Sugarcane annual 2016

Print Post Approved Publication No. PP100008014

Volume 20, Nos. 5 & 6 $20

INCORPORATING OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2016 BI-MONTHLY & NEXT GEN FARMER – 22

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SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 S E C T I O N

1

OVERVIEW

4 Foreword 8 Sugar: The year in review 10 World sugar outlook 2016–17

S E C T I O N

Mossman/Tableland South Johnstone/Mulgrave/Tully Herbert Burdekin Central Region Southern Region New South Wales

S E C T I O N

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19

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THE FUTURE

E C T I O N

31

44 Australian production 44 Australian cane production 44 Australian sugar production 46 Australian sugarcane area 46 Australian yields over time 48 World production 48 World sugar supply and use 48 Major sugar producers 49 The international scene 49 Major importers of Australian sugar 49 World raw sugar price 50 Sugar exports by major producers 50 Sugar imports by major consumers

T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

6 57

58 Milling in the Australian sugar industry 62 QSL Marketing: Focus not on fighting the old but building on the new 66 Milling and refining organisations 66 Marketing organisations and sugar terminals

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8 74

74 Peak bodies 75 Government bodies

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E C T I O N

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INDUSTRY IN FIGURES T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

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68 What’s ahead for Sugar Research Australia?

72 Driverless tractors – the future of agriculture 73 R&D organisations

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS 43

SECTION 3

THE FUTURE

MILLING & MARKETING

S E C T I O N

4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

51

RESEARCH & EXTENSION

32 The big six: CSIRO’s plans for our future 33 What is the future for world-wide crop genetic diversity?

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52 The Australian Cane Farmers Association 54 Chairman’s comment

S E C T I O N

T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

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Australian Cane Farmers 2016 S E C T I O N

2

AREA ROUNDUP

20 22 24 26 26 28 30

S E C T I O N

AREA ROUNDUP

SECTION 5

AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMER 2016

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TRADE DIRECTORY

76

COVER: The ongoing success of the Australian sugarcane industry is largely dependent on the resilience of the growers, the innovativeness of the researchers and the efficiency of the millers and marketers. (Images courtesy of WeedSmart, QSL and CanStockPhoto)

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MILLING & MARKETING T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

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RESEARCH & EXTENSION Australian Sugarcane P.O. Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350. Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520, Email: sugar@greenmountpress.com.au DELIVERY ADDRESS: 120 Herries Street, Toowoomba, Queensland. 4350 EDITOR: Brian O’Connell Phone (02) 6778 3255, Fax (02) 6778 3256, Mobile 0413 130 777 ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Lloyd O’Connell & David Dowling Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520 PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mick Allan GROUP SALES MANAGER: Michael Cook ADVERTISING: Michael Cook Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520, Mobile 0428 794 801

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Brian O’Connell Phone (02) 6778 3255, Fax (02) 6778 3256, Mobile 0413 130 777

CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in Australian Sugarcane are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Copyright 2016.

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Registered by Australia Post Publication No. PP 100008014. ISSN 1442–5157.

PUBLISHED: APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER, FEBRUARY — SUGARCANE ANNUAL

T his s e c ti on s uppor ted by

SECTION 8

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS SECTION 9

TRADE DIRECTORY AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 1

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SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Brian O’Connell.

Foreword OO By Brian O’Connell, Editor, Australian Sugarcane

W

ELCOME to the 2016 Australian Sugarcane Annual. And joy of joys – who’d have ‘thunk’ it! As I write prices are up around the $600 per tonne mark and have been hanging in there – which is good because the protracted Grower Economic Interest (GEI) sugar marketing negotiations are still crawling along for many growers.

We all trust that this version of the ‘Australian Crawl’ will see all involved not only hold their heads above water but also be able to stand together on the winner’s podium – an industry united!

The ‘Real Choice in Marketing’ Bill introduced by Katter Australian Party MP Shane Knuth passed through the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 – a day that the industry may well remember for sometime – some very fondly, others less so.

And along with prices at their highest for around four to five years it’s also nice to be able to say that the 2015 harvest was back to something like the 10 year average and this coming season is heading towards something a little better.

Mill area 2015–16 Mossman Tableland Mulgrave South Johnstone Tully Herbert River Mills Burdekin Mills Proserpine Mackay Sugar Mills Plane Creek Bundaberg Sugar South Isis Maryborough Rocky Point Queensland Condong Broadwater Harwood New South Wales Total/average Source: SRA.

4 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

And again being average is not so bad when we consider some of the extremes we have seen with weather and prices over the past few years.

In the last Annual I observed that although the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement (an agreement which took six years to reach) was not so good for sugar, at least it was not too bad. I note with interest but not necessarily with surprise that one year on we are being advised that the Federal Parliament’s Treaties Committee will hear from Government witnesses at the final hearing into the TPP in early November 2016 – seems time doesn’t fly Canberra.

For the first time in over 20 years, Australian sugar has been granted guaranteed new access into the US (although still only for a limited tonnage); we now have tariff elimination and levy reduction for high polarity sugar into Japan; and there is elimination of the tariff on refined sugar into Canada. You will note in our ‘Industry in Figures’ section that our exports to the US rose, they fell to Japan and they were non existent to Canada.

Harvested area (hectares) 13,455 4,298 12,206 22,517 28,756 56,591 70,473 21,494 69,120 17,249 19,931 14,686 11,313 3,754 365,843 4,508 6,289 5,136 15,933 381,776

Tonnes of cane per hectare 90.0 88.9 87.4 92.2 100.8 78.8 117.5 77.8 73.2 74.5 87.3 87.5 76.1 102.2 89.3 122.3 135.0 150.5 136.4 91.2

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YCS (whatever it is) is still with us SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

As you would expect in an ‘Annual’ we take a look at the year that’s just past. In many ways it’s déjà vu all over again – particularly when it comes to YCS (Yellow Canopy Syndrome as if you weren’t all too aware).

And if you think that there’s also a bit of déjà vu about the above paragraph you’re right – it was in the 2015 Annual.

In 2015 we noted that the search for the cause of YCS – first recognised in early 2012 near Cairns – was still ongoing. It has now been found in all sugarcane growing areas from Maryborough in the south to far north Queensland.

Depending on the degree of YCS symptoms experienced, crop growth can be compromised with potential impacts on final yields – significant losses have been experienced in some impacted areas.

A number of factors have been ruled out by SRA as potential causes of YCS and we now know that YCS is associated with a problem

in translocation of sugars out of the leaf and water movement within the sugarcane plant. In combination, these factors reduce photosynthesis, movement of photosynthate and crop performance.

With YCS expanding in its geographical distribution and the subsequent impact the condition is having on crop yield, SRA is continuing to give YCS related research an extremely high priority in 2016–17.

There will be a strong emphasis on water and nutrient translocation, development of a diagnostic test, identification of the causal agent of YCS, genetic variability for YCS impact, abiotic/environmental factors that trigger symptom expression, and potential management strategies. I’m sure you will join with me in wishing them good luck with all of that!

I’m sure you will find further examples of ‘more of the same’ as you take a short trip down memory lane with a few of the ‘industry’ significant issue of the past 12 months. n

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 7

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OVERVIEW

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Sugar: The year in review November 2015 Sugar giant Wilmar – Australia’s largest sugar producer – says securing an interim agreement with 22 individual growers is a ‘breakthrough’ to the current impasse about how export sugar is marketed.

The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) puts forward a compromise deal aimed at avoiding what they feels is unnecessary and damaging marketing re-regulation.

Rats reportedly cause $5 million damage in north Queensland’s Herbert cane district this season

December 2015 The Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015, passed through the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday 2 December 2015. The Bill was introduced into the Queensland Parliament by Katter Australian Party member Mr Shane Knuth.

Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Act 2015 assented to in State Parliament At the Paris climate summit, a commitment of $58 million in funding from the Reef Trust spearheaded a suite of measures by the Federal Government to continue to build the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

A growing number of cane farmers are going off Ergon Energy’s electricity grid and going completely solar because of high electricity prices.

Queensland Government’s Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce calls for public submissions.

Wilmar. Wilmar spokesperson says the company wouldn’t sign contracts with growers until it understood the implications of the Real Choice in Marketing bill.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announces the government to develop a new biofuel industry.

March 2016 Sugar prices top the 16 cents a pound for the second time in a week reflecting a worldwide shortage of sugar – analysts are confident the price rise will continue.

SRA reports a sugarcane crop near Bundaberg is displaying symptoms of YCS – this follows a recent report of the syndrome in the Maryborough mill area.

Queensland’s agricultural industries, Natural Resource Management bodies and conservation groups sign a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to help protect Great Barrier Reef.

Farmers meet with key Australian Government Ministers as part of the review of the proposed ‘backpacker tax’.

April 2016 A project team headed by Scott Williams of Scott Williams Consulting has been appointed to undertake the first performance review for SRA Emerging Technologies in a Global Industry was the theme at the annual Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists conference in Mackay.

Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is ‘major and significant’, federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt says.

January 2016

May 2016

ASMC announces January 6 that processing of the Queensland sugarcane crop has been completed with the Tully sugar mill in Far North Queensland completing its record crush of 2.898 million tonnes.

The first commercial crop of sunflowers in the Mackay region harvested. Simon Mattsson – a cane farmer and a Nuffield Scholar investigating soil health – believes the process will improve soil quality on his property.

Harvesting begins on the Mackay region’s second ever commercial rice crop. Agronomy business Farmacist says rice was an ideal cash crop to be grown on cane farms in between cane crops.

ACFA Annual General Meeting in Cairns Growing more with less – Federal Government funds improved nitrogen efficiency R&D in sugar industry.

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has announced its research investment agenda for 2016–17 which is designed to deliver R&D outcomes that benefit to growers and millers.

February 2016 Sugar values set to rise as global production goes into deficit for first time in five years.

Mackay growers are ‘anxiously’ waiting to sign next year’s contracts with milling company 8 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

June 2016 Tweed cane growers face a lengthy wait before the true cost of the damage done by recent wild weather is revealed. The start of the region’s cane harvest has also been delayed.

SRA announces new cane varieties releases and Sensors for improved harvesting feedback feasibility study: New economic report says Genetically Modified crops have increased farmer incomes by $1.37 billion in Australia since 1996 while drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions,

Queensland Government buys Cape York cattle station in a bid to stem sediment pollution flowing into the Great Barrier Reef.

July 2016 Wilmar Sugar outlines proposed 2017 agreements and associated arrangements for growers supplying its Plane Creek, Proserpine, Burdekin and Herbert mills.

High world sugar prices are resulting in a revival of cane farming on Queensland’s fastgrowing Sunshine Coast.

National Farmers’ Federation welcomed the appointment of the new Turnbull Ministry – in particular welcoming back Deputy Leader Barnaby Joyce and his Assistant Ministers Anne Ruston and Luke Hartsuyker.

August 2016 Crushing again halted due to widespread rain.

Maryborough region is the first cane growing district in Queensland to reach agreement on a new cane supply agreement since the change in sugar industry legislation.

SRA research program looking to reduce losses associated with mechanical harvesting estimated to cost the Australian sugarcane industry $150 million per year.

Negotiations between Wilmar and QSL break down reportedly because conflicts over the storage and handling of sugar could not be resolved.

September 2016 Nine hundred millimetres of rain falling in three months has caused havoc for the cane harvest in Tully and there have been similar problems for most other cane growing regions in Queensland.

BOM reports Queensland has experienced its second wettest winter on record, and almost broke the record for warm overnight temperatures.

Queensland farmers have welcomed the board appointments of the eight local management irrigation schemes by the State Government.

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OVERVIEW

T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

October 2016 National Farmers’ Federation file its submission to the Senate inquiry into the ‘backpacker tax’ bills.

The Federal and Queensland Governments’ 2015 report card on the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) shows many positive long term improvements for our agricultural industries right along the Queensland coast.

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 9

SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

World Sugar Outlook 2016–17 OO By Benjamin K Agbenyegah, ABARES

AT A GLANCE… OO The world indicator price for raw sugar is forecast to rise by 19 per cent to average US19 cents a pound in 2016–17.

OO World sugar consumption in 2016–17 is forecast to exceed production for the second year in a row, reducing world stocks to their lowest levels since 2011–12.

OO The return on sugar cane to Australian growers is forecast to increase by 19 per cent in 2016–17 to around $50 a tonne.

Higher demand to support world sugar prices in 2016–17 The world indicator price for raw sugar (Intercontinental Exchange, nearby futures, no.

FIGURE 1: World sugar stocks, 2007–08 to 2016–17a

FIGURE 2: World sugar indicators, 2009–10 to 2016–17a

11 contract) in 2016–17 (October to September) is forecast to increase by 19 per cent to average US19 cents a pound. This forecast price increase mainly reflects a significant decline in world sugar stocks. World sugar consumption growth is expected to be faster than production growth for the second year in a row. This is expected to further reduce world sugar stocks to their lowest since 2011–12. The world stocks-touse ratio for sugar is expected to decline by 5 percentage points in 2016–17 to 36 per cent.

In 2015–16 the world indicator price of raw sugar is estimated to average US16 cents a pound, compared with US13.4 cents a pound in 2014–15. The increase in world sugar prices in 2015–16 reflects an estimated 8 per cent fall in world stocks because of reduced production in all major producing countries except Australia.

World sugar production to rise in 2016–17 World sugar production is forecast to increase to around 177 million tonnes in 2016–17, from an estimated 174 million tonnes in 2015–16. Area harvested for both cane and beet is expected to increase in response to relatively high sugar prices. Increased yields are also expected, assuming a return to average seasonal conditions following adverse seasonal conditions in some major producing countries in 2015–16.

Forecast higher sugar production in Brazil, Europe, China and Australia is expected to more than offset forecast declines in India, Thailand and the US. In 2015–16 world sugar production fell by 4 per cent to an estimated 174.2 million tonnes. This was the lowest since 2010–11, when around 166 million tonnes of sugar was produced. Reduced beet planting in the European Union because of relatively low sugar prices at the time of planting and adverse seasonal conditions in India, China and Thailand largely contributed to lower production in 2015–16.

Brazil to increase cane allocation for sugar production In 2016–17 (April to March) sugarcane crush in Brazil is forecast to increase by 3 per cent to 687 million tonnes, reflecting an expected increase in area harvested and assumed higher cane yields. Harvested area is expected to 10 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

further 2 per cent to 27 per cent in 2015 to encourage the consumption of ethanol. Sugar mills in Brazil responded to these increases by raising the share of cane allocated to ethanol production from 50 per cent in 2012–13 to 59 per cent in 2015–16.

increase by 2 per cent in 2016–17 to around 11.1 million hectares because of a large carryover of uncut cane from the 2015–16 season. Cane harvest in 2015–16 ended earlier than expected because cutting was disrupted by heavy rains towards the end of the season.

Cane yields are assumed to be 1 per cent higher because dry weather during harvesting in 2016– 17 is expected to improve yield potential.

Brazilian sugar production is forecast to be 39.6 million tonnes in 2016–17, up from 38.1 million tonnes in 2015–16. This forecast increase is based on higher cane production and increased cane allocation to sugar production encouraged by an expected increase in the relative price of sugar to ethanol.

As at 1 August 2016, sugar mills in Brazil’s south-central region (which produces around 90 per cent of the country’s sugar cane) allocated around 45 per cent of the already crushed cane in 2016–17 to sugar production, compared with 41 per cent by the same date in 2015.

In 2013 the Brazilian Government raised the mandatory blending ratio of anhydrous ethanol with gasoline from 20 per cent to 25 per cent in response to a request from the ethanol industry.

This request followed two years of continuous decline in domestic ethanol consumption and relatively low ethanol prices.

Amid falling world crude oil prices, the government raised the blend ratio by a

Production to increase in China and Europe in response to higher prices

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OVERVIEW

T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

Chinese sugar production is forecast to rise by 11 per cent in 2016–17 (June to May) to 10.5 million tonnes. Cane production is

FIGURE 3: Cane and sugar production and allocation, Brazil, 2004–05 to 2016–17

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 11

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Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

forecast to be 87 million tonnes, up from 82 million tonnes in 2015–16. This reflects an estimated 2 per cent increase in cane and beet area to around 1.44 million hectares. Increased plantings were in response to higher sugar prices. In 2015–16 the purchase price for cane was set at 440 yuan a tonne, up from 400 yuan a tonne in 2014–15. Average cane yields are assumed to be 4 per cent higher in 2016–17 as a result of a shift by growers to planting genetically modified crops that have higher cane yields.

EU sugar production is forecast to increase by 13 per cent in 2016–17 to 17 million tonnes, driven mainly by an expected 9 per cent rise in beet production to around 103 million tonnes.

The expected increase in beet production is based largely on an estimated 8 per cent rise in area to 1.4 million hectares and an assumed 1 per cent increase in average beet yields. In 2015–16 beet planting declined by 15 per cent to around 1.3 million hectares in response to relatively low prices at the beginning of the season.

Sugar production in Eastern Europe is forecast to reach a record 12 million tonnes in 2016–17, up from 10.5 million tonnes in 2015– 16. This forecast reflects an increase in beet planting and an assumed rise in average beet yield, following dry weather in 2015–16.

In the Russian Federation, sugar production is forecast to rise by 7 per cent in 2016–17 to a record 6 million tonnes, driven mainly by an estimated 3 per cent increase in beet planting. Average beet yields are assumed to be lower after record yields were achieved in 2015–16. Sugar production in Ukraine is forecast to increase by 32 per cent in 2016–17 to 2.1 million tonnes. Sugarbeet plantings are estimated to increase by 20 per cent and the average beet yield is assumed to recover by 6 per cent in 2016–17.

Decreased production expected in Thailand, India and the US In Thailand, sugarcane crush is forecast to be 90.3 million tonnes in 2016–17, down from 94 million tonnes in 2015–16. Cane area harvested is expected to remain largely unchanged at 1.77 million hectares. But average cane yield is assumed to be slightly lower. Based on lower cane production, Thai sugar production is forecast to fall by 3 per cent in 2016–17 to 9.8 million tonnes.

In 2016–17 sugar production in India is forecast to fall by 8 per cent to around 25.1 million tonnes, reflecting an expected 5 per cent fall in cane production.

Cane crush in India is forecast to be 328 million tonnes in 2016–17, down from around 346 million tonnes in 2015–16. This is the result of an estimated 4 per cent decline in 12 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

the expected area harvested and a 1 per cent decline in assumed average cane yield. Reduced monsoon rains in 2015 negatively affected yield potential in the 2015–16 season.

Sugar production in the US is forecast to decline by 2 per cent in 2016–17 to around 8 million tonnes. Area planted to cane and beet is estimated to remain largely unchanged at 830 000 hectares. Beet sugar production is forecast to increase slightly to a record 4.6 million tonnes, but cane sugar production is forecast to fall by 6 per cent to 3.3 million tonnes, based on assumed lower cane yields.

World sugar consumption to grow in 2016–17 World sugar consumption is forecast to increase by 2 per cent in 2016–17 to around 184 million tonnes, reflecting world income and population growth. Rising demand from food processing industries in countries such as India, China and Indonesia is expected to support sugar consumption growth in 2016–17. Higher consumption is forecast for all the world’s major sugar-consuming countries except for Brazil.

World sugar exports to rise in 2016–17 World sugar exports are forecast to be 60 million tonnes in 2016–17, up from around 58 million tonnes in 2015–16. This is largely based on an expected increase in sugar production in Brazil and on Thailand’s carry-over stocks increasing exportable supplies.

Strong import demand from the US and Indonesia is expected to support higher exports from the major exporting countries. Brazilian sugar exports are forecast to increase by 9 per cent in 2016–17 to reach 30.5 million tonnes, reflecting an expected increase in Brazil’s sugar production and strong import demand from Indonesia.

Sugar exports from Thailand are forecast to reach a record of around 9 million tonnes in 2016–17, up from 8.6 million tonnes in 2015–16. This forecast is based on increased exportable supplies and higher import demand from the US and Indonesia. Although domestic production is forecast to decline, carry-over stocks from 2015–16 are expected to increase supply available for export.

EU sugar exports are forecast to remain at around 1.4 million tonnes in 2016–17, the maximum permitted under its World Trade Organization obligations. Sugar imports into the European Union are forecast to fall by 2 per cent to 3 million tonnes because of higher domestic production.

Sugar exports from India are forecast to almost halve in 2016–17 to 1.5 million tonnes, reflecting the forecast decline in domestic production and expected increase in domestic consumption.

Sugar imports into China are forecast to decline by 6 per cent in 2016–17 to 6.3 million tonnes, reflecting forecast higher domestic production. Sugar imports into Indonesia are forecast to increase by 10 per cent in 2016–17 to 4.3 million tonnes as domestic sugar consumption increases faster than production.

World sugar stocks to decline in 2016–17 World closing stocks of sugar are forecast to fall by 10 per cent in 2016–17 to 67 million tonnes, reflecting forecast world consumption exceeding production for the second consecutive year. If realised, forecast world stocks will be the lowest since 2011–12, when stocks were 64.4 million tonnes. The world stocks-to-use-ratio is expected to be 36 per cent in 2016–17, down from 41 per cent in 2015–16.

000 hectares, driven by favourable sugar prices. Average cane yields are assumed to be 1 per cent lower, with hot and dry conditions from the El Niño weather pattern in 2015–16 negatively affecting yield potential.

In 2016–17 Queensland Sugar Limited, a major marketer of Australia’s raw sugar exports, forecasts its gross harvest pool return to be $509 a tonne (International Polarity Scale), a 33 per cent increase from $383 a tonne in 2015–16. At this forecast value, the pool return is expected to be the highest since 2009–10,

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T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

FIGURE 4: World sugar stocks changes, 2004–05 to 2016– 17a

Returns to Australian sugar growers to increase in 2016–17 Australian sugar production is forecast to increase by 4 per cent in 2016–17 to 5.1 million tonnes.

This forecast is largely based on an expected 2 per cent rise in cane production to around 36 million tonnes. Area planted to cane is estimated to increase by 3 per cent to 393

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 13

TABLE 1: Sugar outlooka

SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Category

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Unit

2014–15

2015–16f

2016–17f

%change

Worldb Production

Mt

181.8

174.2

176.6

1.4

–Brazil

Mt

37.7

38.1

39.6

3.9

Consumption

Mt

178.9

180.3

183.9

2.0

Exports

Mt

55.6

57.7

60.0

4.0

Closing stocks

Mt

80.5

74.4

67.0

–9.9

Stocks-to-use ratio

%

45.0

41.3

36.4

—

Price

USc/lb

13.4

16.0

19.0

18.8

Area

’000 ha

378

381

393

3.2

Production

Kt

4572

4920

5100

3.7

Exports

Kt

3675

3946

4051

2.7

–value

A$m

1643

1893

2299

21.4

Return to cane growers A$/t

40

42

50

19.0

Australiac

a Volumes are raw value equivalent. b October–September years. c July–June years. f ABARES forecast.

Sources: ABARES; Australian Bureau of Statistics; F.O. Licht, International Sugar and Sweetener Report, World Sugar Balances, Ratzeburg, Germany; F.O. Licht, International Sugar and Sweetener Report, Ratzeburg, Germany; United States Department of Agriculture

FIGURE 5: Sugar production, exports and returns to cane growers, Australia, 2004–05

when Australian cane growers received $511 a tonne.

Based on the current forecast price, the average mill-gate return to Australian cane growers is expected to increase by 19 per cent in 2016–17 to around $50 a tonne of cane cut for crushing.

Reflecting higher production, Australian sugar exports are forecast to be around 4.1 million tonnes in 2016–17, 3 per cent higher than the volume shipped in 2015–16.

Based on a forecast increase in world sugar prices and export volume, the value of Australian sugar exports is forecast to increase by 21 per cent in 2016–17 to $2.3 billion.

Drawn from World Sugar Outlook ABARES Agricultural commodities - September quarter 2016. n

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14 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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AREA ROUNDUP THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

OVERALL COMMENT The Area Roundups are drawn from reports supplied by growers over the past year. As per usual the weather has been tough – but this time around they have had to also contend with the ‘Real Choice in Marketing’ negotiations.

19

SECTION 2

AREA ROUNDUP Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Mossman/ Tableland

night with very hot and very humid days. These favourable conditions also enabled farmers to continue with their weed management programs.

OO By Gerard Puglisi, Northern Director

Autumn 2016

Spring 2015 The Mossman Mill completed two crushing seasons within the same year. The 2014 crush finished in mid-January 2015 and the 2015 crush on November 26, 2015. The yields for the 2015 crush were pleasingly up by seven per cent with a Mill area average of 87.7 tonnes per hectare.

With Mossman having a November finish and some favourable weather, most farmers completed their fertiliser programs and were well over half way through their spraying programs.

Crops in the Mossman and Tablelands regions looked very good and if weather conditions remained favourable, the signs were there for another good season in 2016.

Summer 2016 2016 is shaping to be another good year and through January most of the northern region had ideal weather with good growing conditions. Most of the rain received was at

Mossman region had had a relatively dry start to the year with the first three months of this year receiving around 833 mm of rain. That has now changed with the close to 400 mm of rain falling in the region in late May. With the recent rain and at times wild winds, there are now large areas of lodged cane and the chance of finding straight plants has been severely reduced. These areas of lodged cane are wide spread and I expect it to have some effect on the harvestability of the 2016 crop. The rain event was a week before the scheduled start of Mossman Mill on May 30 which was delayed until June 6. Then from June 13 to 20 100 mm of rain fell and brought the crush to a standstill.

Winter 2016 The 2016 crush has been moving on and we don’t have a lot to show for it. Another wet period in July and continued mechanical issues have seriously affected the crush this year.

