Australian Canegrower - April 2025

FLOODWATERS FIRE ANTS AND FRUSTRATION

Young growers visit Thailand Policy Council reflections

SECURE YOUR TICKETS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

SMALL CHANGES, BIG REWARDS

TAKE YOUR FARM BUSINESS FROM GOOD TO GREAT!

The path to building a successful and sustainable business may not always be straightforward.

Join our workshops to spend time working on your business and not just in your business to plot your course to a more secure future.

Workshops and webinars included in the program will cover essential business know-how topics designed to equip growers to be even better business leaders.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS

Setting goals, developing strategy and managing the risks you haven’t thought of

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Attracting the right people, getting the legal stuff right, working with family

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Where do we start and stop? What are our obligations?

SUGAR PRICING STRATEGY

How to cut through the information and make sound decisions

SUGAR INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

What is relative payment? What’s CCS anyway?

TAKING YOUR BOOKKEEPING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Should I do my own BAS?

Locations and dates:

The series begins with a oneday workshop on “building a professional business” to help growers think about what their needs are to secure a sustainable future for their business.

• Isis · Wed 2 Apr

• Bundaberg · Thu 3 Apr

The next workshops will be in May and dates will be published on the website in early April. Those that have already expressed interest will be informed directly.

Workshops are provided FREE of charge.

Visit www.canegrowers.com.au or your CANEGROWERS district office today to find out more!

Editor: Robyn Devine

Advertising and Classifieds: Jane McGregor

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

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

Telephone: 07 3864 6444

Email: editor@canegrowers.com.au Website: www.canegrowers.com.au

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Rocky

Photo credit: Michelle Fischer

Read more on page 6

NEWS BRIEFS

STRENGTHENING DEFENCES – BIOSECURITY WORKSHOP UNITES EXPERTS

CANEGROWERS held a two-day workshop in Townsville to increase the industry’s readiness for any appearance of a new pest or disease of sugarcane. Pests, such as stem-borers that are a high risk of entering Australia, were used to show the urgency for being well-prepared.

Thirty participants from District Productivity Services, SRA, milling companies, and other industry organisations participated in a series of activities that covered pest and disease surveillance, early detection, funding and coordination arrangements that are already agreed with the Federal and State governments, the role of Industry Liaison Officers in assisting the eradication program, and how growers get reimbursed for any losses caused by quarantine and other eradication actions.

Greg Path, a Director of CANEGROWERS Mackay, said that “participants received great insights into how government and industry will work together when responding to a new pest or disease of sugarcane. It’s very important that we understand how things would happen on the ground.”

The workshop was delivered by Plant Health Australia and funded by the Queensland Government.

INTRODUCING THE NEW LOOK MARKETING INFORMATION SERVICES

Stay informed on the latest developments in the global sugar markets with the newly formatted Marketing Information Services podcast. This insightful and accessible podcast features expert analysis from our experienced sugar market analysts, offering clear explanations of market trends and trade impacts. Access the most recent episode now on the CANEGROWERS members portal.

SMARTCANE BMP MANAGER APPOINTMENT

CANEGROWERS is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsey Perry as the new manager of the Smartcane BMP program. Lindsey will commence this role at the end of April and comes to the sugar industry after working in the ag sector as a research manager, extension officer, and Landcare facilitator. Lindsey's early career was as a researcher in both equine science and cattle nutrition.

DISASTER FUNDING BOOST

REFLECTS INCREASING COST OF RECOVERY

CANEGROWERS has welcomed the State and Federal governments' decision to increase disaster recovery funding for primary producers to $75,000, calling it a win for Queensland’s cane growers and the broader agricultural sector.

The funding boost was announced last month by Queensland Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on the farm of CANEGROWERS members Michael and Zenan Reinaudo, whose family farm and home were seriously impacted by flooding.

The willingness of our elected representatives to be on the ground, talking directly to affected growers is valued highly by the industry, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan thanked both the Federal and Queensland governments for recognising the scale of the challenge faced by farmers and responding with meaningful support.

“This increase reflects the increasing costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding and will take years to bounce back,” Mr Galligan said.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning that the original $25,000 grant was simply nowhere near enough for the hardest-hit farming businesses. This boost will make a real difference for those struggling to rebuild.”

