Australian Canegrower - May 2024

EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY Start

OFFSET DISCS THAT ARE BUILT TO WITHSTAND THE TOUGHEST OF CONDITIONS.

“There has been no lost time due to break downs... I would recommend them to any person or company who are looking to invest in a new set of offsets.

JOHN

ROBSON, ISIS

FARMING KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR POCKET.

LAND HUB is a sophisticated decision-support tool for sugar cane growers.

LAND HUB assists growers by providing easy access to farm data that is key to boosting productivity and profitability.

It is Australia’s first whole-farm nutrient budget decision support tool to achieve Fertcare®️ accreditation.

Find out more: landhub.com.au

04 News briefs

NFF calls on government to declare war on fire ants

05 ASSCT conference provides insight

Profitability and sustainability were the hot topics

07 Load restraints

NHVR now responsibile for enforcement

08 Complex sugarcane genetics

Researchers unravel the mystery of sugarcane genetics

10 Membership is your investment

Growers provide advice and make the strategic decisions

14

16

24

Ensuring a profitable future

CANEGROWERS is growers representing growers

Forward thinking solution

CANEGROWERS Isis actions helped mitigate potential risk

Re-established water courses

Evolving landscape are improving water quality

38 Rocky Point crosses the border

The field trip provided insights into the NSW industry

round-up

Editor: Robyn Devine

Design: Eleanor Fraser

Articles appearing in Australian Canegrower do not necessarily represent the policies or views of CANEGROWERS.

Published monthly by: CANEGROWERS, GPO Box 1032, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 Australia. ABN 94 089 992 969

Telephone: 07 3864 6444

Email: editor@canegrowers.com.au

Website: www.canegrowers.com.au

Subscriptions

Yearly subscriptions for 12 issues (postage included)

Within Australia: $190 inc GST Overseas (AUD): $290

COVER IMAGE

Babinda grower Barry Stubbs check water quality monitoring devices.

Photo credit: Renee Cluff

Read more on page 24

NFF BACKS CANEGROWERS CALL ON GOV TO DECLARE WAR ON FIRE ANTS

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on federal, state and territory governments to urgently ramp up the war on an invasive species that could slash agricultural output by upwards of 40%.

The Senate Inquiry report into Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) in Australia urges governments to work together and commit to uninterrupted funding to escalate the fight to eradicate this destructive invasive species. The NFF has long stated there needs to be urgent and comprehensive action to wipe out RIFA from Australia.

NFF President David Jochinke said farmers in New South Wales and Queensland had already seen the destructive pest escape containment zones, and action needs to be ramped up to stop them in their tracks.

CANEGROWERS representatives participated in the Inquiry’s public hearings in Brisbane, where Rocky Point Chairman Greg Zipf provided firsthand experience of living with the fire ant problem and some of the factors that have prevented progress towards eradication.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said sugarcane growers in the Rocky Point region have been severely impacted by fire ants for over 18 years.

“They have faced increased costs for handling their crop residue, which is used in

JASON EGLINTON DEPARTURE

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) General Manager of Variety Development Dr Jason Eglinton will depart SRA in July, to take up a position supporting a new initiative in Indonesia.

Since joining SRA in early 2017, Jason has played a pivotal leadership role, implementing significant improvements to the Variety Development program. Under his guidance, his team has achieved considerable outcomes for the sugar industry, including major increases in genetic gain and record increases in new variety adoption.

garden mulch and is vital to the economic success of the region’s sugarcane industry.

“But equally disturbing is the impact these pests have had on the quality of life of families in the area, with parents continuously on the lookout for nests that, if disturbed by children or pets, erupt in huge numbers of angry fire ants.

“ CANEGROWERS welcomes the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into RIFA in Australia, including the call for adequate and uninterrupted funding of eradication efforts, the need for much greater transparency and accountability, a national awareness campaign on the threat of fire ants, and additional R&D to improve efficiency of control methods.

PETITION

A petition to the Queensland Government seeking the Mossman Mill remain operational for the 2024 sugarcane harvest has had great momentum.

The petition closed on 28 April and at time of print had received almost 5,000 signatures. CANEGROWERS are yet to hear what the outcome will be from this action.

SRA interim CEO Shaun Coffey thanked Jason for his strong commitment to the program and contributions to industry, and wished him well in his new role.

“This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for Jason, and we wish him every success,” Mr Coffey said.

“It is always exciting to see a colleague moving on to new and bright opportunities, and Jason can leave SRA with our heartfelt thanks and with justifiable pride in his achievements over the past seven years,” he said.

Jason will depart SRA on 11 July. SRA will undertake an international search for his replacement.

PROFITABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

Passionate researchers and sugarcane industry representatives, including growers and milling professionals, converged in Townsville during April for the annual Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) 2024 held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

ASSCT President Mr Jay Venning said the theme, “Profitability, Sustainability and Adaptability”, reflected the ever-changing landscape of the sugarcane industry and the crucial role that adaptability plays in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

The conference provided the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas and foster meaningful connections to shape the future of sugarcane technology and ensure its continued prosperity.

CANEGROWERS Farm Business Resilience Project Manager, Chris Gillitt said the insightful presentations offered opportunities to explore what is happening in the industry as well as plenty of chances to network with other industry personnel.

“The conference attracted papers covering a wide spectrum of technical topics in sugarcane agronomy as well as interesting papers from the milling fraternity,” Chris said.

“The plenary sessions provided interesting views on the role that agriculture could play in biofuels in the near future and discussed potential technical pathways to produce aviation fuel from sustainable feedstocks.

“Supporting government policy remains an important requirement to develop these sustainable aviation fuel pathways as they are not currently cost competitive relative to fossil fuel sources.

“Ark Energy’s speaker provided insight into application of renewable energy technology within the highly energyintensive Korea Zinc smelting business. Ark Energy has a mandate to decarbonise the energy supply of the Korea Zinc group starting with Sun Metals in Townsville.

Chris said some notable papers included, amongst others, the detection of RSD with satellite-based multispectral imaging and machine learning, the life-cycle assessment of greenhouse-gas emissions from changes in cane-growing practices, an analysis of the impact of smart irrigation

scheduling in sugarcane and precise robotic spot-spraying of weeds for improved environmental and economic outcomes.

“The conference included field tours where we visited Rocks Farming Co in the Burdekin, the owners and staff demonstrated techniques to overcome deep drainage while also incorporating automated irrigation systems, as well as a demonstration of the AutoWeed spot spray technology.

“The second tour visited the Pioneer Mill cogeneration operation, as well as Sun Metals Solar Farm which produces 124MW of power and showcased their plans to produce green hydrogen which will incorporate 140tonne Hyzon fuel cell electric trucks to replace their current diesel fleet as part of their decarbonising effort.

“The opportunity to see first-hand the diverse innovations, hear reports from the current research and engage with key stakeholders at these types of conferences remains valuable for the industry to remain profitable and sustainable.”

Make time this year to focus on where you want your business to go

These half day sessions will be provided FREE of charge.

BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING

Review your checks and balances

FARM RECORD-KEEPING

Overview of tools and templates for the business

FARM BUSINESS PLANNING

Managing amidst uncertainty

SUGAR MARKETING UPDATE

Future risks and opportunities for the market

LOCATIONS & DATES:

• Burdekin: 21 & 22 May

• Innisfail: 28 & 29 May

• Gordonvale: 4 & 5 June

Other locations & dates will be confirmed soon—keep an eye on our webpage.

CANEGROWERS UPDATE ON LOAD RESTRAINT

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) sets out that loading requirements in schedule 7 of the Heavy Vehicle National Regulation must be followed.

The requirements are that:

‚ A Load must not be placed on a heavy vehicle in a way that makes it unstable or unsafe

‚ A Load must be secured so it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged from a vehicle

‚ An appropriate method must be used to restrain the load

As previously advised, the NHVR has now taken over enforcement of heavy vehicle regulations from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads from 20 April.

After consultation with the industry task group, the NHVR has made it clear that if a vehicle carting cane is not covered and not spilling cane then there will be no enforcement action for load restraint.

However, if a vehicle carting cane is spilling cane, then the load restraint is inadequate and they will take enforcement action.

The NHVR has indicated that there is no intention to instigate a sudden blitz of enforcement however if there is a substantiated complaint or evidence of cane spillage then NHVR may instigate closer enforcement action.

In general, NHVR enforcement starts with education before infringement notices are issued so there may be some first warnings but don’t rely on this.

What is not clear is how trash blowing off a vehicle will be treated for compliance, and it is up to the industry to reduce this to a minimum if it cannot be eliminated.

This will be part of discussion with the regulator going forward.

NHVR does not regulate the “appropriate method”.

The question for each contractor will be, what is the appropriate method to ensure there is no spillage of cane?

As an example this may be:

‚ In accordance with the NHVR Load Restraint Guide 2018 which recommends that loose bulk loads, like sugarcane, be contained or covered. This may be the most appropriate method for vehicles travelling at higher speed over longer distances

‚ Continue with the current method of balancing free board and speed to ensure that the cane does not spill. So long as there is no spillage, we believe this should be appropriate for haulouts traveling at lower speeds without  a cover

CANEGROWERS is leading an industry task group to address this complex issue.

SUGARCANE GENETICS MORE COMPLEX THAN HUMAN

SUPPLIED BY UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

Researchers have unravelled the mystery of sugarcane genetics, finding the crop’s genome is three times the size of the human genome and more complex.

After a decade of research, scientists from The University of Queensland, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Sugar Research Australia (SRA) have been able to fully map the sugarcane genome for the first time.

Co-author Professor Robert Henry from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation* said sugarcane was the last of the world’s 20 major crops to have its genome mapped.

“This marks the start of the genomic revolution for sugarcane, and now we have the knowledge to level the playing field with other crops,” Professor Henry said.

From top to bottom: Sugar and sugarcane, Prof Robert Henry (Credit UQ and Lyndon Mechielsen), CSIRO’s Dr Karen Aitken

“While this genome mapping will be a tool to help create more resistant sugarcane crops, it is also a major step forward for our other research to turn sugarcane and other plant biomass into aviation fuel.”

Professor Henry is developing renewable carbon products from plant

biomass for use as cost-effective and sustainable aviation fuel as part of the ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon.

“Traditionally sugarcane has been bred just for sugar but now with the move to net zero, there is great interest in one of the most productive crops in the world becoming a source of renewable carbon,” he said.

“This genome mapping will help us produce sugarcane that’s a better raw material to replace fossil carbon.”

Principal Investigator and CSIRO Research Scientist Dr Karen Aitken said the breakthrough in genome mapping addressed the critical challenge of stagnating sugar yields by tapping into the previously inaccessible genetic diversity of sugarcane.

“This is a major step forward for sugarcane research and will improve our understanding of complex traits

like yield and adaption to diverse environmental conditions as well as disease resistance,” Dr Aitken said.

“This is the first high-quality sugarcane variety genome to be completed.

“It represents a significant scientific achievement from 10 years of collaborative effort from scientists across the world.

“This knowledge opens opportunities for new tools to enhance breeding programs around the world for this valuable bioenergy and food crop.”

Sugar Research Australia cytogeneticist Dr Nathalie Piperidis said the unveiling of the sequence would create a plethora of opportunities.

“Sugar Research Australia takes an immense pride in its involvement in this remarkable accomplishment,” Dr Piperidis said.

“Not only does the work hold the promise of enhancing our understanding of this amazing crop but it will also offer unprecedented ways to advance breeding techniques within the industry to produce a range of renewable and commercially viable products that include but go way beyond sugar.”

The research was funded by the Joint Genome Institute (USA) through the US Department of Energy community sequencing program. The research paper was published in Nature.

* The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland supported by the Queensland Government via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

BEAT THE COST CRUNCH

MEMBERSHIP IS YOUR INVESTMENT

BY DAN GALLIGAN, CEO, CANEGROWERS

As a membership organisation a lot of time is spent at CANEGROWERS ensuring that we are delivering services and products that mean something practical to growers.

In the end it is growers who provide the advice, make the strategic decisions and determine our programs that we deliver, because it is the growers of this industry who provide the funding. It is a balancing act. We structure our business around five specific themes, and each has specific initiatives. Some examples include:

Advocacy

‚ We work to bring the grower voice into policy issues

‚ In just the the last eight weeks we have contributed to policy discussions with state and federal governments on emissions reductions targets, fire ants response, biosecurity levy, electricity tariffs, and competition reform

Member service

‚ When you pay your CANEGROWERS levy you get free crop insurance

‚ CANEGROWERS districts provide services to growers such as payroll, leasing, business administration, CSA negotiations, insurance brokerage – free of charge

‚ CANEGROWERS members and district companies get free legal advice from their very own industry lawyer

‚ Our free Business Essentials training is provided to all growers to support cost of production assessment, budgeting, succession planning and market insights

Organisation collaboration

‚ Between QCGO and our 13 districts, CANEGROWERS members have local, state, federal, and international issues covered

‚ We have invested in a cane analysis monitoring program across all districts, and bring together cane auditors every year to discuss this vital industry service

Industry partnerships

‚ As a founding member of both the NFF and the QFF our work across colleague industries is robust and comprehensive

‚ As is our work as Chair of the Australian Sugar industry Alliance, a forum for all industry issues and our membership of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers where the world’s sugar and beet production come together

Industry evolution

‚ We were the driving force behind the Sugar Plus vision and want to see this vision implemented through collaboration and partnerships across our industry that ensure the benefits are shared, and value for all is created

‚ Our investment in leadership through the Next Ratoon mentoring program and Diversity in Ag leadership program will set up the leaders of tomorrow with the skill to deliver on these opportunities

‚ We are investing in the youth, having released our primary schools education resources we are on the cusp of backing it up with a secondary school curriculum focused resource built on strategy and teacher input. We need kids in schools to be excited and as enthusiastic about the future of the sugarcane industry and all of its potential

These are big investments. They support growers as individuals, districts and communities, and the industry as a whole. We hope that each grower sits down this year and is proud of the contribution that their investment in CANEGROWERS is making to support their business and their livelihood.

