Australian Canegrower - 21 December 2015

Canegrower AUSTRALIAN

The flagship of the sugarcane industry 21 December 2015 Price $8.95

Queensland Parliament votes for choice and fairness in sugar marketing

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from

WISHING YOU THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON www.reinke.com australia@reinke.com

CONTENTS 21.12.2015

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENT

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Regardless of which party supported it, the Parliament which is the chief decision making body in the state, has now deemed that the concerns expressed by growers from the cane fields of Queensland about fair market power and having a formal say in sugar marketing are valid.

Paul Schembri CANEGROWERS Chairman

Cover: A John Deere 3510 with two Case Ih Maxihauls cutting south of Ingham near Pombel for Victoria Mill. Photo by Luke Horniblow.

Opposite: Sugar train heading to Ingham from the Lucinda bulk sugar terminal. Photo

by John Flynn

Canegrower AUSTRALIAN

21 December 2015 Price $8.95

3 Chairman's comments 4 Sugar marketing – clearing up misconceptions 6 What does the vote on sugar marketing mean for me?

Queensland Parliament votes for choice and fairness in sugar marketing

7 CANEGROWERS triennial election - 2016 important dates 8 Regional round-up

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 25 Printed by Screen Offset Printing 202 Robinson Road, Geebung, QLD, 4034 Subscriptions Yearly subscriptions for 25 issues (postage included) Within Australia Overseas (AUD)

INDUSTRY NEWS

The flagship of the sugarcane industry

10 Spotlight - The year in numbers 11 SRA Snapshot - Sugarcane Smut 13 QSL - Annual pricing roadshows underway

ON FARM 14 First miller with Smartcane BMP accreditation

WHAT’S NEW 16 Ethanol mandate becomes law in Queensland 17 Innovation in harvester choppers 18 Aussie-built harvester on display 20 Sugar museum relies on volunteers...and you!

MEMBER SERVICES 22 Classifieds 23 Rainfall report

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21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower

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EDITOR’S DESK

A new look for the New Year!

How many of these magazine covers do you remember?

Your industry magazine, Australian Canegrower, has sported quite a few different looks (and sizes) over the past few decades.

I've had a lot of fun going through the archived magazines looking at the different designs spanning the years from 1980 to the advent of the present design in the early 2000s.

But as with most things, every now and then it becomes time for a change.

2016 is going to usher in a new look for Australian Canegrower.

We are planning a fresh, new, cleaner layout. All of the content that you know and rely on will still be there news, features, policy and opinion. It'll just be brighter and easier to read.

A key feature of the new look, 2016 magazine will be the more robust cover which, while costing no more to produce, is favoured by the advertisers who do so much to support our publication.

So in January, keep an eye on your letterbox for your newlook Australian Canegrower.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who've helped with stories, photos and ideas for the magazine this year.

Particularly, I want to thank all of the growers who've willingly shared their time, thoughts and ideas and welcomed Australian Canegrower to their farms. Even those who were a bit reluctant to have their photo taken!

The sharing of information is a real point of strength in this industry and your magazine is an important avenue to keeping this happening.

Best wishes for a relaxing, safe and joyous Christmas and New Year celebration!

I look forward to another year of working with you...

Neroli

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Australian Canegrower

| 21 December 2015

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENT

Parliament agrees our call for fairness is valid

By Paul Schembri CANEGROWERS Chairman One of the most defining moments in the raw sugar marketing dispute, and perhaps in CANEGROWERS representation, has occurred with the passage of the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) Real Choice in Marketing bill.

“The political process can work. Like-minded people from different political parties can unite to bring about fairness for farmers.�

Paul Schembri CANEGROWERS Chairman

That bill was carried narrowly by 45 votes to 43 in the Queensland Parliament and I had the privilege along with other grower representatives of being present in the Visitor's Gallery to witness the debate and vote.

motivated to fight for what they believe has been right. Growers in strong numbers turned out at the Senate inquiry hearings into this issue in Murwillumbah, Mackay and Townsville.

Regardless of which party supported it, the Parliament which is the chief decision making body in the state, has now deemed that the concerns expressed by growers from the cane fields of Queensland about fair market power and having a formal say in sugar marketing are valid.

Many growers took time to write letters to their MPs and regional newspapers.

District offices were magnificent, innovative and resourceful in the way they kept this issue prominent and captured the imaginations of growers and their communities and ensured that growers stayed united in pursuing this issue through to this outcome.

We would have preferred that an industry solution to this dispute could have been found. Progress had certainly been made in the commercial mediation process with millers.

I do want to acknowledge that the mills made concessions around empowerment of growers in the pricing of sugar but unfortunately the key issue for growers was that the mills would not concede around the issues of empowerment of growers in the physical marketing of sugar which has been at the heart of this dispute.

I need to acknowledge that the bill would not have passed without a coalition of support from the KAP, Liberal National Party (LNP) and the Independent MP Billy Gordon.

Many thanks go to Lawrence Springborg, the parliamentary leader of the LNP, Deb Frecklington, Shadow Agriculture Minister, Rob Katter, the leader of KAP, Shane Knuth MP and Mr Gordon, the Independent Member for Cook.

What it shows to farmers and people who support agriculture and regional and rural economies is that the political process can work. Like-minded people from different political parties can unite to bring about fairness for farmers.

I also want to acknowledge the support we have felt from 4,500 growers. This has been all about people power and growers being

I also want to acknowledge this result could not have been achieved without the support of other grower organisations - the Australian Cane Farmers Association and the Burdekin collectives. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with CANEGROWERS ensuring we had strong representation of the passion growers were feeling. This highlights the fact that if we are courageous enough to stay united, growers collectively can achieve great things.

The question now is, is this over?

The answer, truthfully, is that this is unknown. We understand that the mills may exercise their rights to legally challenge the validity of the bill.

Whether that challenge does or does not take place, remains to be seen.

We also need to recognise that the Queensland Government is not at this time supportive of the bill that the parliament has passed.

We are however offeringan opportunity to the mills to sit down with growers and consider the practical implementation of the legislation. We do believe that it contains an opportunity, not just for growers and for the industry to succeed.

As this is the last edition of the magazine for the year, it is timely to reflect on the year.

Sugar prices have turned the corner and are now in the realm of 15c/lb

after labouring at very low levels a few months ago. Recently CANEGROWERS Policy Council heard from Lindsay Jolly, the senior economist with the International Sugar Organisation. His view of the sugar market is a positive one and the ISO forecast is for a sugar deficit of around 3.5 million tonnes for 2015/16 and perhaps reching 6 million tonnes in 2016/17.

Whilst these upward movements are encouraging, prices remain volatile; but we do believe the market fundamentals are stronger than they have been in recent times. We are pleased too that speculators are viewing sugar as a strong investment compared with other agricultural commodities.

We are currently on track to harvest 34 million tonnes of cane in Australia.

Of that, 32 million tonnes will be crushed in Queensland and around 2.15 million tonnes in New South Wales.

By the Christmas week we hope that most mill areas will have completed crushing although we keep in mind the growers in Rocky Point, Mulgrave, South Johnstone and Tully areas, along with those in New South Wales, who are in a desperate race to get their crops in. Let's hope that the weather gods look favourably on them as there is nothing more debilitating to growers than to leave cane unharvested.

The early indications for the 2016 crop are that it is looking quite promising but as we know a lot can happen between now and harvest. I do thank you for your support for CANEGROWERS and the industry in 2015. We have been through a perfect storm of adversity and the year has tested the resilience of growers.

It has almost lived up to the movie title, The Year of Living Dangerously!

I am sure that 2016 has better offerings in store. I wish you, your family, friends and loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. n

21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower

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INDUSTRY NEWS

WORLD EYES ON QUEENSLAND

Key MPs and what they said in Parliament

The campaign by Queensland growers for choice and fairness in sugar marketing has been closely followed by grower organisations around the world.

Shane Knuth, Dalrymple - KAP: “…the policy objectives of the bill will improve competition in the Queensland sugar industry. It will also ensure that the mill owners are not the only marketing entity available to growers. It will ensure that growers are not forced to use mill owners as their marketing entity simply because the mills crush the growers’ cane. As stated, the bill will give growers real choice in terms of appointing their marketing entity for raw sugar in which they have an economic interest.”

In the aftermath of the recent vote in State Parliament, CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri received numerous messages of support.

Writing from the headquarters of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers in Paris, President Roy Sharma says;

Deb Frecklington, Nanango - LNP: “Tonight’s debate is not about reregulating the industry, as the minister has claimed in his endless stream of media statements with his wild, alarmist claims about scaring off investment and destroying jobs. This private member’s bill with the LNP’s amendments … [is] aimed at ensuring a decent outcome for both growers and millers so there is a level of competition in sugar marketing, and there is a logical and stepped process for dispute resolution; nothing more, nothing less.”

The World Association of Beet and Cane Growers has recently learned that Queensland has passed legislation confirming that cane growers are the ones who decide who sells their sugar.

This news is welcomed by the World Association and we extend our congratulations to Queensland Canegrowers, and in particular to you Paul, as their Chairman, on your action towards obtaining this result. This legislative win is a true example of where action within grower organisations can achieve great things for growers.

Billy Gordon, Cook - Independent: “This bill gives the canegrower a real choice in the marketing of their share of sugar. They can go to the mills, QSL or whoever they choose as a matter of free choice. In so doing, the bill provides for more robust competition and transparency. It gives greater confidence to grow the world's best sugar and inevitably promises better prices to cane farmers and millers.