Mr Galligan acknowledged the role of Queensland Farmers’ Federation and other agricultural commodity groups in working alongside CANEGROWERS to push for this outcome.

“This was a collective effort,” Mr Galligan said. “We’ve worked closely with QFF and other industry bodies to ensure the government understood the extent of the damage and the level of support needed to get farming businesses back on track.”

He also thanked the impacted growers who provided the critical evidence needed to secure the funding increase.

“Our growers were instrumental in this outcome,” Mr Galligan said. “The detailed on-the-ground reports from farmers about the scale of the damage and the true cost of recovery gave us the evidence we needed to make the case for stronger support.”

Mr Galligan also welcomed recent updates to disaster funding regulations, which formalise new rules allowing

growers to use recovery grants for replanting lost crops –a long-standing gap in Queensland’s disaster recovery framework.

“Allowing replanting costs to be covered is a crucial change,” Mr Galligan said. “We thank the Queensland Government for acting on this. Recovery isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s about getting crops back in the ground and restoring production.”

“This increase and the inclusion of replant costs are crucial steps forward, but this will be a long recovery that will need on-ground resources for several years,” Mr Galligan said.

“ CANEGROWERS will keep working with the government to make sure Queensland’s cane farmers get the support they need to recover and thrive.”

Pictured from right: Ingham grower Michael Reinaudo, CANEGROWERS Herbert River Director Leah Russo, Qld Senator Nita Green, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, and CANEGROWERS Herbert River Director Paul Marbelli

ROCKY POINT GROWERS BATTLE FLOODWATERS, FIRE ANTS AND FRUSTRATION

The Rocky Point district in South East Queensland was left reeling after Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashed a deluge of more than 500mm of rain, drowning crops, cutting roads, and plunging the region into darkness.

While the immediate storm impact was significant, it’s the lingering floodwaters that have caused the most devastation.

CANEGROWERS Board member Michelle Fischer said floodwaters failed to drain effectively, resulting in widespread crop loss.

“Early estimates indicate that around 60% of the soybean crop for our district has been destroyed,” Michelle said.

“The cane sat in the water for too long because the water couldn’t get away.”

CANEGROWERS Rocky Point Chair Greg Zipf said some parts of the district were impacted more heavily

than in the 2022 floods, because of the high rainfall over such a short period.

“In the northeastern part of the district, where my farms are located, the water breached the levee bank, designed to keep the saltwater out. The floodwater had nowhere to go because the floodgates were insufficient to handle the volume of water – therefore, the water breached the levee bank heading back to the Logan River,” Greg said.

“The floodwaters have a direct relationship to the increased amount of urban development in the area over the years and the changes to our environment from that surrounding infrastructure.”

Growers still recovering from last year’s long season have been heavily impacted. Young cane suffered the most as waterlogged plants were covered in silt deposits, leading to extensive damage and loss,

CANEGROWERS Rocky Point director Tony Huth said.

“It’s frustrating to see plants perish simply because the water couldn’t drain quickly enough,” Tony said.

“Most of the region faced power outages lasting up to six days, while road access was cut off for five days.”

Frustration is mounting among growers who feel overlooked in the Council’s priorities, as attention seems to be

heavily directed toward the tourism sector while agricultural initiatives receive less support. The outdated floodgate system, designed before decades of urban encroachment, failed to manage the storm’s torrents. Growers say the floodgates are no longer fit for purpose yet calls for significant upgrades have gone unanswered.

“Council has implemented minor, lowercost measures, but the big-ticket fixes remain untouched,” Tony said.

“The floodgate system is outdated, and without decisive action, we’ll continue to face devastation.”

Adding to the frustration, Energex faced criticism for insufficient tree maintenance near powerlines. Many outages may have been prevented had proactive measures been taken before the cyclone hit.

As if the flooding wasn’t enough, the region’s ongoing battle against invasive fire ants worsened. The floods provided a perfect opportunity for the pests to spread, with colonies forming floating “rafts” to survive and migrate beyond containment zones. Biosecurity risks are now heightened, further complicating recovery efforts.