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

LET LIQUAFORCE HELP YOU TO GET YOUR BEST RESULTS IN 2024 WITH THE SUPPORT OF PLANTSTARTER21

PLANTSTARTER21 delivers faster plant uptake and safer application options to protect your planting investment.

PlantStarter21 also includes bio-stimulants from two di erent seaweed extracts to help increase root mass and support ultimate nutrient take up.

Independent r esearch undertaken by the University of Southern Queensland shows PlantStarter21 to reduce nitrogen leaching by 24%, support up to 98% faster strike rate and 52% greater shoot length when compared to granular fertiliser

Like all LiquaForce liquid fertiliser products, PlantStarter21 delivers the added advantage of allowing you to plant much more area per day with less labour and machinery required to get the job done, saving you time and money. Get your plant cane away faster and stronger with PlantStarter21 and capture the full potential of your crop this season!

LIQUAFORCE – MORE THAN JUST NPKS IN A BAG

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN –WHAT HAPPENS NEXT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Third-generation Burdekin sugarcane grower Paul Marano found out the hard way that the unexpected can have devastating consequences.

P. Marano & Sons is a family farming business which includes Paul, his father and brother. Together they own seven farms across 450 hectares of cane land in the picturesque and highly fertile Burdekin district.

In December 2022 while preparing blocks for harvest an unexpected and accidental fire severely impacted his crop.

Paul reached out to CANEGROWERS Burdekin and said the support in the aftermath was exceptional and it was reassuring to know that his crop was covered by insurance, as a CANEGROWERS member.

Helle Cook, one of CANEGROWERS experienced insurance professionals

based in Brisbane, had a good chat to Paul about the incident:

How did the fire start?

“It was the beginning of December in 2022, we were doing the last burn on one of our farms in a block that was up against a 33-acre block of immature early plant that was planted in March,” Paul said.

“It should have been an easy burn as there was only the neighbouring paddock across the road to watch. We ran a burn along both sides of the block, watching the bottom end to make sure nothing got into the neighbour’s block.

“But we didn’t realise the fire had got into the early plant until after we had finished burning. We were so surprised as we have never heard of it happening before, that immature early plant cane could even burn.

The crop was so severely damaged that the stalks started to die

“We were unable to put the fire out, it was unstoppable and too dangerous to extinguish.”

How did it make you feel seeing your crop in flames?

“I was shocked and gutted! I couldn’t believe a block of early plant was big enough to carry a fire, even though we had done all the right things to prevent the fire from spreading.”

How did being covered by CANEGROWERS member’s Crop Insurance help?

“It was an enormous help, both financially and as CANEGROWERS supported me to get all the information for the claim organised and submitted all the details on my behalf.”

“I contacted Greg Watson from CANEGROWERS Burdekin and told him what happened. He came out and had a look and advised me of the process and what I needed to do to put in a claim. The Wilmar logistics officer and Terry Granshaw from Sugar Research Australia both inspected the burnt crop and Terry wrote a report on his recommendations which outlined that the crop was badly compromised and advised to remove the burnt material.

“Greg was extremely helpful, and his expertise was invaluable, he organised all the information required and

kept me informed every step of the way throughout the claim process. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

In which way did the outcome of the claim support you, not only financially but also in terms of practical support and peace of mind?

“I was extremely pleased with the outcome. The loss was significant as the sugar price was high, but the insurance payout was fair for the loss incurred. The financial loss would have been significant, I would have had to wear it myself. It was such a relief to realise that I would be able to claim via the CANEGROWERS members Crop Insurance!

“This was an unprecedented event, and no one had ever seen anything like this happen before, where immature plant cane has been damaged by fire.

“We weren’t sure what to do. I irrigated the crop following the fire however the

crop was so severely damaged that the stalks started to die, and I knew that the crop was not going to yield a viable crop.

“I would like to give a big thanks to Greg Watson and the team from CANEGROWERS for all their work behind the scenes to support me with getting all the information required for the Crop Insurance Claim.”

Being a member of CANEGROWERS means that growers automatically have access to Crop Insurance when a covered event; e.g. an accidental fire or hail damage happens. This is just one of the benefits of membership.

CANEGROWERS have a dedicated insurance team which will be able to assist members with just about any insurance aspect. Contact your local CANEGROWERS district for more details.

Paul with his father, Paul Marano

FROM THE CHAIR

BY OWEN MENKENS, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

At CANEGROWERS , we are continually reviewing our performance. We examine what is working and what is not, and most importantly, what we can do better to ensure a positive and profitable future for our members.

Ever since industry deregulation in 2006, CANEGROWERS membership has been entirely voluntary.

As an organisation that has the length of service like CANEGROWERS we can certainly attract some critics. I guess if you are being criticised it often means you have had to make some tough decision. Feedback and being pushed to do better is something we should embrace. This can often extend to being attacked falsely. Our victories are shared, while our failings are held by some for retribution later.

But it is important to remember that CANEGROWERS is a grower led, grass roots organisation. Any characterisation to the contrary is factually wrong. A criticism of the work we do is a criticism of other growers.

We are an organisation of growers representing growers. Every decision we make as an organisation is made by growers.

With 13 district companies, one in each cane-growing district, we represent a diverse and large community of growers. This comes with challenges but also many rewards.

Of the 85 directors spread across those district offices, every single one is a sugarcane grower, while most of the 100+ staff who service the needs of growers every day also have direct links to the industry.

Our state board of directors – all sugarcane growers. And the 19 members of our Policy Council (one for every mill stack in the state) – also all sugarcane growers, as are the members of our industry committees.

Even many of our staff in Brisbane, who carry out the policies set by the board and Policy Council, have links to the industry or other ag sectors and are passionate about achieving the best for members.

Some people would have you believe that CANEGROWERS is some far away, untouchable cohort of people. But that is simply not true. CANEGROWERS is you.

Our work covers a broad range of services, from influencing government, industry partners and other stakeholders, to offering payroll services, legal advice, negotiating Cane Supply Agreements, and so much more.

It's in our DNA to work with other organisations both in and outside the industry.

We use the connections with other industries, in addition to our own considerable clout, to influence state and federal governments on policy that effects our industry.

This process is not always easy but because of our large and widespread membership base we are the best placed to get the desired outcomes.

On the international stage we are the owners of the sugar industry trade policy, and it is up to us to direct the trade minister and the department on what are the best outcomes for the industry.

Our membership of the Global Sugar Alliance (GSA) plays the important role in reducing trade distorting policies that put downward pressure on the world price.

The GSA was instrumental in getting results at the World Trade Organisation against the EU in 2005 and against India in 2019.

These wins had a huge influence on increasing the world sugar price, as it reduced the amount of subsidised sugar that was placed on the world market.

CANEGROWERS is a contract negotiator, a service provider, a trainer, an advocate and the heart and soul of the Queensland sugarcane industry.

CANEGROWERS is here for you and does what our members want us to do. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Let’s work together to keep this industry moving forward.

LOOKING FORWARD

15 years ago, the forwardthinking actions of CANEGROWERS Isis helped mitigate impending risks for the sugarcane growers of the area.

As part of the organisation’s strategic planning, the challenge of retaining and supplying harvesting contractors was identified as a potential threat to the district’s industry.

At that time a harvest contracting coop and another contractor were looking to exit the industry prompting the management team at CANEGROWERS Isis to actively investigate various harvesting models. This involved travelling to NSW and other sugarcane growing regions within Queensland to learn more about the different contracting entities.

As a result, Central Harvesting Cooperative Ltd was born, and the business remains an active and successful option for growers.

“The Central Harvesting model has stood the test of time, it is a true cooperative,” Central Harvesting Chairman Peter McLennan said.

“It’s a membership organisation, there’s a Board elected to run the entity, with four grower directors and one nongrower director, and we employ a manager to coordinate and implement day-to-day operations.

“Growers buy into the cooperative with a $1,000 share and exit with a $1,000 share, the equity remains in the business. This practice has been crucial to ensuring the longevity of the business, as a lot of partnerships have failed when one partner tries to extract equity.

“The model was also set up with four-year rolling supply contracts, this provided assurity around the cane being cut into future years and that was very innovative 15 years ago.

“One of the reasons these contracts are important is because they provide security for finance. These two things really set a solid base line for the business moving forward.

“There are around 50 growers that are members of Central Harvesting at the moment, the number varies, it has been as high as 65 growers, our contracts are a mix of member and non-member cane within the district.”

There are many benefits for the sugarcane growing district, a sustainable harvesting contractor provides reassurance for growers and the local view is that Central Harvesting will be around for the long term. Members also receive other benefits including competitive pricing for consumables like oils, fuels and hydraulic hoses, and members can also access the inhouse skills of the workforce.

“From the mill’s perspective, they are dealing with a reasonably sized entity with some large daily allocations which provide efficiencies to the mill,” Peter said.

“We have managed to keep a stable harvesting price in the last three or four years in a reasonably inflationary environment”

“From Central’s perspective the multiple machines provide efficient productivity and management. We can mix and match different tonnages with different areas, to get the best efficiencies and economics around the harvesting price.

“Another valuable point for the industry is due to the size of our operation, over the last 15 years, we have been able to retain our key staff, through the slack to rebuild and maintain the machinery.

“Because of our good reputation, we also maintain external contractors’ machines within the district as well as our own allowing us to retain our skilled staff.

“We don’t actively compete against other contractors, but when an opportunity arises where a contractor is exiting, or

growers are looking for contractors, then we do our best to explain the benefits of Central Harvesting.

“Harvesting is an even bigger risk than before, there are less, and less harvesting contractors in the industry and different mill areas are starting to identify harvesting as a capacity constraint, as in what they can put through their rollers on the day is subject to how many tonnes the harvesters can bring in.

“It remains an issue for the industry moving forward, so entities like Central Harvesting, that are sustainable and workable, are important to be part of any future discussions.”

Haulout positions available for coming season

Experience in haulout operation preferred but not essential as training will be provided. Please email centralharvesting@ hotmail.com or call Leon on 0419 772 406

PROMISING RESULTS

FOR RESEARCH QUESTIONS ON INPUTS AND FARMING PRACTICES

An overview of SRA’s current research work on behalf of the sugar industry was presented in April at the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) conference in Townsville.

This included the work of SRA’s entomology research team into alternatives to imidacloprid for canegrub control.

SRA Entomology Leader Dr Kevin Powell described some promising early results from screens of 10 products, including agrochemical and biologically derived products, used against greyback larvae.

Four products have proved to have similar efficacy on mortality and larval weight as imidacloprid. Five products affect subsequent pupal development which could impact on the next generation of adults.

Field trials are planned following the conclusion of laboratory trials in this four-year project1

Another project discussed was the Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsunday project2 which has been running trials since June 2021 on Sam and Steve Schembri’s farm at Habana, about 20 km north-west of Mackay.

“Our sugarcane farming systems are heavily reliant on agricultural chemicals such as nutrients, herbicides and insecticides,” said Project Manager Dr Matt Schembri.

“In run-off rain events, some of these chemicals leave the paddocks and enter local water ways,” said Matt.

“However, water quality is difficult to see and growers must depend on SRA’s scientists to gather real and representative water quality data.”

Matt looked at a variety of farming practices and products conventionally used in the Mackay region. He found that reductions in runoff could be achieved through informed farming practices.

For example, side-dress application of liquid imidacloprid in ratoon cane generated 30 per cent lower insecticide runoff compared with application via stool splitter.

“However, further efforts are needed to reduce the loss of imidacloprid to the environment as even best application practices are still not sufficient to avoid imidacloprid ever exceeding levels regulated by species protection guidelines for freshwater streams,” Matt said.

Green cane trash blanketing has been widely adopted in the Australian industry for more than 30 years. Trash blanketing has been shown to improve sugarcane yields by about 15 per cent, mostly due to reduced loss of soil water by evaporation.

The industry now wants to know if soil carbon in sugarcane farming systems has increased with the long-term retention of trash on the soil surface.

In the project co-funded by Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries3 (DAF), Translation Research Manager Dr Barry Salter has established a new crop cycle in the long-term trash blanketing trial site at Mackay.

“The trial also investigated whether the farming practice of reduced tillage management between crop cycles assisted in carbon accumulation. The ASSCT paper presented the carbon and nitrogen results for plant, first and second ratoon crops,” Barry said.