The bill brings balance to the emergence of an uneven playing field in the market, where the control of the marketing of sugar has shifted disproportionately away from canegrowers with the effects we have seen at the mediation process.”

SUGAR MARKETING – CLEARING UP MISCONCEPTIONS The Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015 passed Queensland Parliament on 3 December.

This is a major step forward in securing certainty for the sugar industry.

It opens the door to deliver genuine competition in sugar marketing and thereby overcomes the imbalance in market power that favoured the mills.

This will ensure ongoing security for growers and millers into the future. CANEGROWERS is committed to working with all mills and QSL to ensure smooth implementation of the new legislation for the 2017 season and the longer term.

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Australian Canegrower

| 21 December 2015

The Bill is not re-regulation of the industry

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Providing growers’ choice in marketing, the Bill protects farmers’ rights against mill monopoly behaviour by providing a framework that restores balance in negotiating power between mills and growers. It does not reinstate the 250 sections that were removed from the Sugar Industry Act in 1999.

The Bill will not negatively impact on the Queensland economy and jobs

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The Bill creates contestability in the marketing of raw sugar. That competition will ensure raw sugar marketers continually strive to improve their performance. Competition will stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities across the industry, especially in the cane growing sector, the sector that drives the size and vibrancy of the whole industry.

The Bill is about protecting small businesses against monopolies & enforcing competition

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Vote secures choice, fairness and a solid future CANEGROWERS is congratulating and thanking the Members of the Queensland Parliament who have made a public stand for growers’ rights.

Their support has secured crucial and pro-competition amendments to the Sugar Industry Act (1999), which give growers confidence to invest in and grow the sugar industry.

The parliamentary visitor’s gallery was packed with grower representatives for the late night sitting and dozens more were tuned in to the live feed via the parliamentary website when Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP Shane Knuth formally started proceedings on the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill.

“The bill will improve competition in the Queensland sugar industry,” Mr Knuth explained.

“It will also ensure that the mill owners are not the only marketing entity available to growers. It will ensure that growers are not forced to use mill owners as their marketing entity simply because the mills crush the growers’ cane.”

Amendments were tabled by both the Liberal National Party (LNP) and KAP to fine tune the bill’s objective of:

• • •

•

enabling growers to choose who markets grower economic interest (GEI) sugar, linking the cane price to the price of sugar, providing for a pre-contractual dispute resolution process, including arbitration to deal with negotiation deadlocks, and ensuring growers cannot be discriminated against, regardless of who they choose as the marketer of their economic interest sugar.

After two weeks of almost daily Queensland Government media releases opposing the bill as an attempt at re-regulation, Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg set the record straight explaining that the legislation would create an environment to make deregulation work.

“It does not take the sugar industry back to the 1950s … It does not remove voluntary marketing arrangements.

It does not dictate Queensland sugar must be marketed through the QSL or single desk,” he said.

“It creates an environment that ensures there is some balance in an area where there may be a power imbalance.”

As the debate progressed, the speakers alternated – support for the bill coming from the KAP and LNP

ranks and opposition from Australian Labor Party (ALP) speakers.

There was a surprise with the ALP’s Mirani MP Jim Pearce stating that he supported growers and was deeply concerned for their future. He cited his background in coal mining as giving him an understanding of how international companies can act.

“I am really concerned about what I might do to the industry and the future of farmers by not supporting the bill before the House,” he said.

Nonetheless, his verbal support for the Bill did not translate into a vote for it.

Despite attempts by the ALP to make the debate about personalities and politics, seeking to find discord between the Liberal and National elements of the merged party, when it came time to vote the numbers became clear.

The bells rang, MPs hurried in from their offices and the votes were counted.

The bill passed 45 votes (LNP, KAP and Independent) to 43 (ALP). The passage of this bill is an important step in the process towards ensuring genuine competition in sugar marketing.

CANEGROWERS is ready to negotiate new Cane Supply Agreements which reflect the provisions of the legislation in the districts which require them. n

The Bill operates if growers and mills cannot reach agreement in the negotiation of cane supply agreements.

The Bill is explicit in providing for and allowing mills and growers to reach agreement for the supply of cane and pricing and marketing of sugar on whatever terms they agree.

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If there is no agreement the Bill provides a framework for agreement and a process to resolve any deadlocks in the negotiation of cane supply agreements using the Commercial Arbitration Act 2013.

The Bill provides growers with an ability to choose how the sugar that determines 100% of the value of cane is marketed.

Explicitly sharing in the revenues from the sale of raw sugar, growers currently have and have had a say through an industry owned marketing entity in the marketing of raw sugar for over 100 years.

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Given the price of cane is linked to the price of sugar, there is no dispute over the fact that growers have a clear economic interest in the raw sugar produced from their cane. The Bill simply continues growers’ rights.

The Bill establishes a regulatory structure that prevents mills’ potential misuse of market power, addresses market failure and establishes a contestable market in the provision of raw sugar marketing and pricing services.

The Bill should not impact on international investment

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Foreign corporations invested heavily in the industry under a voluntary marketing structure in which growers are partners in the marketing of raw sugar, a structure that underpinned strong growth and investment across the industry. This investment was and is welcome.

The Bill should not be seen as a reason for a reduction in investment.

In fact, as mill profitability is largely determined by throughput of cane, the increased confidence among growers brought about by this Bill will have a positive impact on farm investment and expansion decisions.

21 December 2015

Ownership of cane and sugar is not altered

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The Bill does not interfere with the chain of ownership of sugar.

As is presently the case, the ownership of cane transfers to mills in accordance with the provisions of cane supply agreements and the ownership of sugar transfers from mills in accordance with the provisions of their sugar supply agreements.

The industry’s price risk management and marketing activities will continue in accordance with the relevant agreements.

| Australian Canegrower

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INDUSTRY NEWS

What does the parliamentary vote on sugar marketing mean for me?

The Queensland Parliament has recently passed amendments to the Sugar Industry Act 1999.

the mill’s economic interest sugar and that related to growers.

The amendments write into law the right of growers to choose the pathway to market for the sugar in which they have an economic interest – QSL or the milling company.

The changes were made in response to a decision by three millers to withdraw from QSL. They sought to market all of the sugar produced at their mills, both

Mill I supply

The table below sets out what impact of the changed legislation for each mill area.

CSA = Cane Supply Agreement. Each grower has an individual or collectively negotiated CSA with the mill they supply.

New agreements will be needed between the mills which have sought to withdraw from QSL and QSL to facilitate a choice for growers’ GEI sugar to be marketed by either QSL or the mill.

MFA = Marketing Facilitation Agreement. Mills presently have Raw Sugar Supply Agreements (RSSA) with QSL.

Mill owner

Required changes Season 2016

Mossman

Mackay Sugar

No Change

Tableland Mulgrave

Season 2017 Business as usual * New CSA to provide choice

MSF Sugar (Mitr Phol)

No Change

Tully Sugar (COFCO)

No Change

Wilmar Sugar Australia (Wilmar International)

No Change

Mackay Sugar

No Change

Wilmar Sugar Australia (Wilmar International)

No Change

Millaquin

Bundaberg Sugar (Finasucre Group)

No Change

Business as usual *

Isis

Isis Central Sugar Mill

No Change

Business as usual *

Maryborough

MSF Sugar (Mitr Phol)

No Change

Rocky Point

Heck Group

No Change

South Johnstone Tully

New Marketing Facilitation Agreement (MFA) with QSL New CSA to provide choice New MFA with QSL

Invicta Pioneer Kalamia Inkerman Macknade

New CSA to provide choice New MFA with QSL

Victoria Proserpine Farleigh Racecourse

Business as usual *

Marian Plane Creek Bingera

* Business as usual assumes the companies continue with QSL

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Australian Canegrower

| 21 December 2015

New CSA to provide choice New MFA with QSL

New CSA to provide choice New MFA with QSL New CSA to provide choice New MFA with QSL

INDUSTRY NEWS

CANEGROWERS Triennial Election - 2016 important dates The timetable has been set for the 2016 CANEGROWERS election process.

Nominations open

Friday 29 January 2016

Held every three years, the elections are an opportunity for all members to elect Directors to sit on the board of their local CANEGROWERS district - from Mossman to Rocky Point.

Nominations close

Friday 19 February (5pm)

Official Rolls close

Friday 19 February (5pm)

Ballot papers will be posted

Friday 18 March 2016

Ballot papers to be returned

Wednesday 13 April (5pm)

Counting of votes

Friday 15 April 2016

Declaration of election results

Monday 18 April 2016

Elected members term commences

Sunday 1 May 2016

Districts have between five and eight directors and nominations for the positions open on Friday 29 January, 2016.

These local boards then nominate representatives to sit on the CANEGROWERS Queensland Policy Council which elects the new CANEGROWERS Queensland Board.

Members wishing to nominate for a district board position have until 5pm on Friday 19 February to act.

Both men and women of all ages are encouraged to nominate as candidates for these important CANEGROWERS elected positions.

Each CANEGROWERS directors’ election is a democratic process which seeks to have the best candidates nominate

based on merit. The election process will be finalised by Monday 18 April and the new directors will take on their official duties from Sunday 1 May.

General Meeting (date to be advised).

The first step is to contact your local Chairman or Manager.