While the true financial toll remains uncertain, many blocks of crops are beyond saving. Despondency is settling in among growers, with lingering questions about the district’s future. Despite the setbacks, there is hope that pressure on the Council and coordinated recovery efforts will bring long-overdue improvements.

The Rocky Point community is resilient, but they are now facing a critical turning point, calling for action to prevent future devastation and ensure their voices are heard.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashed a deluge on Rocky Point with road access cut and soybeans destroyed. Photos in the middle show the crop before the devastating weather event and what was left once the water receded

POLICY COUNCIL REFLECTS ON LEADERSHIP AND INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

The CANEGROWERS Policy Council gathered in Brisbane last month for the final meeting of their term, marking the end of the current threeyear cycle as district elections take place.

To celebrate the dedication and contributions of the team, a special dinner was held at the Queensland Parliament. CANEGROWERS Chair Owen Menkens took the opportunity to commend the outstanding efforts of retiring Policy Council members Mark Mammino ( CANEGROWERS Isis), Stephen Calcagno ( CANEGROWERS Cairns Region), and Chris Bosworth ( CANEGROWERS Herbert River), as well as Greg Rossato ( CANEGROWERS Burdekin), whose leadership has helped steer the industry forward.

During the meeting, council members tackled critical industry issues, including mill viability, harvesting risks, and broader challenges facing sugarcane growers. Their discussions focused on developing strategies to safeguard the future of the industry, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

Ash

from Australian Sugar Manufactures presented to the Policy Council and discussed strategies for moving forward, and far right Graeme Bolton DG Dept Primary Industries Owen

Right:

Salardini

Menkens and Deb Telford

Left: A special dinner at Queensland Parliament provided plenty of opportunities to talk with sitting members of the state government including Tony Perrett MP Minister of Agriculture and Pat Weir MP Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Above: CANEGROWERS celebrated and commended the outstanding efforts of retiring Policy Council members Mark Mammino, Stephen Calcagno, Chris Bosworth and Greg Rossato

FRACTURED OR FUNCTIONAL

BY DAN GALLIGAN, CEO, CANEGROWERS

Not for the first time and probably unfortunately not for the last, someone I was speaking to recently commented that our industry is too “fractured” for any significant progress to be made on diversification or viability issues.

Now I know that if you want to, we can all see evidence that supports the idea that fracturing at any level of the industry is hampering our progress. In fact across agriculture, fracturing hampers progress.

CANEGROWERS is and has always been heavily involved and collaborates deeply with many other industry organisations, whether they be in agriculture through the National and Queensland Farmers’ Federation where state and national issues are discussed and addressed or across sectors in renewable energy, mining or tourism. We have seen the good, the bad and those associations struggling, searching for purpose. In all situations, good will is required by diverse interests if we are to successfully collaborate.

We are not naive to our own challenges, and our differences from one district to another, from growers to millers, or irrigators and non-irrigators can cause challenges when bringing us together. However, despite any of this, just as it is at the state and national stage, good will and a shared vision does exist and we can see it in action.

So too at the political landscape where we are in search of political leadership, there are green shoots of a new approach by the State LNP Government led by Premier Crisafulli.

Their approach to develop a new 2050 blueprint and vision for Queensland agriculture is a welcome sign. CANEGROWERS has been heavily involved in this process that will be out soon for broader consultation. The blueprint process has already generated positive conversations across industry and government. Having a strong policy mandate to see the industry grow will be powerful leverage for the Queensland Agriculture minister who needs to

demonstrate his ability to work across other key portfolios such as water, energy, natural resources, state development and of course treasury.

We cannot wait for government though, as an industry we must address the constraints we see now if we are to actually grow.

Work is happening across the districts. Just one example was on show at a recent MSF hosted workshop in Babinda that focused on the issues around harvesting. I was in the room, I didn’t see fractures, I saw challenges, but I also saw ideas and collaboration between mill workers, growers, harvest contractors and researchers. Everyone working together to see if a better outcome for all can be achieved. These types of discussions are actually happening all around the industry as well as at the state level between CANEGROWERS and Sugar Research Australia and the Australian Sugar Manufacturers. Things are far from perfect but if we work together, we can make it better.