A presentation4 delivered by Agronomist Erin Headon with Principal Agronomist Dr Danielle Skocaj and Agronomist Nancy Rincon as coauthors reported the results of trials to address grower uncertainty about the appropriate adjustments to make to plant cane fertiliser nitrogen rates following a legume cover crop using the guidance contained within the SIX EASY STEPS® Toolbox.

Another project5 led by Dr Danielle Skocaj found fertiliser could be delayed by up to eight weeks for crops harvested and ratooned early in the season without adversely impacting yields or nitrogen use efficiency in the Wet Tropics. However, fertiliser should be applied immediately after harvesting crops ratooned late in the season.

The Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists’ (ASSCT) annual conference next year will be held in Brisbane under the Presidency of SRA’s Industry Services Manager Hywel Cook.

1. The project, Beyond Imidacloprid –Chemical and Biorational Alternatives for Managing Canegrubs, is being funded by SRA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in collaboration with three agrochemical companies.

2. The Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsunday project is delivered by SRA and is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It concludes next month.

3. SRA project 2018008 Establishing sugarcane farming systems to improve soil health was funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Sugar Research Australia, and was delivered in partnership with NSW Department of Agriculture and Farmacist Pty Ltd.

4. The Mobilising the Murray Project is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and delivered by Terrain NRM in partnership with Sugar Research Australia.

5. This research was funded by Sugar Research Australia and the University of Southern Queensland through project 2017/004, SIX EASY STEPS® – continuing perspectives in time and space

(L to R):

Matt Schembri with the equipment involved in collecting water quality samples on the farm

Steve and Sam Schembri on the farm at Habana where the Cane to Creek trials took place

Transforming Farm Efficiency: Dougal Morrison’s Success Story with Delmade

ADVERTORIAL

The robustness and durability of the machine has been fantastic.

Dougal Morrison is a 6th generation sheep and cattle farmer on an 8000 ha property just north of Oatlands.

“I came home from Ag College at end of 2018 so I’ve been here for 5 years now.” Dougal said.

The property generally runs a feed deficit during winter, needing to “grow around 250 ha of fodder crop each year mainly grazing brassicas for young stock throughout winter. The property here is very diverse and ranges from arable flats all the way through to rough and rocky hills.”

Dougal reached out to Delmade looking to increase efficiencies on the property when discing. Historically running two tractors and two smaller discs one of which was a Delmade unit Dougal was looking to move to one larger machine and a single tractor to gain economies of scale.

“Previously we had two smaller machines running but since we’ve gone to just the one tractor and set of Offsets, we’ve had big efficiency gains being able to cover more ground than the 2 machines were able to do previously.”

“It took us a little while to decide on what machine we wanted, but we thought we already had one set of Delmade Discs and they were definitely the pick of the two and the more we looked into it the more people said they were probably the best option for this property.”

When asked about his experience dealing with the Delmade team Dougal explains “When you call Delmade asking for a part they are able to find exactly what you need they just know what you want and get it down here as quick as possible.”

“Probably our favourite thing about the Disc is the Oil Bath Bearings. Since we’ve had both sets of Discs (from Delmade), we are yet to change a bearing on this machine or the previous machine from Delmade that we own.”

“It’s been a great machine. We haven’t had any issues with the machine itself we had one broken bolt in a couple years which is a great result for us compared to the amount of repairs and maintenance we were doing on the other (non-Delmade) machine.”

Tweed Valley, NSW

Are you serious about securing proven yield & income that you

Dougal’s full testimonial is available on the Delmade website www.delmade.com.au along with other helpful resources and video. If you’re looking to improve efficiency and lower maintenance in your tillage program talk to Delmade today 1800 335 623

• 5 Freehold titles totalling 136.7ha*

• Zoned RU1 Primary Production

• Last 5 year average yield of

• Comprehensive & well-maintained

• 2 high set, renovated dwellings

• Machinery sheds & town water

Outline Indicative Only

Outline Indicative Only

Opportunity, Serious Vendor

Serious Agri Opportunity, Serious Vendor

Tweed Valley, NSW

For Sale

Serious Agri Opportunity, Serious Vendor

securing a highly productive agricultural holding that has a you are looking for?

For Sale

Tweed Valley, NSW

136.7ha* (337* acres)

• 5 Freehold titles totalling 136.7ha* (337* acres)

Production of 9,824t p.a. (2023/24 season at $57/t) well-maintained machinery included in the sale dwellings water supply

Brad Franks 0404 051 111

Are you serious about securing a highly productive agricultural holding that has a proven yield & income that you are looking for?

Are you serious about securing a highly productive agricultural holding that has a proven yield & income that you are looking for?

• Zoned RU1 Primary Production

• Last 5 year average yield of 9,824t p.a. (2023/24 season at $57/t)

Stewart Baericke 0400 904 907

• 5 Freehold titles totalling 136.7ha* (337* acres)

• Zoned RU1 Primary Production

• Comprehensive & well-maintained machinery included in the sale

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

• Last 5 year average yield of 9,824t p.a. (2023/24 season at $57/t)

• 2 high set, renovated dwellings

• Comprehensive & well-maintained machinery included in the sale

• Machinery sheds & town water supply

• 2 high set, renovated dwellings

raywhiteruralmurwillumbah.com.au

raywhiteruralmurwillumbah.com.au

• Machinery sheds & town water supply

raywhiteruralmurwillumbah.com.au

*approx.

For Sale

Brad Franks 0404 051 111

Brad Franks 0404 051 111

Stewart Baericke 0400 904 907

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

Stewart Baericke 0400 904 907

Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

*approx.

*approx.

QSL GROWER PRICING UPDATE

Market Update

SUGAR

Speculator selling in the ICE 11 market dominated the month of April despite any meaningful changes to the fundamental outlook for sugar.

After building up to a 54,700 lot netlong position as reported in the 2 April Commitment of Traders (CoT) report, speculators rapidly shed their position in the subsequent weeks, reducing their position to 23,000 net-short by 16 April. The Brazilian Real weakened to 5.28 USD/ BRL in April, incentivising Brazilian selling. The absurdly high returns available in other commodities such as cocoa, which rallied more than 80% to the sugar equivalent of 84 USc/lb, were also likely motivators for speculator liquidation. With that being said, demand for raw sugar appears to remain strong with importing countries such as China, Indonesia and various African nations all taking advantage of “cheap” sugar prices.

There is much debate over Centre South Brazil’s ability to meet global demand for raw sugar during its upcoming harvest

Grower Pricing Update

which is due to commence shortly. It has been reported there has been investment in Brazilian mills to increase the maximum sugar mix by 1-2% to produce an additional 750,000 to 1,500,000 tonnes of sugar. However, there are some arguing that these asset upgrades may not be available in time for the imminent 2024/25 Season. Logistics will yet again be a major concern for Brazil, given that as of 17 April 71 ships were already in the vessel line-up, with 2.25 million tonnes of sugar nominated to be loaded, up 25% year-on-year.

Following positive sugar yields and harvesting rates the Indian Sugar and BioEnergy Manufactures Association (ISMA) lobbied the Indian government in early April to approve 1 million tonnes of sugar exports. The ISMA has forecast 34 million tonnes of sugar will be produced in the 2023/34 Season which includes 2 million tonnes of ethanol diversion (committed prior to the ban announced late last year), as well as domestic consumption of 28.5 million tonnes. With food security and prices a focus for the Indian government

The highest grower-managed pricing levels achieved across all growing regions using QSL products to date (all gross price actual/tonne) are:

• 2023 Target Price = $950 / IFC $960 (Mar24)

• 2024 Target Price = $840 / IFC $870 (Jul24)

• 2025 Target Price = $735 / IFC $735 (Oct25)

• 2026 Target Price = $685 / IFC $690 (Jul26)

• 2027 Target Price = $650

Your Trusted Partner

Current as at 19 April 2024.

in the lead up to the election in May, a decision is yet to be made on the request. It is expected that the Government will continue to prioritise domestic supplies over ethanol production and sugar exports.

CURRENCY

The Australian Dollar collapsed more than 2 cents in mid-April, trading below 64 US cents for the first time since November 2023 as the conflict between Israel and Iran continued to intensify. Both countries ordered multiple strikes on one another, leading to risk-off sentiment building through financial markets. Brent crude oil strengthened to above $US90/barrel while gold, which is considered a safe haven asset, rallied more than 8% in April.

Expectations of interest rate cuts continue to be delayed as inflation remains stubbornly sticky. The US consumer price index (CPI) printed at 3.5% year-on-year in April, marking the 10th consecutive month that inflation has been recorded flatlining between 3.0% and 3.7%.

Key Dates:

• 20 June: Any unpriced tonnage in the July 2024 contract that is not rolled by 20 June will be priced by QSL at the next market opportunity.

• 20 June: Any unpriced tonnage in the 2024 Target Price Contract remaining beyond this date will have the pricing window automatically extended. Costs may apply.

QSL GROWER-MANAGED PRICING FILLS – 2024, 2025 & 2026 SEASONS

Elliott Apel, Marketing and Risk Officer

EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

BY RENEE CLUFF

Re-established water courses and fine-tuned nutrient management are improving the quality of runoff to the Great Barrier Reef.

The cane fields of lower Mirriwinni and Babinda, south of Cairns, are bordered by a network of deep drains. The channels were first established in the 1960s by sugacane growers seeking to counteract the combination of the area’s extremely high rainfall and its swampy landscape.

Max Wilkins, Chairman of the Babinda Swamp Drainage Board, grows cane on around 450 hectares in the area with his brother. He’s a third-generation farmer whose grandfather began working the land in the 1920s.

“We were the first ones to dig a big deep drain every 40 rows to get rid of that water underneath,” Max said. “Without the drainage scheme, cane growing in this area wouldn’t exist.”

His neighbour, Barry Stubbs, has also farmed in the area all his life and clearly recalls the transformation from boggy ground to productive cane fields.

“It’s taken a long time,” Barry concedes. “It was all swamp land.

“I remember we were cutting with the old Toft harvesters with rubber wheels. When they’d pull up for smoko, they had to swing the elevator around on the hard ground, pull up on the headland and find a hard spot because otherwise, it would just sink in front of your eyes – it’d go down.

“But to see it now, compared to what it was back then, you wouldn’t recognise it as the same block. It’s all through drainage.”

Once again, the landscape in this area is changing, motivated by sugarcane growers on a mission to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality.

The growers are involved in the $6.2-million Mulgrave-Russell Water Quality Program, funded by the partnership between the Australian

One of the main drains of the Babinda Swamp Drainage Scheme

Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The program, managed by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) and coordinated by CANEGROWERS Cairns Region, encompasses two projects.

Agronomy solutions provider Farmacist has provided extension support and nutrient management plans to growers involved in its Precision to Decision initiative, while the water quality monitoring and drainage remediation project has been delivered by James Cook University’s (JCU) TropWater.

Combined, the works are contributing to a regional reduction of 72-tonnes of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) from entering the Reef’s waters each year.

Grower Barry Stubbs said the drainage arm of the program stemmed from the results of water quality monitoring at local farms, which highlighted the

importance of the ‘first flush’ of the wet season in decreasing nitrogen runoff.

“During all the years of monitoring water quality as part of Project 25 (led by JCU TropWATER and funded by the National Environmental Science Program), the results of DIN losses have always come up the same,” he said. “We found losses are directly linked to weather patterns and are highest during the first rainfall of the wet season.

“We learned that if farmers can put the fertiliser on relatively early, and if we don’t get a big rainfall period until say Christmas, the risk of nitrogen runoff is reduced.”

Barry has also installed back-up systems to further decrease the risk of DIN runoff to the Reef, particularly in the case of early rain.

“We’ve put in settling ponds because we’ve found out that if you can slow the water down, even for a short while, it helps break down and transform nitrate before it reaches the Coral Sea,” he explained.

“It’s just bringing back what nature had here before”

The Mulgrave-Russell Water Quality Program is now taking the ‘first flush’ learnings catchment-wide. It is diverting farm runoff from the main drain systems through water retention basins, to allow denitrification to occur on land.

In Barry’s Russell catchment, the original lagoon system that ran through a nearby cattle property is now being reconnected to divert the first flush flows from the drainage network.

“We’ve had the excavator down there cleaning it out and we’ve just got to get the levels right and we’ve got to put a little diversion in off the main drain,” he explained.

“When we get a storm, that first rain will go through there. The first flush we capture will be taken on its natural journey through the old lagoon system, allowing it to meander and settle. It’s a reinvention of the natural environment.

“We now just need to fence it off from the cattle and plant riparian vegetation along it. A lot of good has come out of this and I think it will be replicated along the coast where possible.”

The water retention project saw a similar basin established at Aloomba in the Mulgrave catchment. JCU TropWATER researcher Aaron Davis worked closely with local growers to establish where opportunities for drainage intervention existed.

CANEGROWERS Cairns Region Environment and Sustainability Officer Joel Tierney said the work is a demonstration of the need to build on learnings from previous water quality initiatives.