Jodie Mittelheuser, CANEGROWERS Chief Financial Officer is the returning officer for the 2016 Election process and is working with each local company for the preparation of the official roll.

CANEGROWERS Queensland will be conducting all of the statewide elections, with the exception of Innisfail which will conduct its election locally during the Annual General Meeting or

Members are urged to ensure that their membership records are up to date.

The official roll for each election is to be finalised by 5pm on Friday 19 February 2016. n

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21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower

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INDUSTRY NEWS

CANEGROWERS Regional round-up

By CANEGROWERS district offices

Mossman and Tableland Mossman Mill tipped the last cane bin at 11.00am on Thursday 26 November.

A total of 954,815 tonnes of cane was processed at Mossman Mill for a seasonal average of 12.56CCS. A total of 256,726 tonnes of Mackay Sugar cane was toll crushed by Tableland Mill. The total tonnes crushed was 1,211,541.

Toll crushing enabled the season length to be reduced from 35 weeks in 2014 to 29 weeks this season. There was little impact on the crushing this year from wet weather.

Reports around the district have the crop at the present time looking good for 2016. Tableland Mill finished crushing on 18 November. Total crush was 638,801 tonnes, comprising 382,075 tonnes of Tableland Mill contracted cane and 256,726 tonnes of Mackay Sugar contracted cane.

Innisfail At week ending 6 December South Johnstone Mill had achieved a new record crush of 1,511,261. The crop has continued to maintain around 120% of the pre-season estimate. The current estimate has increased to 2,057,400 tonnes of contract cane and the actual crush at the mill is estimated to be 1,700,000, with 365,400 transferring to Mulgrave Mill. 92% of the current estimate had been crushed.

CCS levels continue to decline which is not unexpected and will struggle to match the low five year average CCS of 11.9963. Further lost time combined with a further increase in the estimate has pushed the projected finish date back to 22 December. Despite the best efforts of workers and the mill operating at maximum, any lost crushing time is having a huge impact on the finish date.

The total lost manufacturing time for the season is more than 13 days.

Of concern is the announcement that MSF Sugar that ‘project’ spending is now on hold. If another large crop similar to this year’s crop is produced next year, growers will face another season length of 24 – 25 weeks. This will be unstainable and growers, who have been waiting for security and certainty for the future, will be left with the same insecurities.

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Australian Canegrower

As the workload of growers starts to ease, they are now focussing on getting their accreditations under the Smartcane BMP program, and in the new year the ‘BMP Accredited’ signs will start popping up all over the district. The 2016 Innisfail Agricultural Field Day will be held on Thursday 14 April.

Amongst other things discussed at the meeting were the end of season results, noting that a focus group will be convened in early 2016 to discuss learnings from the wet weather incentive and planned staggered finish to the 2015 season that ended with last cane being harvested on 1 December and crushed out early on 2 December.

Tully

A positive end of season wash up pay was due to be deposited to growers accounts on Wednesday 16 December. It was noted that Wilmar will be exposed to a substantial payment to members of the CANEGROWERS Collective under the Performance Target Incentive Allowance that is triggered by a quantity of cane not being processed within the stipulated performance target period for the size of the crop being processed.

The harvest continues in Tully harvesting and crushing a crop that now has an estimate of 101 tonnes per ha and could reach 2,889,000 tonnes if all of the crop can be managed.

With only 12 days of harvest before the Christmas break, and 290,000 tonnes still in the paddock, it will require the mill to recommence after Christmas, something that has not happened since the 1970s. To date it has been a tremendous effort of all those involved and encouragement needs to be given to all sectors of the industry to finish the season safely.

The conditions remain dry, with only 6mm of rain recorded in December to date. Next year’s crop has established well however there must be some uncertainty about how late ratoons will perform.

Tully may take the dubious honour of being the last mill to finish in 2015 and the first to crush in 2016.

Herbert River The parliamentary vote on sugar marketing the main topic of a well-attended Grower Information meeting at the Ingham Bowls Club on Friday 11 December where a slide presentation explained the effect of the Bill when it becomes enacted.

Approaches have been made to Wilmar to open discussions on a new Collective Cane Supply Agreement for beyond the 2016 season.

The meeting gave a rousing cheer after Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps spoke about the incredibly united voice of grower representative groups coming together on the issue and the dedicated hard work that went into preparing the various amendments to the original Katter’s Australian Party bill that had the support of the majority of Members of Parliament.

| 21 December 2015

Proserpine Proserpine was the first mill to complete 2015 crushing operations when the final bin was tipped at around 2:00am on 1 November. The persistent dry weather helped to complete the crush in just under 19 weeks.

In total 1,671,271 tonnes of cane was crushed at a season average CCS of 14.45. Actual tonnage was 5% below the pre-season estimate. While the below average wet season and dry autumn contributed to the reduced tonnage, yellow canopy syndrome also played significant part.

Low CCS levels were recorded in the first six weeks of harvesting, however levels improved as the crop matured during the spring period.

Prospects for the 2016 crop appear good despite the continued dry conditions. While some areas of the district received beneficial rainfall in early November, other areas are in urgent need of rain. Parts of the region were drought declared in November however there are no cane farms affected by the declaration. Peter Faust Dam is currently at 67% of capacity and irrigators still have a reasonable supply of water to manage the crop through the critical Dec-Jan period.

Members are reminded that the CANEGROWERS Proserpine office will be closed from 21 December 2015 to 4 January 2016.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Mackay Final figures have been released for the final two weeks of crushing at Wilmar’s Plane Creek mill.

A total of 25,182 tonnes and 31,213 tonnes of cane were respectively crushed for weeks 23 and 24. These last two weeks of crushing brought the seasonal tonnage of cane processed to 1,283,933 tonnes with a season to date CCS average of 15.36 units. The final day of crushing was Thursday 3 December. Despite delays Plane Creek mill growers continued to pull high CCS with a rake of seventh ratoon Q208 at 16.60 units and a rake of fourth ratoon KQ228 at 16.12. Both were from the Turnors Paddock Productivity District.

Mackay Sugar's crushing season ended with around 69,400 hectares of cane harvested and just under 5.1 million tonnes of cane crushed across the three mills. A total of 714,500 tonnes IPS sugar was produced across the mills, a decrease on last season’s total of 775,258 tonnes. The final crop was 1.3% down on the forecast crop due to the extended dry period from the end of summer through to autumn. An average of 72.9 tonnes of cane per hectare was harvested, which was a decrease of 8.4% on last year’s 79.6 tonnes.

Bundaberg The Bundaberg Sugar industry finished off the 2015 season with their traditional Harvest Breakfast on Thursday 10 December. Around 90 growers and invited guests enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast and received a season review and variety performance presentation from Gavin Lerch from Bundaberg Sugar.

Simon Every from the Clean Energy Finance corporation gave a presentation on how growers can access concessional finance to install a range of energy saving systems and equipment right down to the farm ute.

Bundaberg Sugar Services launched its Bundaberg Farm Energy Information Service which is designed to support growers in their quest to reduce the impact of rising energy costs on farm productivity.

The program will aim to quantify the operating cost of irrigation systems and support fine tuning (updating and/or upgrading) to achieve either a lower cost per tonne of cane produced per unit of energy or an increase in production (tonnes of cane) per unit of energy used.

The program will also investigate and trial options for alternative energy (particularly solar) in order to support the development of systems suited to the range of irrigation methods utilised at Bundaberg (winch, furrow, trickle, low pressure overhead).

Approximately 85% of the crop has now been harvested. Based on our current estimate, there is approximately 59,000 tonnes still to harvest with three weeks to go. However, CCS is dropping, and some growers have started pulling out.

The Bundaberg Farm Energy Information Service is available to members of Bundaberg Sugar Services Ltd.

It’s very dry at the present time and growers would like some rain to kick along their crop for next year. We would like to wish all growers and industry representatives a very Merry Christmas.

Maryborough

New South Wales

MSF Sugar completed crushing on 3 December with a total of 861,144 tonnes being crushed at CCS of 13.58.

Crushing at Condong mill was completed on Monday 17 December with a final tonnage 550,000 tonnes at an average CCS of 11.96.

Approx. 52,000 tonnes were delivered from the Nambour district with the remaining tonnage from the local area.

Plant and ratoon cane is well established for next season following favourable rainfall over the past few months.

Our AGM was held on 3 December.

The guest speaker was Matt Clarke (MSF’s Portfolio Manager) who gave an excellent address on marketing and pricing issues. Merry Xmas to all.

Rocky Point As at 6 December 2015, Rocky Point had crushed a total of 330,734 tonnes of cane at a seasonal average CCS of 13.72.

The last time Rocky Point crushed over 300,000 tonnes of cane was in 2006.

Broadwater mill is expected to finish around 16 December. This mill area has experienced up to 200mm of rain over the past week or so which has meant the standover of a considerable tonnage of cane. Growers in the hardest hit areas have withdrawn both one and two year old cane.

The Harwood mill area, which has experienced several weeks of down time due to milling issues, is now struggling to finish before New Year.

There is still a considerable tonnage of two year old cane along with some one year old cane. Cane is being transferred to the Broadwater mill up to the time they finish their season however unless growers withdraw nominated cane the season will continue on. Storms are also impacting on cane supply. n

Survey and Town Planning With the 2015 season coming to a close, it is now time to consider your survey and land development requirements

Charles O’Neill Surveyors & Planners Office Location - Cairns Phone (07) 4051 6722 www.oneillsurveys.com.au

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Office Location - Mackay Phone (07) 4951 2911 Office Location - Proserpine Phone (07) 4945 1722 www.whitsundaysurveys.com.au

With offices located in Far North QLD (Cairns) and North QLD (Mackay and Whitsundays) we will be able to assist you in all your survey and land development enquires.