In regards to planting there has not been much done to date due to the unseasonal rain.

If current weather predictions are correct there will likely be a decreased planting carried out in 2016 – which will have an effect on next year’s crop.

October/November 2016

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After another wet period at the end of September and early October, we can only hope things will finally start settling down to allow the industry to have some sort of orderly finish.

At the end of week 16, Mossman Mill was at 64 per cent cut of the total 1,322,000 tonnes to be processed for the Mossman Mill. Overall the mill is now cutting 107.3 per cent of the original estimate.

Week 16 also saw a 15 year Mossman Mill record being broken with more than 52,000 tonnes passing through the rollers in a single week.

To the end of week 16, just over 566,888 tonnes had passed through the rollers at the Mossman Mill with an average CCS for the Mossman Mill averaging 11.37 for the year.

The combined total crushed for the Mossman Mill between the two Mills is around 843,000 tonnes.

The toll-crushing agreement of around 400,000 tonnes of Mossman cane from the Tableland area through the Arriga Mill has been underway since the start of the crush.

It will play a big role in the Mossman Mill completing this year’s crush, especially with the wet weather that has been around this year.

Mossman Mill had over 500 hours of lost time for the year to date. The finish for Mossman may again be December. Mechanical issues

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SECTION 2

AREA ROUNDUP Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

within the factory have reduced in recent weeks but the persistent rain events have added to our already high lost time.

The original forecast of planted area has been reduced. I feel that there may be a limited amount of weed control and final passes for closing in for a lot of the cane that has been planted. This could have an effect on next year’s crop.

With planting nearing completion in the region, some farmers are shifting focus to starting their fertiliser and spraying routines.

On September 20 Carla Keith from QSL gave a presentation to farmers at the Mossman Bowls Club as part of her Regional visit where Mossman farmers had a chance to receive an overview of QSL’s current activities.

I would like to personally thank Carla for taking the time to visit and talk to the local farmers in the Mossman region.

All in all, the Mossman and Tableland regions are not in bad shape for next year’s crop when compared to other regions. We are relying on weather conditions being favourable and mill reliability continuing to improve, for the Mossman Mill to finish in a reasonable timeframe and for a good chance of a decent crop through the rollers in 2017.

NORTHERN REGION 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY Mill area

Tonnes

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS 382,000 88.9 14.36 1,211,000 90.0 12.91 1,067,000 87.4 12.77

Tableland Mossman Mulgrave South 2,077,000 92.2 11.82 Johnstone Tully 2,898,000 100.8 12.83 Northern Region production: 7,635,000 tonnes

South Johnstone/ Mulgrave/Tully OO By Michael Camilleri, Northern Director Spring 2015 For me there were two memorable highlights for the sugar industry in spring 2015. Locally, South Johnstone mill had a record crush. The cane estimate started at 74 tonnes per hectare and increased to a whopping 92 tonnes per hectare with some showers to enable the extra growth for the 2015 crop. The showers were also good for the upcoming 2016 crop which was looking very promising.

Unfortunately, the wet weather interferences meant the mill had experienced minor crushing delays and this pushed the season into the Christmas period.

22 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

The other highlight, on a state-wide scale, was the passing of the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015 through parliament. This was an encouraging step for growers looking to regain confidence in their industry. Unfortunately, the millers did not look upon the bill as favourably.

Summer 2016 The crop appears to be in good shape except for the late-cut cane, due to the late 2015 harvest finish. Weather has been hot for much longer than usual but we have received just enough rain from the regular storms to keep things moist. All in all, the crop should be similar to last year’s record tonnage of 92 tonnes per hectare.

Autumn 2016 The season in the north just got going when over 100 mm rainfall stopped the Mulgrave and Tully mills, with South Johnstone still to start on June 21. The 2016 estimated crush is 1.63 million tonnes of cane at 84 tc/h for South Johnstone 1.3 million tonnes of cane for Mulgrave mill. Substantial rainfall in the month of May was been good for the crop and good for the water table and it got all the springs

Winter 2016 It has been a slow start to the season with all this rain. In keeping with tradition, Innisfail had another wet show but it wasn’t enough to deter the crowds. There is a general feeling of disappointment across the district with such a promising crop and high sugar prices thwarted by rain. But we are still hopeful to remove the crop by early December Some angst has been expressed among growers. MSF Sugar and QSL have written an On-Supply Agreement which is ready to work but now the process is being held up because QSL needs approval from the BIM (Bundaberg Isis Mackay) millers. This delay is preventing growers from pricing and growers are keen to take advantage of the current high sugar prices.

October/November 2016 The year started off positive with a good crop and a lot of positive events like the Innisfail Show and Field Day, QSL Breakfast and March of the Cane Beetles. It is fantastic to see the great involvement and participation of the canegrowing community.

We have had a lot of wet weather and that has hampered both harvesting and farming operations. It has also reduced the value of the crop, watering down the fabulous sugar prices which have been gradually but continuously rising. As we can’t predict the market, only time will tell where it heads next and all we can do is act accordingly.

This year the South Johnstone mill has seen a number of upgrades but there was still a major breakdown to the South Johnstone number-one

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AREA ROUNDUP Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

mill. You can bypass the other mills but you can’t bypass number-one, so that was a major setback.

October/November 2016 The crop continues to grow and get bigger with all the moisture, which puts more pressure on the mill. There is also a heavy rat infestation in the area, further wreaking havoc with the CCS. Growers are still concerned that perhaps we won’t get the crop off in time.

After the introduction of the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015, MSF Sugar and QSL have finally come to agreement with Grower Choice Marketing.

It is exciting for us to have a working model of Grower Choice Marketing and it is a bit of a milestone because we haven’t seen this in the past. Growers will become more marketing savvy and will choose a marketer by performance, not by default. Another positive is that marketers are working closely with growers, marketing their product to the growers and not just to the mills.

This year has been filled with stops and starts but that is the life of a farmer.

Herbert River region OO By Carol Mackee, Herbert Director Spring 2015 Crushing ended in the Herbert with 4.49 million tonnes of cane crushed through Victoria and Macknade Mills. A lot of extra land went into production with cane being planted on the failed MIS Scheme land bought back by farmers and Wilmar.

24 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

Overall the district was suffering with extremely dry conditions with Stone River, Abergowrie and Long Pocket being the worst hit areas. There were one or two storms but unfortunately, you couldn’t see where the rain fell after a couple of days.

There were no ‘stand out’ highlights for 2015 apart from the Sugar bill passing through parliament – at least farmers will continue to have a choice as to who markets their sugar.

Summer 2016 It looks like the wet season has been delayed in the Herbert, or is it just that in previous years the wet season was at the end of February and all of March and April? There have been quite a lot of storms around the district where some areas have done well and other areas have missed out, receiving only one or two mm of rain. The Coastal strip is where the rain seems to be falling and in some of the areas, the cane in this belt has started to lodge.

Yellow Canopy Syndrome has started to flare up, impacting Hawkins Creek, Macknade, Forest Home and Abergowrie.

Autumn 2016 Having received late rains over the whole district with varying amounts of rainfall, the weather has now taken a turn for the better with a cold snap and drier conditions – let us hope it will last.

Rain stopped the crushing in the Burdekin and Mackay areas, and the Sarina and surrounding areas seems to have been the recipient of very strong winds as the cane looked like fiddlesticks, every which way.

Planting has also stopped.

Winter 2016 At long last the weather has taken a turn for the better with some cold weather, blue skies

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SECTION 2

AREA ROUNDUP Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

and dryer conditions. The crop looks like it is cutting well over estimate.

Owing to the prolonged rainfall, the season looks like going into December.

Burdekin region OO By Margaret Menzel, Burdekin Director

October/November 2016 Conditions in the Herbert mid-October were very dry and windy. The winds did bring in some much-needed rain; although it has been patchy with falls varying over the district. As always, rain is needed for the plant cane but it has also hampered the harvesting which had stopped in some areas and the crushing finish date has been put back to the end of November.

A Mapping project is being carried out in the district by University of NSW with ground breaking technology – Electro Magnetic 4-2-1 and Gamma Ray Spectrometer; which, amongst other things, has the capacity to measure radiation within the soil. This will be started in a few weeks’ time.

Nick Heath of WWF attended the HCPSL Annual General Meeting in Ingham. This meeting was quite heated as farmers feel that agriculture along the coast will be shut down over the reduction in nitrogen of up to 80 per cent. Some farmers walked out. Overall Nick said that he was impressed with the innovation that farmers are showing with water quality and precision agriculture in the Herbert.

The meeting reported the breadth of research being done in all areas of sugarcane: Plant breeding, pachymetra and harvesting to name some of the work in progress.

The Ingham area is cutting around 10 per cent above estimate, possibly due to the late rains and the delayed finishing date could be put back even further if the rain keeps coming.

From Tully North, farmers are quite worried about getting their crop harvested. We all need good conditions to finish off the year.

Wilmar reported late October that the Herbert mills brought cleaning and maintenance days forward to take advantage of a forced wet weather stop.

The harvesting sector worked tirelessly to get cane supply back to normal levels after the rain event.

Average weekly CCS levels are sitting at 12.75 units.

HERBERT 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY Mill area

Tonnes

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS

Herbert River 4,460,000 78.8 Mills Herbert production: 4,460,000 tonnes

26 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

13.38

Spring 2015 Drought was declared in the Burdekin Shire – it joined much of the rest of the state. With no wet season for 2015, the declaration did not come as a surprise to anyone.

All four Burdekin mills have finished the 2015 season, crushing a total of 8,278,000 tonnes of cane in a 22 week season. Only 2.5 hours of time was lost to wet weather and the average seasonal ccs for the district was 14.92.

The 2016 crop is predicted to be down on the current crop due largely to an expected reduction in area under cane. As the water allocations are currently inadequate for the crop’s requirements, the hope is that there will be rainfall during the coming ‘wet season’ to provide inflows into the dam and underground supplies

Autumn 2016 Some varieties have begun flowering and early ccs has proven to be patchy. The weather has continued to be hotter and more humid than we would expect for this time of year. The Burdekin crop estimate has been completed and looks to be higher than first anticipated, with early plant cane also looking promising.

October/November 2016 Wilmar reported on October 21, 2016 that field conditions in parts of the Burdekin region have been challenging due to heavy rain.

Despite this, growers and harvesting contractors have done an excellent job of maintaining cane supply.

The Burdekin mills had crushed a total of 5.55 million tonnes of cane, putting the district at the 63 per cent mark. Unfortunately, CCS levels were down slightly due to the rain.

BURDEKIN 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY Mill area

Tonnes

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS

Burdekin 8,278,000 117.5 14.92 Mills Burdekin production: 8,278,000 tonnes

Central Region OO By Steve Fordyce, Central Region Director Spring 2015 Mackay Sugar finished crushing November 27 processing five million tonnes with a PRS of 14.6 units – the season suffered from a failed wet season. October to November saw most

areas receive some much needed rain. This helped in the short term but much more was needed to bring the crop on for 2016. Most of the cane area was under supplementary irrigation. There was no subsoil moisture and the ongoing dry was making efficient and effective irrigating very difficult – we don’t grow much cane under such adverse conditions.

Summer 2016 The New Year started off with varying amounts of rain fall. It was enough to help crops to keep going. The rain event of early February ranged from 100 to 350 mm. These events were storm rain and were not received uniformly across the area. Kinchant Dam is at 40 per cent and irrigators are looking for rain to have the storage full for the upcoming water year. Limitations have been placed on licences from creeks and tributaries in the area also.

Autumn 2016 During the first week of crushing, the area received falls of rain from 40–60 mm.

Although it affected the start of harvesting, it was welcomed to help support the 5.4 million tonne estimate for this season. The weather has been very warm up to the start of June. A lot of early planting has taken place with good germination. The rain was very welcome on top of ideal planting conditions

Winter 2016 Mackay Sugar has all mills operational after two wet weather interruptions. Over 120 mm in June and again in July stopped operations for almost four weeks. Sugar cane quality has been affected because of the wet conditions with high levels of dirt and extraneous matter The long term weather forecasters are predicting a wetter than average period coming into the last part of the year. All involved with the crushing are hoping that the late planting and the harvest can fit in around it all as well.

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AREA ROUNDUP T his sect i on brought t o you i n as s oc iat i on wi t h

October/November 2016 In early October, Mackay Sugar approached the 60 per cent mark with 3.3 million tonnes of cane being processed. The PRS was 12.6 for the season which is well down on the usual average. Weekly average was above 13.5 PRS but it will eventually still leave the average quite low for the season. The tonnes of cane produced have improved. This is the effect of more than usual rainfall received during the season. This rainfall has impacted on the finishing date which will be in late December, should no adverse weather conditions effect harvesting. Farmers are identifying blocks for standover, but the improved price should be an incentive to try and take as much of the crop off as possible.

The mill estimate for the Mackay Area still stands at 5.6 million tonnes of cane. The

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SECTION 2

AREA ROUNDUP Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

estimate has been steadily increasing, but has plateaued as conditions have dried out.

The incident involving the Marian Mill boiler initially effected the capacity of Mackay Sugar to crush the crop. But wet weather allowed the repair to fit in behind wet weather stoppages.

The weather has eventually become a greater concern regarding the finishing date of crushing. The mill performance of Marian has been disappointing. Efforts have been made to overcome a lot of the issues and have eventually had some pleasing performances.

Racecourse has been operating well and Farleigh was the first mill to process a million tonnes some time ago.

Early this year Representatives from Mackay Sugar, Canegrowers Mackay Area Committee and the ACFA met to discuss going forward after the ‘Real Choice in Marketing’ legislation.

Mackay area growers are also committed to QSL through to the 2018 season via the rolling Cane Supply and Processing Agreement and the Raw Sugar Supply Agreement.

Mackay Sugar maintains its position of support for QSL and, accordingly, on 18 December 2015 committed to continue marketing its sugar through QSL in the 2018 season. Mackay Sugar intends to remain with QSL and, together with Canegrowers and ACFA, will work with QSL to address supply issues created by the changing conditions within our sugar industry.

QSL provides growers with security around the marketing of their sugar, which ultimately creates greater stability within their farm businesses.

It is expected that the legislation will have no immediate impact on Mackay Sugar and its growers; it will remain business as usual. There are no immediate plans to open the supply contract for renegotiation. Discussions regarding operational needs including any necessary annexure adjustments will continue to occur as needed and as has occurred in the past.

As this year has gone on it is becoming evident that the QSL and STL will be a greater concern than initially thought. The manner in which business has been conducted, seems to be under threat, going forward. At meetings early in the year, these issues made people realise that marketing has the potential to affect their businesses much more than the past mill performances.

Blackriver continues to acquire further properties to invest in expanding their sugar cane growing operation in the Mackay Region.

When their aggregation is fully developed it is anticipated that 550,000 tonnes of cane will be supplied to Mackay Sugar.

The weather has made this year difficult in the field sector. There hasn’t been a record wet, but the timing of rain has made harvesting and planting difficult. The late finish has the potential to affect the crop for next year.

28 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

The rule of management is that cane harvested after the second week of November is identified as plough-out for fallow. This year some of that area harvested will need to be considered for ratoons. A lot of growers have not ploughed out any area. If the season ends up been too wet and field damage occurs, their exposure to risk won’t be as great. With the price of sugar looking good for next year all efforts will be made to capture as much of it as possible.

As of October 21 Wilmar reported that Proserpine Mill has had a good week in terms of crushing rates and mill reliability, with average daily throughputs of 15,000 tonnes. The harvesting sector has also had a good run due to dry field conditions.

CENTRAL REGION 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY Mill area

Tonnes

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS 1,671,000 77.8 14.4

Proserpine Mackay 5,056,000 73.2 14.14 Sugar Mills Plane Creek 1,285,000 74.5 15.36 Central Region production: 8,012,000 tonnes

Southern Region OO By Michael Hetherington, Southern Director Spring 2015 Late November saw fantastically heavy rain and wind in thunderstorms which upended lateral moves, twisted low pressure booms and snapped of power poles in the Cordalba area.

The region has seen runs of these weather events lasting about a week. The Maryborough harvest was also struck by these storms and a few unlucky people were stuck with wet paddocks and mills getting anxious to close.

Spring planted paddocks suffered much erosion due to the intensity of rainfall. Peanut and soybean planting was either done and dusted or being worked on flat-out. The growing conditions seem to be going to be good; a little dry but with reduced disease.

Summer 2016 We have had some great rain for sugarcane with 300 mm over mid February and isolated damaging storms, localised twisters and hail – mainly coastal. This was in all areas as the system lasted over a week. It highlights the irrigation cost problem: only low pressure (read low pumping energy) systems are cost effective.

Autumn 2016 Rain has delayed crushing – Bundy has stopped and ISIS did not start on Monday, June 20 as planned. The rainfall was 50 to 90 mm all

across Wide Bay. Reports suggest that the Isis mill is going to the west to grow cane if they can find the water to produce up to 500,000 tonnes of sugar cane in the Gayndah area and transport it back to the mill

20.1 per cent of supply and a CCS average of 15.20 units, followed by Q240A (18.2 per cent supply) at 15.13 units, KQ228A (17.0 per cent of supply) at 14.63 units and Q238A (11.7 per cent supply) at 14.91 units (Bundaberg Sugar).

Winter 2016

SOUTHERN REGION 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY

The harvest is going OK again now, after a couple of wet starts and stops. CCS is also OK and no irrigation for a while is a joy. ISIS Productivity Ltd has circulated a report on diesel versus electricity for pumping, so that shows a bit of a change in the wind for energy.

Mill area

October/November 2016 A series of storms and good rain has resulted in bumper cane crops in the southern end of the Isis district, which is mostly on red soil. With intensive irrigation and considerable expense, the northern region of the district has also produced good crops.

A significant area of Isis cane land has migrated to avocados and macadamias.

The crush is proceeding well with and was at 77 per cent complete in late October.

“The base CCS has now been increased from 13.60 to 13.80 commencing October 24.

This is good news for growers who will see an adjustment in their cane pay,” said Bundaberg Sugar grower services officer, Ron Crouch.

The four major varieties were Q208A with

Tonnes

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AREA ROUNDUP T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS

Bundaberg 1,741,000 87.3 14.71 Sugar South Isis 1,285,000 87.5 14.31 Maryborough 861,000 76.1 13.58 Rocky Point 384,000 107.2 13.65 Southern Region production:4,271,000 tonnes

NSW OO By Robert Quirk, NSW director and senior Vice Chair Spring 2015 As we came to the end of another cane season most NSW growers were pleased with the results of the harvest which came in at over two million tonnes.

The predictions of a changing climate came true in 2015 with some growers having to

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W390532

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 29

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harvest in very wet conditions while others experienced a very dry harvest. Some growers reported that they have had to stand two year old cane over to three year old as the field damage would have been too great to continue harvesting in the wet conditions. There was some good news for the Condong growers – as their seasonal CCS was above the five year average, they were going to receive around an extra one dollar a tonne.

Summer 2016 The weather has been kind to almost all of the NSW industry, with the crop progressing well. While we may not have a record crop it will most certainly be better than what we had a few years ago, when we harvested an unsustainable crop at each of the three mills.

The few varieties that continue to perform well are Q208, KQ228 and Q183. Q208 seems to perform well in most conditions as well as on most soil types. Let us hope that the weather delivers what we wish for – rain each night and sunshine each day – oh well it does not hurt to wish.

Soy beans are looking good once again and if the weather treats us well, this will put some dollars in growers’ pockets

Autumn 2016 The NSW industry has had a nightmare start to the harvest season with two east coast lows delivering up to 500 mm between them over the last three weeks. Not the start we were looking for. Much of the cane has lodged. Any cane that would have harvested in excess of 70 tph is fairly well down with much of it needing to be harvested by cutting one-way.

Winter 2016 The NSW industry made a very wet start to the harvest in mid to late June. July gave us some good harvesting weather with sugar

above or around budget, and the crops harvested a little above estimate.

August started badly with between three and six inches of rain in the first few days of the month, depending on where you are in the state.

Provided we do not get more cold weather, the crop should start to make cane again by the end of August. This could be a problem with a lot of the lodged cane suckering which could dilute our sugar content.

October/November 2016 The weather has been a very mixed bag for the NSW sugar cane industry. We have had no floods to date but continuing small events have put planting back to varying degrees on all rivers.

The old saying – do not plow out and replant in a La Niña year is true this year, with one of the Tweed’s largest planting contractors only planting 400 acres, instead of his usual 1000 to 1200 acres. Let us hope that next year is more conducive to planting.

Soy bean crops were good and harvested well, giving much needed dollars to growers.

SRA in conjunction with the NSW Systems farming group purchase a bed renovator. This machine has been loaned to growers and the result is that around 20 per cent of all cane planted on the Tweed will be planted into beds renovated by this machine, following soy bean fallows.

Rocky Point cane is still being delivered to Condong mill and, while it is only a token help for the growers at their mill, at least they will harvest most of their two-year-old cane.

They are hoping to have their own mill up and running by the end of October.

There has been a much greater up take of clean seed this year. NSW Agricultural services subsidises clean seed to around 50 per cent of the cost and each mill now has its own harvester to harvest the seed for growers. This has to go well for increasing production with so much disease-free cane being planted. The three new varieties SRA 1, SRA 2, and Q252 all look good and are well sought after for planting.

All things being equal and weather permitting, NSW will harvest over 2.1 million tonnes of cane this year – a far cry from the flood years when we got down to 900,000 tonnes.

All in all the year has been OK, so far – let us hope that continues. n

NSW 2015 HARVEST SUMMARY Mill area

Tonnes per Average hectare CCS Condong 551,000 122.3 11.95 Broadwater 849,000 135.0 11.27 Harwood 773,000 150.5 11.43 NSW production: 2,173,000 tonnes

30 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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THE FUTURE THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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The big six: CSIRO’s plans for our future

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SIRO will grow its investment in new areas of breakthrough science to over $52 million per year by 2020, helping to turn Australia’s challenges into opportunities and invent a better future.

The creation of six Future Science Platforms (FSPs) which will underpin innovation in health and biology, resources, agriculture and manufacturing, have the potential to support the reinvention and creation of new industries and new jobs for Australia.

CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, believes investing in challenging and riskier science will ensure research continues to meet the needs of industry, community and the environment in a rapidly changing Dr Larry Marshall. world.

“Exactly as planned in Strategy 2020, we’ve freed up resources to enable this initial $17 million investment in 2016–17 to launch the FSPs, growing to over $50 million per year by 2020,” Larry said.

“We’re seriously excited about CSIRO’s next chapter and how we’re investing in Australia’s science future.

“The platforms fuel deeper collaboration across disciplines as we tackle things that haven’t been done before, which is exactly what we need to stay ahead of accelerating global disruption of all kinds from economic to environmental.”

Some FSPs will draw on big data to make strides forward for health and environment, some use CSIRO’s precision science to transform biological systems and others focus on our deep knowledge of resources and manufacturing to create more sustainable industries to support the jobs of tomorrow.

Not only will the Future Science Platforms invest in research and delivery of solutions, they’re also an investment in the next crop of researchers.

“FSPs will attract a new generation of researchers to work collaboratively on genuinely challenging science and help invent Australia’s future,” Larry explained.

“The platforms empower CSIRO’s strategy of solving Australia’s toughest challenges, and getting science off the lab bench and into people’s hands as quickly as possible to improve Australia’s sustainability and prosperity.”

32 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

The six Future Science Platforms are:

Environomics Unlocking genetic and other knowledge from our vast species biodiversity so we can preserve and manage ecosystems under environmental change, better manage economically useful species, detect biosecurity threats and create new products based on previously unknown biological data.

Synthetic biology The design, fabrication, and construction of new biological parts, devices, systems, and machines, as well as the re-design of existing biological systems for useful purposes. Synthetic biology enables revolutionary advances in cellular factories, designer organisms and biological devices.

Deep earth imaging Discovering the previously undiscovered minerals, energy and water resources that lie deep under the earth or sea. The science of Deep Earth Imaging will help us more precisely image subsurface geology to unlock the potential of this vast and relatively under-explored area.

Digiscape Helping agricultural industries to be more productive and providing more valuable knowledge to environmental policy makers through a new generation of decision tools.

Using sensors, data visualisation, artificial intelligence and assisted decision making to generate timely and relevant advice and insights will allow better choices for more productive and sustainable outcomes.

Probing biosystems A revolution in healthcare and agriculture through devices and systems to obtain realtime information from living organisms about their health and well-being. This will lead to the ability to provide health and medical interventions that are timely, customised and highly specific.

Active integrated matter Reinventing fields as diverse as manufacturing, agriculture, emergency services, infrastructure and mining through combining advanced materials, robotics, sensing technologies, data processing and autonomous capabilities. New forms of autonomous robots will operate safely in dangerous environments while smart materials will enable new types of customised and personalised products and services.

Contact Future Science Platforms at www.csiro.au/FSP n

What is the future for world-wide crop genetic diversity?

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T hi hi ss sect sect ii on on T brought brought to to you you ii n n as ss oc oc iati iati on on wi wi tt h h as

O

VER a century ago, advances in botany, linguistics, phytogeography and genetics made it possible to begin to identify the geographical origins of food crops.

Building on this work, and informed by extensive travels over five continents, the Russian scientist Nicolai Vavilov proposed a number of independent ‘centres of origin’ of cultivated food plants around the world, where he saw a diversity of traditional varieties of a wide range of crops, alongside their wild relatives.

Vavilov’s interest in the centres of origin of crops was practical, as these regions were postulated to hold tremendous genetic variation that could be useful to the improvement of agriculture.