CANEGROWERS is inviting all growers to come together to discuss our growth potential at Sugar Cubed on 28 and 29 April. It will be a perfect opportunity to catch up with other growers, be informed by excellent speakers and learn something new on our field trip.

Even more, through our work to align the event with the ASSCT conference, the opportunity for growers to stay on and talk directly with researchers literally on the doorstep. Wherever we see people coming together we see our biggest problems shared and our greatest opportunities delivered. We can do this – we have done so in the past and we can do it again now.

We’re here today and we’re here to stay.

All things change. And we’ve built Smartcane BMP to ensure it’s here for the long haul.

Keith, Bill and William Lade with their family, Proserpine

TIME TO BRING THE CANE BACK TO QUEENSLAND CLASSROOMS

CANEGROWERS has launched a new suite of curriculumaligned educational resources designed to inspire and educate the next generation about one of Australia’s most enduring and forward-thinking industries – sugarcane.

Developed with input from industry experts and educators, the One Plant, Many Products resources offer primary and secondary teachers lesson plans, worksheets and resources to provide engaging insights into this vital agricultural sector, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“These materials aim to bring the sugarcane story to life, highlighting its 150-year legacy, as well as its importance as Queensland’s secondlargest agricultural export industry,

and the industry’s evolving role in shaping Australia’s green energy future,” Mr Galligan said.

The resources showcase sugarcane’s journey from humble beginnings to its current position as a leader in sustainability and innovation, including its use as a feedstock for renewable energy, bioplastics, and sustainable fuels such as aviation biofuel and biodiesel.

While the industry has deep historical significance, demonstrated by

sugarcane’s prominent place on the Queensland Coat of Arms, it remains future focused.

Beyond producing sugar for domestic and export markets, sugarcane offers solutions to the challenge of decarbonising our economy by generating green electricity and reducing reliance on traditional plastics and high-emission fuels.

The industry also presents a wide range of career opportunities, including research and development, agronomy, logistics, mill operations, chemistry, marketing, commodity trading and advocacy.

As the sector continues to innovate, even more roles will emerge, offering exciting possibilities for future generations.

Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, the One Plant, Many Products materials were developed in collaboration with the Primary Industry Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA).

They are designed to be practical and easy to integrate into lessons across various subjects.

Home Hill State High School agricultural science teacher Louise Nicholas, who was one of many

teachers to collaborate on the project, said the resources would help empower educators.

“The collaboration between CANEGROWERS and PIEFA has delivered an outstanding suite of educational materials that showcase the importance of the sugarcane industry,” Ms Nicholas said.

“These resources empower educators to highlight the science, sustainability, and career opportunities in agriculture, helping to prepare the next generation

to embrace and innovate within this vital sector.”

Mr Galligan emphasised the importance of reconnecting students with this iconic Queensland industry and teaching them about the opportunities going forward.

“Sugarcane is a proud part of Queensland’s heritage, but its potential for innovation makes it truly exciting. By offering these resources, we hope to inspire students and show them the role they can play in this remarkable industry.

ARROW-RTC

3 Improved harvest efficiency

3 Reduced operator fatigue

3 No trailer axle modification

3 RTK base or NTRIP

3 Steer ready or retro-fit

“The future of sugarcane is bright, and we want every Queenslander to understand its importance in our past, present, and future.”

The One Plant, Many Products resources are now available to schools across Australia.

CANEGROWERS encourages educators to use these tools to inspire the next generation of innovators and celebrate one of the state’s foundational industries. Visit www.canegrowers.com.au to learn more.

“I’ve been waiting since GPS came into the sugar industry for reverse fill haulout tractor autosteer; Arrow has delivered.”

Learn more about this time and labour saving technology: infinisteer.com.au World leading reverse fill haulout auto steering controls tractor position in forward direction and trailer position in reverse direction.

– Rob Brooks MSF SUGAR

FROM THE CHAIR

BY OWEN MENKENS, Chair, CANEGROWERS

This event showcases the Bundaberg industry as well as presenting productivity awards to growers, contractors, mill workers and members of the community for the 2024 season.