Specialising in  Property Surveys  Subdivision & Boundary Realignment Applications  Town Planning Applications  Construction Surveys To discuss your survey and land development requirements contact  Michael Tessaro in Cairns  Jimmy Duncan in Mackay  Jackson Gray in Proserpine

Queensland Surveying Pty Ltd ABN 25 604 671 374 an OTOC Limited Company

21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower

9

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

The year in numbers

By Suzi Moore

6000

4000

24

6

CANE GROWERS

CANE FARM BUSINESSES

SUGAR MILLS

BULK SUGAR PORTS

3rd

3rd

7th

Social media counts!

1703

LARGEST AG EXPORT IN QUEENSLAND

LARGEST RAW SUGAR SUPPLIER IN THE WORLD

LARGEST AG EXPORT IN AUSTRALIA

TWITTER FOLLOWERS

Season 2015 estimates CANE HARVESTED

30Mt

RAW SUGAR

4Mt

VALUE OF PRODUCTION

$1.5 billion

1339

35Mt

34 Mt

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS 5Mt

817

4.7 Mt

$2.5 billion

$1.8

ast l e h in t s... d n A th n o 12-m

10 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS 92,887

261,748 page views

Industry Spotlight sponsored by Smartcane BMP

YOUTUBE VIEWS

SNAPSHOT | SRA

Sugarcane smut

Sugarcane smut is caused by a fungus which makes the cane look black and sooty

CONSIDER THE RISK WHEN CHOOSING NEW VARIETIES

By Roderick Fletcher, Development Officer, Meringa When considering your variety management plan on your farm it’s important to understand and assess the disease risks present in your local region, particularly those which heavily impact yield and profit.

Having this knowledge can help a grower to select varieties for the farm that offer resistance to some of these threats.

The diseases that can be managed by growing resistant varieties are listed in Table 1 (below).

A recent example of this risk has been highlighted in a report by Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) where; ‘Sugarcane smut has had some impact and has been found in higher levels in a number of blocks. High infection levels have been noted in some blocks of Tellus. In these blocks more than five whips per metre have been found.

Significant infection levels have also been seen in some Q252A , with lower levels of infection in Q183A and Q208A .'

The likely reason for this recent increase in infection identified

by BPS is the perfect seasonal conditions and high smut spore production from the older smut susceptible variety TellusA. Regions that have significant proportions of smut susceptible varieties in rotation increase the pressure on varieties that have some resistance.

In this instance TellusA is putting pressure on intermediate resistant varieties Q252A, Q208A and Q183A. It is important not to confuse the term ‘variety resistance’ with a variety having immunity from the disease. With enough pressure from a source of infection and environmental conditions that are conducive to the disease, varieties that have only intermediate resistance are at risk.

SRA recommends that growers who are growing older smut susceptible varieties in high risk areas should remove them to reduce the pressure on intermediate rated varieties.

Resulting from this incidence in the Burdekin, there has been some questions raised concerning the resistance of Q252A. Table 1. Sugarcane diseases that can be managed by choosing the correct variety

Leaf diseases ▼

Whole-plant diseases ▼

Brown rust

Chlorotic streak

Orange rust

Fiji leaf gall

Yellow spot

Leaf scald Mosaic

Soil-borne diseases ▼

Red Rot

Pachymetra root rot

Sugarcane smut

In response, Shamsul Bhuiyan, Senior Researcher Biosecurity at SRA is conducting a smut resistance trial on Q252A where he will establish a glasshouse trial at SRA’s Woodford pathology farm to investigate if the apparent changes of smut susceptibility are due to the changes in environmental condition or due to the change in pathogen population.

SRA and productivity services will monitor smut in Q252A and will advise growers if the rating of the variety needs to be changed.

SRA rates varieties for disease resistance under standard conditions so that the resistance of new varieties can be compared to standard commercial varieties under the same disease pressure and environment.

New varieties are tested over a number of years to confirm their resistance. Q252A was consistently rated intermediate in the SRA trials.

QCANESelectTM has a whole farm plan section that can assist growers to determine their current variety mix and disease risks associated with the current mix of varieties.

It also helps growers develop a plan to manage risks from diseases by selecting varieties that will maximise profit but have risk profiles set by the grower.

If you would like to learn more about QCANESelectTM whole farm planning contact Roderick Fletcher PEC Development Officer Varieties on (07) 4056 4555.

SRA publications in the post In the lead-up to Christmas, SRA members will receive their copy of the Summer edition of CaneConnection magazine, which includes updates on SRA’s research into YCS and a new varieties and plant breeding update.

If you do not receive a copy or if you are not an SRA member and would like to be, please contact Andrea Evers at SRA on (07) 3331 3308 or aevers@sugarresearch.com.au.

Thank you from SRA 21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 11

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

By Shaun Tupou, Treasury Analyst Current as of 14 December 2015

18.0 17.0 16.0

Market Commentary

15.0

Sugar

14.0

Despite testing the upside over the past fortnight, sugar prices have slipped back into the recent 14.00 – 15.50 c/lb range. The prompt March16 contract rallied to fresh highs at 15.85 before ratcheting lower over the back end of last week (bottoming out at 14.50 on Friday). Market sentiment has remained sticky as the latest Commitment of Traders report outlined another modest increase by the non-index funds. New record net longs will continue to weigh over the market as interest garners around what point we begin to see some retracement. With the gradual slide in flat prices over the back end of last week, one would assume that speculators have decided to begin selling off their positions.

13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0

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

A small jump in spread activity with March/May pushing out a further 10 points to +51 before closing the fortnight lower at +36. While speculators remain bullish on the likelihood of a deficit in 2016, the market appears split on how big (or small) it will be. This uncertainty should continue to display a tug-of-war across the flat price board.

In Brazil, the latest UNICA report was released last week maintaining some bullish sentiment, despite the (expected) lower production figures. We note, ATR and sugar mix were both down for the fortnight – sugar down 5 % from 38.24% to 33.06% and ATR falling 128.44kg to 119.30kg.

While in India, the timing of the approved export subsidy is seemingly being threatened by ongoing bureaucratic delays and by suggestions the crop may be less than expected. Meanwhile, India’s current crop appears to have got off on the right foot with market watchers suggesting the planted area in Maharashtra has being underestimated.

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

Looking ahead, this week we see the Commitment of Trader’s report which should see a marginal reduction of speculative longs (considering the market has continued to fall over the past 3 days). Short term risk is on the downside if the market breaks recent 14.50 support levels and funds continue to reduce their largely overweight position.

Currency Following a stronger week for the AUD, the past 5 sessions proved tough going.

The AUD trading across a 225 point range on 3 consecutive days (0.7385 to 0.7160).

Seemingly a credit to the ever softening in the commodity complex, the AUD managed to bounce higher mid-week following better than expected employment numbers, which saw unemployment figures fall. The AUD reaction was as expected, trading to a top of 0.7345 before eventually drifting lower on the week close.

500 480 460 440 420 400

This week we have the RBA minutes, US CPI and FOMC cash rate announcement.

Much of the week’s attention will be focused on the local Federal Reserve. Despite the fact a rate hike is almost certain, the market will look to commentary for pointers on continued tightening going forward.

380 360 340 320 2015

2016

2017

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

12 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

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

Annual pricing roadshows underway

By Bryce Wenham, QSL Finance Manager – Supplier Relations This month QSL kicked off our annual pricing roadshows, meeting with Wilmar growers in Sarina, Proserpine, the Burdekin and Herbert River.

These sessions give Growers an opportunity to learn more about the QSL-managed pools and to ask any questions they may have about them.

They also provide an opportunity for me to meet and talk with Growers and get feedback on how they are using our products.

Such feedback is key to ensuring we continue to deliver the best returns to our members.

For the 2016 Season, QSL will offer the same ‘Committed’ and ‘Uncommitted’ Sugar Pools as we did in 2015.

‘Committed’ Sugar Pools require that any amount of raw sugar allocated to these pools must be supplied to QSL, regardless of any production variations. These are the:

production across the season.

Which Pool should I choose?

•

QSL Actively Managed Pool;

•

QSL Guaranteed Floor Pool;

•

2016 2-Season and 3-Season Forward Pools (for sugar delivered in 2016, with nominations closing February 2015); and

•

2017 2-Season Forward Pool (for those Growers whose Miller is contracted to QSL for the 2017 Season).

Some growers may also have individual pricing options and these should be discussed with your Miller.

The QSL Harvest remains the only ‘Uncommitted’ Sugar Pool and exists to manage possible fluctuations in

Growers should consider a number of individual factors, such as production expectations and risk management strategies before deciding which pool/s to participate in.

To help with this decision, we have provided a ‘road map’ of key questions Growers can ask themselves to help decide how they want to price their sugar (see Figure 1 below).

Importantly, Growers should be aware that, in some instances, by not actively allocating tonnes to a specific pricing pool, they are making a choice to ‘default’ into the QSL Harvest Pool (or a Miller-nominated ‘default’ pool).

While this is a valid decision for many, it is a decision which ought to be made with appropriate consideration of the Harvest Pool’s risk management strategies.