Such variation was the product of adaptation of plants over relatively long periods of time to diverse environments and cultural practices. In these regions, for example, he hoped to find

Nicolai Vavilov.

early-maturing varieties suitable for northern latitudes, and disease-resistant forms providing a solution to the mass starvation caused by cyclical failures of the wheat crop.

FIGURE 1: Primary regions of diversity of major agricultural crops worldwide

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Evidence has grown regarding the origins of food crops – where each was initially domesticated and diversified. But the importance of these geographic regions in the context of what we actually produce and consume now around the world has not been determined. A recent Royal Society paper ‘Origins of food crops connect countries worldwide’ by Colin Khoury and others analyzed how important each origin region is to agricultural production and diets in countries worldwide.

Countries produce and consume crops from diverse origins, mostly using plants of foreign

origins (69 per cent of crops are foreign as a global average). Foreign crop usage has increased over the past 50 years, providing a novel perspective on the globalization of food systems.

The extensive connections between countries and regions with regard to the primary regions of diversity of crops provide a novel perspective on the ongoing globalization of food systems worldwide. The increasing use of foreign crops bolsters the rationale for considering the underlying genetic diversity of important food plants as a global public good.

International agreements are justified to appropriately recognize historical and current contributions to the generation of this diversity, protect farmers’ rights to choose what varieties they maintain and exchange, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of this crop genetic diversity. Given the ongoing evolution of the global food system due both to dietary change and increasing production challenges, a broadly inclusive effort to conserve and provide access to crop genetic diversity worldwide is prudent.

Contact: Dr Colin Khoury International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), c.khoury@cgiar.org Visit: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org

n

FIGURE 2: Circular plots linking the primary regions of diversity of food crops with their current importance in the context of calories in regional food supplies. Each region has a colour representing its own native crops and those colours are connected to other regions due the importance of those crops in the food supply in other regions. The direction of the contribution is indicated by both the primary region’s colour and a gap between the connecting line and the consuming region’s segment. The magnitude of contribution is indicated by the width of the connecting line.

(a) only the most significant linkages (ie. 95th percentile) between regions are shown, for visibility, whereas (b) displays the full matrix of linkages. As an example, C America is represented in orange. The orange lines represent the amount of regional food supplies derived from crops native to the region – such as maize, beans and cassava – eaten in different regions of the world (see line connecting to Southern Africa owing to the high importance of these crops in that region). In turn, C America consumes crops native to other regions, for example, rice, coffee and sugarcane.

34 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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continued page

2 May 2016

The Productivity Times

(ADVERTORIAL–2)

Right: Graeme Blackburn with son Corbin, Mirani QLD 45+ years growing cane, 5 years and counting with ENTEC. 2016 Sustainable Management Practices Award Recipient – Mackay Sugar

“We’re under

pressure and have to lift our game” IPF: How did it go last year?

In The Productivity Times last year, veteran cane grower Graeme Blackburn shared his results with ENTEC over the five years he’d been using it.

We returned to Graeme this year to find out how he’s coming along – and get his take on the growing pressure to control nitrogen loss.

Here’s what Graeme had to say…

We had a very dry year. I had to do a lot of watering, working very hard to grow my crop. But even with only half the normal rainfall, I was at 95% of the previous year’s tonnes.

Graeme:

IPF: And how is it looking so far this season?

Graeme: This year’s a little different. We had no rain through Christmas. Then a few good downfalls with a lot of waterlogging – we got a lot of rain in one month. Then another dry month. With all of that, my crop is looking tremendous – pretty exciting for next year.

IPF: What role do you see ENTEC playing?

Graeme: In my eyes, it’s a clear choice. If you want to reduce the risk out of leaching and denitrification, this is the product to consider.

I’m getting a great response. Every year my crops are getting better, more consistent. I can’t say for certain that’s all due to ENTEC. But I can say this: I’m just not losing as much nitrogen. It’s a win-win – for me, and for the environment.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The Productivity Times

May 2016

(ADVERTORIAL–3) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

2013 Herbert Trial: Bracing against the ‘perfect storm’

2013 Herbert Trial: Bracing against the ‘perfect storm’ In a soon-to-be-published trial of an ENTEC urea blend v. untreated urea blend in Herbert, the trial area received:

— No rain for two months after fertiliser was applied — Then - a rainfall event, saturating everything

In short: the ‘perfect storm’ for denitrification in the area’s clay soils.

THE RESULTS:

— Untreated urea applied at typical district rates yielded little more than the control plots receiving no nitrogen at all. Virtually all the nitrogen applied appears to have been lost.

IPF: Speaking of the bigger picture - what do you see ahead?

Graeme: It’s

a serious thing. We’re all under pressure and have to lift our game a bit. We have to be careful about how we put nitrogen on – try to make sure we’re not losing it.

We need to make sure the broader industry survives – and I want to be able to pass my farm on to my kids. We just have to be more efficient.

IPF: What would you say to growers who haven’t tried ENTEC yet?

Graeme: I’d say, if you want to get more efficient with your fertiliser – and stabilise nitrogen on your property.

The reality is I have a crop I have to grow successfully every year. So if I can help protect my crop with a higher quality fertiliser, why wouldn’t I?

— In contrast, ENTEC applied at the same rate produced a better yield for the region despite the difficult season – 51.8% more than with untreated urea.

Though results can vary significantly depending on conditions, it’s ENTEC’s ability to reduce the risk of nitrogen losses in variable weather conditions that’s getting more growers and the agronomists who advise them talking.

(See what a few have to say below.)

2013 Herbert EEF Trial: Top line results*

ZERO N (CONTROL)

UREA BLEND (150kgN/ha) as ‘Standard Practice’

ENTEC UREA BLEND (150kgN/ha)

Cane yield tc/ha

51

54

82

Additional Return $/ha relative to Standard Practice**

$43

$0

$671

“

We wanted to see if ENTEC did anything different with the cane, and we like the idea that it reduces leaching and denitrification. It’s still too early to judge, as the crop is yet to be harvested. But we’ve had quite a bit of rain, and have been told by others that our cane is still holding its green, which is a sign that the fertiliser is still working despite the rainfall. I’ll definitely be using it again, as I think it is a good product.

In a soon-to-be-published trial of an ENTEC urea blend”v. untreated ure“a blend in Herbert, the trial area received: Steven Gileppa Cane Farmer, Bambaroo

GRAEME’S 2015 TOP-UP TRICK Graeme tells us that last season he added ENTEC to EASY N liquid fertiliser to top up an extra 40 kgN/ha with protection from leaching and denitrification in particularly wet irrigation areas. He reports that it was very cost effective (when compared to CalGran) to put on, in a ‘high analysis’ liquid form.

See more about EASY N liquid on page 8

We’ve been using ENTEC for two years on all plant cane and increasingly in ratoon cane also. We wanted to increase N efficiency, and we are applying slightly less total N to our cane and still seeing yield increases.

Andrew Cross Manager - MH Premium Farms, Burdekin

— No ra“in for two months after fertiliser was applied — Then - a rainfal event, saturating everything

”

I did a trial of two tonnes the year before last. I’m doing a trial at the moment of a 46 acre block, half with ENTEC and half without. I don’t want to have fertiliser running off the block, and I don’t want to waste money.

Lawrence Brotto Cane Farmer, Home Hill

*Less harvesting, levies & fertiliser costs. Calculated at sugar price $450, harvesting and levies cost $9 per tonne of cane, fertiliser cost $650/t for urea blend, $800/t for ENTEC blend. **a) 150 kgN/ha as determined by the ‘Six-Easy-Steps’ guidelines b) as an NPKS blend without EEF c) determined by banding & incorporating into the soil.

Herbert ‘Sustainable Farming Systems Group’ + DSITIA (QG ) + HC PSL Evaluate effectiveness range EEF fertilisers. T9 x R4, small plot, randomised CBD. 4 x Products, IPF PCU3, Urea, ENTEC, Agrocote. 2 x N rates, 110 & 150 kgN/ha. Zero N (control) Calculations and data provided by Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (2013). Incitec Pivot Fertilisers does not represent and warrant the accuracy of this information. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers makes no

”

representation that the yield improvements achieved in these trials are applicable to every farming situation, on all occasions. As local soil, climate and cultural practices vary considerably Incitec Pivot Fertilisers makes no representations or warranties as to the reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose of the information provided. Before using these products, users should consult their local agronomic advisor. To illustrate the potential significance of the results certain assumptions were made about sugar price, harvesting and fertiliser costs to give an indicative revenue per hectare. There are obvious limitations to these assumptions since they do not reflect all labour, land holding costs or other expenses. Actual results may vary. Factors such as weather and environmental conditions, soil condition and other variables will impact the results growers obtain.

In short: the ‘perfect storm’ for denitrification in the area’s clay soils.

3

ENTEC stabilises the nitrogen in the ammonium form

1500

ENTEC UREA

With EEFs, farmers can happily stick to the 6 Easy Steps rate and maximise the potential for enough nitrogen to get into the crop” As Farmacist Director and consultant to both government and growers, Rob Sluggett knows better than most, the nitrogen issues facing the cane industry.

He’s also had significant experience with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEFs) – with almost five years of nitrogen use efficiency research and a range of field trials under his belt. Rob gave us his perspective…

IPF: Tell us a bit about your experience with EEFs? Rob: I’ve worked with EEFs for 4-5 years now as part of a broader nitrogen use efficiency program, including a couple of years looking at denitrification and nitrous oxide emissions for standard granular urea blends v. polymer coated controlled release urea blends v. ENTEC EEF blends.

I’ve also run a range of field trials looking at different rates of product, rates in relation to yield potential, and soil type influences.

IPF: Why the focus on nitrous oxide emissions in particular?

I’m seeing a lot more farmers looking at EEFs. There is a significant increase in their use in the market. And there seems to be general satisfaction among those who’ve tried and adopted them.

Rob Sluggett Director, Farmacist

The Productivity Times

(ADVERTORIAL–4)

Rob: When farmers think about nitrogen loss, front of mind is usually run-off. Other pathways, like leaching and denitrification, can get secondary consideration.

But one of the things that surprised us from our denitrification and nitrous oxide work is the speed and quantity of emissions loss in response to opening rainfall or irrigation events. It does not just occur when it’s saturated, like you might expect, but with as little as 20 to 30 mm events.

So even in dry years, we need to look more seriously at denitrification risk.

AMMONIUM NITROGEN CONCENTRATION*

“

4 May 2016

1200

900

600

UNTREATED GRANULAR UREA

300

0 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

INCUBATION TIME (DAYS) This experiment was conducted with urea in a moist acidic chromosol (Pin Gin) soil at 25˚C (pHw 4.5) (60% water filled pore space). Source: Suter et al. (2008) *Unit of Measure is micrograms (μg NH4+ N/g soil)

IPF: What have you learned from the research so far?

Rob: We

saw significant and consistent reduction in nitrogen loss with both polymer coated urea and ENTEC. But ENTEC has consistently been the best performer. Though the differences aren’t always statistically significant (it depends on factors including weather conditions), the means for ENTEC’s emissions data have mostly been on the lower side.

IPF: And the results from trials?

Rob: We

found consistently that with EEFs, we got the same or better yield than with standard urea over a number of trial sites. Sometimes data is significant, sometimes not, depending on climatic conditions and rainfall events that drive leaching and/or denitrification. But EEFs tend to be skewed toward the upper end of yield performance in waterlogged situations.

IPF: What are you hearing from the growers you work with?

Rob: I’m

seeing a lot more farmers looking at EEFs. There is a significant increase in their use in the market. And there seems to be general satisfaction among those who’ve tried and adopted them.

IPF: So where do you see EEFs fitting in future fertiliser plans?

I think farmers have a real opportunity to use EEFs to reduce nitrogen losses - not just from run-off, but from leaching and denitrification too.

Rob:

With Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers, farmers can happily stick to the 6 Easy Steps, the industry accepted Best Management Practice nitrogen rates, and be comfortable they’re going to maximise the potential for enough nitrogen to get into the crop.

The Productivity Times

May 2016

(ADVERTORIAL–5)

5

The ABCs of nitrogen use efficiency Farmacist’s Rob Sluggett is at pains to stress that fertiliser strategy isn’t just a simple A-B-C proposition. “It’s too easy to focus on just one factor or another,” Rob says, “when it really needs consideration of everything – timing, placement, crop potential, soil composition, seasonal outlook and more.”

IPF’s Rob Dwyer echoes that point. “What happens to nitrogen in the soil is a complex process, and numerous factors affect it.”

That said – a few fundamental processes are responsible for the lion’s share of nitrogen loss.

MAN

AGEMENT

TILLAGE, C INPUTS, LIMING, COVER CROP, IRRIGATION, DRAINAGE, CROP TYPE, FALLOW, FERTILISATION

N2O

PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY

SUBSTRATES

PRODUCTION

REDOX TEMP H20 PH

N C

TEXTURE, LANDSCAPE, CLIMATE, ORGANIC MATTER, POROSITY

Nitrogen loss through leaching

Nitrogen loss through denitrification

Leaching occurs when water moving through the soil carries the nitrogen in the soil down with it - beyond the crop’s reach.

Denitrification takes place when naturally occurring soil microbes convert the nitrate form of nitrogen in soil to gasses - nitrous oxide (N20) and dinitrogen (N2) - which are then lost from the soil, and hence the crop also, to the atmosphere. Nitrogen in ammonium form is not subject to this conversion and loss pathway in any way.

When nitrogen fertiliser goes into the soil, it starts out in ammonium form - which has a positive charge and locks onto the negativelycharged clay fraction or organic carbon in the soil. In this ammonium form, it’s both available to the plant - and more stable in the soil and less prone to leaching.

However, normally, bacteria in the soil quickly converts ammonium to the nitrate form of nitrogen, which has a negative charge. It’s plantavailable - but no longer locked on - so it’s more likely to be carried down when water moves through.

A plant can only take up nitrogen when there’s moisture in the soil.

But soil can only hold so much water. Too much water at the wrong time can leach out a large portion of the nitrate nitrogen.

The grower’s dilemma: making sure enough nutrient is there when the plant needs it - without over-applying - or losing too much of what’s been put on, to unpredictable rainfall events.

The factors affecting denitrification and the process itself are complex. But one factor is simple: when water replaces air in the soil, it speeds up the conversion process. So the wetter the soil (eg, anywhere between ‘moist’ to ‘saturated’) and the longer the saturation duration (both individual events and cumulatively) – the higher denitrification loss potential.

THE LEACHING PROCESS

NITRATE NITROGEN mobile in the soil, carried away through leaching

ROOT ZONE

AMMONIUM NITROGEN binds to clay particles, stays in root zone

ENV

This form of nitrogen loss deserves a lot more attention for several reasons: For the environment: 1 kilogram of N20 released into the atmosphere has 298 times the impact on global warming as 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide (CO2). And fertilised farming is the single largest source of N20 in the atmosphere.1 For the grower: N2 loss can be many times higher than the loss from N20. Though N2 doesn’t affect global warming it’s a big issue for growers. N2 and N20 loss combined can have a significant impact on farming productivity.

1. Forster et al 2007. Changes in atmospheric constituents and in radiative forcing, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom. IPCC, 2012. Managing the risks of extreme events and disasters to advance climate change adaptation. A special report of Working Groups I and II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, and New York, NY, USA.

THE DENITRIFICATION PROCESS

Nitrogen fertiliser applied to soil

SOIL N

NITRATE NO3

Gases lost to atmosphere

NITRITE NO2

NITRIC OXIDE NO

POSITIVE CHARGED AMMONIUM NITROGEN

Water replaces air in soil when it is waterlogged, which speeds up denitrification process NEGATIVE CHARGED CLAY PARTICLE

NEGATIVE CHARGED NITRATE NITROGEN

IRONMENT

NITROUS OXIDE N2O

NITRATE DINITROGEN

N2

6 May 2016

The Productivity Times (ADVERTORIAL–6)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Beating the odds with ENTEC Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser ENTEC does one simple thing that can make a dramatic difference to nitrogen loss and nitrogen use efficiency: It slows down the natural conversion of ammonium to nitrate and keeps nitrogen stable in the soil for longer.

Unlike a polymer coated, controlled release urea, ENTEC doesn’t physically delay the release of nitrogen. Polymer coated fertiliser can seal nutrients off from the plant when it might need them most. Instead, ENTEC slows down (without harming them) the naturally occurring soil bacteria that convert ammonium to nitrate nitrogen - leaving nutrients available to the crop, throughout the entire process.

ENTEC provides a reassuring measure of ‘protection’ against the unpredictable weather the Aussie cane belt can throw at a grower: — During long dry spells a plant loses its ability to take up nitrogen, but at the same time conventional urea is busy converting to nitrate. ENTEC however holds back more nitrogen, for longer, in the stable, plant-available ammonium form.

— When rain hits - often a deluge - and a significant portion of conventional urea’s nitrate nitrogen can be lost to leaching and/or denitrification. ENTEC’s ammonium nitrogen stays put and is available to get taken up by the plant.

— Throughout the entire, unpredictable and largely weather driven process - ENTEC helps more nitrogen get transferred efficiently from the soil and into the plant.

The ultimate payoff, supported by an increasing body of growers, trial and research evidence: — Improved utilisation of nitrogen investments — Less nitrogen lost to the environment — A strategy to assist with BMP compliance — Greater safety and flexibility around the timeliness of application — Potential for improved crop yield and reserve.

ENTEC v. untreated fertiliser PLANT LESS LIKELY TO REACH IT’S FULL POTENTIAL IF LOSS OCCURS

INCREASED GROWTH AND INCREASED YIELD IF NITROGEN LOSS IS MINIMISED

GROWN USING ENTEC FERTILISER

WHAT HAPPENS TO NITROGEN IN FERTILISER?

GROWN USING UNTREATED FERTILISER

PLA TO R

STAYS WHERE THE PLANT NEEDS IT STIMULATES ADDITIONAL GROWTH NO LEACHING OR DENTRIFICATION PREFFERED FORM OF NITROGEN FOR SUGAR CANE

AMMONIUM NITRATE IS LEACHED AWAY FROM ROOTS

AMMONIUM IS QUICKLY CONVERTED TO NITRATE IN SOIL

NITROGEN

ENTEC STABILISES THE NITROGEN IN THE SOIL, SO THAT IT STAYS AS AMMONIUM FOR LONGER NITROUS OXIDE OR NITROGEN GAS IS LOST INTO THE ATMOSPHERE VIA DENITRIFICATION

NITROGEN IS MORE READILY AVAILABLE TO THE PLANT WHEN IT NEEDS IT

CONVERTED

BY BACTERIA IN SOIL

NITRATE NITROGEN

PRONE TO LEACHING PRONE TO DENTRIFICATION

Actual results may vary. Factors such as weather and environmental conditions, soil condition and other variables will impact the results growers obtain.

NITRAT AWAY F

May 2016

The Productivity Times

7

(ADVERTORIAL–7) EXAMPLE #1

EXAMPLE #2

Reduction in ‘horizontal’ leaching

Comparative effectiveness of denitrification management options

With nitrogen run-off also having a growing focus, data from this trial should be encouraging to anyone growing cane and subsurface applying nitrogen.

Denitrification is a complex process, with a host of factors influencing it.

What strategies have the best potential to help growers mitigate its effects?

In the Burdekin, an ENTEC blend and standard urea blend was compared when applied into the centre of a 1.8m spaced ‘dual row’ bed - irrigated - and then loss of nitrogen measured in the irrigation tailwater.

In ‘Reducing emissions from northern agricultural soils’, Professor Peter Grace of Queensland University of Technology looked at results from studies and compared a range of denitrification management options.

The reduction in nitrogen lost with urea v. ENTEC - and the implications for water quality - were significant. (Refer graph below)

He assessed their potential and summarised the findings in the following table.

It singles out ammonium stabilisers as the most well-supported, promising and practical denitrification management options available.

Difference in total nitrogen concentration in irrigation run-off water between a urea blend and an ENTEC blend

Is mitigation of N2O possible?

5000

Standard 4000

3000

2000

ENTEC

18/12/08

08/12/08

28/11/08

18/11/08

08/11/08

29/10/08

19/10/08

09/10/08

29/09/08

19/09/08

1000

Total Nitrogen Concentrations (μg/L)

6000

Source: Milla et al 2009 Source: Milla et al 2009. Demonstration Farms Project – QLD Government (2009); pp.306-307 Cutting Edge trial.

Sugarcane “horizontal leaching” reduced with ENTEC reduced tailwater runoff total nitrogen loads.

ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY: how the trials comparing ENTEC urea with conventional urea were analysed

The data from a series of 6 trials (7 cuts) conducted from Ingham (FNQ) to Broadwater (Nth NSW) between 2008 and 2013 were analysed to assess the impact of ENTEC treatment of urea on cane yield, CCS and sugar yield. Mean raw sugar yield was 14.67t/ha for conventional urea and 15.26t/ha for ENTEC treated urea at equivalent nitrogen rates.

Management option

# of Studies

Mitigation Potential

Uncertainty

Tailoring fertiliser application rate

Medium

Medium

Low

Type of N fertiliser used

Low

Medium

Medium

Placement of fertiliser

Low

Medium

High

Timing of application

Low

Low

Medium

Precision Ag practices

Low

High

Low

Organic

High

High

High

Controlled release fertiliser

Low

Medium

Medium

Ammonium Stabilisers (nitrification inhibitor)

Medium/ high

High

Low

Source: Grace et al 2012. Reducing N2O emissions from northern agricultural soils

As this data set had a wide range of cane yields (48t/ha – 195t/ha), data was normalised to % yield vs urea treatment e.g. if cane yield was 100t/ha with urea and 108t/ha with ENTEC urea, then relative yields were 100 and 108% respectively.

Data from these trials was pooled and analysed using regression analysis (Genstat 16th edition). The data showed

a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in sugar yield of 7.7% and cane yield increase of 9.1%. While not significant – the data showed CCS levels were 1.2% (or 0.15 unit of CCS) lower where ENTEC was used.

Full trial results and data tables are available from www.agronomycommunity. incitecpivotfertilisers.com.au

8 May 2016

The Productivity Times (ADVERTORIAL–8)

Measuring the results: the potential yield upside for ENTEC Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser Anything that adds cost to what’s viewed as an already significant expenditure, is always a challenge for dollar-conscious growers. However when an additional investment can produce potential increases in nitrogen use efficiency, productivity, yield and potential return, it’s an investment worth considering.

Here is an updated calculation of the yield and returns possible with the use of ENTEC Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser.

Analysis of pooled data from six trials (seven cuts) conducted over the course of six years (each of 1-2 years length) in areas ranging from Ingham in Far North QLD to Broadwater in Northern NSW predicts a statistically significant 9.1% average increase in cane yield and 7.7% average increase in sugar yield with the use of ENTEC over the conventional, untreated urea blends most commonly used by cane growers.

That data combined with stipulated assumptions about sugar price and fertiliser cost (and assuming no other costs) illustrate the positive return that a small additional investment in ENTEC can potentially produce.

Based on pooled analysis of data from six trials conducted from Ingham (FNQ) to Broadwater (Nth NSW) between 2008 and 2013

by Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, Burdekin Productivity Services, Sunshine Sugar, Famacist, DSITIA and SRA. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers makes no representation that the yield improvements achieved in these trials are applicable to every farming situation, on all occasions. As local soil, climate and cultural practices vary considerably Incitec Pivot Fertilisers makes no representations or warranties as to the reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose of the information provided. Before using these products, users should consult their local agronomic advisor.

To illustrate the potential significance of the results certain assumptions were made about sugar price, harvesting and fertiliser costs to give an indicative revenue per hectare. There are obvious limitations to these assumptions since they do not reflect all labour, land holding costs or other expenses. Actual results may vary. Factors such as weather and environmental conditions, soil condition and other variables will impact the results growers obtain.

Also showing promise for efficiency improvement and yield gains: split application of nitrogen using EASY N Holding back a portion of nitrogen fertiliser for application at the out-of-hand stage is another nitrogen use efficiency tactic beginning to gain some traction.

EASY N is a flexible, high-analysis liquid fertiliser that’s ideal for application at the out-of-hand stage. And in one recent trial, split application using EASY N showed significant potential for yield improvement.

Data suggests a potential increase in yield with use of ENTEC treated urea Based on pooled results from six trials (seven crops) over six years (1-2 years each)

Cane yield, sugar yield and potential crop revenue from split application of nitrogen with EASY N v. single application treatments

+9.1%

CANE YIELD

+7.7%

SUGAR YIELD

And based on the assumptions about application rate, fertiliser cost and sugar price below Potential additional gross revenue (less harvesting cost)

Additional fertiliser cost for ENTEC treatment

77

226

$

$

/ha

Price differential for ENTEC treatment at IPF retail price 29 April 2016

Average sugar yield 14.67t/ha Sugar price of $450/t (Source: QSL average weight price 29 April, 2016)

Potential payback with ENTEC treated urea based on the above gross revenue information Potential additional gross revenue with ENTEC ($/ha)*

Return on Investment (ROI)

$400

$194.33

2.5

$425

$210.52

2.7

$450

$226.71

2.9

$475

$242.90

3.2

$500

$259.09

3.4

Sugar Yield

(tc/ha)

(ts/ha)

(Gross $/ha earned after fertiliser and application cost)

93.15

14.37

$2,622.25

Urea

84.45

13.15

$2,465.36

Dunder

76.75

12.09

$2,234.94

LSD (P=0.05)

7.50

1.15

+$156.89 more/ha v. urea

/ha

Based on an average Nitrogen rate of 180kg/ha over all trials (Note: some districts apply nitrogen at rates other than 180 kgN/ha)

SUGAR PRICE

Urea/EASY N 60/40 split treatment

Potential Crop Revenue

Cane Yield

+$387.31 more/ha v. dunder

Trial commissioned by IPF and conducted by independent agronomic consultants Farmacist Pty Ltd. As with any trial, there are limitations and growers can examine the potential for this system in their operation.

