pumps provide flexibility for both variable speed and variable rate application, especially as the irrigator moves uphill.

• Across the farm, yields have increased ten tonne per hectare due to more efficient use of water and their time in irrigating other areas.

This on farm story has been brought to you by the

RWUE program

New pivot produces yield gains and cost savings Story and photos by John Flynn Water use efficiency gains are quickly stacking up for Mackay cane grower Joe Muscat and his son Steve, who are enjoying a significant boost in productivity since introducing centre pivot irrigation to the family’s farm.

More improvements are on the way thanks to some home-grown innovation that is seeing the centre pivot system fine-tuned to include variable speed and variable rate application.

The 2015 sugar cane harvest in the Mackay region was fast approaching when the Australian Canegrower joined industry innovator Joe Muscat for a tour of his Oakenden farm.

pressure centre pivot irrigator which Joe and Steve have installed to more efficiently irrigate 56 hectares of mostly sloping cane land that, traditionally, has been irrigated using high pressure guns.

The visit coincided with a burst of glorious April weather in Queensland’s largest cane growing area, on the back of what had been a drier than average wet season in a region that depends on irrigation to supplement natural rainfall.

At a price tag in the range of $220,000 – including the overhead irrigation hardware and a new pumping system – the acquisition of the centre pivot irrigator represented one of the trickier financial decisions Joe has needed to make in recent years.

Low pressure pivot Top of the priority list was to check out the new Reinke ‘Sugargator’ low

22 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

Eager to reap the benefits of the centre-pivot system’s more measured irrigation, ►

ON FARM

Joe discussed the purchase at length with an economist as the numbers were crunched.

At first, the business case for the pivot was difficult to justify on a ten-year repayment scale.

However, the combination of a rising (at purchase time) Australian dollar for the Nebraska-made system and the availability of funding support through the Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures program, ultimately the acquisition proved to be viable.

On the plus-side of the ledger from the outset were the long-term electricity and labour savings that would likely stem from the purchase of the centre pivot system; savings that have only become more pronounced with the continued hike in Queensland electricity prices.

"

“In this part of the farm we really can’t furrow irrigate, it’s not an option,” Joe said. “We were running two high pressure guns and we needed about 21 nights to irrigate this area.

“We’re pumping up 25 metres head on top of the operating pressure of the high pressure gun so it was quite an expensive operation.

“It was a lot of labour as well to shift the irrigators to lay fluming on top of the ground and move the machines around.”

The 2014 harvest provided the first opportunity to review the use of the centre pivot following a full year of operation and, as expected, the

After operating for one year we actually picked up ten tonne per hectare over the whole area.

"

crop benefited from a more uniform irrigation.

According to Joe, the soil on his Oakenden farm holds about 60-70mm of water in a worst-case scenario and 90mm in a best-case scenario.

One key benefit of the pivot was its ability to provide ‘top-up’ irrigation

when used in conjunction with soil moisture probes. Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) has a soil probe located on the Oakenden property and Joe and Steve are able to obtain accurate readings of soil moisture via their smartphones before dialling in irrigation events.

Yield gains Benefits didn’t only apply to the 56 hectares being irrigated during rotations of the centre pivot system.

Given the irrigator could be relied upon to provide relatively headache-free computer-controlled irrigation to more than one third of the farm, it allowed Joe and Steve to put their labour to better use, irrigating the remainder of the farm more quickly.

“Overall, we budgeted on picking up about two tonne to the hectare, it was conservative but we didn’t want to exaggerate what the potential was considering the area was already being irrigated,” Joe said.

“After operating for one year we actually picked up ten tonne to the hectare over the whole area.

“Now some of that is relative to the season that we had because we had a really good growing season in 2014, but nevertheless, I think we can maintain much better than two tonne to the hectare.

“I’m sort of thinking now that we can maintain somewhere between five and ten tonne to the hectare and that changes the whole parameters of our payback timeline.

“The machine will definitely pay itself back in under ten years,” Joe said.

Continues page 24...

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 23

ON FARM

Cane fields on the Muscat Mackay district farm.

The overhead system required modification to its span lengths to allow it to walk across the recycling/irrigation dam that feeds the pumping station for the centre pivot irrigator. A small section of the dam was partially filled to allow the wheels of the pivot to walk across.

Smart pumping There were more significant innovations in the pumping shed, where two 30 kilowatt pumps were installed to provide flexibility for both variable speed and variable rate application.

When the centre pivot walks uphill, higher pressure is required to pump water over the irrigator’s 408 metre length.

Conversely, when the pivot begins walking downhill, the pressure – and pump speed – required to sprinkle water over the crop decreases.

The system uses radio telemetry to keep tabs on pressure at the end-point of the irrigator and the speed of the pumps is ramped up and down accordingly.

The combination of variable speed and the use of two smaller pumps, rather than one larger pump, should equate to substantial electricity savings in the long term.

“As we’re coming down the slope we’ve got a lot less head requirement so the pumps are winding down,” Joe said.