It’s run by Bundaberg Sugar Dinner and Awards Committee with help from the staff at Bundaberg CANEGROWERS

The event saw a great turnout of growers and community members, with local State members Stephen Bennett and Tom Smith, along with Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn, in attendance. ABC Country Hour presenter Kalle Buchanan hosted the evening, which served as a celebration of 2024 — a strong production year for growers.

The mill performance was also exceptional with reliability up over 95% which I think would make growers in other districts very envious.

The Bundaberg district has had many challenges over the last 20 years with competition from macadamias and small crops leading to a big reduction in cane growing area. This has led to mill closures which obviously is a disappointing outcome for the growing community.

There is a resurgence in area under cane this year as well as a higher estimated tonnage for the crush which is positive news for the district. Growers are optimistic about the future, buoyed by current prices. The global outlook for the next three years remains positive, with prices holding above $600 per tonne and the possibility of a deficit next year raising hopes for even stronger returns.

I think one of the most impressive things in the Bundaberg region is the close relationship between growers and

their miller Bundaberg Sugar. Obviously, there are still disagreements, but overall there is a transparent relationship which enables discussion. It is an example of when growers and millers trust each other there is an opportunity to grow the pie for all.

Transparency is fundamental to our relationship with millers as it is the bedrock of our industry. All districts have a different way of achieving this but without trust the industry suffers. The secret to solving many industry issues –be they bin delivery, mill performance, or marketing –is transparency and communication. If we are going to keep growing as an industry, we need to have a clear exchange of opinions with millers so grower concerns can be properly addressed.

Finally, I look forward to catching up with you all at Sugar Cubed in April. The conference will showcase cutting-edge advancements in sustainable sugarcane farming and production, offering valuable insights into market trends, emerging technologies, and policy changes. Growers will have the chance to chat with industry experts, exchange ideas, and network with other growers from around the State. With interactive workshops, dynamic field trips and a chance to check out the ASSCT trade display, Sugar Cubed 2025 promises practical solutions and inspiration to enhance your business.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to stay competitive in the evolving sugarcane landscape, to register simply visit www.sugarcubed.com.au

featuring

A night that celebrates the diversity of the region with an array of food, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Don’t miss the highlight of the night, the lighting of the first fire of the 2025 sugarcane crushing season.

HOME HILL SHOWGROUNDS | 6:00PM - 11:00PM | GATES OPEN 5:00PM

australian hand cane cutting championships

Experience a test of skill and endurance from a bygone era as hand cane cutters compete to be crowned the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Champion. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, great food, free children’s rides and activities.

HOME HILL SHOWGROUNDS | 11:00AM - 5:00PM | GATES OPEN 10:30AM

EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE

BY RENEE CLUFF

Emerging grower leaders from MSF Sugar mill areas recently took part in a study tour to Thailand.

Visits to farms, a fertiliser factory and a sugar mill which crushes 4-million tonnes of cane per year were among the highlights when Queensland growers toured the operations of MSF Sugar’s parent company, Mitr Phol Group, earlier this year.

25 farmers who supply Mulgrave, South Johnstone, and Tableland mills took part in the Thailand experience. MSF Sugar Senior Cane Supply Manager, Mick Ward, said it was targeted towards the next generation of industry leaders.

“We wanted to get some of the emerging leaders in the industry exposed to Mitr Phol Group’s operations,” he said. “The Thai sugar industry is going ahead in leaps and bounds and we wanted the young

growers to get an idea of the size and scale of Mitr Phol’s group of companies to understand the broader picture at a global level.”

Innisfail grower Louis Fichera was among those to take part. He said he was amazed to learn about the scale of the group’s operations. “It gave us a better understanding of the sheer size of Mitr Phol,” he said. “I knew they were big but actually seeing it first-hand blew my mind.

“Everything becomes a product; refined sugar, energy, ethanol, fertiliser and they’ve funded and built a dam project to make productive land out of lowlying, marginal country and assist farmers with irrigation.

“They do listen and do a lot for their farmers in Thailand and you can look at it from a business perspective: they want to help in return for guaranteed supply.

“We need to be proud that our mills are backed by such a strong and committed company.”

The visitors travelled to the Mitr Phu Khiao Complex in Chaiyuphum Province, which is home to an ethanol plant and biopower station as well as Mitr Phu Khieo mill, which has capacity to crush 27,000 tonnes of cane per day.