Assumptions: Sugar= $400/t; Harv= $8.50/t; Fert= $RRP @01/05/15 Application Costs: Stool-Split= $30/ha; Easy N= $25/ha To illustrate the potential significance of the results certain assumptions were made about sugar price, harvesting and fertiliser costs to give an indicative revenue per hectare. There are obvious limitations to these assumptions since they do not reflect all labour, land holding costs or other expenses. Actual results may vary.

Factors such as weather and environmental conditions, soil condition and other variables will impact the results growers obtain.

IPF dealers will be talking with growers about the possibilities for split treatment with EASY N in the season ahead. To find out more about the potential for use on your property, see your local dealer.

*ENTEC v Conventional (i.e. additional $/ha with ENTEC increase), less harvesting cost.

Based on $77 additional ENTEC fertiliser cost.

So confident are we of the benefits and effectiveness of ENTEC fertiliser, we are giving away a free tonne.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENTEC VIA PAGE Come along to a OUR selected VIMEO IPF Dealer More cane more

WIN A FREE TONNE OF ENTEC!

gain 2016 ENTEC presentation event, complete an entry form and you’ll get a chance to win.

The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the event, and upon placing a single order for at least 5 tonnes of ENTEC fertiliser with their IPF Dealer, will receive THE 5TH TONNE FREE.

COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM FOR YOUR FREE FISHING LURE

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Full terms and conditions are available on the competition entry form, or by giving us a call on 1800 009 832.

®ENTEC is a registered trademark of EuroChem Agro GmbH. Incitec Pivot Limited is licensed to distribute ENTEC in Australia. ®EASY N is a registered trademark of Incitec Pivot Limited. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a registered trademark of Incitec Fertilisers Limited ABN 56 103 709 155. ®Fertcare is a registered trademark of Australian Fertiliser Services Association, Inc. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited ABN 42 004 080 264.

SECTION 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

43

Australian production

SECTION 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

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ABOVE: The 2015 harvest continued the upward trend in Australian cane production of the past few years. The industry looks forward to a return to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; harvest tonnages of a decade ago.

BELOW: Again another modest improvement on recent seasons saw our best sugar production result in a decade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just nudging the five million tonne mark.

Source: SRA Mill Stats 2015 Season

44 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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• Provides up to 3 years protection against greyback, negatoria, consobrina and Bundaberg canegrub damage in sugarcane.

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• Controlled release of active, imidacloprid, resulting in the most prolonged control of target pests in sugarcane on the market. www.cropcare.com.au • Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347 This is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should be consulted before use of any of the products referred to in this advertisement. Crop Care Australia Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use or application of products and/or materials referred to herein.

SECTION 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Source: SRA Mill Stats 2015 Season

ABOVE: The mills have maintained the push to bring more country into play after the harvested area sank to just over 300,000 hectares in 2010.

Our harvested area in 2015 stood at over 380,000 hectares â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 25 per cent increase over the past five years.

BELOW: Cane yields were the best in a decade and sugar yields the best in two decades â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a trend the industry would like to see maintained.

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Source: SRA Mill Stats 2015 Season

46 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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SECTION 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

World production

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BELOW: Amidst political and economic turmoil Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sugar production again fell slightly compared to last season but was still 25 per cent higher than that of their nearest rival, India. Brazil continues its production dominance.

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48 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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SECTION 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

The international scene

T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

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World Sugar Price: Joy of joys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after too many years of declining prices we have seemingly reached the bottom of this downhill run and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re clawing our way back up the mountain!

But as always itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bound to be a slippery ascent.

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Major Importers: Our sugar shipment destinations again reflect our close proximity to the strong Asian market and our ongoing reputation for reliably producing and delivering high quality sugar.

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 49

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Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

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NOTE: Includes exports of both raw and white sugar measured in raw sugar equivalents.

SOURCE: USDA Sugar World Markets Trade May 2016

ABOVE: Australia is yet again ranked third in the world behind Brazil and Thailand In terms of exports by major sugar producers in 2015â&#x20AC;&#x201C;16.

BELOW: China is again the largest importer in the world sugar market with a level of demand around double that of any other nation.

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SOURCE: USDA Sugar World Markets Trade May 2016

50 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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2016

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AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMERS 2016

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

The Australian Cane Farmers Association ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE NORTHERN REGION Don Murday Director Chairman Phone: 0418 774 499 Email: mangopk@bigpond.net.au

Gerard Puglisi Deputy Chairman (Junior) & Next Gen Officer Phone: 0428 988 136 Email: gtpuglisifarming@bigpond.com

52 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

Michael Camilleri Director Phone: 0419 738 702 Email: maalacaneng@bigpond.com

HERBERT REGION Carol Mackee Director Phone: 07 4777 4957 Email: cjmackee@activ8.net.au

CENTRAL REGION Steve Fordyce Director Phone: 0408 883 907 Email: stevefordyce@bigpond.com

NSW REGION Robert Quirk Deputy Chairman (Senior) Phone: 0413 677 727 Email: rgquirk@bigpond.com

ACFA HEAD OFFICE Stephen Ryan General Manager Ph: 07 3839 1900 Freecall: 1800 500 025 Fax: 07 3839 1911 Email: StephenRyan@acfa.com.au

SECTION 5

AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMERS 2016

T hi s sect i on brought t o you i n as s oc ia t i on wi t h

Alicia Opajdowska Administration Officer Ph: 07 3839 1900 Freecall: 1800 500 025 Fax: 07 3839 1911

Australian Cane Farmers Association Ltd BURDEKIN REGION Appointment pending

SOUTHERN REGION Appointment pending

Level 3, 447, Upper Edward St Spring Hill, Brisbane 4000 Postal address: GPO Box 608, Brisbane QLD 4001 Phone: 07 3303 2020; 07 3839 1900 Freecall: 1800 500 025 Fax: 07 3303 2024; 07 3839 1911 Email: info@acfa.com.au Website: www.acfa.com.au

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 53

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Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Chairman’s comment OO By Don Murday – ACFA Chairman

T

HE 2016 season has been framed by several tensions – all of which carry significant financial risk for growers. A wetter than usual season, combined with mill breakdowns has raised the prospect of standover cane.

This frustration, in the presence of soaring sugar prices, demonstrates the need for a timely harvest season which does not press the boundaries of economic viability.

Sugar marketing – grower choice

Don Murday, Chairman.

The Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015, passed through the Queensland Parliament on Wednesday December 2, 2015. The Bill was introduced into the Queensland Parliament by Mr Shane Knuth MP, member for Dalrymple and passed with amendments from Shane and Mrs Deb Frecklington, Member for Nanango (LNP) and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The supporting vote of Mr Billy Gordon, member for Cook was the critical vote to pass this essential legislation.

Greater than four thousand cane farmers in Queensland relied on the passage of this Bill in order to: OO Prevent farmers from being discriminated against by powerful global sugar millers and traders; OO Balance the regional monopoly power of sugar millers who dictate the terms of contract to farmers; OO Enable farmers to continue to have a choice of marketer for their share of the raw sugar (GEI sugar); and, OO Implement a dispute resolution system, which can be accessed by either party, in

order to agree on fair terms and conditions for cane supply contracts.

The industry as we know it has been built on the foundation that farmers are paid for the sugar that is in their sugarcane; and which is marketed by the jointly-owned marketing company, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL).

This system of marketing gives farmers the confidence to continue to supply sugar mills with sugarcane.

The Bill is necessary and very fair because it: OO Allows choice, so that farmers can choose between their mill and the farmers’ marketer of choice; OO Freely allows farmers and millers to find agreement on matters of contention, without automatically needing to use the dispute resolution system; and, OO Takes effect, only if and when mills cannot effectively negotiate appropriate supply agreements with growers.

The job ahead is for farmers and millers to focus on putting fair and reasonable contracts in place in order to allow farmers to price their GEI sugar.

Four year high with future prices Farmers in general are well aware that raw sugar futures have been trading at around US20¢ per lb – a four year high with future prices on offer at around $600 per tonne.

Unfortunately the protracted On-Supply Agreement (OSA) negotiations has meant many farmers have been unable to access the good prices on offer.

Some contract negotiations have recently been referred to arbitration, under the act, and the industry eagerly awaits the outcome.

Meanwhile those mills which are outside of the QSL system are able to manage their price risk, while their growers are not – unless they give in and sign over their GEI sugar to their mill. This is neither a fair nor competitive arrangement.

QSL and MSF Sugar sign the first On Supply Agreement (OSA) The recent signing of an On-Supply Agreement (OSA) between QSL and MSF Sugar has enabled growers with a Cane Supply Agreement with MSF Sugar to choose QSL as the marketer of their Grower Economic Interest in sugar (GEI Sugar) and access QSL’s pricing products for the 2017 Season and beyond.

54 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

Queensland biofuels mandate On December 1, 2015, the Queensland Parliament passed legislation requiring fuel sellers to meet targets for the sale of ethanol blended petrol and bio-based diesel.

The Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Act 2015 is designed to help Queensland transition to a clean energy economy, grow the biofuels and bio-manufacturing sectors and boost jobs across the industry, especially in regional Queensland.

The Bill includes an initial three per cent ethanol mandate for petrol and a half a per cent bio-based diesel mandate with both due to start on January 1, 2017.

In practical terms, the mandate will require E10 to make up 30 per cent of regular petrol sales in Queensland in 2017. Regular unleaded petrol will still be available for those who can’t or don’t want to use ethanol fuels.

Great Barrier Reef water quality Reef Water Quality Report Card 2015 assesses the reported results of Reef Water Quality Protection Plan actions up to June 2015.

The report says that the results show the need to accelerate the rate of change and drive

innovation to meet the ambitious targets. But not all activities undertaken during the reporting period are included so the results are considered a conservative estimate of progress.

Some of the noted points are: OO Half way to pesticide and sediment 2018 modelled pollutant load reduction targets; OO More efficient fertiliser use needed; OO Inshore marine condition remained in poor condition but coral improved from D -> C; OO In 2014–15, 402 graziers and 836 sugarcane growers engaged in industry Best Management Practice programs; OO $100s millions towards big targeted projects; and, OO Everyone not just farmers will need to make changes.

Queensland’s first reef water quality annual investment report was released on October 13, 2016 detailing how $35 million of Government funding has been spent improving the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

On October 18, 2016 the Queensland Government committed funding for $4 million project to help improve reef water quality

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AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMERS 2016

T his sect i on brought t o you i n as s oc iat i on wi t h

Practice change Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson says more cane farmers are changing their practices to reduce impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

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AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 55

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AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMERS 2016

Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

“It is encouraging that an independent survey commissioned by the Palaszczuk Government shows more than two-thirds of cane farms have started, or are planning to start, changes to farm management practices that will enhance the health of the reef,” the Minister said.

“The industry is heading in the right direction and there are some great examples for others to follow.”

The survey involved 170 cane farmers from priority catchment areas (Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay/Whitsundays) with around 36,000 hectares under production.

As of October 2016, 1435 farms representing 255,584 hectares have been benchmarked in Smartcane BMP, while 150 farms representing 42,908 hectares have been accredited.

Rural debt On October 19, 2015 the Queensland Government announced the establishment of a Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce to help identify and recommend solutions to address the debt issues faced by Queensland’s primary producers. This follows a $52.1 million drought package announced in July 2015.

The Taskforce is chaired by the Member for Mount Isa, Rob Katter and includes an MP from the Government, Opposition, mayors, representatives from the agricultural sector and economists.

As part of this process Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) will undertake a new Rural Debt Survey similar to the survey they conducted in 2011, with the cooperation of financial institutions to identify areas of particular concern.

On November 18, 2015, Treasurer Curtis Pitt convened a State Government rural debt banking roundtable. Senior executives from Australia’s major banks were represented along with the Australian Bankers’ Association, the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) and Queensland Treasury Corporation.

The Treasurer said that the banks indicated a willingness to share data to get a clearer picture on the size, scope and characteristics of debt in regional Queensland. This data would be incorporated into a rural debt survey to establish the extent of drought related rural debt in Queensland.

The Treasurer recognised that farming businesses are different to other commercial enterprises and had different financing requirements.

Curtis wrote to Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) about the unique seasonal and intergenerational nature of farming, to argue the case for the unique requirements of farmers to be taken into account.

On December 9, 2015 the Palaszczuk Government’s Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce 56 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

held its first public hearing, giving those most affected a chance to tell the Government firsthand the impact of the drought and their debt levels.

Meetings were held around Queensland through to the end of January, 2016. A closed session followed each public forum where people could talk about their submissions or other matters in private with members of the Taskforce.

The taskforce considered key issues and various policy options in the development of recommendations to the Queensland Government, including: OO The nature and extent of financial problems faced by agriculture associated enterprises, local government and supporting communities in Queensland; OO Identify the cause of problems and contribution of established policy to their magnitude; OO The extent of such problems and effect on regional stability; OO What strategies might be adopted and initiatives undertaken to rectify such problems; OO The impacts that such strategies and initiatives might have; OO Policy options available to the State Government to coordinate effective remediation; OO The nature and desirability of some select actions; and, OO The adequacy of existing financial system to fund policy solutions.

On May 26, 2016, Mr Robbie Katter MP, the Member for Mount Isa, introduced the Rural and Regional Adjustment (Development Assistance) Amendment Bill 2016 as a Private Member’s Bill.

The primary objective of the Bill is to amend the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994 to include a capacity to raise money to provide financial assistance that will foster development of a more stable, productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland.

On August 30, 2016, Hon Leanne Donaldson MP, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, introduced the Farm Business Debt Mediation Bill 2016.

The policy objectives of the Bill relating to rural debt are to: OO Establish a new Farm Business Debt Mediation Act which will provide a process for the efficient and equitable resolution of farm business debt matters between mortgagees and farmers; and, OO Replace QRAA (formerly the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and expand its functions; The Committee is to report on both Bills by November 28, 2016.

Wishing you all a safe and profitable conclusion to the 2016 season. n

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57

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MILLING AND MARKETING Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Milling in the Australian sugar industry

I

N Australia there are approximately 4000 cane farming entities growing sugar cane on around 380,000 hectares annually, supplying 24 mills, owned by seven separate milling companies. The vast majority of cane farms are owned by sole proprietors or family partnerships. The mill ownership structures are a combination of publicly owned entities, privately held companies limited by guarantee, and co-operatives.

Major products The industry’s major product is raw crystal sugar, which is sold to refineries both domestically and abroad. Approximately 95 per cent of Australian sugar produced comes from Queensland with the balance from Northern New South Wales.

The Australian sugarcane industry is one of Australia’s largest and most important rural industries with sugarcane being Queensland’s largest agricultural crop. The industry directly employs about 16,000 people across the growing, harvesting, milling and transport sectors.

Up to 35 million tonnes of sugarcane is grown on about 380,000 hectares annually.

This sugarcane crop can produce up to 4.5 million tonnes of raw sugar, 1 million tonnes of molasses and 10 million tonnes of bagasse annually. Approximately 85 per cent of the raw sugar produced in Queensland is exported, generating up to $2.0 billion in export earnings for Queensland. Production from the New South Wales sugar industry is refined and sold into the domestic market.

Green energy Sugar mills are self-sufficient in energy, burning the sugar processing by-product bagasse, (which is a renewable fuel) to generate electricity and steam for factory operations. In addition, more than half of the electricity generated (around 500 GWh in 2014) is exported to the electricity network supporting electricity infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power generation. The use of renewable bagasse for the production of ‘green’ energy reduces the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 1.5 million tonnes annually.

The Australian Sugar Milling Council The Milling Council’s purpose is to drive a profitable and sustainable sugar industry through dynamic industry leadership, strong and effective advocacy and creating new opportunities for the sugar industry. Milling Council staff work with our members, other industry organisations and government to enhance the commercial development and build the value of the sugar industry in Australia.

ASMC Board The Milling Council Board currently consists of nine directors. Board members are nominated by our represented member companies..

58 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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MILLING AND MARKETING Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

John Pratt (Wilmar Sugar) Chairman Mike Barry (MSF Sugar) Deputy Chairman Barry Dun (Tully Sugar) Shayne Rutherford (Wilmar Sugar) Jason Lowry (Mackay Sugar) Andrew Cappello (Mackay Sugar) John Gorringe (Isis Sugar) Guy Basile (Bundaberg Sugar) Paul Heagney (MSF Sugar)

ASMC members Members of the Australian Sugar Milling Council are: OO Bundaberg Sugar Limited OO Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited OO Isis Central Mill Company Limited OO Mackay Sugar Limited OO MSF Sugar Limited OO Tully Sugar Limited

ASMC Chairman John Pratt.

At Dinner Plain the pace is easy going...

Dinner Plain is the place where the family can be together by the fireside or miles apart exploring the cross-country trail network.

Where you stroll the treelined streets simply for the sights or to meet friends for a restaurant dinner or drinks at the bar. The village itself helps set the community atmosphere, natural building materials and earthy tones blur the line between man made and alpine environment. Over 200 lodges and chalets with all the conveniences of a modern resort.

Australian sugar industry welcomes TPP In early February the Australian sugar industry welcomed the formal signing of the Trans‐Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement between 12 countries of our region and looks forward to its smooth and quick formal ratification in Australia.

John Pratt, Chairman of the Australian Sugar Milling Council Chairman and of the Australian Sugar Industry Alliance, said it was an historic pact which would improve access for Australian agricultural produce into important regional markets, particularly the United States and Japan.

The gains for Australian sugar under the TPP include the first increase in Australian sugar’s access to the United States market for two decades. The increase of 65,000 tonnes to a total of 152,000 tonnes is worth around $13 million extra per year to Australia. “The negotiations also achieved the removal of the in‐quota tariff, worth around $3 million, plus the potential for additional annual allocation of access based on US needs,” John said.

Projections for sales of high pol sugar to Japanese refineries are around 600,000 tonnes for this financial year, more than double the previous year’s sales and the TPP will deliver a reduction of costs for sugar going into that market of $25 per tonne. “There is no doubt this deal translates to dollars for the Australian industry and it is very much a step in the right direction as far as trade liberalisation goes,” John said. “Over time this will be a platform on which further trade opportunities for Australian sugar can be built.”

“We thank and congratulate the Australian negotiators and the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, for the work carried out over five years to bring us to this point,” John said. “We look forward to the speedy ratification of the Agreement in the Australian Parliament.”

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60 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 61

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MILLING AND MARKETING Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

QSL MARKETING

Focus not on fighting the old but building the new OO Chairman’s Address – QSL AGM 2016

T

Guy Cowan, QSL Chairman.

HE past year has proven to be a pivotal one for our business, with significant developments regarding Marketing Choice set to lay the foundations of a new era for QSL and the Queensland sugar industry as a whole.

In spite of challenging negotiations, the implementation of Marketing Choice provides a unique opportunity for industry to work together to shape the way forward.

As the saying goes, the secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. And QSL is well and truly focused on building the new.

As a fixture of the Queensland sugar industry for nearly a century, it may be tempting to dismiss QSL as a relic of the pre-deregulation era, somehow wedded to the ways of the past.

But to do so fails to recognise our history of innovation. We are the masters of reinvention.

Since our origins as the Queensland Sugar Board back in 1923, through to our emergence as the Queensland Sugar Corporation in 1991, and subsequent evolution as QSL in 2000, we have been at the forefront of a raft of significant industry advancements for our state. From the first bulk sugar cargoes, to the Advance payments system and grower pricing options envied around the world, we look upon this new era of Marketing Choice as not only the next chapter in the history of our industry, but the next stage of our own corporate evolution.

62 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

Driven by our constitutional requirement to serve the interests of growers and millers for the long-term prosperity of the Queensland sugar industry, we see ourselves as our industry’s trusted partner, with this enduring focus also reflected in our corporate values: OO Build partnerships OO Be Real OO Aim High OO Be the Solution OO Believe T.E.A.M. (Trust, Empathy, Accountability, Morals) works These values were created by our people and reflect not only their aspirations, but QSL’s wider business approach. And I am proud to say that the turmoil of the past few years has failed to dull our team’s efforts in this regard. They remain a key element of QSL’s success as well as a great source of support for the Board, and I thank them for their ongoing commitment and service.

So as the long-awaited global raw sugar deficit gathers momentum and our international competitors jockey for position, our industry must be at its best if we are to take the next step and capture the full potential of the opportunities at hand.

We are off to a positive start for the 2016 Season, with the QSL pricing team already securing impressive returns from the recent uplift in ICE 11 prices, despite the production risk considerations associated with the current wet harvest.

QSL continues to enjoy strong relationships with our Raw Sugar Supply Agreement (RSSA) signatories Bundaberg Sugar, Isis Central Mill and Mackay Sugar, and we look forward to working with them well into the future. We also remain committed to providing quality logistics, pricing and financing to our other miller members, with new On-Supply Agreements set to supplement our current contracted RSSA tonnages with Grower Economic Interest in sugar (GEI in sugar) nominations from next season.

I am also pleased to advise that we are having positive negotiations with Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) for an ongoing operating agreement for the six bulk sugar terminals.

Such an arrangement would help to protect and maximise the immense strategic value of these important assets, as well as providing

Your Trusted Partner

QSL MARKETING CHOICE FOR MSF SUGAR GROWERS MSF Sugar Growers wanting to nominate QSL as their GEI Sugar Marketer for the 2017 Season and beyond can now do so.

You have until 31 December 2016 to finalise QSL as your GEI Sugar Marketer of choice.

Growers wanting to participate in forward pricing are encouraged to contact QSL to discuss available products and deadlines.

Growers wanting to participate in the QSL Actively Managed Pool, QSL Harvest Pool and the QSL Guaranteed Floor Pool donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to finalise their pool choices until February 2017.

Remember, to access QSL products including the QSL Harvest Pool, you must nominate QSL as your GEI Sugar Marketer and complete your CSA, GPA and Pool Manager Nomination Form by 31 December, 2016.

Contact your QSL representatives Daniel Messina p: 0429 660 238 e: daniel.messina@qsl.com.au or Carla Keith p: 0409 372 305 e: carla.keith@qsl.com.au for more information or to arrange an appointment.

Wilmar and Tully Sugar growers can register their interest for QSL Marketing Choice at www.qsl.com.au

SECTION 6

MILLING AND MARKETING Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

our industry with stability regarding their future management and use.

We continue to innovate across our pricing, marketing, financing and logistics streams in response to the needs of our members and the industry we serve, with new products, services and contractual arrangements evidence of why we remain a leader in our field.

Our unique value proposition is unparalleled and at the industry’s disposal, so we ask you to consider how you can better tap in to our strengths and expertise to further your own business objectives.

QSL does not fear the future. To the contrary, we are eager to embrace it and we call upon the rest of the industry we serve to join our efforts to capitalise on the promise ahead. n

ABOUT QSL A leader in raw sugar marketing, QSL has built an excellent reputation for quality, service and innovation in the international sugar market.

QSL works on behalf of seven millers and around 4000 Australian sugar growers to build sustainable business partnerships with sugar refiners in the Asia-Pacific region and grow the value of the Australian sugar industry for our grower and miller members.

QSL manages the majority of Australia’s raw sugar exports through a unique and innovative pooling system and also operates six Bulk Sugar Terminals in Queensland. Our integrated marketing and export system delivers pricing transparency, stability and optimal returns for Australian sugar millers and cane growers.

For international customers, QSL offers a complete suite of end-to-end supply chain solutions with reliable and consistent supply of Australian premium raw sugar.

QSL’s ‘one-stop-shop’ for sugar exports includes: OO Expertise in Australian sugar quality and performance – providing security of supply and renowned expertise.

OO Sophisticated risk and financial management – managing sugar price and foreign exchange exposure, and offering cost-effective financing through the Advances Program.

OO Superior shipping and logistics services – providing a range of services in logistics, quality management systems and chartering for a range of supply-chain solutions.

OO Product options – a range of products, including raw sugar from origins other than Australia.

To find out more about the advantages QSL offers as a supply partner, please contact http://www.qsl.com.au

64 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2015–16 OO Meeting our ‘5 for 5’ multi-year safety target, with a Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 5 as at June 30, 2016 OO Maximised returns through the strategic use of innovative price risk management products and tactical risk management, with 2015-Season QSL-managed pools outperforming the market benchmark on a weighted average basis by $19.61 per tonne IPS (International Polarisation Scale) net.

OO Coordinated the successful receipt of $1.9 billion in customer payments, with 98 per cent of shipments delivered in full and on time.

OO Secured enhanced marketing returns above the Free On Board (FOB) physical market premium average and maintained our position as the largest marketer of Queensland sugar.

OO Reduced our funding costs by entering into a US$200 million syndicated inventory financing agreement and leveraging flexibility within our core $500 million syndicated credit agreement to reduce line fees.

OO Expanded grower payment and pricing options via delivery of an accelerated Advance payments schedule for the Guaranteed Floor Pool, with plans to introduce 10-tonne minimum orders for our Target Price Contract product and a longer in-season Fixed Contract pricing window from the 2017 Season.

OO Maintained our strong environmental record, with no reportable offences during the reporting period.

OO Introduced use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy in export quality management.

OO Received industry recognition for QSL’s commitment to youth training and noted improvements in QSL’s annual Women’s Gender Equality Agency compliance report.

OO Delivered the Cairns Bulk Sugar Terminal Shed 2 re-roofing project safely, on time and under budget.