"

“We’ve got a set pressure point at the end of the pivot and the radio link is sending that information back to the controller of the pump and winding that pump down.

“From an energy perspective, when we’re at the top end of the landscape here we’re using two 30 kilowatt pumps and the energy required to pump it up there is about 39 kilowatts,” he explained.

“When we’re down at this end of the circle the energy requirement is back down to about 19 kilowatts, so there’s a significant power variation from when we’re pumping it up 25 metres to when we’re pumping it down eleven metres.”

Cost savings In dollar terms, the switch from high pressure hoses and guns to low pressure overhead irrigation has delivered substantial electricity savings. So much so, the case for making the switch has been compelling.

Plans are already in their infancy to install a centre pivot system on Steve Muscat’s recently acquired farm at nearby Homebush.

“When you compare it to a high pressure gun, just to give you some numbers, the pumping cost to run a high pressure gun is about $58 a megalitre and we’ve got this machine operating at about $22-23 a megalitre,” Joe said.

24 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

I believe it’s very important that we’re not losing soil, we’re not losing nutrition and we’re not losing herbicides down the catchment.

"

“This machine’s about 98% efficient in its application and the (high pressure hose) irrigator’s about 92% efficient.

“With power costs going up, and we’re talking that it’s nearly tripled in five years, and water being similar, we need to do this to manage those particular inputs.”

Variable rate application The dual-pump variable speed system is also purpose-built for the second phase of this innovative water use efficiency project.

Joe Muscat is now designing a variable rate application system to overcome one of the limitations of the centre pivot irrigator.

Computer driven, the variable rate application system will allow sections of the irrigator to be switched on or off ►

ON FARM

as the pivot walks across specific blocks, giving it a degree of flexibility more akin to a lateral overhead irrigator.

The pivot will recognise GPS coordinates as the machine travels through each block, switching sprinklers on or off, depending on requirements.

“If we’ve got a particular bed which might be fallow or it might be soya beans and we need to apply an irrigation or not, the variable rate controller allows us to be able to manage that situation,” Joe said.

“We’d overlay a Google earth map, we would determine the GPS reference points of that particular area that we wanted to apply or not apply water to.

“We would write the software, it sounds complicated, but it’s quite a simple operation to write the software to do that.

“It works on about a three sprinkler control and it would manage a ten metre square polygon which will allow us to manage that situation whether we’re irrigating the areas or not.”

Environmental benefits A Nuffield scholar, who has looked at agricultural practices worldwide, Joe is confident the combination of variable speed and variable rate overhead centre pivot irrigation will deliver sound environmental outcomes.

Along with minimal till controlled traffic farming and the use of a recycling dam, the centre pivot system will assist in minimising the loss of nutrients and sediment.

Irrigation can be applied to the crop in small, measured amounts, allowing nutrient already applied sub-surface to soak in.

“Obviously if we’re looking after what’s coming off the property from an environmental perspective we’re certainly keeping all the inputs, which cost money, on the area that we’re cultivating,” Joe said.

“I believe it’s very important that we’re not losing soil, we’re not losing nutrition and we’re not losing herbicides down the catchment.

“So we put everything in place to try to minimise that as much as possible. It is a win-win situation." 

Joe Muscat at the pumping shed by the recycling dam. Two 30 kilowatt pumps allow for variable speed pumping and variable rate application while the dam ensures nutrients and sediment don't leave the farm.

Advisor reaches the end of the row After 38 years, a man who’s worked with growers in two states is retiring with a few final words of advice.

Peter McGuire spent his career an extension officer with the BSES and the NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative. While there are fewer extension officers now than there were when he began in 1978, Peter says there is more information available.

“Growers can tend to look for varieties to improve productivity and solve problems, and they do play an important role, but it’s not all about varieties,” he said. “I’d like to see growers put more emphasis on getting the agronomy right and see people chasing more information. There is a lot of good stuff out there and I urge people to seek it out.”

Peter’s career took him to Cairns and the Burdekin before he moved to New South Wales in 1996. He has written reports and chapters on topics including irrigation, soil nutrients and farm business management.

“I’d like to see a bit more economics built into evidence-based decision making on farms,” he said. “It’s not what turns a lot of growers on but they are all business managers making business decisions and it’s one of the many skills that farmers need to have.”

The General Manager of Sunshine Sugar, Ian McBean, says Peter’s observations are astute and based on his significant experience and knowledge in extension in the sugar industry.

“The delivery of high quality, effective extension is a critical component of our industry which is overlooked at times by certain sectors," he said. "The industry needs good extension officers like Peter and he will be missed.”

As well as conducting grower training and running field trials, Peter presented papers at Australian and international conferences.

In retirement he’s planning a road trip up the Queensland coast before embarking on travel overseas. 

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 25

ON FARM

Tour puts Isis sugar on show

By Neroli Roocke A public tour to see sugarcane harvesting and the Isis Central Sugar Mill is set to become a regular feature of the Childers Festival after the first one was a sold-out before being advertised.

