FROM THE CHAIR

Owen Menkens, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

Good research must be grower focussed

The crushing is finally over in all areas except Rocky Point. Unfortunately, we are at least a month behind where we should be regarding the crop cycle, which creates difficulties, especially given the wet season is now upon us.

Now is the time for growers to put in the final touches for next years crop. Fallow ground needs to be prepared by destroying the old stool, bed forming or planting fallow crops.

The cane is growing well, but unfortunately so are the weeds, therefore this is also the time for spraying chemicals.

Growers will make decisions about the amount of chemical used, the timing of application, and the placement of the spray based on the weather and the conditions of the crop being sprayed.

For many of us, these decisions are second nature due to practical experience and trials done in previous years. However, the initial work carried out to ensure the efficacy and safety of all new and existing chemicals is also a hugely important factor. This all comes back to one thing - research.

We are lucky in the sugar industry to have a world class research body in Sugar Research Australia (SRA).

Not only do they carry out a huge amount of research into all facets of growing and milling, they also develop and own the varieties we use in the paddocks.

This is unusual in most Australian agricultural industries as most industries are beholden to large overseas companies for their seed stock.

We are lucky in the sugar industry to have a world class research body in Sugar Research Australia.

With this in mind, it is vitally important for growers to be at the forefront in providing SRA with input into their research and variety development.

Growers are the ones who eventually have to make a living out of the research, so it is important that they get input into the process.

CANEGROWERS has always worked closely with SRA and we will continue to do so.

Over the next few months, we will head into what is the field day season. There are events in most districts designed to help growers with the latest research. I encourage growers to be engaged and participate as much as they can in these regional events.

We also need growers to put their hands up to be ambassadors for SRA as grower reps in their region.

These roles are important in determining the direction of our research organisation as well as the future of our industry as a whole.

Our industry is on the cusp of huge changes through the implementation of the Sugar Plus road map.

This plan details an opportunity for growers and millers to expand the sugar industry while diversifying their income streams to items beyond sugar.

To deliver this will require confident growers and informed and innovative research.