OO Undertook our inaugural measurement of QSL’s organisational culture using the Human Synergistics Organisational Cultural Inventory.

OO Implemented the use of advanced coatings to extend the life of the Bulk Sugar Terminals’ marine concrete structures to potentially 100 years.

OO Successfully executed the second year of our Korean Long Term Contract

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18 Colebard Street West ARCHERFIELD. Q. 4108 T: (07) 3277 5822 F: (07) 3277 9106 W: www.sueng.com.au E: admin@sueng.com.au

SECTION 6

MILLING AND MARKETING Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Milling Australian Sugar Milling Council HEAD OFFICE

IBM Building Level 3/348 Edward Streeet, Brisbane QLD 4000 Phone: +61 7 3231 5000 Fax: +61 7 3112 5013 Email: asmc@asmc.com.au POSTAL ADDRESS

GPO Box 945, Brisbane QLD 4001 Website: www.asmc.com.au

Refining Sugar Australia HEAD OFFICE

265 Whitehall Street, Yarraville VIC 3013 Phone: +61 3 9283 4558 Fax: +61 3 9689 7450

Wilmar Sugar Australia HEAD OFFICE

Wilmar Sugar Australia Townsville Head Office Level 1, 5-21 Denham St Townsville Qld 4810 Phone: 07 4722 1972 Fax: 07 4724 5715

Mackay Sugar CORPORATE OFFICE

Mackay Sugar PO Box 5720, Mackay Mail Centre Mackay Queensland 4741 Australia Phone: +61 7 4953 8300 Fax: +61 7 4953 8340 Email: info@mkysugar.com.au

NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative CORPORATE OFFICE

NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative Suite 1, Level 1, Cnr River and Martin Streets Ballina NSW 2478 Phone: 02 6681 2700 Fax: 02 6681 2799 Website: www.nswsugar.com.au HARWOOD MILL & REFINERY

Harwood Island NSW 2465 Phone: 02 6640 0400 Fax: 02 6646 4550 Email: hwdreception@sunshinesugar.com.au 66 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

Marketing & terminals Queensland Sugar Ltd HEAD OFFICE Level 14 348 Edward Street Brisbane Queensland 4000 Phone: +61 7 3004 4400 Fax: +61 7 3004 4499 Email info@qsl.com.au www.qsl.com.au POSTAL ADDRESS

GPO Box 891, Brisbane Queensland 4001 Australia

Sugar Terminals Ltd HEAD OFFICE

Level 3, IBM Building 348 Edward Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Phone: 07 3221 7017 Fax: 07 3221 5593 Email: info@sugarterminals.com.au www.sugarterminals.com.au POSTAL ADDRESS

GPO Box 945, Brisbane QLD 4001 BULK SUGAR TERMINALS

Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville Mackay, Bundaberg

RESEARCH & EXTENSION THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

67

SECTION 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

SRA CEO Neil Fisher.

What’s ahead for Sugar Research Australia?

S

UGAR Research Australia (SRA) will invest $40.5 million in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) activities during 2016–17.

SRA CEO Neil Fisher prefaced the SRA Annual Operational Plan saying that “the investment portfolio for 2016–17 reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering on the eight Key Focus Areas (KFAs) within our Strategic Plan and addressing the critical issues currently impacting industry productivity and profitability, specifically the four Impact Areas of: Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS); plant breeding (both conventional and genetically-modified (GM)); extension and adoption; and harvesting efficiency.”

Investment in 2016–17 comprises a suite of new projects that will deliver tangible outcomes on-farm and at the mill, including: OO Improving our sugarcane varieties through advanced introgression techniques and selections based on plant vigour; OO Improving industry productivity through the analysis of industry data and demonstration of best practices; OO Addressing new chemical approaches for canegrub control; OO Reducing sugarcane mill boiler maintenance costs and deferring capital expenditure through improved technology; OO Improving identification methods for exotic moth borers and soil-borne pathogens; and, OO Developing a remote sensing platform to assist with yield forecasting and nitrogen management.

SRA will be seeking to enhance their impact by strengthening linkages and collaboration

with other rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) and research providers, both in Australia and internationally, as well as leveraging partnerships with industry service providers, government agencies and the private sector.

SRA will continue to be fully accountable to our investors through regular open and transparent communication of our performance and progress against the objectives and deliverables in this AOP. Our performance will be reported through our corporate publications, including regular electronic newsletters, quarterly editions of CaneConnection, SRA’s 2015–16 Performance Report and our 2015–16 Annual Report.

SRA’s performance will also be under the spotlight with the undertaking of the first three-yearly Independent Performance Review, which is a requirement of SRA’s Constitution and Statutory Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth Government..

SRA’s Board, researchers and support staff remain committed to delivering positive impacts for investors.

To ensure the company is best positioned to do so, we have endeavoured over the past 18 months to fully align our organisational structure, financial, operational and performance management frameworks with the KFAs outlined in this plan.

During 2016–17, SRA will further enhance this alignment and optimise organisational performance by undertaking the following initiatives: OO Succession and development planning for key research and leadership positions;

FIGURE 1: Key focus area expenditure 2016–17

68 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

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SECTION 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

OO Continued implementation of performance and values-based culture development programs; OO Internal audit reviews covering financial stewardship (budgeting, forecasting and performance monitoring processes and controls), core IT processes and research data management processes and controls; and, OO Establishment of an integrated Intellectual Property management system.

Impact areas A number of issues and challenges were identified by the SRA Board in 2015–16 as requiring more immediate attention and/or greater investment. These were: OO Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS); OO Plant breeding (conventional and GM); OO Extension and adoption; and, OO Harvesting efficiency.

Yellow Canopy Syndrome Since YCS was first recognised in early 2012 near Cairns, it has now been found in all sugarcane growing areas from Maryborough in the south to far north Queensland.

Depending on the degree of YCS symptoms experienced, crop growth can be compromised with potential impacts on final yields. Whilst it is difficult at this stage to accurately estimate the financial impact YCS has had on the industry to-date, it is acknowledged that significant losses have been experienced in some impacted areas.

In response to the threat that YCS poses to the industry, SRA (with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) has established four substantial research projects since 2014–15. In response to recommendations from an international expert

Yellow Canopy Syndrome in sugarcane in a field of sugarcane.

(Image: Sugar Research Australia)

70 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

panel in November 2015, a fifth project aimed at potential biotic factors will be initiated in 2016–17.

A number of abiotic factors (water, macro and micronutrients, soil type, heavy metals and some agrochemicals) and biotic factors (known sugarcane pests and diseases, Nigrospora sp., crop age and seed source) have been ruled out as potential causes of YCS. We now know that YCS is associated with a problem in translocation of sugars out of the leaf and water movement within the sugarcane plant. In combination, these factors reduce photosynthesis, movement of photosynthate and crop performance.

With YCS expanding in its geographical distribution and the subsequent impact the condition is having on crop yield, SRA is continuing to give YCS related research an extremely high priority in 2016–17.

There will be a strong emphasis on water and nutrient translocation, development of a diagnostic test, identification of the causal agent of YCS, genetic variability for YCS impact, abiotic/environmental factors that trigger symptom expression, and potential management strategies.

Plant breeding (conventional and GM) Varieties are the cornerstone of productivity and profitability in the Australian sugarcane industry. Virtually every crop grown by Australian sugarcane farmers uses varieties released from the SRA breeding program.

SRA’s breeding program is recognised as world-class and is successfully delivering genetic gain and value to the industry. But sugarcane growers and millers continue to have high expectations that sugarcane varieties will deliver better ratoonability and productivity (tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH), commercial cane sugar (CCS) and tonnes of sugar per hectare (TSH)).

In 2016, the Variety Approval Committees decided to release five new varieties, SRA4 to SRA8.

Behind the scenes of the core breeding program are activities to broaden the genetic base of sugarcane by germplasm exchanges with international partners, and introgression from wild species. The potential benefits of exploiting foreign germplasm in the SRA breeding program include improvements in key traits such as yield and new sources of useful genes (e.g. disease and pest resistance).

Whilst SRA’s conventional breeding program optimises selection using sugarcane and its close relatives, SRA’s GM program is focussed on broadening the genetic base through the introduction of herbicide-tolerant (HT) traits and the development of high-sucrose sugarcane.

With yield loss attributed to weeds being as high as 13–15 per cent in the Australian sugarcane industry, SRA has been developing,

in collaboration with DuPont, GM HT sugarcane varieties. The current main activities in the GM program involve field evaluation including agronomy, disease and yield evaluation trials at multiple locations, with the majority of HT clones demonstrating high herbicide tolerance.

Field assessment and further development of high-sucrose GM sugarcane is also ongoing involving field selection of transgenic clones.

Extension and adoption Fundamental to obtaining the full value from SRA’s investment in R&D is the broad adoption of the outcomes of this research. Current indications suggest that the rate and extent of adoption of new technologies and practice change are sub-optimal in the Australian sugarcane industry.

A number of factors contribute to this situation, including: variable resourcing and capabilities across the industry’s productivity services and broader extension sectors; low profitability; varying capacity and/or interest of growers to adopt new technology; and limited direct interaction between SRA and potential adopters.

To address these issues, SRA is working with industry to review the current extension model with a view to enhancing the transfer of research information and facilitating improved interactions and connections with industry extension providers, in particular productivity services.

Harvesting efficiency Sugarcane production and profitability are affected by both harvesting and field issues.

Research has demonstrated that mechanical harvesting typically results in direct in-field losses which include: OO Extractor losses of 5–25 per cent; OO Pick-up losses of 1– 0 per cent; and, OO Chopper losses of 2–8 per cent.

Field conditions impact on extraneous matter (EM) and cane loss, crop presentation (row profile/width) impacts on stool damage and pickup losses, fan speed determines cane loss levels with limited impact on EM and lower pour rates equals lower EM, but this increases harvesting costs. High ground speeds and poor crop presentation/row profiles also result in stool damage that reduces yields in subsequent ratoons.

Cane cleaning greatly improves at lower pour rates, which are achieved by reducing ground speed. The lower ground speed allows a reduction in fan speed, which in turn lowers cane loss, stool damage and soil in cane, but significantly increases the cost of harvesting.

High quality cane will have a higher CCS, improving grower returns.

But economic pressures on the harvesting sector drive practices that minimise costs rather than maximise sugar recovery. This then feeds

through to the decisions harvester operators have to make to be viable under this scenario: OO Harvesting speed; OO Billet length; OO Fan speed; and, OO Haulout size etc.

To address this issue, a payment system that accounts for the extra cost to implement Harvesting Best Outcomes (HBO) is one way to encourage uptake. The benefits provided by HBO will flow to all sectors of the industry, in particular growers and millers through increased yields (due to reduced losses), increased CCS and improved ratoonability.

With harvesting impacting on raw sugar quality and crop yields, a broader adoption of HBO is an industry priority as it will contribute significantly to the ongoing profitability and sustainability of the entire sugarcane industry value chain. In an effort to increase the rate of adoption of HBO, SRA will focus in 2016–17 on increasing current on-farm applied HBO research activities and working with industry to establish additional regional trials to demonstrate the value of harvesting practice change.

A broad range of research activities will be conducted within the $5.5 million Rural Research and Development for Profit project on harvesting efficiency.

Some specific tasks will include: testing and validating physical cane cleaning systems; modifications to harvesters to improve in-field performance; value chain modelling and economic analysis; software tools to improve and block specific harvesting practices; and extensive trial work to confirm industry opinions. In undertaking these activities, SRA will continue to partner with Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited, MSF Sugar Limited, Isis Central Sugar Milling Company Limited, Bundaberg Sugar Limited, Tully Sugar Limited and Sunshine Sugar Limited.

Drawn from SRA’s Annual Operation Plan.

SECTION 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

n

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 71

SECTION 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION Th is se c t i o n brou g ht t o y o u i n as soci a t i o n wi t h

Driverless tractors – the future of agriculture

U

NVEILED on August 30 at the Farm Progress Show in the United States, the New Holland concept autonomous tractor is a driverless machine which can perform a wide range of farming tasks day and night. It is also able to reach the field autonomously via private on-farm tracks, to work together with other autonomous or traditional operator controlled machines and courtesy of the cab it can still be driven by an operator ensuring maximum flexibility.

At first glance, the T8 Blue Power tractor on display at the Farm Progress Show may have looked like any other standard tractor to the many visitors who packed New Holland’s stand at the Show, the annual outdoor farming machinery show that is held in Boone, Iowa (USA).

But once the first images of the video dedicated to the tractor and its incredible operational capacities appeared on the screen, everyone understood that they were witnessing a glimpse into the future of farming – a future featuring fully autonomous machinery – machinery that could redefine the agriculture of tomorrow.

A further evolution based on efficiency and sustainability Developed by CNH Industrial in collaboration with Autonomous Solutions Incorporated – an industry leader in off-road autonomous solutions – the autonomous tractor is an

New Holland T8 NH Drive Autonomous Concept Tractor on the road with the New Holland 2085 Air Disc Drill in transport position.

72 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

unmanned vehicle that is fully autonomous and can be monitored and controlled via a desktop computer or via a portable tablet interface.

This enables farmers to access tractor and implement data, wherever they are, from different locations, whilst checking fields from the comfort of their ute, whilst tending livestock or whilst at home, and always whenever they need. This facilitates right-time decision making to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, farmers will maintain full control and ownership of their data.

A path-plotting screen shows the tractor’s progress, another screen shows its live camera feed, providing the user with up to four real time views (two front and two rear). A further screen enables monitoring and modification of key machine and implement parameters such as engine speed, fuel levels and implement settings, including seeding rate or coulter downforce. The route to the field can also be planned, should this involve private roads or tracks.

The concept tractor has been equipped with a seeder, and is able to autonomously seed the next crop straight behind the combine. Using an application installed on a portable device, perfect for supervised automation (such as an operator driving a combine) or on a desktop computer (ideal for the farmer working in his farm office) the tractor and implement parameters can be continually monitored and controlled, and changes can be made if necessary.

Able to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the tractor helps to reduce the risks associated with human error as it follows predetermined and optimised plans for all activities. It is able to reach higher levels of productivity and efficiency than traditional methods. It can make full use of the periods of favourable weather for farming operations by working day and night.

In the future, the tractor will be able to completely automate grain handling during the harvest when equipped with a trailer, including unloading, transport and offloading activities.

With regards to getting around the farm, the tractor can travel on pre-mapped private paths.

Simply ‘tell it’ where to go and what it has to do once it has reached its destination via private tracks, and the tractor will get to work, either individually or in a convoy.

The concept tractor makes full use of the advanced PLM (Precision Land Management) technology for precision farming.

The tractor follows optimised in-field paths,

which are automatically generated by the software, after having taken into account the size and shape of the field, any pre-existing obstacles and the width of the implement to be used. Furthermore, it will be fully compatible with the full suite of PLM solutions. In the future this concept will be able to utilise previously collected yield data for the variable application of inputs and to carry out operations with maximum precision, year after year. The results are increased operating efficiency and the ability to make the most of short operating windows.

The tractor is able to work alongside other autonomous machines and can also work in tandem with machines driven by an operator.

Thanks to a combination of radar, LiDAR (range finding lasers) and RGB cameras, the tractor is able to detect a wide range of in-field obstacles. If an obstacle is detected, the tractor

sends a message to the interactive interface and the person responsible for the farming operations will decide if and how the tractor can avoid or bypass the obstacle.

SECTION 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION

Two tractors in one: Maximum flexibility The concept tractor is equipped with a cab that is completely identical to that of a standard T8. This means that it can also be used for those operations where complete autonomy is not yet possible, such as front end loader work and high speed road transport.

It is conceivable, that in the future the complete tractor range as well as other agricultural equipment could be equipped with this technology. Furthermore it is possible that the cab will be completely removed in future autonomous tractors. n

T hi s sect i on brought to you i n as s oc iati on wi t h

R&D organisations contact details ASSCT Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists: Secretariat POSTAL ADDRESS

PO Box 5596 Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741 Ph: 07 4954 3956 Fx: 07 4954 3956 E: assctadmin@ozemail.com.au Website: www.assct.com.au

Herbert Ph: 07 4776 1808

Innisfail Babinda Ph: 07 4063 2230 (South Johnstone) Ph: 07 4067 1266 (Babinda)

Isis Ph: 07 4126 1444

Mackay Ph: 07 4963 6830

Maryborough Ph: 07 4121 3879

Mossman

SRA HEAD OFFICE

Sugar Research Australia (50 Meiers Road), PO Box 86 Indooroopilly QLD 4068 Ph: 07 3331 3333 Fax: 07 3871 0383 E: sra@sugarresearch.com.au Website: www.sugarresearch.com.au

Cane Productivity & Sugar Services QUEENSLAND Bundaberg Ph: 07 4151 2555

Burdekin Ph: 07 4783 1101

Ph: 07 4098 2286

Mulgrave Ph: 07 4043 3333

Plane Creek Ph: 07 4956 1488

Proserpine Ph: 07 4945 0513

Rocky Point Ph: 07 5546 1481

Tableland Ph: 07 4092 7549

Tully Ph: 07 4088 0706

NSW Broadwater Ph: 02 6620 8257

Condong Ph: 02 6670 1745

Harwood

Ph: 02 6640 0479

n AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 73

SECTION 8

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

Peak bodies Australian Cane Farmers Association HEAD OFFICE Level 3, 447, Upper Edward St Spring Hill, Brisbane 4000 GPO Box 608, Brisbane QLD 4001 Ph: 07 3839 1900 Freecall: 1800 500 025 Fax: 07 3839 1911

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Don Murday (Northern Region) Ph: 0418 774 499

Directors erard Puglisi (Northern Region) G Ph: 0428 988 136 ichael Camilleri (Northern Region) M Ph: 0419 738 702 arol Mackee (Herbert Region) C Ph: 0419 652 102 S teve Fordyce (Central Region) Ph: 0408 883 907 obert Quirk (NSW Region) R Ph: 0413 677 727

EXECUTIVE TEAM General Manager: Stephen Ryan dministration Officer: A Alicia Opajdowska

CANEGROWERS AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Canegrowers Building Level 6, 190 Edward Street, Brisbane GPO Box 1032 Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3864 6444, Fax: 07 3864 6429 E: enquiry@canegrowers.com.au www.canegrowers.com.au

STATE OFFICES New South Wales SW Canegrowers Association N 239 River Street, Maclean PO Box 140 Maclean NSW 2463 Ph: 02 6645 2515 Fax: 02 6645 3250

Queensland ueensland Canegrowers Q Organisation Canegrowers Building GPO Box 1032 Level 6, 190 Edward Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Ph: 07 3864 6444 Fax: 07 3864 6429 E: enquiry@canegrowers.com.au

Chairman Paul Schembri Ph: 07 4959 8237

Senior Vice Chairman Allan Dingle Ph: 07 4156 1118

Vice Chairman Kevin Borg Ph: 07 4950 2272

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Dan Galligan CEO

Chief Financial Officer Jodie Mittelheuser

Industry urn Ashburner – Economics & B Industry

Economics Warren Males – Economics Head

Environment Matt Kealley – Environment

74 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

REGIONAL OFFICES FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND Mossman Centenary Building Shop 1, Front St (PO Box 789) Mossman QLD 4873 Ph: 07 4098 2377 Fax: 07 4098 3567

Tableland S hop 11B/94 Byrnes Street (PO Box 1359) Mareeba QLD 4880 Ph: 07 4092 6065 Fax: 07 4092 5857

Mulgrave 29 Norman Street (PO Box 514) Gordonvale QLD 4865 Ph: 07 4056 1251 Fax: 07 4056 3669

Babinda 87 Munro Street (PO Box 169) Babinda Qld 4861 Ph: 07 4067 1313 Fax: 07 4067 1775

Innisfail 18–22 Bruce Hwy (PO Box 67) Mourilyan QLD 4860 Ph: 07 4063 2477 Fax: 07 4063 2488

Tully 59 Butler Street (PO Box 514) Tully QLD 4854 Ph: 07 4068 4900 Fax: 07 4068 2351

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND Herbert River 1–13 Lannercost Street 1 (PO Box 410) Ingham QLD 4850 Ph: 07 4776 5350 Fax: 07 4776 5380

Ayr 141 Young Street (PO Box 933) Ayr QLD 4807 Ph: 07 4790 3600 Fax: 07 4783 4914

Home Hill 68 Tenth Street Home Hill QLD 4806 Ph: 07 4782 1922 Fax: 07 4782 1518

CENTRAL Proserpine 88 Main Street (PO Box 374) Proserpine QLD 4800 Ph: 07 4945 1844 Fax: 07 4945 2721

Mackay 120 Wood Street (PO Box 117) Mackay QLD 4740 Ph: 07 4944 2600 Fax: 07 4944 2611

SOUTHERN Bundaberg 32 Bourbong Street (PO Box 953) Bundaberg QLD 4670 Ph: 07 4151 2555 Fax: 07 4153 1986

Isis/Childers 48 Churchill Street (PO Box 95) Childers QLD 4660 Ph: 07 4126 1444 Fax: 07 4126 1902

Maryborough 106 Bazaar Street (PO Box 172) Maryborough QLD 4650 Ph: 07 4121 4441 Fax: 07 4121 6115

Rocky Point 1214 Stapylton/Jacobs Well Road Woongoolba QLD 4207 Ph: 07 5546 1481 Fax: 07 5546 1481

NSW Canegrowers Association 239 River Street PO Box 140 Maclean NSW 2463 Ph: 02 6645 2515 Fax: 02 6645 3250

Government bodies Department of Agriculture and Water Rescources

SECTION 8

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

Phone: 1800 900 090 Website: www.agriculture.gov.au

NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone: 1800 808 095 Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Phone: 13 25 23 Website: www.daf.qld gov.au

Queensland Department of Energy and Water Supply Ph:13 74 68 www.dews.qld.gov.au

Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines Ph: 13 74 68 Website: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au

Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation Ph:13 74 68 www.qld.gov.au/dsiti

Plant biosecurity Plant Health Australia Phone: 02 6215 7700 Website: www.planthealthaustralia. com.au

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 75

S E C T I O N 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS

Tim Murphy Territory Sales Manager

0408 772 405

Tony Fitzgerald Territory Sales Manager

0418 226 529

Carmen Brown Territory Sales Manager

Contact your Crop Care Sales Representative or call Crop Care Customer Service

1800 111 454

0427 192 614

Lore Saunders Territory Sales Manager

0400 560 234 Pat English Technical advisor

0417 404 966 Darren Westerhuis Senior development specialist

0438 652 897

Mitchell Faint Senior development specialist

0408 264 539

Technical Enquries:

1800 804 479 www.bayercropscience.com.au 391–393 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123

76 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

S E C T I O N 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS

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07 3260 1828 AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 77

S E C T I O N 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY IRRIGATION

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S E C T I O N 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY MACHINERY

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BRANDON Tracpower 07 4784 1100 BUNDABERG Burnett Land & Machinery 07 4151 2381 CHINCHILLA Ainsworth Motors 07 4662 7286

www.mcdonaldmurphy.com.au BUNDABERG 07 4153 6933 MACKAY & PROSERPINE 07 4952 4550

www.agnorth.com.au AYR 07 4783 3000

INGHAM Brescianini Motors 07 4776 2069

www.qmac.com.au TULLY 07 4068 1311 CAIRNS 07 4044 4440 ATHERTON 07 4095 4132

INNISFAIL Coast 2 Tableland 07 4061 2033

MARKETING

DALBY McIntosh & Son 07 4662 2288

MACKAY Carlisle Tractors 07 4952 1088 NAMBOUR David Evans Group 07 5476 1166 PROSERPINE Carlisle Farm Machinery 07 4945 2573 ROMA Mounts Machinery 07 4622 5444 STANTHORPE Pierpoint Motors 07 4681 1455 TOLGA Coast 2 Tableland 07 4095 4132 TOWNSVILLE Tracpower 07 4772 6455

QSL MARKETING CHOICE FOR MSF SUGAR GROWERS Contact your QSL representatives Daniel Messina p: 0429 660 238 e: daniel.messina@qsl.com.au or Carla Keith p: 0409 372 305 e: carla.keith@qsl.com.au for more information or to arrange an appointment.

Wilmar and Tully Sugar growers can register their interest for QSL Marketing Choice at www.qsl.com.au AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016 — 79

S E C T I O N 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY MOTOR CYCLES

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SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2016

www.australiansugarcane.com.au OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2016

Contents…

2 Editorial Eight page Next Gen Farmer Issue 22 in the centre of this magazine.

4 ACFA Commentary – Nervously coaxing the stars to align for the coming season 6 Soil health – plant diversity is crucial 7 Protecting your investment in land preparation and planting 8 Sugar water does it for brainy bees – and they spread the word!

Weeds Feature 9 How can I respond to emerging weed threats?

11 Can herbicide affect weed seed dormancy and viability?

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2016

12 Robotic agriculture: The battle between the big and the small 15 Modern Machinery Matters: Unveiling the ACV – the day the farm changed When cane farming is in your blood!

INSIDE

17 Marketing: 2015 marketing season – QSL

Soil health Sugar water – plant does it for diversity brainy bees crucial

Weeds Feature

COVER Simon Mattsson has experimented with multi-species intercropping trials to enhance soil biology, planting sunflowers and sugarcane in the same season, and within one metre of each other.

See article on Page 6.

19

Classic Tractor Tales: On the scrapheap – nearly!

22

Fishing: The ‘fish lickin’ Moreton Bay Chicken

Australian Sugarcane PO Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350. Phone: (07) 4659 3555. Fax: (07) 4638 4520.