“Aaron Davis has been involved in water quality monitoring in this area for many years and the growers know and trust him and they trust his results,” Joel explained.

“You don’t want all that investment to go into one project and then drop off, especially when you’ve got all these growers engaged.

“We can only reduce fertiliser rates on farms so much and actually maintain productivity. That’s where moving to this first flush retention idea is the next step in how you can manage water quality and hold back any DIN losses to that whole-of-catchment scale.

“Your return on investment is going to be a lot better than if you were just focusing on one paddock.”

The program’s agronomy extension project focused on fine-tuning agricultural practices and inputs.

“It gives you more bang for your buck”

Farmacist’s Precision to Decision delivered tailored Nutrient Management Plans and extension services to 84 growers across more than 8,000 hectares. The aim was to better match inputs with crop requirements at a zonal level.

Grower Max Wilkins has a long history of practice evolution which he believes can be attributed in part to the thriving fish populations he sees in his drains. Max is also credited with introducing the concept of lime amelioration to the region many decades ago, when he noticed that no matter how much he increased fertiliser applications, cane yields were continuing to decrease due to the acidity in his soils.

While history clearly illustrates the success of his resourcefulness, Max has not rested on his laurels. Even as he approached his eighth decade, the Miriwinni grower retained his drive to

keep learning through involvement in Precision to Decision.

He worked alongside Farmacist’s Extension Agronomist Shannon Byrnes, who took soil samples from his farm and established nitrogen rate trials, among many other initiatives.

“Pretty much anywhere in the Wet Tropics I would say you have really acidic soils, so you don’t get your full fertiliser utilisation – the plant can’t take nutrients up because they’re not available due to the pH,” Shannon explained.

“But in Max’s case, because he has such good pH and such a good, long history of lime application, the crop was unrestricted so you could get a beautiful nitrogen response curve in the trials.

“The yield plateau was really obvious”

“With Max, it was more about finding the product and rates that work across the farm. You want to be tailored to the block, but you don’t want to have 10 different products to deal with.

“It’s finding that balance between what’s needed and what’s practical.”

Precision to Decision is due to wrap up at the end of next month, while the controlled drainage project continues until June 2025.

Left:

The reinstated lagoon from the air

Right: Joel Tierney and Barry Stubbs next to a settling pond

A lagoon system is being reinstated to its natural state

(Credit Rickard Abom, RRRC)

A water quality monitoring device in a drain

Max Wilkins

USING DATA TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

SUPPLIED BY HCPSL

For Herbert cane grower Ramon Jayo, it starts with soil testing. Quite simply, he says that soil testing is the best first step for ensuring sustainable and productive nutrient management – and a solid crop of cane.

For this reason, he has worked closely with Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd (HCPSL) on regular soil testing and interpreting the results to develop Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) for the two properties he runs, which total about 140 hectares in the Macknade area.

In recent years, this work has seen him participate in a major project called Project CaNE, which has extension staff from HCPSL working with growers across the region to refine and improve their nutrient management while looking at the bigger picture of overall farm productivity and sustainability.

“You need to know what your soil is doing, as that is where we get the data to make decisions,” Ramon explained. “There is too much variability between the seasons to look at yields and CCS

or how the crop is looking. One year we’ll have floods, other years it rains too much at the wrong time, and then it doesn’t rain at the right time.

“It is important to look at soil tests and develop an NMP that responds to what your paddocks need, and then fine-tune things like reductions in rates for plant cane when it follows a legume fallow.”

Ramon added that a critical part of sustainable nutrient management is ensuring maximum production in line with the SIX EASY STEPS.

“In the past, I’ve been involved in projects that looked at rates slightly below SIX EASY STEPS and my crops suffered and I wasn’t satisfied with the results. The soil tests showed I was mining my soil.”

Ramon described his work with Project CaNE as providing a service to help his farm’s productivity and sustainability.

Through collaboration in the project, he said nutrient rates were now meeting the crop’s requirements, ensuring strong production while balancing environmental sustainability. He also cites multiple sediment ponds on his property as examples of environmental sustainability in action.

“Here in the lower Herbert, we are on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, so it’s important that everyone is environmentally conscious,” he said.

“Those sediment ponds catch all my runoff water. They are very healthy, full of fish, water lilies and a few crocodiles.

“Through nutrient management planning with the help of Project CaNE, we are showing that we can be commercially viable and environmentally sustainable.”

The project is led by HCPSL and is funded through the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and supported by TropWater and DAF Queensland.

Ramon said that just as he was a big supporter of the science of nutrient management, he also applied this to other parts of the farm, including disease.

WQ monitoring site established adjacent to Jayo farm

He cited ratoon stunting disease (RSD) as a significant risk for the district and something that every grower needed to help prevent. He said the first step was with clean planting material, and that he sources clean cane from HCPSL for his seed plot each year.

“You have to follow that with farm hygiene,” he said. “You could have clean seed but if your machinery is dirty, then you could end up with RSD straight away. Or if the harvester is dirty, 12 months after you plant that block could end up with RSD.

“So I’m big on hygiene and I spray everything between cultivations, especially the stool splitter, and then the harvester when it comes onto the farm.

“I accept that it is […difficult] to fully sterilise a harvester, but cleaning where you can, particularly the base cutters that come in contact with the stool, must make a little difference to my way of thinking.

“My belief is based on observing the hygiene habits of the best producers in the district. That’s got to be telling you something. It is also something that if more of us took action with then it would have more of an impact.

“The science is there from HCPSL and SRA – we as growers need to increase the adoption [of best farming practices].”

Ramon also juggles plenty of activity off farm, as he is mayor of the

Hinchinbrook Shire Council. He says the off-farm work is not that different to that of many other farmers in the region, who were also balancing jobs such as working in the mill or the mines.

“Being mayor requires a major portion of the working week in town,” he said. “So I do a lot of weekend work although there is also a lot you can do on the phone or computer while in the tractor now that we are all GPS-savvy.

“I contract out the planting and the harvesting, but with controlled traffic farming and trash blanketing, the hardest part now is just planning ahead and having the weather cooperate.”

Left: Planting of next year’s crop underway

Right: Project CaNE grower Ramon Jayo on his family farm in the Lower Herbert

AGCO and Trimble Close Joint Venture, Form PTx Trimble

ADVERTORIAL

Leading ag tech providers, AGCO Corporation and Trimble, have recently announced the closing of their joint venture (JV), creating an industry-leading, mixed-fleet precision ag platform serving farmers globally.

The JV, known as PTx Trimble, combines Trimble’s precision agriculture business and AGCO’s JCA Technologies to form a new company that will better serve farmers with factory fit and retrofit applications in the mixed-fleet precision agriculture market.

AGCO has acquired an 85% stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15% stake.

The reveal of a new PTx Trimble look and logo followed the announcement, aligning it with AGCO’s new PTx brand, which combines two leading precision technology brands, PTx Trimble and Precision Planting.

“Farmers worldwide need technologies that support them to be more productive and profitable while minimising the environmental impact of their operations,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“PTx Trimble will provide farmers greater access to nextgeneration precision ag tools, no matter what brands of tractors and implements they operate.”

Under the JV, Trimble will contribute its precision agriculture business, ‘Trimble Ag’, excluding some GNSS and guidance technologies, which will be provided to the JV via a supply agreement. AGCO will contribute its ‘JCA Technologies’ business, a leader in autonomous software, implement controls, and electronic system components.

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability.

AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. Growers not already familiar with the name will know of AGCO’s extensive brand portfolio including core brands like Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson®, Precision Planting® and Valtra®.

Trimble and ACGO joint venture to better serve farmers worldwide

For AGCO, the JV offers a chance to leverage the wellknown Trimble name and a diverse product portfolio that complements its existing solutions.

Thanks to the JV, AGCO’s consolidated precision ag revenue is expected to exceed $2.0 billion by 2028.

AGCO has a proven commitment to mixed-fleet, aftermarket solutions that focus on the entire crop cycle, aligning with Trimble’s dedication to putting the power of choice back in farmers’ hands across their fleet.

“Farmers are the real winners here,” said Rob Painter, Trimble’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“By combining our expertise and resources through this JV, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation. With a focus on open technologies, customers will benefit from tech solutions available to farmers across a broad range of tractor and implement brands.”

For growers, the JV’s technology is expected to offer seamless integration and connectivity across geographies, equipment brands and the crop life cycle.

To learn more about the joint venture, contact your local Vantage BMS reseller on 1300 TRIMBLE.

HARVESTING THE MOST FROM YOUR LOCAL CHAMPIONS

BY KATE REARDON Smartcane BMP Program Manager

In the heartland of Australian cane farming, where the lush fields stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the backbone of an industry reliant on innovation, sustainability, and community support.

Amidst this landscape, Productivity Services and District CANEGROWERS offices play a pivotal role in nurturing growth, fostering sustainability, and ensuring the prosperity of cane farming communities. They are an invaluable ally for growers, providing knowledge, and resources, as well as supporting to achieve Smartcane BMP accreditation and industry best practices.

Prod services act as catalysts for Smartcane BMP adoption, offering guidance, resources, and training to growers. Adopting practices like precision agriculture techniques, integrated pest management strategies, or enhancing irrigation efficiency, local prod services can tailor support to help growers with implementation. Assisting growers to

enhance their operational efficiency, reduce input costs, and mitigate risks, ultimately bolstering the sustainability of their operations.

District CANEGROWERS offices provide invaluable advocacy representing grower interests at different levels, lobbying for fair policies, championing local issues, or securing project funding. They amplify the voices of growers, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed by decision-makers, safeguarding the long-term viability of the industry and upholding its socio-economic significance to rural communities.

These organisations also host local workshops, field days, and networking events to facilitate conversations among growers, researchers, industry experts and the community, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Through these events, growers gain an understanding of cutting-edge technologies, agronomic advancements and market intelligence, enabling them to make informed decisions and

adapt to evolving industry trends. This collaboration, between growers, researchers, and industry stakeholders creates collective wisdom and unlocks new opportunities for growth and innovation.

District CANEGROWERS Offices and Productivity Services are instrumental in supporting growers on their path towards Smartcane BMP accreditation and embracing the industry’s best practices. Through support and expert knowledge, resilience is fostered within the industry. Growers who actively interact with their local services have access to a wealth of resources and expertise tailored to their needs. It’s safe to say these local champions are a cornerstone of the Australian cane industry as they play a vital role in supporting grower’s viability, resilience, and sustainability.

CANEGROWERS delivers the Smartcane BMP project (2022-2026) with funding from the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program and CANEGROWERS

CANEGROWERS REGIONAL ROUND-UP

SUPPLIED BY CANEGROWERS DISTRICT OFFICES

MOSSMAN

Mossman growers were part of the local news story when the E-Petition went live. (Photo credit Carmel Raldini)

We were all waiting to see if the Autumn period would bring about a change in the weather pattern, but March reverted to above average rainfall, with 171% of the average falling for the month.

This meant more than 1,000mm of rain for the month. April was a mix of rain showers and sunny days so better growing conditions overall. There was a very heavy storm and showers mid-April that set roads and paddocks overflowing again. These continued wet weather events keep the growers guessing when it comes to estimating the full potential of the crop currently sitting in the ground unharvested.

Grower representatives spoke with the Liquidator again on 3 April to get the latest update on the mill asset sale process. Grower representatives sort clarification about the growers’ position, the 2024 crop, and the status of the FNM Collective Cane Supply Agreement and Toll-crush Agreement, neither

of which had been formally terminated at that stage.

The main focus of grower representatives for the remainder of April, was still on finding a way to get the 2024 crop harvested and processed, and this sentiment was re-enforced by growers who attended the first Mossman Region Transition session held in Port Douglas on 27 March. It was reiterated by grower representatives at an update meeting held with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of State Development and Infrastructure and Douglas Shire Council on Friday 12 April 2024. Also, on Friday 12 April an E-Petition went live on the Queensland Parliament website calling for the House of Representatives to do all in its power to keep the Mossman Mill operational and/or harvest the crop for the 2024 season.

There was a fairly short timeframe for the petition as it closed on 28 April, but the number of signatures recorded exceeded expectations.

TABLELAND

It appears that the rain is finally easing, after some of our growers advised that they received over 2 metres of rain this wet season.

There are plenty of paddocks that are going to make for interesting harvesting this season due to erosion from the heavy rains since December. With the super wet conditions, growers have not been able to access their paddocks. The crushing season is due to start mid-May so hopefully there will be some hot sunny days between now and then to allow for dry down and for harvesters to be able to get onto paddocks.

MSF held a Tableland grower meeting to discuss the 2024 season. The crushing date has been set for 22 May, with a rough estimate at this time of

850,000 tonnes for the season and a length of 28 weeks.

Capital expenditure to upgrade the cooling tower has been approved and this upgrade will be completed before start of season. The co-gen plant is online and supplying electricity to the grid.

With a start to the harvest season, it is a timely reminder about farm safety for growers, especially with the erosion from the wet season. If washouts cannot be filled in then they should be marked, electronically and physically, to create awareness for the harvest and haulout operators.

Growers can still access disaster assistance through QRIDA. Visit www.qrida.qld. gov.au/primary-producers for information and to apply for assistance.