It is for this reason, I encourage Growers to read our pool description documents, available from the QSL website (www.qsl.com.au) and to contact our Industry Relationship Managers, Cathy Kelly (0409 285 074) and Carla Keith (0409 372 305), if they have any questions.

I will be wrapping up the QSL Roadshows early in the New Year and look forward to seeing you there.

Keep an eye out for information about the dates, venues and times of these sessions in your region.n

Figure 1: Pricing options decision 'roadmap': Questions to ask yourself before choosing a pricing pool. Source: QSL, 2015.

21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 13

ON FARM

MSF Sugar General Manager Agricluture, Trevor Cook, aims to have all of the company-owned farms accredited under Smartcane BMP because the program will help Australia maintain its competitive edge in the sugar market.

First miller with Smartcane BMP accreditation MSF Sugar is not only the largest sugarcane farmer in Australia, the second largest raw sugar exporter and the third largest miller – it also has the first mill-owned farms in Australia to achieve Smartcane Best Management Practices (BMP) accreditation.

The Smartcane BMP Accreditation System was developed by the sugar industry and endorsed by government to ensure best sugarcane farming practices based on sustainability, productivity and profitability.

its competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global sugar market.

of how farming systems operate and how better outcomes could be achieved.

“We are able to demonstrate to our customers from the field up, that we are a sustainable and reliable producer of raw sugar," Mr Crook said.

MSF Sugar calls its system ModernFarm.

MSF Sugar General Manager Agriculture, Trevor Crook, said the company was committed to staying in farming for the long term.

"While BMP accreditation doesn’t yet deliver a quantifiable premium, it provides access to preferred customers and markets.

“To do this, we need to be as sustainable as possible – it is essential we preserve our soil, water and land resources as well as protecting the surrounding environment for the whole of community benefit and for future generations.

“Environmental programs such as this are becoming more and more a prerequisite for discerning buyers of agricultural products,” Mr Crook said.

“We see it as important to retain our social licence to farm and to progress our aspirations as sugar industry leaders,’’ he said.

MSF Sugar believes that the Smartcane BMP system will help Australia maintain

This is another reason why many of the MSF Sugar cane farms across Queensland are in the final stages of accreditation and in time every company-owned farm will be certified.

Mr Crook said MSF Sugar’s farming practices adhere to the system developed by the Sugar Yield Decline Joint Venture to increase understanding

14 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

He said MSF Sugar aimed at improving the yield and profitability with a farming system that preserves and improves soil health while reducing input costs.

The company’s 2m controlled traffic system dramatically cuts input costs while improving soil health and timeliness of operations.

The use of controlled traffic results in no soil compaction in the cropping zone and this results in higher yielding crops.

This system with rows 20% wider also delivers up to a 40% increase in harvesting efficiency with less distance travelled and less end turns.

“We are also embarking on an ambitious sub soil amelioration program to improve baseline yields on some of the less productive soils. ►

ON FARM

“Our use of direct drill legume crops in the rotation results in less tillage and better quality soil.

"This approach results in less physical damage to the soil as well as inputs of organic matter and nitrogen from the soy bean crop, both of which make the whole cane cropping system more sustainable,” Mr Crook said.

MSF Sugar is using direct drill legume crops in the rotation to add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil.

High efficient irrigation systems are being introduced on MSF Sugar farms.

Part of the company’s $15 million water efficiency project involves centre pivot irrigation to help ensure efficient water usage to maximise sugarcane yields.

The 40 new centre pivots being installed by MSF Sugar across 17 sugarcane farming projects in Maryborough use leading edge technology that allows them to be remotely operated by a smart phone from anywhere in the world.

"

Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, Dr Steven Miles, welcomed MSF Sugar’s commitment to reducing the impact of its farms on the Great Barrier Reef.

for their cooperative, productive and positive collaboration with Queensland Government on the Best Management Practice program,” he said.

To achieve accreditation, farms need to address three core modules covering a wide range of farm practices.

“Environmental programs such as this are becoming more and more a prerequisite for discerning buyers of agricultural products."

“This initiative from MSF Sugar represents a big step forward in BMP take-up," Mr Miles said.

“This is great news for our efforts to protect the Reef.

"Everybody knows we need more farms to complete the BMP,” he said.

Dr Miles said MSF Sugar’s accreditation sends a message to growers statewide that the Smartcane BMP is good business practice delivering more productive farms while reducing localised pollution.

"I look forward to the successful implementation of this commitment as MSF rolls out BMP to their farms across the state, and hope to see other growers take up the challenge.

"I also congratulate CANEGROWERS

The three core modules are:

the farm manager Jon Dixon and the staff committed to the process they found it relatively easy, especially the Irrigation and Drainage and Weeds Pest and Disease modules.

He said that, as with most innovative systems aimed at achieving best farm management, there were some aspects of the modules which presented some questions.

Continues page 16....

1. Soil health and Nutrient management 2. Weed, Pest and Disease management

MSF Sugar farm manager Jon Dixon.

3. Irrigation and Drainage management)

" to be completed:

The remaining modules, though optional are recommended

• Crop production and harvest management • Natural systems management • Farm business management • Workplace health and Safety A team of local facilitators throughout Queensland help explain to growers the modules they choose to take on – step by step.

Smartcane BMP facilitator for the Maryborough region, Barry Callow, is employed by the Maryborough Cane Productivity Services.

His goal is to have the majority of the region’s sugarcane farmers accredited.

Mr Callow said that while finding time to go through the self-assessment and accreditation was a challenge, once 21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 15

ON FARM

“For instance, the MSF Sugar practice of applying fertiliser immediately after ratoon harvest was addressed by using a nitrification inhibitor.

“The recommended (best practice) is to apply the fertiliser when the cane is about 600 mm high, 6 to 8 weeks after harvest,” Mr Callow said.

As a result, MSF Sugar believes that more work is required to assess the actual risk of applying fertiliser immediately after ratooning in south Queensland.

This is because the winter is cool and dry, and theoretically the risk of nitrate leaching should be low at this time.

Mr Crook said MSF Sugar endorsed the Smartcane BMP accreditation scheme as a way to focus on what could be achieved by making the right farm management decision and by having industry standards to which all cane producers could look for comparison of with their current farming methods.

Having achieved Smartcane BMP accreditation on its farms, MSF Sugar would like to see these practices adopted on other cane farms so that growers throughout Queensland can embrace a goal of continual improvement in best farming practices and in the process become more sustainable. n

SHORT & SWEET OF IT • MSF Sugar has the first millowned farms to be accredited under Smartcane BMP. • The company believes that the Smartcane BMP system will help Australia maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly competitive global sugar market.

• Maryborough region Smartcane BMP facilitator, Barry Callow, aims to see the majority of the region’s sugarcane farmers accredited.

40 new centre pivots being installed by MSF Sugar across 17 sugar cane farming projects in Maryborough.

Ethanol mandate becomes law in Queensland CANEGROWERS has welcomed the passing of legislation which will require almost a third of the regular unleaded petrol sold in Queensland from 2017 to be an ethanol blend.

“We congratulate the Queensland Parliament on following through with their commitments on a mandated level of ethanol in fuel as this will give some certainty to existing producers,” CEO Dan Galligan said.

“However, at 3%, the ethanol mandate for petrol is below current production levels which would be sufficient to supply a 4% mandate.

“For a mandate to encourage further investment in bio-fuel production in Queensland, it must be ramped up over time.”

CANEGROWERS is encouraging a review of the mandate level in the future so that it truly can deliver on its aim of stimulating investment.

The other key thing needed to support long-term and

16 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

sizeable investment is guaranteed bi-partisan support so companies can be confident that a change in government would not lead to the mandate being abolished.

At the moment, it must be noted that growers obtain absolutely no financial benefit from the generation of ethanol or biodiesel in Queensland.

“All of the financial ‘value added’ benefits from the cane crop, that is products other than sugar, are captured by solely the milling and processing sectors of the industry,” Mr Galligan said.

“A recent meeting of representatives of sugarcane and beet producers from all continents noted this as an issue for the world industry going forward.

“Now that Queensland has a mandate, income streams for processors and millers are secured which hopefully should increase demand for cane and in the end, we would hope, help secure a cane growers position in the supply chain.”.”n

WHAT’S NEW

New Innovation in Cane Harvester Choppers Robust and aggressive designed chopper

allowing the increase in productivity and billet

Innovation choppers - crush systems with more bladesin haveharvester been the quality whilst minimising the juicing/ answer to faster and more productive cane squeezing of the billet ends in the chopping the cane atandthe mill, the maximum paddock harvesters as contractors operators look not process. in This provides profitability

to save time and money to get the harvesting for the contractor, grower and miller with the Supplied EHS Manufacturing more blade security andrecovery clamping force done andbydusted as quickly and efficiently as purpose in mind of sugar by all than ever before allowing a huge 106mm possible. This comes at a cost to the grower parties involved in the process. of free ‘clamp to clamp’ gap in the cut Robust andasaggressivly and miller a portion ofdesigned the crop they get As standard harvester choppers have design position.

