News Briefs
Farmers feeling the love post-COVID There is a greater appreciation for the role farmers play in providing for Australia's food and fibre needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research released by the National Farmers' Federation to mark National Agriculture Day on 18 November. NFF President and NSW farmer, Fiona Simson said panic buying and temporary supermarket shortages had caused angst for many Australians. "It is logical that Australians have taken a greater interest in the origin of their meat, dairy, eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables and more. "Inquiring consumers will have been pleasantly surprised to find that up to 96% of the food on their supermarket shelves is home grown. "All Australians should take comfort in the fact that Australia is one of the most food secure nations in the world. Every year we produce up to two thirds more food than we can consume at home." The increased interest was greatest in older Australians, with 1 in 3 over 55 reporting to now think more about the origins of their food. BRINGING CANE TO THE CLASSROOM In the Burdekin region, CANEGROWERS marked National Ag Day with a trip to the classroom. CANEGROWERS Burdekin Director Steve Pilla made a guest appearance at Home Hill State High School, where he spoke to students on behalf of the Farmer Time Program, which provides students with real world experiences in agriculture. "It's really important the younger generation understands what's going on in farming, with technology changes and what we're embracing as farmers," Mr Pilla said.
MERRY CHRISTMAS From all the staff at CANEGROWERS, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! To celebrate the Festive Season, this issue is packed full of exciting items from CANEGROWERS! The CANEGROWERS 2021 Calendar will help you keep track of all your important events throughout the year. Featured on the cover is the winning shot from our CANEGROWERS bumper sticker photo competition. It features Innisfail member Adrian Darveniza and his youngest son Hamish on their family farm at South Johnstone in Far North Queensland. The photo was taken by Tracy Darveniza. Never miss an important date with your CANEGROWERS 2021 Pocket Diary on hand. Capture all of your important rainfall data in 2021 with your CANEGROWERS 2021 Rainfall Chart. 4
Pictured: CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan joined the National Ag Day bake-off.
Race to the finish The 2020 crush is rapidly winding down with a little over 2% of Queensland's crop still in the paddock as of 26 November. Mossman, Tableland, Proserpine, Plane Creek, Bundaberg, Isis, Maryborough and Rocky Point have all completed their season, with the remaining districts not far behind. It's expected that all districts will have completed harvesting operations by mid-December, weather and mill performance permitting.