MSF growers meeting held for the Tableland District

CAIRNS INNISFAIL

Growers across the Cairns Region are eager to get early planting underway prior to the commencement of the 2024 season.

CSA negotiations have been continuing and are now in the final stages for both the Mulgrave and South Johnstone mill areas.

Grower engagement with the Smartcane BMP program across the region has once again increased in recent months with growers undertaking accreditation audits in May.

In addition to this, many growers across the district

TULLY

Not long now, season 2024 is almost here.

Weather pending, there is only weeks to go before the crushing season resumes for the tropical north. The focus will be to ensure that the harvesting equipment is going to be ready. Challenging times arise as the window of opportunity narrows. Waiting for parts, waiting for equipment, ensuring that you have adequate staff to start the season. Obviously, other sectors of the industry are anxious to ensure that they are prepared as possible also.

are now due for their 5-year re-accreditation audit and are working with local facilitators as part of the process. If you are interested in gaining Smartcane BMP accreditation or finding out more about the process, contact either the Gordonvale or Babinda offices.

The CANEGROWERS Cairns Region three row banded Mud Spreader is now available for members to hire for the 2024 season after undergoing a major overhaul, consisting of new bearings, belts and skirting all-round. The Mud Spreader has been well utilised by members since 2016 and needed a refresh to ensure reliability for future years.

CANEGROWERS Innisfail submitted feedback to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, strongly opposing the Rating Reference Committee’s Draft Report recommendations.

Of particular concern was the recommendation that the primary producer category be split into five subcategories effectively reducing rates payable by the livestock industry and increasing rates for other ag industries including cane.

Ultimately, this would result in a 15% increase in rates for cane farmers in the Cassowary Coast Council area over a four-

year period. The submission was jointly prepared with Queensland Economic Advisory Services and will be tabled at the Local Government Meeting at the end of April.

Cane supply contract negotiations are ongoing with CANEGROWERS Innisfail and CANEGROWERS Cairns Region, joining forces to ensure a robust contract and the best value for CANEGROWERS members contracted to South Johnstone mill.

The CANEGROWERS Innisfail Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 30 May.

Eight straight days of no recorded rain in April has encouraged growers to get out and start spraying the fallow where they are able too. Lime application has been slow also, with minimal opportunity because of continuous wet weather and cloud cover.

As the year progresses, the need to shift ground preparation equipment starts. This generally means that there is a high possibility of oversize equipment on the road. As the population increases, so does the amount of traffic using

the road network. Operators of oversize machinery must be aware of the rules and regulations that are required when shifting equipment. The CANEGROWERS website has Traffic Management Plan checklists, Decision Flowchart of Access for Over Width Agricultural Vehicles and maps of Critical Roads and Major Roads.

Difficulty in securing machinery and materials to start the recovery process from Cyclone Jasper due to the weather conditions is creating

difficulties for affected growers also. Repairs need to be completed to start the season, with haul roads, crossings, and headlands in need of attention. QRIDA grants are still available, with applications closing on 28 June.

Tully CANEGROWERS will host the first Haulout Course for the area to assist the industry find adequate staff to fill voids. A lack of staff is hindering the agricultural industry across the state.

BURDEKIN HERBERT RIVER

The Herbert region has experienced significant rainfall in the first part of the year, including April, causing concern among local growers about its impact on the 2024 crop.

Some days have seen rainfall exceeding 100mm, leading to challenges in weed management for growers.

A recent highlight was the well-attended CANEGROWERS

Herbert River Annual General Meeting, held at the CANEGROWERS Herbert River conference room on 12 April.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens and CEO Dan Galligan were guest speakers at the event. They provided updates on the national and international landscape of CANEGROWERS , offering insights into the industry’s current status and future prospects.

One of the key discussions at the AGM revolved around the start date for the 2024 season, as per the Cane Supply

Agreement (CSA), the indicative start date is 18 June, members of CANEGROWERS Herbert River expressed a majority view for an earlier start on 11 June.

Preliminary discussions have taken place with the mill regarding this request, with further conversations anticipated to finalise the start date.

Women in Sugar Herbert is organising the Women In Sugar Conference in Ingham from 28 to 30 April. The event will commence with a meet and greet on 28 April, followed by a day filled with guest speakers and a formal dinner. Day two will feature a bus tour of tissue culture at CD Nursery along with other engaging activities.

For ongoing updates and information related to Herbert River, interested individuals are encouraged to follow the CANEGROWERS

Herbert River Facebook page at facebook.com/ CANEGROWERS herbertriver

CBL is a member of the Sunwater Community Advisory Committee and Steve Pilla attended a tour of the Burdekin Falls Dam where Sunwater provided an overview of the dam wall raising project which will be a complex and capitalintensive project.

It is an impressive piece of infrastructure and in terms of future water costs, we will need to make sure that the cost of the wall raising does not adversely affect existing users. This project will create a lot of economic activity for the region and will open up new water for potential new industries that could possibly afford to pay higher prices for new water than what growers could.

Growers were planting feverishly during the month of April to take advantage of the window of favourable conditions to do so, with planting contractors under pressure to try and fit everyone in, which is challenging for them at times. Planting will continue into May to give the opportunity for the new plant material to strike before the cold weather kicks in. New areas going under cane bode well for the 2025 season.

CBL met with the STL Board who were in the Burdekin as part of their regional consultation program with stakeholders. The meeting focussed on the insourcing decision and we strongly encouraged that STL and QSL get together to resolve this issue as these are vital assets for the industry. We also pressed upon STL that they need to address the issue

of dry shareholders as these shareholders, who are in breach of the STL constitution, need to be contacted and a procedure put in place for them to facilitate the disposal of their shares to active growers.

It’s not long before the 2024 season commences which is exciting and Wilmar met with Grower Collectives on 22 April to provide an update on 2024 season budgeted start and finish dates, the estimate and mill preparedness. A summary of these dates were as follows:

• Inkerman: 4 Jun–21 Nov (1,788,000 estimate tonnes)

• Invicta: 4 Jun–21 Nov (3,346,000 estimate tonnes)

• Kalamia: 4 Jun–17 Nov (1,628,000 estimate tonnes)

• Pioneer: 4 Jun–17 Nov (1,708,000 estimate tonnes)

These dates will depend on whether; a) capex and maintenance jobs are done on time and b) any wet weather impacts in the lead-up to June and we will advise of any changes to these dates if necessary. Wilmar are reasonably confident that they will have the factories put together and trialled in time for the season start, but did flag that labour challenges persist and their EBA negotiations are still not resolved.

CBL Directors participated in the third series of the Lower Burdekin

Herbert River AGM

Burdekin Sunwater CAC at Burdekin Falls Dam Tour

Rising Groundwater Strategy Workshop and felt optimistic about where the group was headed. The goals for the project are to try and get the groundwater level down to 3m below surface and keep it there. The group went through a number of scenarios and solutions and funding sources to deal with this complex problem. Conjunctive use of water is an obvious solution, however deciding on how to deal with saline water is going to require considered thought.

At the time of writing, there were a number of meetings to

PROSERPINE

With early estimates for 2024 close to the 1.7 million tonnes delivered in 2023, all eyes were on mill preparations as the season moved closer.

Conditions remained relatively wet through to the start of April while growers continued with early season planting as weather permitted. Sugar Services also had plans to begin seed cane plot establishment in the second half of April following a significant round of RSD testing taking place over the prior months.

Although sugar pricing dropped below highs from the previous year, strongly priced positions continued to provide some motivation for growers to expand their area under cane. It is hoped that medium to long-term pricing remains strong enough to sustain this trend which is a turnaround from the past decade.

CANEGROWERS administered the first quarterly Board meetings for both Proserpine

be held such as the Regional Variety Committee Meeting which was scheduled to be held at SRA Brandon on 23 April which is an important meeting to go through new varieties and their progression status. The CBL AGM is due to be held on 30 April and guest speakers include David Jochinke, President of NFF and Dan Galligan, CEO of QCGO and we will report further on this event in due course. This is always an important event for CBL where we get to update our members on local issues and the sugarcane industry more widely.

translate into excessive rates for growers. Further to these discussions, road and drain maintenance programs and other issues were addressed with both the incoming Council and staff. With the recent appointment of Ry Collins as Mayor, it is hoped that relations are strengthened, and services improved.

Show Cane preparations have begun with several companies already responding to the call

for sponsorship. This will be the second year where the Young Farmer Trophy is awarded, a highlight of the 2023 event. CANEGROWERS Proserpine would like to thank all sponsors from past events and are appreciative for continued support from the business community for the upcoming awards. See you on 21 June at the Proserpine Show! More information will be distributed to members in the coming two months.

Irrigation Cooperatives and continued to provide support in water allocation transfers and billing.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine also continued to assist Central Region growers in completing business plans under the QCGO Business Resilience Program. The success of the program is evident in the high approval rates of applications submitted to-date with significant grant funding being accessed by growers from the QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grant Program.

Unfortunately, the most recent valuation notices for the Whitsunday Region as released by the Department of Resources showed significant increases in values across all sectors. Following reviews of sale data with the Valuer, individual meetings were further organised for members to enquire on valuations under question. There have also been various meetings with Council to ensure the high increases in land values would not directly

Moving closer to the crush, early crop estimates have Mackay milling area at 5.3Mt and Plane Creek at 1.32Mt.

All mills are looking at a start in the vicinity of early June.

We remind members in the Mackay area that online siding inductions are available through CANEGROWERS Mackay, please call the Member Services team 4944 2600 or email mackay@canegrowers.com.au to get a log in for the induction. You can find out more under the training menu on our website www.mackaycanegrowers. com.au

The Harvest Labour campaign gained some extra traction in April, with Channel 7 breakfast program Sunrise noting our advertising and stories geared to Grey Nomads, and interviewed Chairman Kevin Borg in a live cross from a Mackay farm (pictured). Phones and emails ran hot all day following the segment!

In other areas, CANEGROWERS Mackay members and staff

participated in the SRA Central Region Productivity Plan workshop, held in our Mackay board room. The day was a productive exploration of research, programs and projects under the current plan, and potential future directions for research projects in the region tackling soil health, pests and productivity.

Any growers requiring assistance with any issues are encouraged to call 4944 2600 to get the ball rolling on a solution. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, The Billet and weekly District Manager Updates for emerging training and industry opportunities.

MACKAY / PLANE CREEK

Kevin Borg doing a live cross to Sunrise from the Camilleri farm at Erakala

The crop is looking magnificent, the weather has cooled off for now and hopefully we see the ground start to dry out.

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS ’

Board met with STL representatives on 11 April to receive an update on STL in-sourcing and the CUI infrastructure at the Bundaberg Port. Growers were given the opportunity to attend a Grower and Shareholder update that evening.

Sugar prices remain high which means it is time to consider whether ‘Top Up’ crop insurance is required. Any losses incurred from a fire, be they accidental or arson, are covered under the CANEGROWERS Crop Insurance program. Growers can apply for ‘Top Up’ insurance by contacting the office on 4151 2555

Mark Pressler has been selected for the Fox Resources Regional Reference Group with regard to the MDL3040 application. Bundaberg CANEGROWERS remain opposed to this and any similar mining application which could jeopardise agricultural land, ground water and irrigation scheme infrastructure.

Land valuations have been released resulting in an average increase of 63.8% on primary production land in the Bundaberg region. If you would like assistance submitting an objection to your latest valuation, please contact the office on 4151 2555

We have written to the Bundaberg Mayor and Councillors requesting a meeting to ensure the rates gouging that occurred in 2020 is not repeated.

attended with growers taking the opportunity to talk with mill, CANEGROWERS and Isis Productivity directors and staff.

in rating guidelines. We have meetings scheduled with our local members to start laying this groundwork.

The Isis district crop continues to look spectacular, and it has become quite difficult to pick plant cane from ratoons.

The sunshine over the past few weeks has been welcomed.

Isis Productivity has identified an increase in sugarcane moth borer which has persisted through the summer months. Broken off stalks are now becoming evident as the crop becomes impacted by wind. Growers are managing the infestation by ensuring grass

is well controlled in blocks, on headlands and along drains and creeks.

Isis Mill recently hosted two grower meetings providing an update on mill maintenance progress, seasonal estimate, and load restraint. The topic of variety risk management was also covered.

The district has an over reliance on Q240, and growers were encouraged to consider taking up some of the new varieties being released this year from the Isis Productivity plots. Both meetings were well

Growers have been contacting the office regarding the substantial increases in their unimproved land valuations and raising concerns this will have on their rates. We are scheduled to meet with Bundaberg Regional Council shortly to discuss the matter and will lobby them to support the state government’s guideline on equity and fairness in rating. We are assisting some growers to lodge appeals with the Valuer General’s department.

We have commenced drafting our wish list for the upcoming state election campaign and our strategic planning. We have also started meeting with key agricultural industry representatives to ensure the Bundaberg Region’s voice of agriculture is heard loud and clear. We will focus our efforts advocating for the rebuilding of Paradise Dam and securing firm start and finish dates as well as calling on the state government to mandate local governments abide by the equity and fairness

Farm thefts have continued in the Childers area. The district experienced a spate of thieves removing walking piston motors from travelling irrigations and selling them for scrap metal rendering the winches inoperable and, in many cases, irreparable. We have continued to remain in contact with local police and have been linked with the Rural and Stock Crime Squads. Farm theft has also been included on our agenda to discuss with our local members.