The free flow open throat chopper systems more and blades have paid for is crushed,with damaged sucked out between 30 – 38mmthe ‘clamp toof clamp’ gives the operator best bothgap in been the answer to faster and more the extractor in a process we have come to the cutting position, most billets ends will worlds - allowing increased productivity productive cane harvesters accept in the desire for more as bincontractors weights, have some pressure from contacting the and billet quality whilst minimising the and operators look toand savesavings time and more tonnes per hour in labour chopper drum anvil of or clamp bars.ends This in gap is juicing/squeezing the billet the money to get the harvesting done as costs. then reduced furtherThis by the hardmaximum facing to chopping process. gives quickly and efficiently as possible.

Mackay based engineering firm, EHS avoid the pressure from the Cane grower wearing the profitability for the contractor, This comes at a are costknown to thefor grower Manufacturing, their and drums.

The with opengreater throat design the EHS and miller sugarofrecovery. miller as a portion of the crop theyand innovation and ability in the design MaxiChop eliminates the billets from being standard harvester get paid for is crushed,equipment damagedto and adaption of harvesting keep the As squashed or damaged bychoppers the blade anvil/ have between a 30 – 38mm sucked out Sugar the extractor in a process Australian clamp‘clamp bar and rough to clamp’ gap in the cutting position, we have come to accept in the desire Industry as world hard faced edges of “to ensure we aremost crushing billet our endscane will have for moreinbin weights, more tonnes per leaders harvesting thesome current design. from contacting the chopper technology and best hour and savings in labouratcosts. the Mill and notpressure in the harvester” A grower/contractor drum anvil or clamp bars.

This gap practice. Their latest in NSW Mackay-based engineering firm, EHS is then reduced further by the uses hardthe product development is originalto EHS concept prototype which Manufacturing, is known for its innovation facing avoid the pressure from formed the most significant and successful change in the basis of this newthe innovation. and ability in the design and adaption the cane wearing drums. These cane harvester chopper design since rotary chopper drums have just finished their 8th ofdifferential harvesting equipment to keep the chop was introduced. This is a open throat of the EHS that season in their 2nd design brand new harvester Australian sugar industry a world leader in The welcome improvement as the industry MaxiChop stops billetsoffrom being each have cut in excess 80,000 tonnes per harvesting technology and best practice. becomes increasingly aware of the sugar squashed damaged the blade season. In 8oryears the EHSbychopper drums ofproduct current harvesting practices.

Itslosses latest development is the most anvil/clamp bar and rough hard have not been touched.

No hardfacing - No significant and successful change in cane faced edges- ofallthe design.

The EHS MaxiChop with a patented wedge remachining duecurrent to the drums have harvester chopper design since rotary blade clamp can now provide more blade minimal contact with the Sugarcane.

A grower/contractor in NSW uses the differential chop was introduced.

This is security and clamping force than ever before original EHScomparisons concept prototype which Early testing of the system a allowing welcome improvement the industry a huge 106mm ofas free ‘clamp to formed the basis of this new innovation. showed a decrease in mutilated billets from becomes increasingly aware ofThe thefree sugar clamp’ gap in the cut position. flow These chopper drumsharvester have justdown finished up to 7% in a standard to losses in current harvesting practices. open throat design gives the contractor/ their eighth season in their second 0.1% in the EHS MaxiChop.

Tests also showed harvester operator the best of both worlds The EHS MaxiChop, with a patented brand new harvester - each have damaged billets decreased by 6% andcut anin excess of 80,000 tonnes per season. wedge blade clamp, can now provide

EHS MaxiChop

In eight years the EHS chopper drums have not been touched. No hardfacing - No remachining - all due to the drums having minimal contact with the sugarcane.

Steve and Brendan Lawn with the Early testing comparisons of the system EHSinMaxiChop shows a decrease mutilated billets

from up to 7% in a standard harvester actual loss decrease of 25%.

With downjuice to 0.1% in the EHS MaxiChop. further testing and positive feedback of the Tests alsoofshow damaged billets new batch choppers that have completed decreased by 6% and an actual the 2015 season, the noticeable lack of juice juice loss of and 25%. and mud in decrease the chopper extractor area is sure visual evidence of the in this With further testing andchange positive feedback process to ensure we are crushing our of the new batch of choppers that cane at the millcompleted and not in the have theharvester.

2015 season, the noticeable lack of juice and mud in the chopper and extractor area are sure visual evidence of the change in this process to ensure we are crushing our cane at the mill and not in the harvester. n

 No harvester modification required - universal fit for John Deere & Case  Significant reduction in juice loss due to cut - dry sill plate & extractor  106mm Clearance between clamp bars - no squashing/juicing of billet ends

CNC Billet Machined

PH: (07) 4959 8880 admin@ehsmanufacturing.com.au www.ehsmanufacturing.com.au

Patent Application No. 2015901994

210 Farleigh-Dumbleton Rd Mackay QLD 4740

21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 17

WHAT’S NEW

Aussie built harvester on show An Australian built harvester has been turning heads as it did a demonstration tour of Queensland cane growing regions.

The team at Canetec (previously Bundaberg Mobile Equipment & Engineering) has been promoting its newest product, the Canetec AX7500.

While it is the company’s first full size machine, it has been manufacturing mid-size harvesters and exporting them to South East Asian markets.

In fact the AX7500 is actually the 18th harvester manufactured in Bundaberg by the company.

The AX7500 was put to the test cutting 35,000 tonnes of cane in the Bundaberg area. A demonstration day held by the company attracted

more than 80 people.after which the machine was loaded up and taken to Mackay for cutting displays.

A second machine has been on static display in Ayr, Ingham, Innisfail and Gordonvale. Canetec says its trip was well supported with growers and contractors providing positive feedback.

Canetec says its AX7500 delivers significant savings on fuel, driven by light weight but robust construction and an innovative cooling fan control system developed in conjunction with InnoTherm Pty Ltd. With a product launch now done and a website and Facebook page established it has never been easier to catch up on developments and improvements of all Canetec’s products and services. n

DeltaTrack, simply good Supplied by PFG Australia For new developments in agricultural machinery to succeed where others fail, it takes patience, plenty of technical know-how and time to test, test and test again.

It took ten years of trials and development before Versatile released the DeltaTrack, a fullyintegrated dedicated four-track tractor series from 460-620hp.

Built for simplicity, power and integrity

by Canadian manufacturer Buhler Versatile, the DeltaTrack was an instant hit in the North American market.

Within 24 hours of its release, the company received three times the amount of orders they expected, a testament to the way they have listened to what farmers want.

Handling Versatile sales for PFG Australia, Allan Muirhead is at the frontline for farmers’ opinions here. He explained that the simplicity of the machine, the ease of maintenance, and the proven ability to get so much power through to the ground have great appeal.

“This machine is what farmers have been waiting for and it’s already proved its worth in overseas markets,” he said.

“With tracks, there’s no avenue for stress release and this is where some of our competitors have had problems, but the DeltaTrack has heavy duty components, an exceptionally large gearbox and one of the biggest engines in the market.

The DeltaTrack has a powerful and responsive 15-litre Cummins engine and a smooth shifting, heavy duty CAT TA22 powershift transmission with 16 forward and four reverse gears.

“As one of my customers said: ‘There’s no replacement for displacement.’

“Another farmer, comparing DeltaTrack with other brands, told me 70 percent of its appeal is the simplicity.

“You get a straightforward, no frills machine with a reliable fully-integrated modular design and components tough enough for the work,” he said.

Competitively priced and ticking all the boxes, the Versatile DeltaTrack is in stock and ready for delivery right now. Visit www.versatiletractors.com.au for more information, or call your local Versatile dealer or PFG Australia on (03) 8353 3600.

18 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

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Marty Limmer Phil Myers Trevor Telford John Simpson Bill Pocklington Wayne Douglas

0427 433 400 0417 319 321 0427 433 478 0417 265 050 0427 433 473 0400 236 892

WHAT’S NEW

Sugar Museum relies on volunteers…. and you!

When Lauren Mahlberg and Gladys Cecchi are on duty at the Australian Sugar Industry Museum, they never know who’s going to walk through the door next and what they're going to ask about the industry.

European backpackers, farmers from southern states, grey nomads and families on holiday from the city, they all turn up wanting to know more about the sugarcane paddocks and mills they’ve been driving past.

And Lauren and Gladys are more than happy to help.

The two ladies have been volunteers at the Mourilyan museum since July 2013.

They both do it because they enjoy talking about the sugar industry - it's history and how it operates today.

Lauren is the daughter of local cane grower Joe Caltabiano (now deceased).

Gladys is the wife of a third generation local cane grower and mother to two sons who active in the industry through farming and harvest contracting.

In fact her family farm was the site of one of Innisfail’s early sugar mills, Innishowen.

They can answer pretty much any question that visitors put to them!

Lauren believes the sugar industry is one of the most interesting to learn about.

“There is so much history,” she says.

“Growing up on a cane farm I can remember the hand cutting days, planting by hand and the changes that came with the use of machines.”

Most visitors have been fascinated by what they’ve seen as they travel through the sugar districts and the visit to the museums allows all their questions to be answered.

In the Visitors Book, their messages pay tribute to the helpful, friendly and polite volunteers.

The Museum also provides visitor information about local and regional places to visit.

Lauren wants to see the Sugar Museum continue to provide a place where people can come to learn and understand the history of the sugar industry the story of sugar from paddock to plate.

Gladys supports the initiative to use online crowdfunding as a way to raise much needed funds to help improve the exhibits.

The was opened in its current building on the highway at Mourilyan in April 1988 and now needs to modernise and upgrade its exhibits.

She says the sugar industry is providing financial support but that will only help cover operational expenses.