Attendee Luke Calcagno, from the Cairns District, said they also toured an organic fertiliser facility, the Mitr Phol RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) Centre, a company farm and suppliers’ farms.

25 growers toured a range of Mitr Phol facilities

“The scale of the operation is what left an impression me,” Luke said. “Their mills are very modern, so while the average farmer’s operations may be less modern and precise than Australia’s, they are definitely ahead when it comes to milling. Everything’s automated.”

“I think the lack of red tape in Thailand really helps in this respect and they’re clearly willing to help the grower work towards increased productivity. In 1997, everything was hand harvested and what they’ve done in just under 30 years is incredible. They’ve learned from us and they’re growing better crops for it.

“Overall, the visit has given me confidence that the miller’s committed to us, it’s reassured me that the miller’s committed to the industry.”

Australian industry could learn from, including research breakthroughs in disease management. Louis was also impressed by Mitr Phol’s approach to human resources.

“They nurture their young employees,” he said. “A lot of the staff members were young and the company is always planning the next cohort coming through. They start training early to set their staff members up for their next positions, and that occurred in every part of the complex from the research facility to the mill.”

The Australian growers rounded out their study tour with a visit to the company’s headquarters in Bangkok before unwinding with a trip to the seaside town of Pattaya.

In 2023, Mitr Phol Group became the third largest sugar producer in the world. It is the largest producer in Thailand and also has sugar businesses in China, Laos and Indonesia. Mitr Phol-owned MSF Sugar operates three mills and a green power station in Queensland, and farms approximately 3,000 hectares of cane land.

Louis Fichera said there was a lot the

Top: Luke Calcagno hears a presentation from Mitr Phol scientist Jamnan Khodphuvieng

Right: Louis Fichera (centre) and Steven Bonso (right) speak with Mitr Phol’s Dr Chitpan Kativat

Grow wealth beyond the farm.

Plant the seeds for a stronger financial future. We offer financial guidance to help farmers like you protect, invest, and grow. Morgans are proud to support

SUGAR CUBED 27 – 29 APRIL 2025

QSL GROWER PRICING UPDATE

Sugar Market & Currency

India

The 2024/25 harvesting season in India has progressed relatively poorly, lagging behind the previous season by 13.8% due to poor yields and reports of disease. The Indian Sugar Mills Association is forecasting sugar production of 27.2 million tonnes (after diverting 4 million tonnes to ethanol); however, many market analysts believe this estimate is overly optimistic. The weak production to date contrasts with the Indian government’s January approval of a 1 million tonne export quota and its ongoing push to expand ethanol production within the sugarcane industry. These factors, combined with growing domestic consumption, suggest that India could end the season with one of its lowest-ever closing stock levels.

Thailand

As Thailand pushes through the latter half of the crushing season, the sugar production forecast has been downgraded as the crop shows signs of yield losses due to extreme heat in May 2024 and a slower-than-expected harvesting pace. Analysts have reduced their Thai crop estimates by approximately half a million tonnes, now forecasting production at 10–10.5 million tonnes of sugar.

Grower Pricing Update

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

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

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

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

• 2027 Target Price = $650

• 2028 Target Price = $575

Your Trusted Partner

Current as at 13 March 2025.

Brazil

By Elliott Apel, QSL Assistant Manager Trading & Risk

It has been a dry start to the year for Centre South Brazil, with February rainfall 27% below long-term averages. While soil moisture remains somewhat sufficient due to better rainfall between October and December, March has yet to deliver any meaningful rain. Under these conditions, crop forecasts are unlikely to improve. Additionally, if dry weather persists in the coming months, the sugar mix may be slightly lower early in the crush, as lower-quality cane harvested at the start of the season may be diverted to ethanol production rather than sugar.

Speculators

Speculators continue to favour a net short position in 2025, particularly influenced by the Indian government’s export announcement and the exceptionally large sugar delivery for the March 2025 expiry. As of 4 March, speculators were holding a net short position of 79,000 lots.

Australian Dollar

Currency markets remain highly volatile, reacting swiftly to the evolving US political landscape, particularly regarding tariffs and trade policy. US President Trump continues to push for domestic manufacturing by threatening and imposing tariffs on various imports from Mexico, Canada, and China.