The CEO of Isis Mill, Peter Hawe, recently announced his retirement from the mill and whilst we are saddened to hear of Peter leaving, we wish him all the best. We welcome Craig Wood to the position of acting CEO and will commence negotiations for the season’s start date with Craig once a formal estimate has been provided to us. We formed a close working relationship with Craig over the last two years and look forward to strengthening it further.

ISIS

Isis mill meeting Childers

April has finally seen a reduction in wet weather and some good hot, sunny days to keep things rolling along.

This month has been busy with work on the SRA project around Soldier Fly and searching for larvae and adults has been done across several farms. Some local experimenting has helped with a yellow dye solution successfully attracting some fly samples.

The MCPS Field day, pictured below, was conducted on 17 April with a strong attendance of over 40 growers taking a look at the new sugarcane trial varieties and updating on the soybean harvesting and assessing process. We also had a drone spraying display on hand, presentations from Nufarm on the changes ahead in chemical controls, and Bundaberg Sugar Services

on the advancement of the one-eyed sett propagation.

The Interim CEO of Isis Central Sugar Mill, Craig Wood, was also able to give a short update on preparations for the harvest and reminded for estimates to be in by 24 April. At time of writing over 40% of estimates were already in and a quick response is very much appreciated.

Some excellent steakburgers rounded out the morning (courtesy of our sponsor Nutrien Ag, Maryborough) and a big thanks to Robin Wade and Paul Fredericksen for the great location the field day was held at, the farm is picture perfect!

There will be opportunities to attend bus tours with our northern Childers growers on 21 May that will take in visits to varieties trials, SRA facilities and STL loading facility at the harbour. More details as the event gets closer.

ROCKY POINT

Growers are hoping for some dryer weather after consistent rainfall since January.

Some of the ratoon crop is suffering and fallow maintenance has been difficult

positioned two relocatable cameras around the district to try to deter the increasing problem of hooning, dumping and arson.

On 16 and 17 April, a small

ROCKY POINT GROWERS CROSS THE BORDER

A group of growers from Rocky Point district ventured south last month to learn more about the New South Wales industry.

With stops at Sunshine Sugar’s Harwood Mill and refinery, the group also saw variety trials at Condong, and learnt about harvesting modifications and drone technology used within the Northern Rivers paddocks.

The NSW sugarcane industry has adapted to the lower temperatures experienced in the growing regions of the Northern Rivers and growers utilise various agronomic and harvesting strategies, along with the planting of more frost tolerant varieties to successfully manage these conditions.

Nick Skopp, a young grower from Rocky Point, said a highlight of the trip was the chance to visit the Sunshine Sugar Refinery at Harwood to see how sugar is made as well as the sugar pricing discussions with Sunshine Sugar’s CEO Chris Connor.

“It was interesting to see the modification to the harvester to reduce losses on the John Deere tractor at Dave Bartlett’s farm in Condong,” Nick said.

“The farming system is pretty similar to Rocky Point’s. They grow more two-

year-old cane, but the amount differs within each district.”

Ben Spann, who farms with his father Larry, coordinated the trip for the Rocky Point growers and was glad to see the growers’ interactions providing beneficial learnings.

“There has been excellent interaction with Sugar Research Australia, Sunshine Sugar and the NSW growers we visited,” Ben said.

“We should never be stuck looking in own backyard, it’s always helpful looking at how others do things.”

Many of the growers were taking back tips and tricks from the visit, whether that be experiencing the benefits and efficiencies of new drone technology, farming practices and harvester modifications, gaining a deeper understanding of the climate forecasting tools from the Bureau

of Meteorology workshop, or the individual grower-to-grower networking. Field trips and tours like this provide the chance to share successes, understand similar challenges and gain insight into the dynamic Australian sugarcane industry. This trip organised by CANEGROWERS Rocky Point district and Sugar Research Australia, supported by Sunshine Sugar, was an invaluable peer-to-peer learning opportunity.

Top left: Rocky Point growers and SRA at Dave Bartlett’s farm

Bottom left: Sugar shed at the Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery

Right: Harvester modifications

DECISION PENDING IN GLYPHOSATE COURT ACTION

Sustainability & Environment

BY MICK QUIRK

The Federal Court will soon hand down a decision in a lawsuit involving more than 800 people who claim the herbicide Roundup and its key ingredient, glyphosate, is carcinogenic for humans.

If successful, the case could lead to regulatory change restricting the use of glyphosate.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has regularly assesed the safety of glyphosate products and concluded that registered products are safe to use when label instructions are followed. Other government regulators and independent scientists around the world have consistently assessed glyphosate as low toxicity for humans and other animals.

Notably, the European Commission last year approved the renewal of glyphosate’s use for a further 10 years.

CANEGROWERS supports evidence-based regulation of chemical use on farms to assure farmers and others in the community about their safety for humans, animals, and the environment.

Improvements in train for the chemical regulator

The key role of the APVMA is highlighted above – it is Australia’s independent statutory authority responsible for the regulation of agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines (including the approval of products and their allowable conditions of use described on each Label).

An independent, evidence-based, and efficient APVMA is absolutely essential to agriculture, ensuring farmers have access to effective pesticides that can be used in a manner that is safe for farmers, the community and the environment. And so that our regulatory systems have the confidence of domestic and export markets.

However, since the APVMA was moved from Armidale to Canberra, its ability to review and process applications for new registrations, or to vary label conditions, in a timely manner has suffered. This coincided with higher then normal turnover of staff.

Recent reviews of the APVMA confirmed organisational and governance issues, and now the Australian Government has released its initial response to the recommendations from these reviews.

The government has decided that the APVMA will remain as an independent statutory authority but accepted that some improvements in workforce and governance to ensure it continues to perform in an efficient, independent, transparent, and accountable manner. It will continue to operate in both Armidale and Canberra to avoid additional disruption to staffing.

With these and other changes, CANEGROWERS is confident that the APVMA will continue to underpin effective and responsible use of crop chemicals in Australia.

Biosecurity – incursion of bad government policy confirmed No-one wants any additional weeds, pests or diseases finding their way into the country and affecting our farms or the wider environment. So that is why CANEGROWERS , like other industry peak bodies, spend a lot of time advocating for the Australian Government to do its job in protecting our borders.

And why we work with Sugar Research Australia, Plant Health Australia and government to ensure we are ready to respond quickly to any incursion of a new pest or disease of sugarcane.

However, we have been facing an unwelcome incursion –but not of a pest or disease, BUT of a bad policy.

The Australian Government continues to push through legislation that would see all farmers pay an additional biosecurity ‘levy’ – but this is actually an additional tax to help plug some holes in their budget. In fact, this tax will just go straight to Treasury and may never be used on anything remotely relevant to protecting our borders.

Worse than that, the rate of the levy may increase over time according to the whim of government! The initial proposal will see the industry being asked to raise about $850,000. This contributes to a total take of $52 million for 2024-25 across all Australian farmers.

CANEGROWERS has lobbied hard for the government to drop this policy, as have all other industry peak bodies. It’s rare that a government ignores the advice of the whole ag sector, but there it is. The Bill is currently with a Senate Inquiry but is seems likely the government will have the numbers. But that is not the end of our efforts – it is a very poorly designed and unprincipled policy that also contains a mechanism for ongoing increases in this new tax. So there will be ongoing advocacy, especially for the next election.

CANEGROWERS , with other peak bodies, has offered to work with the government to help design a sustainable funding model for our national biosecurity system, but this has been ignored and they continue with their approach of filling budget shortfalls with the money of farmers.

CORODUR WIRE

• FE40+ Tungsten Carbide - initial point of contact

• 160-0A Extreme Abrasion

• 64-0A High abrasion/will run out of position

• 607TIC High load bearing + impact/moderate abrasion

• 151-OA Smooth Running Chrome Carbide Wire

VALUE ADD OR DIVERSIFICATION

Industry & Farm Inputs

BY BURN ASHBURNER

CANEGROWERS leaders need to be able to put their minds to a wide range of whole of industry issues, from addressing immediate issues like the need to navigate through the compliance with load restraint regulations to strategically trying to place growers in a more favourable place in world trade.

All growers will benefit from these, not just a sector of the growers at a local level.

With the current cane payment system it is critical to growers to strategically consider the future supply and demand for sugar and hence sugar price. We all know that the sugar market is not a true reflection of supply and demand because most sugar industries in the world provide incentives (subsidies) other than the ICE 11 sugar price.

It can be argued that if sufficient sugarcane or sugar is used across the world to produce biofuels and/or other products without expansion then the supply of sugar will go down. The sugar price should then go up. So biofuels produced from sugarcane or sugar across the world is positive for the Australian industry i.e. India producing more ethanol from sugarcane.

If the above is correct it is a legitimate strategy for the Australian sugarcane industry to focus on raw sugar because the price will reflect the decrease in world sugar

supply. This is essentially the Sugar Plus roadmap with ‘better business as usual’ being more efficient production of current raw sugar. This may then be boosted by value adding which does not reduce raw sugar i.e. using bagasse.

This is different to a diversification strategy for the Australian sugarcane industry which may for example take sugarcane to produce biofuels and not sugar. This may also reduce the sugar supply and the sugar price should go up. In this case we will have a smaller sugar industry and a “new” biofuels industry. In either case the sugarcane industry should benefit.

It is perhaps disappointing or baffling that the current mills in general are showing signs of reduced reliability which affect grower profitability. If we stick to the strategy of producing raw sugar and value add then growers need confidence that the mills will invest in ‘better business as usual’ for the next 20 years plus.

Without this confidence growers are forced to look at diversification of not only the use of their sugarcane but of their land use. This is not necessarily a great outcome for a smooth transition to a long-term bioeconomy.

CANEGROWERS will continue to look at all options for growers to get confidence from the millers for raw sugar production and benefit from value add. However diversification is always an option albeit with significant costs and risk.

FROM ROCKY POINT TO NSW – THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LEARN

Membership Engagement & Innovation

BY MATT KEALLEY

It’s 6.30am in Rocky Point and we’re on the road with some eager growers heading down to New South Wales to spend a couple of days in the scenic Tweed Valley district.

Visiting other sugarcane districts fosters collaboration and innovation and that was some of the takeaway learnings from the trip to the cane growing region where most of the Australian domestic sugar is grown and refined.

Nick Skopp and Ben Spann, a couple of the younger growers in the Rocky Point district were joined by Larry Spann, Lindsay Mischke, Victor Schwenke and Geoff Rossman on the two-day tour that was organised by CANEGROWERS Rocky Point and supported by change to Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and Sunshine Sugar. The packed agenda included a Bureau of Meteorology workshop, a Harwood Sugar Refinery Tour, a tour of the Harwood Farms to look at cane trials and soybeans, a sugar pricing workshop with Chris Connors from Sunshine Sugar, a tour of Dave Bartlett’s farm at Condong to see the latest trends in farming operations, a tour of the variety trials with Malcolm Warren from Sunshine Sugar and Anthony Cattle from SRA and a demonstration of a spray drone at the Twohill’s farm in Condong.

Harwood sugar refinery

Standing in the sugar shed at the Harwood mill and refinery, it’s hard to believe how high the water came up in the 2022 floods. It’s always impressive to see a pile of sugar in a shed and the growers were treated to a detailed tour of how that raw sugar is turned into foodgrade white sugar at the refinery at Harwood. The refinery was down for maintenance, an irony not lost on the Rocky Point growers, but it allowed for a great understanding of the refining process, the steps, equipment and skill needed to make high quality Australian made refined sugar.

Varieties

I don’t think I have ever been to a meeting where sugarcane varieties were not discussed. I reckon SRA does a great job in producing varieties that meet the demands of sugarcane

production, pest and diseases pressure, millability and our variable climate. It was encouraging to see the interest of the Rocky Point growers on the varieties being tested and I noted there was potential in a couple of new varieties in the trials.

Drones at the Twohill’s farm in Condong

Peter Twohill and his dad Kevin were very generous with their time and proud to demonstrate how adopting drone technology is helping to manage pests on their 200 hectares of sugarcane at Tumbulgum in the Tweed Valley. Peter showed the group how drone flight paths and spray patterns can be set-up on the farm blocks in the shed. The group then travelled to a nearby block and the DJI agricultural drone was launched and showed how chemical can be sprayed on soybeans and cane. The demonstration used water to show the spray swath and accuracy of the application and also highlighted the technology built into drones, their capabilities and application.

The trip was a great couple of days. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of the sugarcane industry, there’s no better classroom than standing in a crop of cane discussing farming practices and varieties, crawling over a sugarcane harvester to understand how the modifications improve tonnes in the bin or chatting with the production manager on the intricacies of how sugar is refined.