Email: sugar@greenmountpress.com.au – www.australiansugarcane.com.au DELIVERY ADDRESS: 120 Herries Street, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350 EDITOR: Brian O’Connell

ASSOCIATE EDITORS: David Dowling

Lloyd O’Connell

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ADVERTISING: Phone (07) 4659 3555 Fax (07) 4638 4520 E: advertising@greenmountpress.com.au

CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in Australian Sugarcane are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Copyright 2016.

Published by Berekua Pty. Ltd., 40 Creek Street, Brisbane, Queensland.

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. PP100008014. ISSN 1442–5157.

PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER. AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 1

Editorial…

by Brian O’Connell, Editor

I

N the process of putting this combined Annual/ Bimonthly issue together I couldn’t help but be reminded that there’s been a whole lot of serious ‘stuff’ happening across the industry over the past year. Not the least being ‘Real Choice in Marketing’ – which has for many become a real ‘chore’ in marketing. And the tension for growers has been exacerbated by the fear that future prices – the best that have been on offer for four years and very much needed by all – may go begging.

So I’m sure the news of the signing of an On-Supply Agreement between QSL and MSF Sugar came as something of a relief for all parties – and all parties are to be congratulated on their perseverance and common sense. The negativity that has been a feature of the campaign against the legislation has done no party any good. The ‘fair go’ principle is enshrined in Australian folklore – as much as we have any folklore – and the case against ‘Real Choice’ clearly failed the ‘fair go’ test at all levels within the community at large.

Guy Cowan, QSL Chairman, summed it up beautifully in his address to the QSL AGM when he said that: “In spite of challenging negotiations, the implementation of Marketing Choice provides a unique opportunity for industry to work together to shape the way forward. As the saying goes, the secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

The fact that MSF and QSL have reached an agreement would suggest that the legislation is workable. There may be a degree of ‘devil in the detail’ to come but both parties seem to be satisfied that this is not insoluble.

We can hope that those still in negotiation take a good look at the ‘done deal’ and get their deals done – and done soon!

Serious stuff indeed, so you can perhaps understand my

delight when I came across the sugar water, the string and the brainy bees story (page 8).

To be a brainy bee or not to be – that was indeed the question. To test social learning in an insect Lars Chittka from Queen Mary University of London and his research colleagues attached strings to artificial flowers laden with sugar water, put these ‘flowers’ under Plexiglas, and trained bumblebees to pull strings to access the sugar water.

The researchers found that bumblebees could figure out how to pull the string to get the sugar water reward; that watching this helps other bees learn to do it too; and, that this new skill continues to spread through a colony even after the original string-puller is gone.

Understanding how behaviour spreads in other animals could yield insights into the evolutionary roots of culture in humans. Insight is a fine thing, so is a sense of the absurd.

“What I like about the work,” says Lars, “in addition to the experimental and intellectual challenges and insights, is the sheer absurdity of seeing bees solving a string-pulling puzzle. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. And even now, looking at the videos still makes me laugh.”

Seems those sophisticated forms of learning and cognition we proudly believe are specific to human culture may have evolved from humbler forms like those of bumblebees.

It’s a bit of a leveller really – just how much brainpower is actually required for any one task? Experiments such as the ‘string pulling’ with small-brained bees – and I mean that in the nicest possible way – suggest that small circuits can deal with exceptionally complex challenges.

So if you are wondering just who’s pulling the strings when it comes to ‘Real Choice’ it may be just a bunch of ‘Bees’!

In this issue...

Soil health – plant diversity crucial

Sugar water does it for brainy bees

On the scrapheap – nearly!

North Queensland cane farmer and 2014 Nuffield Australia Scholar, Simon Mattsson, believes farmers need to move away from simple crop rotations, or no crop rotations, and look to plant diversity for soil health.

String pulling is a popular problemsolving task for investigating cognitive abilities in vertebrates, but has never been tested in insects. Now, a social insect has joined the club, according to a study recently published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology.

Buried somewhere down in Back Paddock, there are the remnants of a 1935 rusted-out Fordson tractor.

I recall it was beyond salvation. Indeed, there was not even a necessity for me to put it to sleep with the aid of my seldom used point 303. It was that crook, it had expired of its own accord.

See article ���������������������������������� Page 6

See articles starting ������������������ Page 8

See article �������������������������������� Page 19

2 — Australian Sugarcane

October–November 2016

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ACFA COMMENTARY

Nervously coaxing the stars to align for the coming season OO By Stephen Ryan, General Manager ACFA

T

HE 2016 crushing season has continued its slow progress with rainfall events throughout most regions plus some mill breakdowns. The NSW industry went from too wet to quite dry in October, with rain needed in some areas.

Planting has been delayed in many areas of Queensland and there is the ever-looming prospect of stand-over cane in Queensland’s wet-tropics.

Stephen Ryan.

Everyone is nervously coaxing the weather to remain fine, the mills to stay intact, the CCS to remain high and the sugar price to ascend even higher.

could not be done and that it was unworkable. Since that time, opponents of the legislation have waged a very negative and very determined campaign to overturn the legislation.

The Queensland sugar industry, as we know it, has been built on the premise that growers and millers share the risks and the rewards from the growing of sugarcane and the manufacture of raw sugar. This model has stood the test of time and has delivered the most important factors that have contributed to the establishment and growth of our industry; transparency and confidence.

As a producer-marketer, the Queensland industry has relied on QSL, the industry owned marketer, to transparently deliver a trusted outcome via a contestable market. This model delivers confidence to growers which in turn incentivises them to further invest in their farm businesses and the future of our industry.

QSL and MSF sugar are to be congratulated for coming together to create a win/win for growers and millers.

Grower Choice wins through

Wilmar extends marketer choice deadline

The signing of an On-Supply Agreement (OSA) between QSL and MSF Sugar has enabled growers with a Cane Supply Agreement with MSF Sugar to choose QSL as the marketer of their Grower Economic Interest in sugar (GEI Sugar) and access QSL’s pricing products for the 2017 Season and beyond.

This is a clear confirmation that the Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Act 2015 is a successful and workable legislation.

While the act was being drafted, its opponents said that it

Wilmar and QSL have been negotiating for some weeks on the terms of a Grower Economic Interest Sugar Sales Agreement (GEISSA) – otherwise known as an On Supply Agreement (OSA).

On October 26, 2016, Wilmar announced that despite its best efforts to conclude a GEISSA with QSL as soon as possible, it is clear that they are going to run beyond the timeframe expected in July when they distributed their draft cane supply agreements for 2017. Those agreements had a cut-off date for marketing nominations of October 31, 2016 (the Marketing Nomination Date). Given the continuing negotiations with QSL, Wilmar has decided to extend the marketing nomination date for the 2017 season until February 28, 2017.

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SRA welcomes Anthony Curro to Brandon research station SRA has welcomed Anthony Curro to the role of Adoption Officer based in the Burdekin.

In his role within the SRA Adoption Group, Anthony will work with sugarcane growers and millers to drive productivity and profitability improvements.

Leader of the Adoption Group, James Ogden-Brown said the Adoption Group was a crucial link between the research and development conducted by SRA, and translating this into practical outcomes that can be adopted by sugarcane growers and millers.

Anthony is working in the Burdekin with a focus on precision agriculture, and alongside fellow Adoption Officer in the region, Andres Jaramillo (irrigation).

Anthony grew up in the Burdekin and worked in the family farming business consisting of horticulture, sugarcane and mango orchards on a full time basis for 12 years.

He has also studied science at JCU and worked with the industry in the region’s Natural Resource Management organisation. n October–November 2016

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Soil health – plant diversity is crucial

N

ORTH Queensland cane farmer and 2014 Nuffield Australia Scholar, Simon Mattsson, believes farmers need to move away from simple crop rotations, or no crop rotations, and look to plant diversity for soil health.

Simon and his family run a 190-hectare property at Marian, 30 kilometres west of Mackay, producing sugarcane, soybeans and chickpeas in rotation, utilising a two-metre controlled traffic farming system.

As part of his Nuffield studies which focussed on the beneficial and predatory microbial activities that are crucial to sustaining productive soils, Simon visited New Zealand, the United States of America, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Kenya and South Africa.

Cane production at Mackay has suffered a nine per cent decline every five years for the past 20 years, something that Simon believes can be reversed by building soil health through promotion of plant diversity and biological activity.

“Plant diversity enables biological diversity, biological diversity enables carbon building, carbon building enables greater plant microbial growth,” he said.

“I actually think in years to come we will discover that all the different types of biology have a symbiosis with various different plant species, and if you want a range of biology in any agricultural situation, you will need a range of plants, otherwise you’ll just limit your biological diversity which will limit your farms productive capacity and increase your environmental impact.

“One of the biggest differences between the really resilient, successful farmers and the rest is their ability to take full advantage of the key elements that as farmers we all get, and are free: Sunlight, rainfall, carbon and nitrogen.”

Regenerative Agriculture Simon believes that the Queensland sugar industry has not paid enough attention to the potential of maintaining a balance of soil biology, but improvements can easily be made to soil conditions if the following key principles are applied in unison.

“You need to implement a continuous regime of minimum mechanical soil disturbance, maintain permanent organic soil cover and a living root in the soil as well as plant diverse crop species in sequences or associations,” he said.

“These are four linked principals of Regenerative Agriculture (RA) – an approach to managing agro-ecosystems for improved and sustained productivity.

“RA is a system, not a recipe, and adopting only one or two of these principles will either not work or only give limited results,” Mr Mattsson said.

Multi-species intercropping On his own farm Simon has experimented with multi-species intercropping trials to enhance soil biology, planting sunflowers and sugarcane in the same season, and within one metre of each other.

“Utilising sunflowers on cane farms to enhance soil health is by no means a new practice, but they’re normally planted as a fallow crop,” he said.

“I believe planting in this way – in the same season and directly alongside the sugarcane – is a first for the Australian sugar cane industry.

“Sunflowers have a number of nutrient benefits compared to that of sugarcane, and being a broad leaf they have the added benefit of providing host for another range of biology.”

Editor’s note: I recommend Simon’s Scholarship report – Making the Most of Your Soil’s Biological Potential – to all our readers. You will find in it a comprehensive and very impassioned explanation of Simon’s farming philosophy together with a series of recommendations. Simon believes these recommendations will assist not only the Queensland sugar industry, but also all farmers, wherever they are and whatever they farm, to improve soil health, profitability and environmental outcomes.

For more information: Simon’s Scholarship report – Making the Most of Your Soil’s Biological Potential – is available at http://www.nuffieldinternational.org Contact Simon Mattsson: Email: mattsson@mcs.net.au Simon Mattsson was sponsored by SRA.

n

Simon has experimented with multi-species intercropping trials to enhance soil biology, planting sunflowers and sugarcane in the same season, and within one metre of each other.

6 — Australian Sugarcane

October–November 2016

Protecting your investment in land preparation and planting

P

ROFITABLE cane farming hinges on setting up the plant crop and laying the foundation for several productive cropping cycles. This includes protecting the plant crop and several ratoons from canegrub damage.

Hand-in-hand with growers’ move towards precision farming are precision inputs – for maximum return from investment and to retain inputs on the farm and out of waterways.

For many years, Crop Care has worked closely with Sugar Research Australia researchers to extend the period of canegrub control by applying a single application of controlled-release product to the plant crop.

The latest advance registered in 2015 was suSCon maxi Intel – a perfect fit for today’s precision farming systems.

Extended protection One treatment with suSCon maxi Intel granules at either planting, first working or drill fill-in covers the crop against canegrub damage for several years: OO Three years against greyback, negatoria, consobrina and Bundaberg canegrub damage; and, OO four years against southern one-year and Childers canegrub damage.

Applied to the plant crop, suSCon maxi Intel gives growers the opportunity to reduce application time and labour; to maintain higher plant numbers, vigour and yield; to grow stronger ratoons and increase ratooning life; and to reduce potential off-farm loss of imidacloprid – the active ingredient in the majority of canegrub products.

Crop Care promotes careful and precise placement of the granules for each farming system and the target canegrubs.

Canegrub species differ in their habit and feeding zone in the soil, so control products need different placement for different species. Planting depth also influences the ideal placement of suSCon maxi Intel granule band in relation to the cane sett.

The aim is to have the product in the target grubs’ feeding

suSCon maxi Intel’s distinctive granular form makes it easier to monitor and ensure that imidacloprid is placed where it is meant to be in the soil.

October–November 2016

Canegrub in pupating chamber. (Image: SRA)

zone, with sufficient soil cover (at least 10cm of consolidated soil) above the insecticide band.

As well as careful placement for maximum canegrub control, there were important environmental considerations in its development.

Reduced runoff risk A major advantage of suSCon maxi Intel is its controlled release of imidacloprid from the granules over a number of years – at a level toxic to canegrubs, but with minimum risk of being lost in runoff water. suSCon maxi Intel’s granular form also makes it easier to monitor and ensure that imidacloprid is placed where it is meant to be in the soil.

A precision granule applicator is needed to apply an accurate dose of suSCon maxi Intel granules in an even 15–20 cm-wide band directly to the plant row. Several applicators are now available, which can be driven from the planting mechanism, or by a land wheel for applications at first working or drill fill-in.

Land preparation stage is an ideal time for growers to plan ahead for applying suSCon maxi Intel.

OO If you are set up to plant deep (20cm or more), plan to put on suSCon maxi Intel at drill fill-in, particularly for greyback grubs.

OO If you plant shallow (15 cm or less), plan to put it on in the planting operation.

OO If planting depth is somewhere in between, there is some flexibility (for example at planting for two-year grubs, and at first working or fill-in for greyback).

Whatever the depth and time of application, always aim for a minimum of 10 cm of consolidated cover above the granules when the row is finished and hilled up.

For more information refer to the suSCon maxi Intel Manual which is available from your supplier, ask Crop Care field staff or visit www.cropcare.com.au

n

Australian Sugarcane — 7

Sugar water does it for brainy bees – and they spread the word!

S

TRING pulling is a popular problem-solving task for investigating cognitive abilities in vertebrates, but has never been tested in insects. Now, a social insect has joined the club, according to a study recently published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Lars Chittka from Queen Mary University of London, UK, and colleagues.

The researchers found that: OO Bumblebees can figure out how to pull a string to get a sugar water reward; OO That watching this helps other bees learn to do it too; and, OO That this new skill continues to spread through a colony even after the original string-puller is gone.

Understanding how behaviour spreads in other animals could yield insights into the evolutionary roots of culture in humans.

Social learning facilitates the transmission of behaviours from individual innovators to a group, and is common amongst animals from birds to rodents to primates.

To test social learning in an insect, Lars and colleagues attached strings to artificial flowers laden with sugar water, put these ‘flowers’ under Plexiglas, and trained bumblebees to pull strings to access the sugar water.

“What I like about the work,” said Lars, “in addition to the experimental and intellectual challenges and insights, is the sheer absurdity of seeing bees solving a string-pulling puzzle. When lead author Sylvain Alem first showed me a bee successfully pulling on the string, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

And even now, looking at the videos still makes me laugh.”

The trained bees served as innovators. To see if other bees could learn from them, the researchers put 25 untrained bees in transparent cages where they could watch trained bees demonstrate their string-pulling prowess. Untrained bees rarely learned this skill on their own. But 60 per cent of the untrained bees solved the problem after watching other bees do it, showing that these insects can learn socially.

Lars Chittka – bee trainer ‘extraordinaire’ and the founder of the Research Centre for Psychology at Queen Mary, University of London.

To test whether string pulling would also be transmitted culturally in bumblebees, the researchers added a single trained bee to each of three colonies of untrained bees. Then the researchers assessed string pulling in pairs of bees. After 150 of these bouts, roughly half of the untrained bees in each colony had learned to pull strings to get sugar water (53, 58 and 42 per cent, respectively, for the three colonies). Moreover, even though the trained innovator died after only about a third of the test bouts in one colony, string pulling continued to spread, underscoring the strength of this cultural transmission.

Lars had initially been sceptical that the experiment would work, but his co-workers were up for the challenge “and found quite quickly that indeed bees could be trained to solve the string-pulling task. But it was even more of a surprise that not only could bees be trained to solve this task in a step-by-step manner – but a small minority of bees actually solved the task by themselves, without gradual training or observing a skilled bee. The final big surprise came in the context of social learning: we discovered that naïve individuals that would observe, from a distance, a skilled string-pulling bee, could subsequently solve the task by themselves.”

How much brain power?

Watching each other helps these social insects learn to pull strings for a sugar water reward. (Image: Sylvain Alem)

8 — Australian Sugarcane

This work shows that social learning and cultural transmission can occur with a cognitive toolkit far simpler than that of humans. In fact, suggest the researchers, the sophisticated forms of learning and cognition specific to human culture – in all its complexity and diversity – may have evolved from humbler forms like those of bumblebees.

“How much brainpower is actually required for any one task – how many neurons, how many sequential and parallel neural processing stages?” wondered Lars. “In that view, the single task that actually requires a big brain has not been discovered yet, and indeed there is more and more evidence, both from experiments on small-brained insects and computational neuroscience, that small circuits can deal with exceptionally complex challenges.”

For more information: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1002564 Contact: Lars Chittka, l.chittka@qmul.ac.uk

n

October–November 2016

WEEDS FEATURE

How can I respond to emerging weed threats?

E

MERGING weeds are generally weeds that have been present in an area but for some reason have not been of any great concern – until something changes with a run of wet or dry season, or a change in farming practice.

Dr Bhagirath Chauhan, Principal Research Fellow with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is leading a project to study the characteristics of 10 weed species that are becoming increasingly important in the northern region of Australia.

“Growers in the region put forward the list of three winter weed and seven summer weed species, which they thought were of greatest concern,” said Bhagirath. “Over the next four years we will be studying the influence of rainfall pattern and cropping history on the seed dormancy and persistence of these species.”

The study will focus on better understanding the seed bank biology of sowthistle, turnip weed and Mexican poppy in the winter and feathertop Rhodes grass, windmill grass, liverseed grass, button grass, caltrop, bladder ketmia and sweet summer grass in summer.

“We want to know if these species are more or less of a potential problem in higher rainfall areas such as Dalby or drier areas such as St George,” he said. “We will also see if crop competition and additional resources, such as fertiliser, affect dormancy and germination patterns of these weeds.”

“Seed dormancy and persistence in the soil are very important aspects of weed ecology and can be used to manage weed population with both herbicide and non-herbicide measures.”

Why is information about seed dormancy and persistence important?

Short answer: These characteristics vary considerably between plant species but once understood they help identify management practices that will work best.

Longer answer: Seed dormancy is a measure of the conditions required for the seed to germinate. For instance, one species may not germinate until a certain soil temperature is reached while another species may respond to soil moisture or light. Persistence is a measure of how long a seed can remain viable in the soil. Some species remain viable for decades while others only a few months while awaiting the right conditions for germination.

How can I use this information to manage weeds?

Short answer: Look for ways to run down the seed bank.

Longer answer: For example, sowthistle has no dormancy – as soon as it rains the seed will germinate, making it easier to time an effective herbicide application. Mexican poppy shows strong dormancy over summer then germinated in a flush when it rained in autumn. Turnip weed has been considered a winter weed but we are seeing it germinate as early as February.

Knowing the triggers for germination helps plan a control program.

Understanding the persistence characteristic of these weeds will take longer but will alert growers to the potential benefit of cultivation to control weeds that do not persist for long once the

Dr Bhagirath Chauhan is studying the ecology of ten emerging weeds in the northern grains region to help identify the most effective control tactics.

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 9

WEEDS FEATURE seed is buried or crop competition for weed seeds that do not remain viable for long on the soil surface.

WEED CONTROL IN SUGARCANE

Is turnip weed likely to be as big a problem for northern region growers as its Western Australian relative, wild radish?

Short answer: Possibly, but there are differences between the species.

Longer answer: Until the past few years turnip weed has been mainly found on roadsides rather than in cropping paddocks but it is now a common weed in crops. Like wild radish it produces vast quantities of seed but the seed is less dormant and less persistent in the soil. The seed coat still needs to rupture for germination to occur but fluctuations in moisture and temperature, along with insect damage means dormancy is readily broken down and turnip weed is germinating earlier in the year than expected. There have been cases of resistance to Group B herbicides in turnip weed so it is important to manage any survivors after applying these herbicides. A planned survey of 600 turnip weed populations will illustrate the current density of turnip weed and herbicide resistance testing against current herbicides will better inform researchers and growers.

‘Weedsmart’ is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance on-farm practices and promote the long term, sustainable use of herbicides in Australian agriculture.

For more information: http://www.weedsmart.org.au

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Yield loss attributed to weeds is estimated to be as high as 13–15 per cent in the Australian sugarcane industry. Herbicides are used extensively to control weeds, incurring millions of dollars in increased production costs and possible phytotoxic yield reduction.

The SRA’s Sugarcane Advisors Kit tells us that the impact of weeds in sugarcane is greater than in many short-season row crops. This is because the wide inter-row spacing, high temperature, high rainfall, fertiliser inputs and the perennial nature of sugarcane favour weed growth.

The main impacts are OO Reduction in cane yield from competition for nutrients, sunlight and moisture OO Reduction in harvesting efficiency and cane supply quality from vines climbing over and entangling themselves with the crop OO Reduction in cane growth from toxins released by some weeds > Increasing cost of herbicides to control weeds OO More complex farm management as regulations impose tighter controls on chemical use.

Reducing the weed seed bank is seen as the most cost effective method in controlling weeds.

SRA recommends an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) approach which involves using a combination of cost-effective management techniques to effectively control weeds in an environmentally responsible manner.

The focus is on minimising the potential for weeds to set seed in all crop phases and therefore reducing the weed seed bank.

IWM involves a number of key components OO Reducing the weed seed bank is seen as the most cost effective method in controlling weeds. For example, by preventing weed seed entering the paddock (by slashing adjacent headlands, spraying along fence lines and around hydrants, pumps, sheds, machinery) the weed pressure in adjacent blocks of cane is greatly reduced.

OO Practising good hygiene procedures. Practices such as cleaning down machinery including slashers and harvesters will minimise the introduction of weed seed to the farm.

OO Using appropriate cultural practices. Trash blanketing in ratoons suppresses weeds, especially grasses. A well managed legume crop during the fallow period will further reduce the grass weed pressure for the following plant cane crop.

OO Applying suitable herbicides in a program of pre-emergent residual and post-emergent control. Choose the correct herbicide according to the soil type and weed species and to apply it at the right time and in optimum conditions.

Weed seeds are grown in semi-controlled field conditions to determine the effect of rainfall patterns and other environmental influences on seed dormancy and persistance.

10 — Australian Sugarcane

OO Mechanical control. This involves a range of possible cultivation operations in plant cane and non-trash blanket systems.

For more information visit: http://www.sugarresearch.com.au/

October–November 2016

WEEDS FEATURE

Can herbicide affect weed seed dormancy and viability?

F

ARMERS have been reporting that several weed species seem to be emerging later than usual, evading preemergent herbicides, to establish in-crop.

This apparent shift in emergence has also caused weeds researchers some trouble when they conduct herbicide resistance testing and find that seed from some populations has greater germination than others.

Hanwen Wu, NSW DPI principal research scientist says he first came across this with fleabane when seeds collected from some populations failed to germinate. He began to investigate whether herbicides applied to the weed populations over summer could have been affecting seed dormancy and viability.

“We have now confirmed that different herbicides sprayed on mature fleabane plants at early and late budding stages definitely affect the seed dormancy and viability,” says Hanwen.

“Other researchers have previously found that brome grass and barley grass seed collected in cropping fields often have longer dormancy than seed collected from adjacent non-crop habitats.”

“Herbicide-induced dormancy could be a problem for

growers as it can cause delayed emergence and prolonged seed persistence in the field. Weeds like fleabane that are difficult to kill, especially once they have developed a strong root system, can quickly take advantage of summer rainfall to send out multiple branches bearing large amounts of seed.”

“Our field and glasshouse trials have shown that there are herbicides that can be used to reduce the amount of viable seed produced by large fleabane plants, but the timing must be right,” he says.

How important is the timing of herbicide application to sterilise fleabane seed?

Short answer: Spray at early budding for best effect.

Longer answer: There is only a three-week window between early budding and late budding when the fleabane buds begin to open. Spraying glyphosate at late budding or at flowering is generally wasted and is more likely to help the plants produce seed with longer dormancy. Spraying at early budding can effectively kill or stunt the seed heads and more seed will be sterile.

Dr Hanwen Wu has demonstrated that herbicide applications can induce dormancy in fleabane seeds, enabling seeds to evade pre-emergent herbicides and establish later in-crop when control options are minimal.

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 11

WEEDS FEATURE What herbicides are effective for this use?

Short answer: A range of herbicides commonly-used in summer can effectively reduce the germinable seeds and the total viable seeds on flaxleaf fleabane plants, especially when applied at the early budding stage. Delayed herbicide application has a lesser sterilising effect on the seed.

Longer answer: Similar studies around the world demonstrate that herbicides could potentially reduce seed production and viability of many agricultural weeds. While there is potential to use this tactic to reduce seedbank replenishment there is also a risk that herbicide applications could also induce seed dormancy, which could prolong the seed persistence in the field, making weed management more complex in-crop.

How can this strategy be used in an integrated weed management plan?

kill with herbicides, particularly if soil moisture is limited. They readily regrow after being cut off at harvest, drawing on large root reserves. Over summer, use the double knock technique after rain to treat regrowth while the branches are relatively ‘small’. Crop competition is very effective in reducing fleabane populations so choose competitive crops, narrow row spacing and set them up for success to minimise the opportunities for late germinating plants to gain a foot-hold. Strategic cultivation and regular grazing are also effective tactics. Integration of chemical and non-chemical options could minimise the build-up of dormant seed in the seed bank.