The online campaign is aiming to raise $30,000 by pooling small donations from all over Australia, and the world.

“The money being raised will be used to make the existing exhibits more appealing,” she says.

To find out more about the campaign and play your part in keeping the Museum in its important place in the industry, go to the Indiegogo website (http://bit.ly/1XXVld3) and pledge your support. n

ALL ABOUT SUGARS The Australian Sugar Industry Alliance Nutrition Team has launched a new website called All About Sugars.

If you want to know more about sugar and the role it can play in your diet, maybe calculate how much energy you need every day or some information on how to be more active, understanding the role of sugar in food and health and also find some delicious healthy recipes – then go and explore our one stop shop for all things sugar. www.allaboutsugars.com

20 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

WHAT’S NEW

NEWS FLASH: Santa's Santa Claus and the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, have confirmed that Christmas will go ahead as scheduled with arrangements well underway to ensure that all (well-behaved) Australian children will have a very merry Christmas.

“We can’t just let foreign animals, unknown packages and soiled vehicles into the country willy nilly, so we need to make some special considerations to help Santa get his job done,” Mr Joyce said.

Santa Claus praised the work of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in making his visit stress-free.

“I’ve worked with the department for many years and each year the process gets easier," Mr Claus said.

“Like I always say to the Easter Bunny, with a bit of extra planning and so long as you declare anything that you need to, you won’t have any problems.”

bells jingling all the way to Oz

“My elves have passed all the presents on to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources early, and the friendly staff and detector dogs at Australia’s international mail centres are working overtime screening the presents in time for Christmas Eve.

“We’ve got biosecurity officers on standby ready to check Santa’s sleigh and boots - and then check them twice - for live insects, soil and other contaminants, which could unknowingly carry prohibited seeds and other pests and diseases.”

Mr Joyce thanked Santa and his elves for their cooperation in meeting Australia’s strict biosecurity rules at this busy time.

Santa said he wants to make sure he stays off the government’s ‘naughty list’.

“More than 146 million mail items move through our mail centres each year, and we usually see around a 50% increase in mail during this holiday period,” he said.

“I’m not entirely sure how many houses I visit every Christmas Eve, but I can tell you it’s a busy night when one small delay could mean some very sad kids on Christmas morning,” Mr Claus said.

“I take no joy in the fact that we seized about 5,000 items during the holiday period last year – and I’d like to see that number drastically reduced this year.

“Making sure all the necessary arrangements are in place ahead of schedule means everything will run smoothly.”

“Items like wreaths, food and some toys made of wood or containing seeds or sand have the potential to bring pests and diseases which could harm human, plant and animal health, so it’s best not to send them.

To find out more about Australia’s biosecurity system and what can and can’t be brought or sent to Australia, visit agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity.

Getting to know you This column is about putting faces to the people you may hear from or talk to in the CANEGROWERS office.

This edition, meet Matt Kealley.

What’s your role in CANEGROWERS? If there is something that has to do with environment and sustainability, then it usually comes across my desk.

However, my portfolio is pretty diverse and in addition to the multitude of reef water quality related activities, it also includes, Smartcane BMP, biosecurity, fertiliser and chemical stewardship, vegetation and land management, climate, pests and weeds.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Getting on farm and kicking the dirt with growers. Growers are great problem solvers.

There is something about having a yarn about the good things that are happening on farm that most people don’t know about.

What do you see are the challenges?

I think we as an industry have six sustainability challenges.

Productivity and profitability will always drive sustainability

and innovation, meeting the community expectations around the social licence to farm – particularly adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, market access needs from endusers wanting sustainable sugar, greenhouse gas emissions relating to climate, reef water quality targets and reef regulations. These are not simple issues and require creative thinking, collaborative effort and ongoing engagement of growers.

Where and what was your first paid job and what did that lead to?

My first paid job was a paper round which taught me accountability and deadlines. My next job was working at Kalamunda Ice Works in Perth. My job was to bag ice, deliver to pubs and bottle shops, build and dismantle cool rooms and sell refrigeration equipment. It was a great experience in sales, learning to deal with customers and it was also a cool job in summer! I started my professional career with a small ASX listed biotechnology company that brought me to Brisbane.

What do you like to do on your days off and on weekends?

I spend time with my wife Jo and daughter Brodie, work on landscaping my mostly renovated Queenslander, tend to my garden and love to play music. I enjoy song writing and have been known to play a few gigs and festivals. n 21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 21

CLASSIFIEDS

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 8 January 2016

*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 non-cane 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. 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.

For a cost of around $25 per acre Can you afford not to give it a go?

For further information contact – Burdekin & Northern Region call Wally Ford 0417 937 722 Mackay Region call Noel Jensen 0438 595 325 Childers Region call Peter Irwin 0428 427 212 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.

INGHAM AGENCIES EXTRACTOR FAN BLADES GREAT RANGE! BETTER PRICES! NEW PRODUCT AVAILABLE CORRADINI TIPPER

DONNELLY’S WELDING NOW SPECIALISING IN New Sugar Cane Hauling

Equipment Double 6/5 tonne side tippers bolt In load sharing Hitch and Gooseneck Hitch both available.

High Lift.

On tandem 23.1.26 wheels with aprons.

Single Bins available as well.

ENQUIRE NOW 0419 712 872 MACKAY Queensland admin@donnellyswelding.com.au

Graham Twyford Machinery Sales Pty Ltd Specialising in Used Cane Harvesting Equipment Sales

MERRY XMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my loyal customers

AX7500 CANE HARVESTER “NEW AUSTRALIAN MADE" Immediate Delivery Enquire NOW 2007 JOHN DEERE 3510 Wheel Harvester.

8.1 Lt. Eng 375 HP Recent engine rebuild.

Shredder Topper, Scraper Tyres. Very well maintained machine. IN STOCK NOW !!

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

2005 JD 6920 4WD Tractor 150 HP 5,264 Hrs. Coupled to a HBM Billet Planter 1,000 L. water tank on tractor. Complete Unit.

ELEVATOR FLIGHTS

BASECUTTER DISCS 610mm & 585mm 5 blade and 6 blade versions HILLING SWEEPS VIDA PLATE STRIPS VIDA PLATE LINER

MADE IN QUEENSLAND FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS Contact: Michael Pelleri Phone: 07 47761273 Fax: 07 4776 2326 sales@inghamagencies.com.au

22 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

NEW! 4 SLAT OPEN BUTT ROLLERS Suit JD 3510/20 and CASE. Helps Drop Dirt.

Enquire NOW! NEW PLANTING TIPPERS Triple Side Tippers on trailer remote hydraulics.

Order Now !

IN STOCK NOW 12, 10, 8 & 6 BLADE DIFFERENTIAL CHOPPER DRUMS Suit ‘05 to current 3520 CAMECO/JD. Tungsten Hard Faced on Wear Areas. New seal plates, Clamping Bars & Dowels with kit.

Graham Twyford 48 Central Park Drive, Paget, Mackay Mobile: 0418 742 696Phone: 07 49526 668 graham@gtmachinerysales.com.au www.gtmachinersales.com.au

WHAT’S NEW MEMBER SERVICES

JOHNNY FARMING COMPANY

Australian Distributor Belshina Tyres & Chinese Imports 5 Tractor Tyres 5 Earthmoving Tyres 5 Truck Tyres 5 Cars & 4WD Tyres DROVER EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA

UTV’s, ATV’s & AG BIKES

Mossman –Tully

Herbert River – Burdekin

2" ALUMINIUM solid set pipes with sprinklers, on a trailer, must go, make an offer. 6 blade chopper drums to suit Toft 7000, make a offer PH 0409912062 JD 3520 slip on crop divider shoes, As new condition, hard faced $2000+GST ono PH 0409912062 4’ FINISHING MOWER $1000 Excellent Condition Ph 0417 717 013 COLE FERTILIsER boxes, 2 sets of 2 boxes.

Make an offer. PH 0409912062 2WD John Deere 3130 with 4 ton Tipper Bin. $5,000. O.N.O. Ph. 0419 988 158 or 0417 720 764.

COLLECTORS ITEM circa 1956 Allis Chalmers WD45 6 cylinder diesel, Make an offer, Ph 0429 771 620 1998 N.H. 8670 and Carta 12 ton Tipper.

VGC.$110000 + GST. Ph Joe 0417611539 2011 MITSUBISHI Pajero 30th anniversary model, diesel auto 114,000km, nudge bar tow bar GPS Reverse camera Ex Condition $32,950 Ph 47849121

www.johnnyfarmingcompany.com.au E: johnnyfarmingco@bigpond.com 133 Schmidke Road Mackay 4740

JOHNNY FARMING COMPANY New Hydraulic Heavy Duty

OFFSETS

3 metre width, 28 discs, All bath bearings $11,000 plus GST ($12,100 incl GST) Other size offsets available are 1.8m, 2.2m, 2.5m, 3m & 3.4metres.