What is a lease

LEASING OF SUGAR CANE FARMS

CANEGROWERS Legal Advisor

BY CHRIS COOPER

A lease of a cane farm is an agreement between the owner of the cane farming land (called the lessor or landlord) and the person who takes on the lease (called the lessee or tenant). Leases are enforceable legal rights and arrangements which allow the lessee the use and occupation and possession of the lessor’s land on terms and conditions contained in the lease agreement and/or as provided for in government legislation.

Considerations for lessor

Some of the possible benefits for a lessor leasing their farm might include the following:

‚ The lessor may wish to continue to own the farm but has lost interest in working it;

‚ The lessor may see a more stable income from rent received depending on how the rent is calculated without the lessor having to work the farm.

‚ No labour or working capital is required.

‚ With land ownership remaining with the lessor the opportunity for capital gain continues, and particularly if the lessee is a good farmer and improves the farm overall.

‚ May form part of a planned business transition or succession plan.

Some of the possible risks for a lessor in leasing their farm might include the following:

‚ The value of the farm might be negatively affected if the lessee is not a good farmer. Soil health, weeds and general farm maintenance can deteriorate with an incompetent lessee.

‚ Income from rent can depend on the financial viability and management competence of the lessee.

‚ The lessor loses day to day control of the farm and loses control of the farm for the period of the lease.

‚ The lessor may have difficulty in selling the farm to a 3rd party during the term of the lease because usually buyer of the farm will still be bound by the lease to the lessee.

‚ The Australian Taxation Office will likely regard a lessor as not being a primary producer for tax purposes.

‚ Disputes with the lessee.

Considerations for the lessee

Some of possible benefits for a lessee leasing the lessor’s farm might include the following:

‚ A means of getting into cane farming for new growers or a means of business expansion for existing farmers without the need for upfront debt/land purchase costs and servicing.

‚ Increased economies of scale for existing farmers and potential reduction in costs of production through more efficient operations.

‚ Expansion allows investment in more efficient equipment.

‚ Improved profitability.

Some of the risks for a lessee leasing the lessor’s farm might include the following:

‚ Without ownership the lessee will not participate in any increase in capital gain from improved value of the farm.

‚ When the lease expires at the end of the term the lessor may not extend the lease.

‚ Investments by the lessee in farm improvements and machinery may not be realised if the term of the lease is not long enough.

‚ Depending on how the rent in calculated, the lessee might bear the risks of bad season.

‚ Disputes with the lessor.

Key terms in a lease

A farm lease should contain all the relevant terms and conditions which apply to the lessor and lessee. The following are some of the items that are usually provided for in a farm lease:

‚ The names and addresses of the lessor and lease.

‚ A description of the land being leased by reference to a lot on plan description or a map or survey plan.

‚ The length or term of the lease.

‚ An option to renew or extend the lease and how that is exercised.

‚ The rent to be paid by the lessee to the lessor and how it is calculated.

‚ Any rent review arrangements for adjustment to the rent.

‚ Any restrictions on the use of the property, such as land clearing or farm layout changes.

‚ Provisions that apply in the event either the lessee or lessor breaches the lease.

‚ What happens when the lease expires.

‚ Farm management, production and maintenance obligations.

‚ Insurance obligations.

‚ Payment responsibility for rates, taxes and charges.

‚ Dispute resolution process

Important lease considerations

Some additional considerations for both the lessee and the lessor include:

‚ Ensuring that the condition of the land is identified and accepted at the start of the lease for comparison purposes at the end of the lease.

‚ How any existing crop at the start of the lease is dealt with and what crop establishment requirements apply at the end of the lease.

‚ Providing clear and certain arrangements around how the rent is calculated whether a % of proceeds and if so how those proceeds are calculated , fixed rate per year or some other way.

‚ Ensuring who is responsible for what is clearly set out in the lease.

Industry considerations

Leasing of cane farms is quite common in the sugar industry and generally have been a positive experience for lessors and lessees. CANEGROWERS provides to grower members a basic, standard farm lease agreement for consideration by potential lessors and lessees which is suitable for minor, short term (3 year) leasing transactions. Mills and sugar marketing companies will accept a lease of land as sufficient to support a cane supply agreement and sugar marketing arrangements. Financial institutions will also recognise leases as providing sufficient land tenure security for certain funding purposes, depending on the length of the lease.

Professional advice

Entering a lease is an important financial and commercial decision and should not be undertaken lightly. A farm lease arrangement can provide good opportunities for expansion and efficiency and improved economies of scale for the lessee and an income for the lessor without the lessor having to work the farm. Important legal rights and obligations are imposed by leases of land and those considering entering into a lease will need to consider taking appropriate financial, commercial and legal advice because there are risks for the lessor and lessee under lease arrangements.

This article contains general advice only. The particular facts and circumstances of each case always need to be taken into account.

The comments in this article are general in nature. For further free advice and information about this topic or other legal matters, members should contact their local CANEGROWERS office or please contact CANEGROWERS Legal Adviser, Chris Cooper on Free Call 1800 177 159

FIRST 5 LINES FREE* FOR CANEGROWERS MEMBERS!

Book online 24/7 at www.canegrowers.com au or email us at ads@canegrowers.com.au

Next deadline is 22 May 2024

MOSSMAN – TULLY

Tractor TE20 good condition $3,300 GST inclusive. Tractor AV International 130 with fertiliser equipment and scarifier $3,300 GST inclusive. Tractor AV International 140 with spray equipment $3,500 GST inclusive. Ph: 0428 183 307

Howard CH 2000 rotary hoe 4.2m wide, hyd 5 tyne ripper hillers new blades. $45,000 plus GST. Ph: 0429 912 135

2016 John Deere R4023 self propelled sprayer 1,500 hrs, 2200L tank, 85 foot boom, GPS ready. $235,000 plus GST. Ph: 0429 912 135.

Hooded 4-row sprayer $5,000; Confidor 2-row applicator $1,500; S Tyne multi-weeder $1,000. All prices ONO. Ph: 0407 597 179

MF102 cane harvester, good condition, $5,000. Ph: 0428 644 135

Great Plains 6m 3PL planter, currently set up for zonal planting however have all units for solid planting, $20,000 + GST. Ph: Peter 0427 976 416

10 Blade Faggy chopper box for 3510/3520. $6,000 + GST. Ph: 0437 434 280

Heavy duty Tatu offset disc 25 plate $50,000. Ph: 0439 965 921

JD 4030 4800 hrs. Front weights, back wheel weights, ROP, GC. $10,000. Atkinson plant cutter $300. Hodge blower and topper a/c $2,500 Tully. Ph: 0429 681 264

Power Harrow / Airator for soil – fits on a rotary hoe $900. 2 old fertiliser box implements – each $300. 186 Ross Road Deeral. Ph: 0412 968 434.

Harvester for sale. Babinda area. 2010 JD 3520 track harvester, 10,000 frame hrs. 1,200 hrs since engine rebuild. 10 blade Twyford choppers. Base cutter box, turn table and chopper box, 300 hrs use. D5 tracks. Ready to go. $180,000 & GST. Ph: 0439 676 186

Valley centre pivot 8 span all running gear tires & rims $1,000 gearboxes $750.00, electrical motors & gear boxes$1,000 each ONO. 6 Irvin spray legs $80.00 each, 2x Torsion axles v-shape 2,200kg each $500 ONO. Ph: John 0418 198 177

Celli rotary hoe 120 inch good condition. $6,000 + GST ONO. Front bucket for 580E backhoe $800 + GST ONO. Ph: 0407 675 361

* 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, such as farm machinery, etc. Advertisements from non-members are charged at $11 per line incl GST. Only prepaid ads will be accepted.

Plant cutter $200; cane stripper $500; binder billet planter $18,000; 2 x Newton 4T Tipper bins

$4,000 each – All plus GST. Ph: 0429 653 461

6 Cyl. Perkins Turbo-Charged motor, mounted on trailer to Kelly & Lewis water pump

$5,500; 6T Newton bulk fertiliser bin $2,500. Please call after 7pm or txt 0402 686 714 / 0407 144 637

2012 Case 8800 fulltrack cane harvester fitted with Trimble GPS and new walking gear. All in good condition. Near new 6t side tipper. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673

Kubota Zero Turn ZG 222 with Catcher 48” cut. Fiat 980 2WD-3,500hrs, Fiat 1000 2WD –5,000hrs, John Deere 4040 2WD – 3,600hrs, Chamberlain JD 4080 2 WD – 5,000hrs, Case 2590 2WD – 5,700hrs, 6 tonne tipper bin, Silvan Euro Spand CX2 spreader, portable bulk bin, Bunning Lowlander Mk 40-60 Ag spreader (near new), complete tracks to suit cane harvester, and Fuel trailer tank. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673

1980 Ford 7710, 4WD, 4 cyl, canopy, 5,323 hrs, $21,000. 1960 Inter tractor 574, 2WD, 4 cyl, canopy, $9,500. 1960 Inter tractor 574, 2WD, 4 cyl, canopy, 4891 hrs, $7,950. 1975 Cat D3 dozer, angle tilt blade, 4 cyl, hyd tow hitch, root rake blade, 4,836 hrs, $51,900. 2010 Kubota ME9000, 4WD, cab with trimble with GFX-750 GPS, 5,031 hrs, total for both $47,900. 2018 Kubota, 4WD, M7040, 4 cyl, canopy, 482 hrs, $46,900. Ph: Mark 0427 017 717

One tonne bag lifter $2,200 GST incl. Ph: 0448 345 139

1968 International Farmall 756, 2WD, Tricycle, 6 cyl, 5,560 hrs, $5,950. 1993 140″ Howard Rotary Hoe, crumble roller, serial 060301095, $24,500. 2006 Case iH 7700 full track harvester, Iveco 10.3L 6 cyl motor, 2912 hrs, $156,000. 1976 rear feed whole stick planter, s/s fertiliser boxes & chutes, 2x200L spray tanks with 4 sprays, hydraulic ram trailer hitch, $4,250. 1990 8-ton bulk fertiliser bin, 3 easy chute doors, 4 stands for storage, $5,150. Ph: Romy 0467 198 700

Fertiliser bin M.S.W, double row, 4 tonne stainless bin, with double compartment and 4 cutters $25,000 (inc. GST). Ph: 0400 729 457

Heavy duty two tines (legs) to suit rotary hoe $1,000 incl GST. Ph: 0438 988 858

2022 Case 9900 cane harvester. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

2021 Case Puma 225 cut with 16T GTB razor tippers. All articulated units. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

Liquid fertiliser applicator croplands rate controler, adjustable centres and new pump. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

Service unit/fuel tanker, flat 115-90 4wd tactor set up with hitch & brakes. 4500L diesel fuel tank. 2000L aluminium water tank, many more extas. Phone for more details. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

Bonel whole stick harvester / Double fan cane stripper / Four trailers. Ph: 07 4056 1742.

1956 International Super AMD Tricycle Tractor – good condition – Tully Mill Area – $3,000 ONO. Ph: 0428 850 214

2 x 480/70R34 tractor tyres. 5 years old. 95% rubber. 1 tyre needs minor repair. $1,000 (inc GST) for both tyres. Ph: 0408 728 072 (Tully).

Hydraulic spraying machine – High rise diesel motor, 1600L stainless steel tank $25,000 + GST. Ph: Tim 0428 183 307

Toft 6000 harvester $20k Liquaforce 5 row applicator $25k stainless steel 25,000L tanker on tandem axle trailer $15k 10 tonne side tipper $12k kubota 8580 $22k grubbers ploughs plus more call Rodney. Ph: 0429 984 920.

Farm clearance sale...all machinery in good working order all reasonable offers considered.