Weedsmart’ is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance on-farm practices and promote the long term, sustainable use of herbicides in Australian agriculture.

For more information: http://www.weedsmart.org.au

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Short answer: Herbicide applied at early budding stage can reduce the amount of viable seed set, but this tactic must not be used in isolation.

Longer answer: Large flaxleaf fleabane plants are hard to

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Glyphosate applied at early budding can effectively reduce seed set on the main stem of flaxleaf fleabane – a management tool that could be incorporated into an integrated weed management program.

October–November 2016

Issue 22

Octobe 2016

NextGen Farmer

1

Editorial

By Stephen Ryan

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Contents Editorial

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Succession planning – tips for farming famalies

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Case IH continues sponsorship of Step UP! Conference

We really do need to talk

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From serving to sustaining the nation

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QSL Update – the 1:2:2:1of managing price risk

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Next Gen is delighted that Case IH will be the Step UP! Conference naming rights sponsor for a third time in 2017.

More than 150 cane farmers, cane professionals and industry stakeholders will meet at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 March 2017 to discuss topics of interest to the next generation of the Australian sugar industry.

The conference will further build on the Next Gen program’s bourgeoning network of young and established cane farmers and professionals across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

Gerard Puglisi, Next Gen Officer and the Next Gen reps encourage all who have an interest in the future of the industry to attend the event and have their say.

“In 2013 we had the first hugely successful Case IH Step UP! Conference with a gathering of more than 150 people.

“Of the group, around 80 younger farmers were able to identify and address issues of succession planning and the flow of information from mills to the younger generation as common across all mill areas.

“The main themes of the conference focused on sustainability, profitability and innovation and speakers were able to talk to farmers about the real issues which weigh heavily on them.

Gerard says the second Case IH Step UP! in 2015 was designed to build on the previous conference outcomes and aimed to give a voice to young farmers, many of whom work with their parents or off the farm in the mining industry to supplement their incomes.

“We want to encourage younger people to step up and take more of an industry role.

“Decisions are being made about our industry that are not going to necessarily affect the decision-makers for as long as they will impact on the next generation of cane farmers.

Gerard says that “Next Gen events are great way for young local farmers to get together and share knowledge.”

“The conference is a chance for us to talk about what’s changed, what’s worked and what hasn’t.

“It’s great to be able to meet business leaders face-to-face and tell them about the things that matter to us in our own words.”

For updates on the conference program, or to book tickets to n the event please visit www.nextgenstepup.com.

Next Gen contacts

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NextGen Farmer

FRONT COVER:

Case IH – Sponsoring the next generation of farmers at the 2017 Step UP! Conference and developing the next generation of autonomous farm vehicles!

Thank you to our partners

Octobe 2016

Succession planning – tips for farming families

I

t comes as no surprise to our Next Gen readers that over half of Australia’s farm owners are over 55 years old with the majority retiring in the next 15 years, what may be surprising is the number of farmers who are failing to discuss and adequately prepare for the future.

As a result, many are discovering their options are limited when it comes to retirement and the transfer of ownership and control.

Business advisory firm Chapman Eastway, in conjunction with Charles Sturt University have released a new report Australian Farming Families: Succession and Inheritance.

Farming has changed significantly over the past 20 years, with younger farmers adopting new models of business ownership and displaying greater willingness to engage in discussion and formalised business planning. Farm succession planning needs to move and adapt to those changes.

Amongst recommendations on taxation, superannuation and infrastructure investment reform the report identifies a number of tips for farming families when it comes to succession planning:

1. Be pro-active and start conversations early Lack of communication leads to uncertainty, frustration and conflicting expectations. Involving your kids early in the decision making process instils confidence and trust and fosters good communication channels for the future.

OO Involve all family members in discussions and planning: If expectations are put on the table early, each individual can contribute to and come to terms with the plan. This will lessen the likelihood of future contestation and is a great

way to instil confidence and trust in the next generation.

Including family members’ spouses in the family council will also help avoid feelings of resentment and exclusion.

OO Have regular family meetings: Because circumstances change, succession planning should be viewed as an evolving process, it is best to revisit the plan annually in a formal forum where people feel free to discuss their issues.

If everyone knows the plan, family members are free to live their lives with security and clarity about the future and no mistaken assumptions.

2. Run your business like a business It is important to establish basic structures to isolate and manage the realms between family, business and the business environment OO Consider housing your business into a formal legal entity like a corporation or limited liability company (LLC); this will help to create some space between and within the individuals and the business.

OO Where possible – all contribution to the business should be adequately remunerated at market rates so that there are no lagged debts that can be called upon by children wishing to claim an ownership stake in the business. If the business cannot or has agreed not to pay the full agreed pay, then this deficit should be recorded and can be readjusted in the event of a sale or change of ownership.

OO Formalise financial reporting and decision-making: Ensure strong financial reporting, strategic and budgetary planning and effective corporate/family governance with structure

Next Gen Farmer GPO Box 608, Brisbane QLD 4001 Tel: (07) 3839 1900 Fax: (07) 3839 1911 E: admin@acfa.com.au Delivery address: Level 3, 447 Upper Edward Street Spring Hill, BRISBANE QLD 4000 Editor: Stephen Ryan Administration: Alicia Opajdowska Next Gen Officer: Gerard Puglisi Mob: 0412 417 717 E: nextgen@acfa.com.au Next Gen Farmer, Issue 22 Published Octobe 2016 ISN 2201-7240 The Australian Cane Famers Association (ACFA) produces Next Gen Farmer. Views expressed within are not necessarily those of the ACFA.

Octobe 2016

The report identifies a preference by younger farmers for involving multiple individuals in property inheritance without the subdivision of assets. (Rangsmo Images, 2015) NextGen Farmer

iii

around how decisions are made and issues are addressed.

This may involve contracting a business advisor to consolidate the business history, establish KPIs and a longterm business plan.

planning, but few actually specialise in this complex area.

When done well, succession planning results in a more positive commercial outcome for the business and clarity around contribution, relative position and purpose for family members.

3. Write it down

5. Adopt a mentality of stewardship

The transition of ownership often falls apart because of an overreliance on verbal promises and informal contracts.

Generation X and Y thrive off clear rules and guidelines.

OO Draw up a family charter: A family constitution drawn up by the family that sets out universally applicable rules for all family members and spouses (existing and incumbent) will ensure everyone has clarity around the future and their place within the business. A family charter is an excellent point of reference when exceptional circumstances arise i.e. divorce, personal bankruptcy etc.

OO Draw up a legal partnership or operating agreement: For those individuals in family partnerships, the business will benefit from operating within a formal agreement that sets out each family member’s respective position and role in the business.

The survival of the agricultural industry relies on the enthusiasm, energy and ideas of the younger generation. The key to this is in developing an effective exit and arrival strategy so the departing generation can still contribute and not feel like they are being pushed out and the younger generation feel empowered and confident about their role in the future.

OO When families start to view the business as something to be protected and maintained for future generations, instead of something to be split up and distributed, the chance of success grows considerably.

OO Consider inter-generational change: If family members are aware of the pattern of difference between family members, and work together to create solutions and a platform for communication where everyone can be involved, the chance of success increases considerably i.e. those born before 1946 are more hierarchical and private than Gen X or Gen Y (born after 1965). As such, they prefer face-to-face communication and make better decisions when given time to consider their options.

4. Assemble a strong team of advisors Good businesses seek the best advice in areas where they lack expertise. You’ll need an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the legal environment surrounding rural estate planning and a good financial advisor who can deliver tailored and flexible solutions to achieve your family and business objectives. Many professionals claim to undertake succession

Drawn from Australian farming families: Succession and inheritance: A Report for the Agricultural Industry produced by Chapman – the full report can be found at http://www.chapmaneastway.com.au Contact: Anthony Ryan, Principal, Chapman Eastway E: a.ryan@chapmaneastway.com.au Ph: 02 9262 4933.

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Helping you access short term, skilled labour now

The LABOUR PLACEMENT division of The-Gate is essentially a service introducing Australian farmers needing short-term skilled labour, to keen and experienced young workers with farming backgrounds.

The-Gate offers a pool of skilled international farm workers with header and other large machinery experience.

So to get the ball rolling on solving your short-term labour needs, go to www.the-gate.com.au and register (for free) on The-Gate’s database or contact Catherine on 0408 717 459

www.the-gate.com.au iv

NextGen Farmer

Octobe 2016

We are all aware of the challenges faced by farmers young and old and of the stress that these challenges bring. There have been many calls for farmers to talk – to talk to family, to talk to friends and now there is research suggesting that when it comes to depression, one particular talking therapy is both participant and cost effective.

We really do need to talk

A

simple and inexpensive talking therapy known as behavioural activation (BA) is as effective at treating depression in adults as the gold-standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and can be delivered by nonspecialist staff with minimal training at far less cost, according to new research published in The Lancet.

With long waiting lists and limited access to services, many people who need CBT for depression cannot get treatment.

The findings from this new study – one of the largest trials of psychological treatment for depression to date – suggest that behavioural activation therapy could be delivered by junior mental health workers, leading to considerable savings for health services.

“Our findings challenge the dominance of CBT as the leading evidence-based psychological therapy for depression”, says David Richards, lead author and Professor of Mental Health Services Research at the University of Exeter, UK. “Behavioural activation should be a front-line treatment for depression in the UK and has enormous potential to improve reach and access to psychological therapy worldwide.”

Depression is a common mental health disorder affecting around 350 million people worldwide. Untreated depression is expected to cost the global economy US$5.36 trillion between 2011 and 2030. Currently, talking therapies like CBT are delivered by specialist clinicians and therapists who are expensive to train and employ. In many countries, access is limited to people who can afford to pay, or those with health insurance, and waiting lists can be long. For example, in England, 1 in 10 people have been waiting over a year to receive talking therapy, whilst in the USA, only about a quarter of people with depression have received any type of psychological therapy in the past 12 months.

“Behavioural activation is an ‘outside in’ treatment that focuses on helping people with depression to change the way they act. The treatment helps people make the link between their behaviour and their mood. Therapists help people to seek out and experience more positive situations in their lives. The treatment also helps people deal with difficult situations and helps them find alternatives to unhelpful habitual behaviours,” explains David. “In contrast, CBT is an ‘inside out’ treatment where therapists focus on the way a person thinks. Therapists help people to identify and challenge their thoughts and beliefs about themselves, the world, and their future. CBT helps people to identify and modify negative thoughts and the beliefs that give rise to them.”

Equally effective and significantly cheaper One year after the start of treatment, behavioural activation was found to be as effective as CBT, with around two-thirds Octobe 2016

Depression – estimated to affect around 350 million people worldwide – may be treated effectively and much less expensively with a ‘talking therapy’.

of participants in both groups reporting at least a 50 per cent reduction in depressive symptoms. Participants in both groups also reported similar numbers of depression free days and anxiety diagnoses, and were equally likely to experience remission.

Importantly, the average intervention costs were significantly lower for behavioural activation than CBT ($1500 vs $1960 per person); amounting to a 20 per cent financial saving for health care systems). Additionally, cost-effectiveness analysis showed that behavioural activation is highly costeffective and affordable compared with CBT, mainly due to the low cost of non-specialist mental health providers.

According to David, “Our findings indicate that health services worldwide, both rich and poor, could reduce the need for costly professional training and infrastructure, reduce waiting times, and increase the availability of psychological therapies. But more work still needs to be done to find ways to effectively treat up to a third of people with depression who do not respond to CBT or behavioural activation.”

For more information: www.thelancet.com – published online July 22, 2016. n

NextGen Farmer

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From serving to sustaining the nation

A

recruitment program placing former Australian defence personnel in the agriculture industry is proving a successful skill set snap: applying their military skills and can-do attitude to filling the dire shortfall of rural labour.

Discharged Australian veterans are being helped by the Agri Veterans program to transition from military to civilian life, with meaningful and skills-appropriate work in agricultural jobs around the country.

More than 5000 Australian defence staff were discharged in the last year. Agri Veterans is helping them get jobs where their skills – technical, mechanical and/or clerical – are transferable and much needed by the rural employers. Veterans learn new skills, gain financial security and get back a sense of purpose and connection to the land, working in the peace and quiet of the countryside. It’s a great fit for what the nation’s agricultural industry needs now and in the future.

Agri Veterans was started in 2015 by Goondiwindi-born Casey Brown, Managing Director of Agri Labour Australia, a privately owned agricultural recruitment company, with specific emphasis on labour for agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture.

Casey Brown had seen similar programs in the US

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NextGen Farmer

successfully placing ex-servicemen and women from both infantry and clerical roles.

“We have a unique understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel when transitioning back into civilian life,’’ Casey said. “ It can be particularly difficult for those with injuries, especially when those wounds are on the inside.

“Agri Veterans presents an excellent opportunity for agricultural businesses to not only give quality jobs for quality people, but it can revitalise rural communities, provide a stronger, younger workforce and give something back to those who’ve made huge sacrifices for Australia.’’

“I want to be a normal, positive citizen again and I feel fully supported in this by Agri Veterans, who take a personal interest in you. They are not just trying to fill the (job) seats. They make the seats fit you.’’ – Josh Donnelly, grain handler and Agri Veteran, discharged from Army in 2012 after suffering PTSD in Afghanistan deployment.

“AgriLabour has been very helpful with supplying me with work. They didn’t just throw me out there and leave me. They came out a few times to visit me and make sure I was going all right.’’ – Timothy Westera, former soldier, now grain handler at Roma.

For more information visit: http://www.agrilabour.com.au/

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Octobe 2016

The 1:2:2:1 of managing price risk

O

ften when QSL talks to Growers about their pricing options, we refer to the 1:2:2:1 pricing exposure ratio.

Here we explain how we use this ratio to help manage price risk across the season.

Why does QSL average pricing across the 1.2.2.1 ratio?

The 1:2:2:1 pricing exposure ratio refers to how QSL spreads our pricing activities for Committed Sugar Pools across the season by allocating set portions of sugar against the four ICE 11 futures positions: July, October, March and May (as shown below). Remember, each ICE 11 futures delivery month notionally prices a 10-week shipping window within which the buyer of the futures contract must present their vessel for loading at the sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s port (see figure below).

How is the 1:2:2:1 ratio used?

OO

This pricing ratio enables Growers and Millers to make their

Octobe 2016

own forward pricing decisions without having to know the actual amount of pricing required against each position by our customers.

OO The 1:2:2:1 profile means six futures lots will be priced using one July futures contract, two October futures contracts, two March futures contracts and one May futures contract.

Why was this ratio chosen?

It reflects the general pattern used for shipments to customers (the four delivery contracts shown above).

OO While the sugar quantities can vary year-to-year, the shipments against the July contract are generally limited to reflect the uncertainty around the availability of sugar until crushing is well under way.

OO Approximately two thirds of the crop will be shipped against the October and March positions, where availability is certain.

OO

NextGen Farmer

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Sales to customers

Committed sugar

July 2016

300,000

200,000

100,000

October 2016

650,000

400,000

250,000

March 2017

750,000

400,000

350,000

May 2017

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assume QSL has 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to market for the 2016 Season and Committed Sugar makes up 1,200,000 tonnes of this, or 60 per cent. The remaining 800,000 tonnes, or about 40 per cent, will be priced by the Harvest Pool.

Therefore, overall pricing activity may look like table opposite.

Harvest Pool

300,000

200,000

100,000

2,000,000

1,200,000

800,000

The Harvest Pool

Other considerations The amount of sugar that has to be priced against each position must match what is shipped and sold to customers.

OO At the start of the season the actual quantity that will be shipped against each position is unknown until sales are made to customers. QSL generally manages this difference through the QSL Harvest Pool. The example below explains how this works.

Next Gen contacts

OO

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NextGen Farmer

The QSL Harvest Pool works to balance the difference between the volume of sugar that has been priced using the 1:2:2:1 ratio and the actual total of sales made to customers against each position, which is determined by customer demand and where QSL can get the best price.

OO One of the benefits of the Harvest Pool is that within the constraints of the Production Buffer system QSL can change the amount of sales made against a futures position to try and get the best price.

This is just one of the ways QSL optimises the marketing plan to get the best value for all participants who have their n sugar marketed by QSL. OO

The use of the storage at the BSTs allows QSL to optimise shipments to customers and get the best price.

OO The balance is shipped against the May futures positions.

OO

Gerard Puglisi Next Gen Officer 0412 417 717 nextgen@acfa.com.au

Hayden Quabba Mackay Rep 0400 266 012 quabba621@hotmail.com

Sam Mischke Rocky Point Rep 0423 399 281 lcmmischke1@bigpond.com

Gerard Padovan Mossman Rep 0416 034 953 gnrpadovan@gmail.com

Phil Deguara Mackay Rep 0417 796 468 pfdeguara@bigpond.com

Tracey Doherty NSW Rep 0455 107 792 richmondcane@gmail.com

Erik Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Uros Innisfail Rep 0428 247 405 ejdurso@gmail.com

Gavin Lerch Bundaberg/Isis Rep 0418 798 225 grlerch@bundysugar.com.au

Carl Menzel Burdekin Rep 0427 773 344 mailsack@bigpond.com

Josh Buchbach Bundaberg/Isis Rep 0427 559 095 Josh.buchbach@hotmail.com

Next Gen HQ (07) 3839 1900 nextgenfarmers@gmail.com GPO Box 608, Brisbane, Q 4001

Octobe 2016

WEEDS FEATURE We have been following with considerable interest the use of small autonomous robots on farms and faraway planets for some time. Over the past six months alone we have seen the commercial launch and/or demonstration of a number of Australian innovations in this field. The following report looks at the state of play with agricultural robotics around the world

Robotic agriculture: The battle between the big and the small OO By Dr Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, Research Director, IDTechEx

A

GRICULTURAL robotics can upend several commonly-held notions. Amongst them is the idea that big is better. In practise this has translated into ever larger and more powerful agricultural machinery.

This makes sense because a big machine amplifies the capabilities of the skilled driver, dramatically boosting its productivity. But this notion may be about to experience a fundamental change. The reason is that the driver can now finally be taken totally out of the equation.

The IDTechEx Research report “Agricultural Robots and Drones 2016-2026: Technologies, Markets, Players” develops a detailed roadmap of how robotic technology will enter into different aspects of agriculture, how it will change the way farming is done, how it becomes the future of agrochemicals business and how it will modify the way we design agricultural machinery.

Overall, the report forecasts that agricultural robots and drones will reach $12 billion by 2026.

cm-level accuracy. This makes agriculture the largest adopter of autonomous navigation.

The industry is already evolving. Leading tractor companies worldwide have already demonstrated master-slave or ‘followme’ unmanned autonomous tractors or load carts. In these arrangements, a manned operator supervises the movement of the leader tractor with others following suite.

This technological evolution will further the notion that big is better because it enables further amplifying the productivity of the skilled driver via multiple slave or follower vehicles. This arrangement will find increasing use in large-scale crop field farming.

Fully and unmanned autonomous tractors will be the next evolutionary step. Multiple semi-commercial prototypes have already been demonstrated by leading agricultural machinery companies.

The technical challenges are largely resolved. Here, the tractor becomes equipped with a variety of overlapping sensors such as Tractors become fully autonomous LIDAR, RADAR, and sonar to provide autonomous navigation in Agricultural vehicles have been at the forefront of developing the absence of GPS signal together with collision avoidance. and adopting autonomous navigation technology. Indeed, Technology costs are currently high but the largest hurdles are more than 320,000 tractors equipped with auto-steer or to be found in the lagging regulatory framework and the farmers’ tractor guidance technology will be sold in 2016 alone, rising desire to stay in charge. These will all inevitable change particularly to 660,000 per year in 2026. These tractors use RTK GPS as the farming population further ages across the globe. technology to autonomously follow pre-planned paths with Overall, the report forecasts that sales of fully autonomous tractors will start only from 2021–22 onwards, reaching more than $200 million in 2026.

FIGURE 1: Forecast share of sales of agribots, auto-steer tractors and autonomous harvesters Agricultural vehicles transfigured?

The advent of mobile agricultural robots will create the notion that small, light and slow is good. In this vision a few heavy, fast, large and manned tractors become replaced by, or complemented with, many light, slow, small and unmanned robots.

Here, the lightness means no soil compaction, thus increasing the useful land in each farm by as much as three per cent, slowness means more attention paid to each plant therefore better data and more precise plant-specific action, and smallness potentially means low cost.

Cost is naturally a critical parameter here. This is because large and fast machines are more productive.

This means that these new classes of agricultural robots will need to be lower cost by as much as 24 times to make economic sense. This requirement will limit mainstream adoption in the medium-term.

This is a radical shift in the way we envisage agricultural vehicles. The emerging alternative vision is October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 13

WEEDS FEATURE

SwarmFarm autonomous sprayer - bigger doesn’t always mean better. Five years ago Emerald farmer and SwarmFarm founder Andrew Bate was driving his heavy tractor through his wheat paddocks when he came up with the idea of using ‘swarms’ of small autonomous robots to do his spraying. March 22 of this year saw the commercial launch of SwarmFarm Robotics and their world-first crop spraying technology. Visit http://www.swarmfarm.com

still in its infancy but the direction of development is clear. These are already hundreds of mobile agricultural robots in existence.

But with the exception of 50 or so small-sized ones, most are still in the research or semi-commercial trial stage.

The costs are currently high too, mostly because such mobile robots require multiple sensors to provide safety and autonomy even in the absence of GPS signals. The early evidence is that farmers do not yet trust them and indeed are not willing to pay extra. This means that some models are being stripped down to the bare minimum required with seemingly simple features such as even end-of-row navigation in orchards removed.

Designed by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with $3 million in funding support from the Queensland Government, Agbot II was recently demonstrated to farmers and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Leanne Donaldson. This machine seems to have it all – it’s not just about weed control, it’s about weed control using robots.

And not just any sort of robot – these are solar powered robots. And wait, there’s more! These robots don’t just seek out and spray problem weeds – they can also quite literally ‘hoe’ into them. For more information visit https://www.qut. edu.au

Farmers turn revolution into evolution

in technology. This is evident in global statistics showing how output has grown despite falling employment in the agricultural sectors, which is partly due to the spread of mechanisation in farming. But the real effect of this conservatism is that potentially revolutionary technologies become evolutionary ones.

This new notion of swarms of unmanned robots will also be no exception. Here too the change will be gradual, both technologically and commercially. In fact, as the technology improves, the value proposition will have to be proved at every incremental step.

This is not yet done as only a few field trials have taken place and here the experimental clock is inevitably limited by harvest seasons, further slowing down the adoption process.

Furthermore, many agricultural robots today work well in specially constructed environments, suggesting that perhaps fullscale adoption requires a modification in the way farms are laid out. This will proceed at painstakingly slow rates, further helping turn the revolution into an evolution.

All these will change in the course of the coming decade.

Despite being renowned for conservatism, farmers often do take

For more information contact: Alison Lewis Email. a.lewis@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com/agri n

Technology immaturity sets the business model The machines are still not completely reliable despite the technology, at the discreet component and software level, being ready and accessible. This manifests itself in the business models of many companies seeking to commercialize such or similar robots. They become service providers so that the farmers do not bear the entire risk burden and so that skilled operates run the show in case there is a technical fault causing downtime.

FIGURE 2: Market and technology readiness by agricultural activity

14 — Australian Sugarcane

October–November 2016

Unveiling the ACV – the day the farm changed

I

And then there was the ACV – things have changed down on N August Case IH unveiled an autonomous concept vehicle the farm!

(ACV) at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. The concept vehicle is a cabless Case IH row crop tractor that can operate pulling a chisel plough followed closely by another one operating autonomously with a wide range of field implements. a planter – the opportunities for efficiency are substantial.

At the recent GrowAg Summit held in Albury, Pete McCann, Exciting new ag-tech careers Case IH’s Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said “The ACV really does open a very big door into ‘what’s The main benefits of autonomous technology are being able next, what can we do?’ Well, we can do anything. We just need to use labour in value-added, rather than low-skill, tasks; for the to build on the technology.” possibility to work 24 hours with no variation in productivity; and The ACV can move around the farm on private roads and options to overcome skilled labour shortages during critical times follows a pre-set route. An alert lets the operator know if inputs such as planting. such as fuel, or fertiliser or seed are low, so they can plot a path According to a 2012 Senate inquiry into higher education to a re-fuelling point, where inputs are topped up manually. The and skills training to support future demand of agriculture and refuelled ACV then returns to the last area worked, and resumes. agribusiness in Australia, acute labour shortages cost Australian Through the use of radar, lidar (light imaging, detection, and farmers more than $150 million a year in lost productivity, as ranging) and onboard video cameras, the vehicle can sense they struggle to find specialist workers and technicians. stationary or moving obstacles in its path “This sort of technology can help to overcome these shortages, and allow and will stop on its own until the operator, workers to focus less on manual labour and notified by audio and visual alerts, assigns more on the science of farming, helping to a new path. The ACV can be controlled attract people into the industry,” says Pete. either via a desktop computer or a portable Brett Whelan, Associate Professor in handheld tablet.

Precision Agriculture at The University of A farm manager can supervise the Sydney, concurs. “Automated vehicles activities of multiple machines via a mobile running broad-scale farming operations tablet interface while he tends to other open up new linkages between agricultural tasks or even operates another vehicle. is proudly supported by science and engineering. Combining an Autonomous tractors can work as one understanding of agricultural systems and fleet or simultaneously in multiple subhigh-tech engineering provides exciting new fleets assigned to separate fields, each career pathways for the next generations to assigned with pre-programmed maps and help feed and clothe the world.” prescriptions. You could have one tractor

Modern Machinery Matters

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 15

Information control

Pete McCann, Case IH’s Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand told the recent GrowAg Summit held in Albury that the ACV really does open a very big door into ‘what’s next, what can we do?