Bundaberg Regional Councillor and Isis district cane grower Tony Ricciardi was a guide on one of the two packed buses.

He says the sugarcane tour was a great addition to the 20th Festival and attracted locals and visitors alike who paid $35 for the afternoon and evening including dinner.

“We wanted to spread the word that there is a good side to the sugar industry and there is a tourist dollar there for the community to promote the industry in the right light,” he said.

“It was very exciting for them. We had a good cross-section, lots of kids and families too which was good.”

He says he fielded lots of questions about how sugarcane grows and the relationship between farming and the environment.

“We get labelled as environmental vandals but I said that I could assure them that the industry’s changed since I was a boy and my father grew 1200 tonnes of cane at $30 a tonne.

"I’m growing 13,000 tonnes but not making much more money

than Dad because of rising costs so we have to be more efficient.

“Efficiencies in the sugar industry are in irrigation practices, fertilising practices and green cane harvesting which have been good for the environment.

“I told them about our GPS systems and how we don’t run over the ground more than we have to, our rotation crops with legumes to cut back on nitrogen and that everything is recorded – it was a big eye-opener to the people on the bus.

“I said all these things add up and we’re still looking for more and more.”

Councillor Ricciardi worked with another local grower, Col Taylor who was the guide on the second bus, and Paul Nichol at the mill to sort out the logistics of moving 120 people around the district and to the mill.

“We could’ve filled more buses,” Col said.

“We had a harvester standing by ready to move when we got there and timed a train to go past us fully loaded - everyone loved it. They took lots of pictures,” he said.

26 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

For next year, Festival organisers are looking at organising packages which include accommodation in Hervey Bay or Bundaberg and bus to Childers for the sugar tour and other Festival events such as the open-air opera.

“The mill has committed to do it again, we found a way through the health and safety concerns of people seeing the mill while it was working and they were wrapped in how it went and how they could promote the industry and the things that they do like electricity cogeneration,” Councillor Ricciardi said.

“I’m passionate about the sugar industry and I hope we can keep promoting it in a new light.” 

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 21 August 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.

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17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 27

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

Mossman –Tully

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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28 Australian Canegrower | 17 August 2015

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Rainfall Report Recorded rainfall (mm) Location

7 days to 9am

Average rainfall (mm)

Year to date

Jan–Aug

3.08.15

10.08.15

Mossman

0

0

1009

Mareeba AP

0

0

575

731

Cairns

19

0

1350

1655

Mt Sophia

39

0

2902

2725

Babinda

9

0

1422

3517

Innisfail

30

0.2

1906

2967

Tully

15

0

2176

3433

Cardwell

9

0

1041

1716

Lucinda

0

0

716

1753

Ingham

7

Tce

813

1631

Abergowrie

1

0

946

1488

Townsville

0

0

244

898

Ayr DPI

0

0

348

743

0.2

0

601

1077

Proserpine

1795

Mirani

0.4

0

625

1183

Mackay

0.2

0.2

646

1240

Sarina (Plane Ck)

0

0

771

1344

Bundaberg

0

0

573

686

0.2

1

597

585

Maryborough

0

0.2

702

822

Tewantin

0

0.4

1013

1204

Eumundi

0

0

1312

1231

Nambour

0.2

0

1388

1222

Childers South

Woongoolba

1

0

1069

960

Murwillumbah

0

0.4

1257

1154

Ballina

2

7

1410

1350

Woodburn

1

0

781

1035

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.

17 August 2015

| Australian Canegrower 29

Rivulis Irrigation

Leaders in drip & micro irrigation

“A flood irrigation block requires 220 units, but with drip I am only putting on 160 units. You can also apply all your trace elements directly … Last year I used half the amount of urea and still cut up to 70 tonnes to the acre with a crop planted early August and harvested mid-July.”

Paul Kiehne, Burdekin 16 ha sub-surface T-Tape with expansion capabilities to 52 ha

“Our tractor fuel bill went down two-thirds due to less land prep …

I also haven’t needed to spray the paddock for grass. As the furrows are not getting wet, grass doesn’t germinate ...

I can run the farm myself. If I used flood, I would need another person just for labour. With drip it’s just a matter of pushing a button.”

Joe Bianco, Mareeba 40 ha sub-surface T-Tape installed in 1998 – and still going strong!

When it comes to drip irrigation, it is more than just products. You need to work with a company that has a proven record of delivering systems that deliver real results.

We have been helping Australian canegrowers irrigate with drip for over 30 years.

From designing a system that ensures low energy costs, to assisting in the development of a suitable nutrition program, we work with growers to provide the best drip irrigation solution for their crop.

Find out how drip irrigation can work for you by contacting your local Rivulis representative: North QLD | John McDonnell – Ph 0418 418 992 Wide Bay | Marcus Ashley – Ph 0418 712 118 North NSW | Guy Boyd – Ph 0419 797 905

Man

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for over in

www.Rivulis.com.au | 1800 558 009

Au s

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