Key Dates:

• 20 April 2025 | Any 2024-Season Target Price Contract tonnage not priced by this date will be priced by QSL at the next market opportunity.

• 20 April 2025 | Any unpriced tonnage allocated to the ICE 11 May 2025 contract through QSL’s Individual Futures Contract and/or Self-Managed Harvest Contract after this date will be priced by QSL at the next market opportunity.

• 30 April 2025 | Last day to nominate tonnage to the QSL 2025-Season Actively Managed Pool, Individual Futures Contract and Target Price Contract.

SUGAR AND SALES: UNPACKING THE PRICING PUZZLE

Headed to Sugar Cubed in Brisbane this April? Join fellow young growers for a networking breakfast with a side of valuable industry insights!

Date: Tuesday 29 April 2025

Time: 7am-8am

Venue: Rydges Fortitude Valley, 601 Gregory Terrace (entry via Carriage Street)

Cost: Free

Enjoy a hearty breakfast while gaining expert knowledge on the relationship between sugar pricing and the physical sales process in a special education session presented by QSL Assistant Manager Trading and Risk Elliott Apel, QSL Assistant Manager Marketing and Risk Claire Tracy and QSL Assistant Manager Marketing and Logistics Patrick Beck.

This is a great opportunity to expand your network and gain a deeper understanding of the sugar market.

Places are limited. To secure your spot, RSVP by 15 April 2025 to info@qsl.com.au with your full name, mobile number and any dietary requirements.

Elliott Apel Claire Tracy Patrick Beck

Your retirement roadmap with ART webinar

While managing the daily challenges of life, it's easy to lose track of your personal super. With so much focus on the present, planning for the future can often take a back seat.

In this live webinar with Australian Retirement Trust’s Education Lead, Steven Fehring, we’ll guide you through key steps to help you stay on track for the retirement you want.

We’ll cover:

• How the Age pension works

• How much you need for a comfortable retirement

• How to add money to your super, and

• Estate planning and asset considerations.

There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions at the end of the session.

DATE: Tuesday, 15 April 2025

TIME: 10:00am – 10:45am (AEST) including Q&A

Pursehouse Rural has been supporting farmers across Northern New South Wales and Queensland for over 60 years. Contact your local Pursehouse Rural today to see how we can help you plan for success this season.

FROM HORSES TO HIGH-TECH ONE FAMILY'S SUGARCANE LEGACY

BY ROBYN DEVINE

For more than 60 years, Maurice and Barbara Chapman have been at the heart of the Bundaberg sugarcane industry, witnessing its transformation from traditional farming to modern, technologydriven operations.

Both Maurice and Barbara grew up on family sugarcane farms supplying Qunaba and Millaquin Mills.

With their roots deep in the heart of Bundaberg’s rich and fertile soil, their journey is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a love for the land that spans generations.

Maurice recalls his early days working on the farm with his father, when cane was still cut by hand, and horses were an important means of transport.

“When we were kids, we had horses to work the farm. By the time we took over, tractors and irrigation had revolutionised farming,” Maurice said.

Maurice and Barbara with their daughter Veronica and son-in-law Stephen embrace technology and sustainable farming practices while respecting their traditions from the past

The introduction of irrigation was a game-changer. Maurice’s younger brother, Frank, who worked a dry farm at Childers, often questioned whether irrigation was worth the effort.

“We told him, ‘We don’t know if it pays or not, but at least at the end of the year, we have a harvestable crop.’ That was a huge difference.”

The Chapmans’ story is also one of diversification. For 20 years, they supplemented their cane income with small crops, a strategy that helped them support their five children, Helen, Andrew, Stephen, Clare and Veronica and send them all to university.

“The vegetables, not the cane, put five kids through university,” Barbara explained.

Today, Bundaberg’s rich soil allows for a variety of crops, with macadamia nuts, small crops, and even lifestyle farming increasing in popularity.

“Fifty years ago, there were hundreds of cane farmers in Bundaberg. Now, there are just over 130 supplying Millaquin Mill,” Maurice said.

“People are moving in from all over the world to grow different crops here.”