Pete says software developments featured in the ACV could enhance current Case IH models.

“Information and information control, rather than the actual hardware, are the biggest advances that I see in regards to where we’re up to with agricultural technology, and I think we’ll continue seeing this technology be incorporated into our existing machines. Look at how far we’ve come already — with steering for 16 years, ISO 4 on balers to control matter feed in, and so on. Building on this, the ACV shows how farmers can remotely monitor and control machines directly, giving greater operational efficiencies for tilling, planting, spraying, harvesting to just mention a few.

“These are very exciting times for farmers, as they – and Case IH – look at every avenue possible to optimise returns from every square centimetre of their farm.”

Pete says while Case IH will bring a concept vehicle to Australia to show farmers at some point, there are no current plans for local farm trials. n

WHEN CANE FARMING IS IN YOUR BLOOD! Proserpine sugarcane grower Gary Raiteri farms 157 hectares with his father Lou. The Raiteri family farm was founded by Lou’s grandfather, an Italian migrant who came to Queensland when the cane was still cut by hand.

Cane ‘cutting’ has evolved remarkably through the farming generations and in 1997 the family introduced the first Case IH Austoft sugarcane harvester into the business. It was a 7700 model and, in the almost 20 years since. Gary has purchased another six.

“When our family first began growing sugarcane, they were cutting it by hand, but today good quality harvesters are the backbone of our operation – if they aren’t going, we’re not going,” said Gary.

With a team of six and a limited number of days per year to cut, Gary estimates optimal productivity sits at approximately 800 to 1000 tonnes per day.

“Machinery breakdowns, maintenance and upkeep all add up to less hours in the paddock, which becomes a problem when there’s only so many days in a year we can be cutting. The only way we can reach 85,000 to 95,000 tonnes a year is with equipment that gets the job done efficiently.”

Gary identifies the automatic base cut height control (Auto Tracker) as a key feature that ensures precise, uniform cutting with reduced losses and stool damage.

“With the Auto Tracker, the harvester does half the job for you, plus it’s better for the crop – and that keeps farmers happy when we’re contracting. The improved hydraulics are also a standout feature – we’re yet to find a paddock we can’t cut!

It cuts through without a worry, where other machines have struggled.”

Peace of mind “Farming is an important part of my family’s identity, so the peace of mind that comes from knowing we have the backing and support of Case IH is very important to us.

“At the end of the day, sugarcane is our livelihood and without machines like the Case IH harvesters we don’t have a business. We’ve entrusted our farm to them, because we trust them to get the job done each and every time,’ concluded Gary.

For more information see your local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com.

Cane farming’s certainly in the blood for the Raiteri family – Gary, pictured here with father Lou and mother Elizabeth, is the family’s fourth generation to make his living from cane.

16 — Australian Sugarcane

October–November 2016

marketing

2015 marketing season – QSL KEY ACHIEVEMENTS…

FIGURE 1: Physical premiums (FOB Qld equivalent)

OO Secured enhanced marketing returns above the FOB physical market premium average.

OO Maintained position as largest marketer of Queensland origin sugar.

OO Successfully executed the second year of Korean Long Term Contract.

T

HE 2015 Season delivered a volatile physical market, with historical levels for Free On Board (FOB) Queensland physical premiums equivalent to levels from Thailand or Brazil during the period.

The US$50 per metric tonne range in values illustrated in the graph below reflects a shift in the global supply-and-demand picture from a multi-year surplus to a deficit.

Indonesia’s tariff disparity for ASEAN-origin raw sugar (i.e. sugar produced by Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) at a preferential import tariff rate versus other origin meant that Thai FOB premiums for raw sugar were supported during the second half of the season and have continued to remain firm while this difference exists. These values traded between being at a discount to a premium of approximately US$25 per metric tonne.

The freight market was also very unstable during the reporting period, falling to levels not seen since the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008. Despite this challenging marketing environment, QSL was able to maintain access to reliable counterparties and retain our preferred supply position into many of our key customers in Asia. We appreciate this ongoing support from our long-term customer refinery partners and remain committed to meeting their needs in the future.

But the range of potential outcomes during the past financial year highlights the significance of the QSL marketing team’s

contribution to the overall pool results and the importance of having clear benchmarks to understand a marketer’s performance in this area. As the Queensland raw sugar industry starts to transition into the new era of Marketing Choice for the 2017 Season, it is timely to recap some of the key elements of the QSL marketing package that not only underpin our strong reputation in the marketplace but also help to differentiate the QSL offering from our competitors.

In order to achieve optimal results in pricing pool returns, raw sugar marketing must be more than just about selling raw sugar to a refinery customer.

The process must start with the raw sugar product to be sold and the quality of that sugar. A strong knowledge of each

The short turnaround time at the QSL ports and our strong performance history make us an attractive customer for international shipping companies and allows us to secure competitive freight rates.

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 17

marketing customer market and its different tariff levels, quality requirements and customs regulations for raw sugar imports is also essential.

QSL has been managing this supply and demand relationship on behalf of the industry we serve for up to 50 years in some markets, managing through multiple challenges during this time.

It is within this environment that the Queensland sugar industry’s collaborative raw sugar quality scheme developed, covering a number of target specifications at a mill level to ensure that the product delivered to the bulk sugar terminals will maintain its quality over the expected storage period.

This incoming sugar quality is then coupled with strong oversight and flexible management of quality by the QSL logistics team across each of the six terminals along the Queensland coast, so that we can respond to each customer quality requirement. There is no other producer in the world that has this level of quality oversight and flexibility.

The second primary element of difference in the QSL marketing offering is the delivery. Each refinery customer has a different discharge port and storage capability at their receiving location. QSL currently manages all of its sales to export markets on a Cost and Freight (CFR) basis, chartering approximately 70 vessels per year. We do this for three key reasons: OO We need to manage the timing of the ship arrival to ensure we stay within our storage footprint in the terminals. This is particularly important in conditions such as the 2015 Season, where we had extra sugar production towards the end of the season.

OO We generate value for our customers through a just-in-time delivery service. Our customers know that once QSL has despatched the sugar it will arrive at their ports within the designated time to help manage their stock levels.

OO We leverage our direct participation in the freight market and ability to maintain a scale of chartering and partnership

with ship owners. The short turnaround time at the QSL ports and our strong performance history make us an attractive customer for international shipping companies, which we use to secure competitive freight rates.

And finally, QSL’s level of service and sustainability is second to none. As a marketer of Queensland raw sugar to some of our key customers for nearly half a century, we have a proud history of meeting our customers’ needs and helping them to create value in their own businesses.

As a new generation of customers become increasingly interested in the sustainability credentials of the Queensland raw sugar product, QSL is working closely with the Smartcane BMP program and is well positioned to maintain access to our bluechip customers.

When QSL is negotiating with existing and potential customers regarding raw sugar supply, all of the elements outlined above comprise QSL’s value proposition as a reliable producer-seller. By comparison, many of our global trade house competitors will buy their sugar from multiple producers or other trade houses with the aim to set minimum quality standards in their contracts.

They tend to have a separate agreement with refiners to supply sugar from a number of different origins, such as Thailand, Brazil, Guatemala, Cuba or Queensland. Refiners are usually only prepared to give this level of flexibility to the traders at a discount to the market. In contrast, some refinery customers are keen to secure access to a reliable supply of Queensland raw sugar via longer-term agreements with QSL, and willing to pay a premium for this. We expect that this will remain an important part of our marketing opportunities well into the future and look forward to providing unmatched value to our refinery customers in the years to come.

Drawn from: Queensland Sugar Limited Annual Report 2015–16.

n

Helping you access short term, skilled labour now

The LABOUR PLACEMENT division of The-Gate is essentially a service introducing Australian farmers needing short-term skilled labour, to keen and experienced young workers with farming backgrounds.

The-Gate offers a pool of skilled international farm workers with header and other large machinery experience.

So to get the ball rolling on solving your short-term labour needs, go to www.the-gate.com.au and register (for free) on The-Gate’s database or contact Catherine on 0408 717 459

www.the-gate.com.au 18 — Australian Sugarcane

October–November 2016

CLASSIC TRACTOR TALES

On the scrapheap – nearly!

OO By Ian M. Johnston – PART 1

Buried somewhere down in Back Paddock, there are the remnants of a 1935 rusted-out Fordson tractor. I recall it was beyond salvation. Indeed, there was not even a necessity for me to put it to sleep with the aid of my seldom used point 303. It was that crook, it had expired of its own accord.

A common denominator I share with the ancient Fordson, is that I too am a 1935 vintage. Yes, 1935 was a vintage year for both tractors and tractor folk. Both proved to be kind of special.

(I am renowned for my conservatism and modesty).

But where I differ from the unfortunate Fordson is that, when unexpectedly I got really crook (good old Ozy terminology) a few weeks ago, I was repairable thanks to some modern miraculous medical management performed by the brilliant Doctors Sesh and Banks. They saved my life. But it was a close call! Even now my cardiologist (Dr Sesh) is amazed by the fact I am still around.

How good is that?

I confess to having thought of the old Fordson as I lay in a medicated fog. I also contemplated for a moment a world without Ian M. Johnston’s waffle about old tractors. In fact, come to think of it – such an unimaginable spectre probably prodded me into my recovery mode.

Okay, so all that is in the past tense. The future for me is bright and the good doctors reckon I shall be around boring

people to distraction about Scotland and tractors, for many years yet.

But I admit to some recent exercising of the little grey cells while contemplating parts of my past life. I have been recalling some particularly harrowing experiences Margery and I encountered during our travels around the globe, while engaged in researching material for my tractor books and articles. These included visits to no less than 36 countries and 27 states of the USA. I shall now (imprudently probably) throw discretion to the wind and reveal a few of these stressful experiences.

Bulgaria 1988 We had been ordered by an obnoxious Communist security cretin that, as we would be motoring through a restricted zone on the Black Sea coast, we would be expected to overnight at a specific hotel. It was essential we arrive before nightfall and report to the resident security officer.

So we did as ordered, except I took exception to the belligerent attitude of the female officer at the hotel. Now normally I am a fairly polite sort of a cove, particularly towards the fairer sex. But having spent three weeks behind the Iron Curtain in search of East European tractors, which involved driving through Bosnia, Herzegovina, Slovenia, Romania,

The 1935 Fordson.

October–November 2016

Australian Sugarcane — 19

Hungary and now Bulgaria, and putting up with the rudeness of obtuse Communist officialdom, I committed the ultimate sin – I did my block!

So having told her what I thought of Communists and Communism, I stomped out of the hotel, jumped into the driving seat of the rental Zastawa, slammed the door and shocked Margery by flooring the loud pedal. “We shall find another hotel” I told her. Through the rear vision mirror I noticed the woman had rushed out of the hotel and was obviously making a note of the car registration number.

It was now dark and the road hugged the shore of the Black Sea. And then it happened. A fast overhauling car, bristling with antennas and flashing lights, pulled us over. Out jumped a couple of black uniformed grim faced unpleasant looking individuals, who proceeded to aim Kalashnikov machine guns at my head. Wow! They were followed at a more leisurely pace by a senior officer, who unfolded himself from the back seat. He accused me of disobeying instructions, so logically I must be a NATO spy. (Was it my James Bond good looks)?

Margery and I were placed under house arrest overnight, in yet another designated hotel, until late in the morning we were informed (reluctantly I thought) that it had been determined I was not a spy after all and therefore free to continue on our way!

Moral – don’t argue with officialdom in a foreign country!

Montana USA 2004 Following completion of our tour of rural museums in Alberta and Saskatchewan, we entered Montana, from the rugged mountain terrain of Canada. Within an hour the scenery had softened and we found ourselves driving through undulating swaying grasslands. Our destination was a bison preservation national park, embracing thousands of acres of this lush prairie country.

We passed through one of the entrances and drove for around half an hour without sighting a bison. Eventually we pulled off the winding road, giving Margery the opportunity to get out the thermos and butter a couple of rolls for our picnic lunch.

While she was so engaged, I clambered up onto a rocky shelf adjacent to the car for the purpose of shooting off some film from my movie camera. Upon reflection I must have remained

A rather unpleasant character. A cranky rattlesnake.

20 — Australian Sugarcane

on the ledge for possibly 10 minutes or so while doing my Cecil B. DeMille thing, before rejoining Margery in the car.

As I chomped on a ham roll, I happened to glance at the shelf upon which I had been standing and nearly passed out! In a crevice, inches from where my feet had been planted, was a large rattlesnake coiled in the ready to strike attitude. I have no idea whether it had been doing any rattling or not. A stiff breeze would have likely masked the sound.

Lunch was forgotten as I urged the car back onto the road.

Montana USA 2004 – again I had just about stopped shaking, following the rattlesnake episode, when upon rounding a bend we were confronted by the spectacle of a huge old bison bull lying crosswise on the bitumen, completely blocking the narrow single track road.

For those who may not have experienced a North American wild bison, let me tell you they are seriously huge beasts! A bull’s head is about the size of a Japanese car. (Okay – a slight exaggeration maybe).

Anyway I nudged the car to within about 10 metres of the massive beast, which was as close as my nerves would permit. It glanced at the vehicle with an expression of utter disdain, before returning to its obviously preferred state of ‘couldn’t care less’. I gingerly sounded the horn. It didn’t even blink!

Suddenly, from behind a rise emerged not one but two young prancing bulls. They appeared to be in a playful mood and put on a show of a mock fight, repeatedly charging each other.

Obviously becoming bored with that, they turned their attention to our car.

Now our Hertz rental car just happened to be a Mercury Cougar, which is a low (very low) profile high performance car. So being trapped in the car, with two gargantuan Bison heads, one on either side of the vehicle peering in through the windows, was not a fun experience! From our low viewpoint the beasts each appeared to be the size of the Sydney Opera House!

(And all this only 20 minutes since the rattlesnake appearance). It occurred to me that Mr Hertz would not have been amused.

At that moment the Old Bull decided it was time to show these young upstarts who was boss. He scrambled to his feet and snorted his fury. The young bulls rendered only a pathetic

This massive old bison bull is a fellow to be treated with a great deal of respect!

October–November 2016

return snort, before deciding that diplomacy was the best course of action and trotted off into the horizon.

This was our opportunity. The old bull had moved off the roadway. The Mercury Cougar proved it was indeed a performance car as I gunned it off in the direction of the exit.

Just within the exit gate, we noticed a sign warning visitors not to leave their cars, owing to the danger presented by a huge increase of the rattlesnake population! Another sign advised against approaching bison as they could be dangerous!

The next day, we heard on the local news that a tour bus had been savaged by a rogue bison!

I guess we were just lucky, but we definitely should pay more attention to signboards!

Northern Ireland 1990 Having spent a full day at The Ulster Transport Museum, we overnighted in a hotel at the seaside resort of Bangor.

This was right in the middle of ‘The Troubles’, when the IRA terrorists were scaring the daylights out of everyone, with their enthusiasm for a range of toys, such as bombs and guns.

Our rental Rover proved to be a mistake. We had brought it across to Dublin on the ferry, so of course it had English number plates. Accordingly, it presented a great temptation for the IRA guys. A security chap pointedly recommended we inspect the underside of the Rover each morning prior to activating the starter motor!

Following consumption of the mandatory Ulster health breakfast – fried eggs, fried bacon, fried sausages, fried black pudding, fried bread and rolls plastered with good old healthy butter and spoonfuls of marmalade – I left Margery to attend to the packing, while I went in search of a chemist shop to buy a packet of something for an aching stomach (not surprising really).

The main street was only a short drive from our hotel. I found not only a chemist shop, but one which had a parking spot right outside the door. The shop was fairly busy, so I waited my turn to be served.

After quite an interval, the nice lady behind the counter smiled and apologised for the delay in serving me, but assured me I was next in line. It occured to me to ask if it was okay for my car to be parked outside. She responded that it was quite okay, as it was half hour parking and of course there would be someone sitting in the car. A strange remark I thought. But when I replied in the negative she, plus all the other customers in the shop, looked utterly stunned!

What followed was like a rugby scrum. I was physically manhandled out through the door onto the footpath and bundled into the car. When I had recovered my breath, a stout wifey lectured me through the side window, as she might a simpleton.

In her strong Ulster accent she shouted “You, being obviously from across the water, haven’t been told about the restrictions, so you haven’t”. She went on to explain that on account of the number of booby trap explosives being placed in unattended parked cars, it was now illegal to leave a car in a shopping zone without an occupant remaining inside. Presumably that occupied car would not be rigged to blow up.

I learned later, if an empty parked car was reported to The Ulster Constabulary, they routinely would clear the area and with a robot simply blow up the offending vehicle, on the assumption it was rigged with an explosive device aimed to kill innocent shoppers.

Two days later, before the police could get to it, an IRA booby trapped car, packed with explosives, was detonated in October–November 2016

an adjacent Bangor street, completely destroying a number of buildings!

Conclusion Who would have thought that writing about classic tractors could be such a hazardous occupation? In future maybe I should take out additional insurance and always wear a tin hat! Or maybe it is approaching the time when I should hang up my pencil, er I mean keyboard. Only joking!

Ian’s self confessed harrowing travel experiences will be continued in the next edition of the magazine. n

IAN’S MYSTERY TRACTOR QUIZ Question: Can you identify this tractor?

Clue: It is not American, not many were sold into Australia.

Degree of difficulty: It is so oddball that a good tractor person should recognise it.

Answer: See page 24.

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Australian Sugarcane — 21

FISHING

The ‘fish lickin’ Moreton Bay Chicken OO By Phil Jackson – Fly, Tye and Tackle

I

’VE always thought boat ramps are like watering holes on the Serengeti. No matter how big or small your boat is, how far or wide you travel, sooner or later you end up at a boat ramp.

CGNZ06.pdf 4/12/05 3:48:57 PM Boat ramps are where friendships are formed, old acquaintances are renewed, and relationships break down. And,

fly fish

as soon as you keep an undersize fish or a prohibited species, you’ll find someone at your boat ramp doing a creel survey.

So it was that I was deep in the boat ramp ritual of checking trailer lights and securing everything when a voice behind me said, “Are you Phil Jackson?” Having learnt the hard way to admit nothing until I hear the allegations and having established that the person he thought I was didn’t owe him money or had been overly friendly with his significant other, I ‘fessed up’ and took the blame for being me.

My new best friend had followed my inane waffling’s through Bush ‘N Beach and a number of other print offerings and allegedly made and modified a number of my lure recommendations. Once I got over my surprise that someone actually read this stuff I was happier than a politician with a balanced budget to find that many of them actually worked, and that one in particular was a fish magnet.

Although I remembered the lure well, I had to dredge deep to recall when it went to press and I don’t think it was even in this century. So, on the sworn testimony of a credible source – cuz fishermen never lie – here it is. (Mentally insert a drum roll building to a crescendo with a clash of cymbals) I present the Moreton Bay Chicken!

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22 — Australian Sugarcane

Older than time – or Phil for that matter!

I must admit at the get-go that this isn’t one of my creations. Its antecedent’s are older than time and variation’s can be found in the remains of ancient fishing camps from the Amazon to the Arctic. Although the shape and dimensions are reasonably constant the size is infinitely variable depending on the target species and I’ve used this lure to take everything from trout to tuna.

My first encounter with this design was at the virtual geographic centre of the North Island of NZ on the frost encrusted shores of Lake Aniwhenua in the form of a red and black Tokoroa October–November 2016

FISHING (Tok) Chicken. High winds had driven the sleet horizontally without letup for about three days straight and just when I couldn’t stand the campervan a second longer, I spotted a couple of Maori boys coming up from the lake with their bag limit, naturally I was interested. Winners are grinners and they happily showed me what they had been using.

Being a dyed-in-the-wool fly fisherman who would rather lose a testicle than catch a trout on a lure, I held their Tokoroa

Tie a jam knot and start.

Chicken in the palm of my hand with all the revulsion of a fist full of maggots.

Day four was déjà vu all over again with high winds and driving rain. The camper’s foggy back window looked out over the lake with acres of white caps. But there was a small patch of calm water in the lee of a wall of rapu and the trout were working the margins of the weed. I’d been living out of cans and frozen packets for days and the thought of fresh trout had me salivating like a politician with the key to the Futures Fund.

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1/09/2010 11:54:49 PM Australian Sugarcane — 23

FISHING

The finished product.

I’d bought a light spinning outfit to fish the beaches along the Coromandels so one thing lead to another and before my conscience knew what was happening I was wearing every piece of clothing I owned and standing at the water’s edge.

Trout fingerlings and baby coy carp are high on the brown trout’s menu and they are perfectly mimicked by the red and black Tok, as its colloquially known, and the take was instantaneous, literally the first cast. Brown trout fight like flathead and a big brown will get down and dirty with every trick in the book to leave you fishless.

In this case his greed had been his downfall and while the Tok had slid up the line, a phenomenon called Harmonic Resonance, the No.4 long shank hook was deep in his throat and the results were recorded in a real camera – I just realised this encounter took place so long ago I actually used a real camera with real photographic film based on a colloidal suspension of light sensitive silver salts. None of the digital techno magic back in the day!

Seasoned criminals (I’m told) will tell you that their first serious crime was the hardest and now, having turned to the dark side myself, that Tok – or one like it – became my default bad weather fish taker!

Not only did it help supplement my diet for the remainder of that trip, it also taught me a valuable lesson in keeping things in perspective – much as I love to ‘fish the fly’, it isn’t the only way to fish and being a fisherman is as much about being a realist and adaptable and creative as it is to be environmentally aware.

Making your Moreton Bay Chicken You’ll need a barrel or bean sinker to suite, depending on the size of bait you want to represent, size of prey you’re after and the depth you want to fish. For ultra light tackle chasing bream and trout I’ve used the tip cut from aluminum biro bodies and the projectile from a .22 long rifle round with a hole drilled down the centre. *Note to self. Pull the projectile out of the case before you drill the hole.

You’ll need a clamp to hold the tying rig and some tying thread. I like clear monofilament sewing thread but any fine binding material will do.

Superglue will make sure it all holds together, but nail polish will work just as well and helps colour the lure. You can colour

24 — Australian Sugarcane

by weight of lure if you have a box full or to help mimic your bait species.

The body can be what ever you have handy. Traditionally I like feathers and I have tonnes in my fly tying kit but I’ve used clippings from a feather duster and multi colored synthetic dusters will give you enough fine flexible fibres to last a lifetime.

Step 1. Take the head shape and weight of your choice and slip a holding pin down the centre and clamp it in your holding device. Paper clips are excellent because they bend easily, come in various diameters and a bend in the end will stop the jig head from slipping off. You’ll have to steady the head as you tie to stop it rotating on the pin. Luckily you have a prehensile thumb.

Step 2. Tie a jam knot around the middle of the head, take a few turns of thread, and wind it back in big turns. If you’re using a barrel sinker stick to the short centre section because it’s easier.

The middle is usually easiest because the sides are parallel and the thread wont slip before the knot tightens and scoring the surface with a file will help the thread hold.

Step 3. With the thread in the centre of the head, tie in your body material. If you’re using feathers you’ll notice they have a natural curve. On small lures I tie them in with the curve going in because that helps mimic a fingerling, and facing out on big lures because they trap air and leave a ‘smoke’ trail as you troll or retrieve. As things have progressed I’ve included strands of flashy Mylar material such as Flashabou to enhance the action and increase the attraction.

Step 4. Coat the tying thread with nail polish to keep it all together, seal the ends of any natural material you’ve used and to add some colour.

To rig the Chicken just slip the line through the eye and add a hook, either a single, a ganged set of three or four or a treble. I like to use a small red plastic bead to stop the hook eye getting stuck in the head. For convenience you can pre rig your outfits and just loop them to a swivel on your main line if you lose a rig or just want to change size. A black wire trace is best when you’re trolling because you just never know. n

ANSWER TO IAN’S MYSTERY TRACTOR QUIZ The tractor is a Scottish 3 wheeled Glasgow, which is on display at the Victorian Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX ACFA ������������������������������������������������������������IBC Aon ����������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Barcoo ������������������������������������������������������� 4, 21 Case IH ������������������������������������������������������ OBC Charlton’s Fishing ����������������������������������������� 23 Dinner Plain ��������������������������������������������������� 12 Fly Fish NZ ����������������������������������������������������� 22 New Holland �������������������������������������������������� IFC The Gate ��������������������������������������������������������� 18 Study Tours ����������������������������������������������������� 5 October–November 2016

T

he Australian Cane Farmers Association (Australian CaneFarmers) has provided more than 90 years of service to the sugar industry.

What services will you receive? ●

A minimum levy that provides everything a cane farmer needs from a representative body

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The Australian CaneFarmer – the Australian CaneFarmers’ publication that includes news, views, markets and politics

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Free subscription to Australian Sugarcane, the Australian sugar industry’s leading research and development magazine

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Branch network and local representation

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Crop insurance, general insurance, life insurance and financial advice

✔ Australian CaneFarmers embraces the grass roots structure ✔ Cane farmers receive value for money ✔ Australian CaneFarmers is your organisation and all cane farmers are eligible to apply for individual membership

✔ Australian CaneFarmers has a proven record of fighting for growers where others have either given up or not begun

Be part of sugar’s future... become a member of Australian CaneFarmers Freecall 1800 500 025 or visit our website at www.acfa.com.au for your local ACFA board member

Australian CaneFarmers would like to thank their partners:

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