2 x 90″ Howard rotary hoes. Fiat 640 Hi Clearance 32″ 3,400 hrs, Hardi 600L sprayer

5 row boom +4 irvine spider legs. 3 row plant cane cleaner, Ford 4500 loader backhoe + 1t bag boom + tree trim cage. New Holland TS125A 125hp 4x4 16 speed ps 11,800hrs. Trailed 4T MSW 3 row stainless steel fertilizer bow with stool splitters or drop on top. John Deere 3130, Superior 8 ft galvanised Hd slasher, 2x 20.8 x38 tyres (30%), rims, centres & weights to suit ford or new holland axle, 900L cropland spray tank. Ph: 0437 504 272

Hodge Bulk bag lifter – $700 (plus GST). Ph: 0439 965 921

Olympic 20.8.42 65% $500+ GST; front end loader with 4 in 1 bucket, blasted and 2pac painted, resembling required $4500+GST

Ph: 0437 434 280

Rotocult 1 shot cultivator $7,000 ONO + GST Ph: 0149 988 158

Babinda area – 2006 Case 7700 track harvester. 10.3Lt Iveco motor 3,500hrs. Very good condition. Ph: 0467 198 700. AH: 4067 1498

2012 Case 8800 fulltrack cane harvester fitted with Trimble GPS and new walking gear. All in good condition. Near new 6t side tipper. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673

2018 Case 8810 harvester. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

Multi-weeder $350; Cane drill marker $250; Silvan 600L water tank $300. Ph: 07 4065 2165

HERBERT RIVER – BURDEKIN

Herbert River 4 tonne Newton tipper hooked to 4280 Chamberlain tractor. Will separate if required. Ideal for billet planting. Ph: 0416 174 014

Mulcher Nobili BNE 210V.G.C $5n000.00 Ph: 0432 221 496

2017 Isuzu dmax dual cab with alloy tray, 67,400 kms, new tires, RWC, one owner in VGC. $43,000 ONO. Ph: 0438 821 683

Case Magnum 315 2012 dual tyres front and rear with weight pack, Trimble GPS, UHF and quick hitch 210,000 plus. Howard rotary hoe CH 2000 4.7 meters with crumble roller 40,000 plus. Ph: Gavin 0408 782 419

LD3 Moore Scoop 4WD in fair condition, runs good, brakes need help. Ph: after 6.30 pm 07 4777 6148

Fiat 411R, good order, 1m clearance, $5,000 neg. 9ft roller, heavy frame $250 neg. Ph: Troy 0419 477 284

Single row Scuderi fert. box mounted on 6 leg grubber. Good working order. $250 incl GST Single row HBM upright stick planter. Working order. $200 incl GST. Ph: 0431 458 850

1997 Fiat Agri Genius 190. Good condition, one owner, Hyd toplink, hubs for dwels – 5,200 hrs. Ph: 0419 666 544

1996 Fiat 130 with 80 inch Kuhn rotary hoe. Under 2,000 hrs. $45,000 + GST for both. Ph: 0427 337 929

2015 Austoft 8800 harvester. Good condition. Ph: 0499 888 919 or 0429 989 502

MACKAY-PROSERPINE

John Deere 6520se fwd 5,100 hrs, new ac power quad. Tyres 70%. Presents as a very clean and tidy tractor price. $60,000 incl GST neg. VGC. Ph: 0438 424 538

Trailco 110 x360m hard hose irrigator $23,000 inc GST. Koumala. Ph: 0429 027 377

Pegorano power harrow 100 inch. $3,500 incl GST. Ph: Koumala 0429 027 377

45x 5" aluminum flood irrigation pipes on pipe trailer $2,200 incl. Ph: 0417 158 656

M1 15 New Holland tractor. 6,500hrs. Auto steer control valve fitted. Wanting $35,000 ONO. Ph: 0419 771 504.

125mm Southern Cross hard hose irrigator in good condition. 350m hose. $30,000 incl GST. Ph: 0428 768 533

Rainfall Report

GPS autosteer kits and base station can be fitted to any tractor, FJ Dynamics brand, $14,000 excl GST. Ph: 0401 847 162

Underground pipes 34 lengths, 150 ml X 6m, Class 9, never used, 25 years old. $35 each Ph: 0418 159 998.

Various farm implements: Hodge 4-furrow reversible plough. 3 row McLeod multi weeder rake. Two tyres & rims to suit fiat 1000 and 1300. Agri/Master; CB538 Size 24.5/32R/1 12 ply. Ph: 0417 612 883 for price.

Brought to you by

Bonel cane billet planter with 2 water tanks $6,600; 2x2T planter bins $500; Fiorini S/550 multifunctional hay rake $8,000. All GST incl.

Ph: Lionel 0408 755 453. Proserpine.

T7040 New Holland 8,200 hrs and 16 tonne Aus quip elevator air/ hyd controls. Farm sold.

Ph: Cameron 0427 378 526

Hodge, one tonne three point linkage side dresser fertilizer box, with coulters + press wheels $3900+GST. Hodge, one tonne three point linkage side dresser fertilizer box, with coulters + press wheels $3900 (+GST).

Ph: 0420 600 943

1973 Ford 5 thousand 2-wheel drive Y series tractor for sale, 75 horsepower, with power steering, new ROPS, new seat, one set of remotes, 8430 tyres – 90% rubber on front and 80% on back and 3-point linkage. Always sheded, kept neat and tidy, always serviced and oil dropped every 100 hrs.

Ph: 0459 596 782 for price.

2017 Case IH Puma 140 – fully unlocked AFS GPS, fully unlocked Isobus control, 2,200 hrs, tractor in VGC, only selling due to upgrade, arriving soon. $140,000 neg.

Ph: Peter 0409 221 601

1997 Case top track harvester Komatsu engine, big hours, good D5 tracks $33,000. Ph: Ambrose 0428 475 226

Suzuki LT-F 300F $1,100 60HP Western electric motor, foot & flange $2,750. Ph: 0417 158 656

Double Row McLeod fertiliser box with various sprockets for various applications. Ph: 0417 612 883 for price.

2020 Case Maxxum 135 CVX Premium, 50kph Fully factory optioned, Front 3PT linkage, 4 electric remotes, New One Lift 60 Challenge Loader with 4 in 1 bucket and forks, New Trimble GFX1260 GPS 3,120 hrs 160k+GST

Ph: 0427 678 572

Krone 1500 Vario pack baler $16,500. Krone mower 2.8m easy cut flail $36,000 as new.

Ph: 0447 461 132

AR 50" rotary hoe, fully reconditioned. HR 42 120” rotary hoe, fully reconditioned.

Ph: 0407 643 441 for price.

Hodge side dresser fertiliser box – with 4 front fertilizer coulters, 2 centre rippers and coulters with crumble rollers and centre drawbar. Also can be used as a soil buster. In the Mackay area. $11,000 + GST. Ph: 0408 874 974 or 0418 874 974

Bonel plant cutter for sale GC $450.

Ph: 0428 782 202.

Massey Ferguson harvester 102 base cutter box. Ph: 4954 1174 for price.

Elevator chains for 102. Ph: 4954 1174 for price.

7T Tractor 200 auto command, super steer, GPS ready, 5,549 hrs, great condition, farm work only. $110,000. Ph: 0427 503 738

Rover 52 inch mower, zero turn, Kawasaki motor, 19 horsepower. $4,000. Ph: 0427 503 738

Pegoraro 120 inch rotary hoe in good condition. Ph: 0417 542 783 for price.

3 point linkage cane topper. Ph: 0417 542 783 for price.

4,000L of 50/50 diesel/petrol mix suitable for firebug burners or parts washing.

Ph: 0411 196 860

USED/NEW MACHINERY FOR SALE

SECONDHAND 8970

JOHN DEERE TRACTOR

NEW CYCLONE SLASHER/MULCHER

All machines located in Ingham.

DIESEL FITTER POSITION AVAILABLE

PARTS MANAGER POSITION AVAILABLE

Contact us via phone or email for further information.

SNG Machinery Sales

90 Origlasso St, Ingham

07 4776 6003 (Parts) 07 4776 1066 (Sales) admin@sngmachinerysales.com www.sngromano.net.au

Celli Tiger spike hoe, 2.5m wide with hydraulic crumble roller and oil cooler. VGC. Mackay.

Ph: 0438 606 578.

Don Mizzi 741 model on Fiat 750 special turbo plus MF102 half-tracks to suit. Mackay.

Ph: 0438 606 578

12t self-propelled 6x6 elev infielder. VGC. Mackay. Ph: 0438 606 578

Massey Ferguson 8110 4-wheel drive with cab, 135hp, only 2,636 hrs in good condition. $55,000 incl GST. Ph: 0438 606 578

6t side tipper on Leyland tandem. GC. Mackay. Ph: 0438 606 578

Southern Cross LAH 7 stage turbine pump. Ph: 0407 595 218

Water meter never used Siemens brand (no before or after the meter pipework required) 150mm flanged, table D/E Ph: 0411 196 860

6 and 8 inch cast iron flanged gate valves. New never used. Ph: 0411 196 860

1973 Ford 5,000 2wd with 4ton Newton side tipper $11,000 +GST. 3m niemeyer nr1411 Power Harrows $5,600 + GST Ph: 0437 184 822

2 fan stripper $500. Moller single chain planter $4,000. Roberts 6T goose neck trailer $5,000. Grubber & box $300. Hodge upright planter $3,000. Ph: 0408 776 336 OR 4959 1765 after 7pm.

BUNDABERG-ROCKY POINT

Rotary hoe 90 degree blades to suit Maschio G Series rotary hoe. Brand new. These normally sell at $20 each new but are for sale at $6 each. There are currently 72 left hand and 72 right hand blades available. Ph: 0402 993 500

102 Massey Ferguson cane harvester $1,500. C670 Chamberlain 4 ton HPM tipper bin $5,000. Ford 5000 Tractor $6,000. Hodge fert. bin $1,000 Ph: 0403 064 708

2011 John Deere 3520 wheel cane harvester very tidy condition, negotiable. Ph: 0413 584 728

Austoft/Case wheel harvester 1995 to 2006 model. Any area. Ph: 0417 193 385

Massey Ferguson anniversary 105 harvester $7,700 (incl. GST); trash incorporator $7,700 (incl. GST); Bonel 3-row cutaway $6,600 (incl GST); 3-point linkage offset 16 plate $2,300 (incl GST). Ph: 0419 577 110.

Quinco side dresser fert. box, Bonel side dresser fert. box, Croplands boom sprayer, Bonel plant cutter, Don stick planter, 3 row folding cultivator frame, 3 row plant cutaway, 5 row plant marker 1.8 ctrs. Ph: 0473 989 961

FALC 3600 RU rotary hoe with twin bed formers, was set up for strawberries. Selling now as surplus to needs. $25,000 + GST Ph: 0447 714 015

New Holland T6070 Tractor, $185,000 neg Challenge FEL, quad remotes, excellent condition, 450 hrs. Ph: Justin 0415 626 715

7 tonne single axle Hi lift tipper bin $12,000 each plus GST. Ph: 0413 584 728

Howard HR100 inch rotary, Napier 24 plate offset discs, Yeoman 11 tyne chisel plough and other excess equipment. Ph: 0417 617 084

No till vacuum planter fitted with disc openers and John Deere planter boxes, will plant 3rows at 2 x 400mm at 1.6 m centers, has water tanks for inoculant, row widths can be adjusted. Soybean plates included. $16,500 incl GST. Ph: Alan 0409 632 656

MF165 H/C 212 engine 8 speed original 4,225 hrs remotes ROPs canopy $12,500 inc GST. 2x two row 3PL Faun potato planters set up to lay trickle tape while planting $3,000 + GST each. 30 RJ Hydrant sealing caps, good condition $80.00 each. Two row potato harvester – Grimme D.L 1500 – sorting table – canopy $40,000 + GST Ph: 0427 597 363 or 0408 062 830

Brand new Howard AH4000/255 2.5m heavy duty rotary hoe w/wheels $44k inc GST. Rocky Point. Ph: Greg 0421 277 126.

Plant cane cultivator 2 x 1.6m row w/ 3 weeder rakes and tines $2,200 incl GST, Land plane w/ 4m. hyd. tilt blade $4,400 incl GST, 2x1.6m. row cultivator w/ 10x 30ml. tines $2,200 incl GST. 4 wheel trash rake $ 1650 incl. GST Ph: 0408 761 463

WANTED TO BUY

100HP, late model John Deere tractor. Must be in good condition. Marian area Ph: 0420 600 943

2.5 tonne or similar tipper bins suitable for billet planter. Ph: John 0427 563 318. Mulgrave area.

24 Plate Bonel heavy duty offset disc In good condition. Ph: Lance 0499 117 078

3 point linkage cane multiplier in good condition. Ph: 0408 197 223.

1996 to 2004 Toft/Case 7000, wheeled cane harvester. Ph: 0420 600 943

Austoft/Case wheel harvester 1995 to 2006 model – any area. Ph: 0417 193 385

4.5" Layflat hose in good condition. 200-250m. Ph: 0419 952 119

3-row stool splitter Confidor applicator in good condition. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0415 386 322.

New Holland 8970 tractor suitable for wrecking. Contact 0419 710 280 or tctownley@bigpond.com

All panels for Fiat 780. Ph: 0438 421 217. Mackay / Sarina area.

1x Ford 6600 or Ford 7600 two-wheel drive tractor. Ph: 0439 591 455

6 FT 3 Point linkage grader blade in reasonable condition. Ph: 0478 228 375. Area Bundaberg.

11-12ft roller – Herbert River area. Ph: 4776 1386

Crumble roller to suit Howard HR40 90” rotary hoe or two 50cm steel depth wheels. Ph: Alan 0467 786 464

Hi-clearance spray tractor. Must be a trike and must have air con cab. Send photos and information to 0407 639 985

Tractor with FEL 100-140 HP up to $50k. NQLD area. Ph: Peter 0427 760 449

HANDS-FREE TURNING

HANDS-FREE STEERING & TURNING ADVANCED GUIDANCE SYSTEMS

SINGLE

Get fully automatic, ‘hands-free’ turning with the new TurnPath™ unlock on Ag Leader SteerCommand® Z2 automated and SteadySteer® assisted steering systems. TurnPath provides precise and repeatable turns from straight or curved guidance lines, even skipped passes. Combined with all the other benefits of a SteerCommand or SteadySteer steering system, including rapid convergence, sub-inch accuracy and terrain compensation, TurnPath puts you on the path to effortless driving. Contact your Ag Leader dealer and find out how TurnPath and SteerCommand can make farming easier.

Halpin Precision Ag (Bundaberg)

DMD Ag Solutions (Mackay)

Glendalough GPS Services (Home Hill)

Farmacist (Burdekin)