3 point linkage offsets available also

New Heavy Duty

SLASHERS

2.1 metres width $3,300 incl GST Other sizes available are 1.2m, 1.5m & 1.8m

Johnny Farming Company

Phone (07) 4952 2577 or 0412 535 887 (John) or 0407 638 674 (Andrew) 133 Schmidtke Road Mackay Qld 4740

KUBOTA 95hp 4WD aircon GdCond $24,000 ph 0407039087 SET harvester track chains, plates, undercarriage rollers, front idlers, sprockets $3,000 Ph 0407039087

Rainfall Report

See website for more details

P: 07 4952 2577 M: 0412 535 887

Mackay – Proserpine

Recorded rainfall (mm) Location Mossman

7 days to 9am 07.12.15

14.12.15

Average rainfall (mm)

Year to date

Jan–Dec

0

0

1009

Mareeba AP

0.2

1

595

2249 911

Cairns

18

12

1558

2001

Mt Sophia

75

22

3236

3346

Babinda

0

0

1422

4236

Innisfail

62

11

2355

3559

Tully

8

31

2508

4082

Cardwell

3

34

1208

2116

Lucinda

3

3

800

2101

Ingham

8

8

936

2032

Abergowrie

0

2

1036

1790

Townsville

11

7

296

1117

Ayr DPI

15

1

378

932

Proserpine

5

14

755

1379

Mirani

1

10

750

1493

Mackay

4

1

779

1562

Sarina (Plane Ck)

2

1

1080

1725

Bundaberg

0

22

834

1007

Childers South

0

3

820

875

Maryborough

20

8

1007

1153

Tewantin

2

7

1362

1595

Eumundi

2

14

1646

1668

Nambour

2

25

1725

1694

Woongoolba

4

0

1310

1342

Murwillumbah

79

79

1688

1573

Ballina

26

35

1840

1770

Woodburn

30

6

1098

1358

WANT MORE NEWS, EVENTS AND PHOTOS? Find CANEGROWERS on Twitter! @canegrowers or share with us by using #canegrowers

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.

21 December 2015

| Australian Canegrower 23

MEMBER SERVICES

12T SELF-PROPELLED 6x6 elev infielder VGC. 6t side/tipper on Leyland tandem GC. Don Mizzi 741 model on Fiat 750 special turbo plus MF102 half-tracks to suit. Mason 9550 4-row precision vacuum seed planter GC. 0438 606 578 (Mackay) MASSEY Ferg 168, 8 speed tyres 50% rops good order $7,000 +gst ph 0417615250 MOLLER billet planter, 600kg fert box, 600L water, 100L lorsban tank, twin feed chains, single wide row and dual row shutes. Vgc $35,000 inc Ph 0409595321 VALTRA 6400 4WD Tractor - 100HP, AirCon Cab, 2004 Model. 3700 Hours. Good Condition. $30 000(incl GST) ONO Ph 0418710958 / 49503048 FIAT 130-90 coupled to 9 tonne newton elevating tipper $45000.00 + GST. Case 5130 4wd aircab 100hp 5000 hours VGC.$25000.00 + GST Ph 0427639598 BUCKET (NEW) suit 20T Excavator: 1050mm GP bucket. $2,100+GST. Ph: 0419700761 BUCKETS (NEW) suit Backhoe or 5T Excavator: 1300mm mud bucket, $800+GST. 650mm GP bucket, $600+GST. Ph: 0419700761 HYDRAULIC QUICK HITCHES (NEW) suit 5T to 20T excavators. Prices start from $800+GST. Ph: 0419700761 INFIELD transporter 10t sidetipper, Needs little work $35000 + gst. 160/90 FIAT with double 6T SIDETIPPER $50,000 + gst. DEUTZ 160hp fair cond $10,000 + gst. Ph 0438598239 1996 CAMECO full track harvester with 3306 cat motor, 8 blade Westhill chop with adjuster (used for billet planting last 6 years) $ 65,000 inc gst. Ph: 0428 565 654 9-5-44 MICHELIN tyres and rims. Ph: 0428 565 654 FORD 5000 6Y Series with 18-4-30 tyres, $8,800. Ph: 0428 565 654 12 GRADER 10 foot blade, $2,200. Ph: 0428565654 VANE BILLET Planter – single or dual row $33,000. Ph: 0428 565 654 HIGH SPEED track motor to suit 1996 full track Cameco harvester (fully reconditioned) $3,300. Ph: 0428 565 654

TOFT 4000-6000 base cutter box $650 Ph: 0428 565 654 2 of 12-4-11 tyres 50% rubber $330. Ph: 0428 565 654

ENGINEERING

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

New South Wales MINIMUM TILL 3 row fertiliser box is good condition. ph Ben 0402421565 .

Wanted 1 X HODGE side dresser, preferably with stainless steel fertiliser box. Mackay area Ph: 07 4959 1451 3PL grader/back blade. Prefer swing and tilt hydraulic or manual. Also Howard rotary hoe 100-120 inch with crumble roller in good working order.

Located tully innisfail area. 0418456290 0740686053 FERTILISER BOX Minimum till 3 row in good condition. ph Ben 0402421565 .

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

MCLEOD 3-row 3-point linkage ratoon roller Ph 49591451 CANE to cut for 2016 season in Farleigh, Pleystowe & Marian areas. Compatible prices. Use double 6t side tippers Ph 0438598239

Work Wanted HARVESTER CONTRACTOR available for 2016 cane season - Tully/ Innisfail/ surrounding district. Looking for farmers interested in smaller Group (80,000 tonne max). 0418 183 584

24 Australian Canegrower | 21 December 2015

29 Richardson St TULLY

HARVESTER CHOPPER DRUMS • • • •

Strong, open design Clean, efficient cutting 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 blade (12" & 15") Very competitively priced

Chopper drum reconditioning and modifications Char-Lynn motor shaft seal repairs with nitride hardened sleeves

NEW CHOPPER ADJUSTER We now manufacture external chopper adjusters to suit John Deere and Case harvesters. For further information contact Ian Fagg

PH: (07) 4068 2811 Fax: (07) 4068 0459 Email: ifitengineering@bigpond.com

Property WANTED TO LEASE: Cane farm, Farleigh mill area. Experienced cane grower. Ph 0428 529 216 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.

Ph: 0407 157 792 HERBERT RIVER: Cane farm 60.73ha with machinery and 4 bedroom dwelling at 194 Lannercost Ext Rd, Ingham Ph. 40454321 INGHAM: Cane Farm For Sale. Hawkins Creek. Total area 48.3ha. CPA 46.6ha.

Shed, electricity & water. Genuine enquiries Ph. 0407635175.

Department of Energy and Water Supply

Department of Energy and Water Supply

Local Management – Channel Irrigation Schemes – Expression of Interest

Local Management – Channel Irrigation Schemes – Expression of Interest

Chairperson and Board Members of Interim Boards for Bundaberg, Mareeba–Dimbulah, Lower Mary, Burdekin–Haughton

Chairperson and Directors of Transition Company Boards for Emerald, Eton, St George, Theodore

The Queensland Government is proceeding with further investigations into the transition to local ownership and management of SunWater owned channel irrigation schemes in Bundaberg, Mareeba–Dimbulah, Lower Mary and Burdekin– Haughton.

The local management arrangements (LMA) project Stage 2 involved significant investigations and strategic due diligence with business proposals developed for each of the schemes.

To implement the next stage of the project, the Department of Energy and Water Supply is calling expressions of interest for the positions of Chairperson and Board Members for the Bundaberg, Mareeba–Dimbulah, Lower Mary and Burdekin–Haughton LMA Stage 3 interim boards.

The interim boards will undertake further work developing the business proposals and addressing any outstanding issues before submitting their reports to Government for consideration.

The boards will comprise up to five skills-based members (including the Chairperson). Two of the members will be independent or non-irrigator members. The positions will be remunerated.

For a copy of the position description and selection criteria for the role of Chairperson and Board Member email

LMA@dews.qld.gov.au.

Expressions of interest addressing the selection criteria should be submitted by Monday 8th February 2016 to

LMA@dews.qld.gov.au.

Further information may be obtained from the Department of Energy and Water Supply website at www.dews.qld.gov.au or by contacting the department on (07) 3330 5061.

Please note the department’s offices will be closed during the Christmas break from 5.00pm Thursday 24 December 2015, reopening 8.30am Monday 4 January 2016.

CS4998(A) 12/15

The Queensland Government is proceeding with the transition to local ownership and management of SunWater owned channel irrigation schemes in Emerald, Eton, St George and Theodore.

The local management arrangements (LMA) project Stage 2 involved significant investigations and strategic due diligence with detailed business proposals developed and assessed for each of the schemes.

The Department of Energy and Water Supply is calling expressions of interest for the positions of Chairperson and Directors for Special Purpose Vehicles for each irrigation scheme, to implement the next stage of the project, LMA Stage 3.

The objective of the Special Purpose Vehicles will be to enter into contractual discussions with Government on the final terms and conditions for the transfer of ownership and operation of the irrigation schemes to local management. The Special Purpose Vehicle boards will be responsible for meeting the conditions of transfer and developing all the necessary systems to take over operation of the schemes.

The boards will comprise up to five skills-based members (including the Chairperson). Two of the members will be independent or non-irrigator members. The positions will be remunerated.

For a copy of the position description and selection criteria for the role of Chairperson and Director email LMA@dews.qld.gov.au.

Expressions of interest addressing the selection criteria should be submitted by Monday 8th February 2016 to LMA@dews.qld.gov.au.

Further information may be obtained from the Department of Energy and Water Supply website at www.dews.qld.gov.au or by contacting the department on (07) 3330 5061.

Please note the department’s offices will be closed during the Christmas break from 5.00pm Thursday 24 December 2015, reopening 8.30am Monday 4 January 2016.

CS4998(B) 12/15