Advancements in farming have significantly changed their approach to cane production. Trash blanketing, a practice they’ve used for over 30 years, is now proving its worth, making cane growing easier.

“When I was a kid, the family used to chip weeds by hand. Now, it’s all about controlled traffic, minimum tillage, and trash blanketing”

“The current farming system is making cane growing more efficient, and the runoff from our farm is clear,” Maurice said.

“It’s amazing how new technology is shaping the industry in ways we never imagined.”

As longtime members of CANEGROWERS , Maurice and Barbara recognise the importance of industry support, and Maurice believes that public relations and advocacy have also become crucial for the industry.

“We need that backstop. There are things a small farmer can’t do alone. CANEGROWERS help with soil testing, nutrient management, and advocating for farmers.

“Farming isn’t just about growing crops anymore. You have to manage public perception and government regulations. An organisation like CANEGROWERS helps with that.”

Despite the changes and challenges, Maurice remains optimistic about the industry’s future. At 86, both Maurice and Barbara continue to be actively involved in farming, with family members stepping up to support the legacy.

“My grandfather started farming here in 1930. I’d love to see the farm reach its centenary in 2030. That’s my challenge to myself.

“It’s about passion in everything you do.”

Maurice trained as a teacher and worked eight years in that profession.

“Whether it’s farming or teaching, you put your heart and soul into it. That’s what keeps us going.”

As the Chapmans look ahead, they are encouraged by the younger generation’s enthusiasm for agriculture. Their children and grandchildren, while pursuing diverse careers, remain connected to the farm.

“Even if they aren’t full-time farmers, they still have that appreciation for the land”

Maurice Chapman has been supplying cane to his local mill for sixty years

Sustainability remains a critical focus for the Chapmans. Over the years, they have embraced practices that not only enhance productivity but also protect the environment. They were early adopters of precision agriculture technology, using GPS-guided machinery to reduce soil compaction and optimise input use.

“Farming is about balance. If we don’t look after the land, it won’t look after us,” Maurice said.

Bundaberg has evolved significantly since the Chapman’s early days on the farm. Once a region dominated by sugarcane, it has now diversified into a major hub for horticulture, education, medical support services and tourism.

Barbara said that while the town has changed over the years, farming remains at its heart. The local farming community remains tight knit, supporting each other through economic fluctuations, extreme weather, and industry challenges.

“You don’t farm alone. Your neighbours, planting and harvesting contractors, your industry groups—they all play a role in keeping agriculture strong,” Maurice said.

One of the biggest challenges growers like the Chapmans have faced in recent years is the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns.

To counteract these changes, they have invested in improved irrigation systems, soil moisture monitoring, and crop rotation techniques.

“It’s about working smarter, not just harder and you have to be proactive and think ahead.”

The Chapmans have always believed in learning from others, whether through industry shed meetings and workshops, hosting research initiatives, or simply conversations with fellow farmers.

They have also welcomed visitors to their farm, including school groups, overseas travellers and agricultural students, to help educate future generations on the importance of sustainable farming.

“You can’t operate in a vacuum. The best ideas often come from sharing experiences and learning from one another,” Maurice said.

“People need to see where their food comes from. That connection between farm and consumer is more important than ever,” Barbara added.

Looking back, Maurice and Barbara take pride in the legacy they have built. Their hard work, commitment to innovation, and love for the land have ensured the Chapman family’s farm remains strong.

Reflecting on their decades of farming, Maurice and Barbara agree that resilience is the most valuable lesson they’ve learned.

“You have to be adaptable,” Maurice said.

“Markets change, weather changes, technology changes. You have to be willing to change with it as it’s not just about us. It’s about ensuring future generations have the opportunity to farm and thrive.”

For young farmers entering the industry, they offer simple but powerful advice- to learn as much as you can, be open to new ideas, and never forget why you started.

“Farming is hard work, but if you love it, it’s worth every challenge”

Maurice and Barbara were honoured with the prestigious 60 Years of Excellence in Sugarcane Farming award at the Bundaberg Sugar Industry Awards ceremony last month, celebrating their remarkable six-decade journey of supplying topquality cane to Millaquin Mill. Their unwavering dedication to the industry is further highlighted by their 60year membership with Bundaberg CANEGROWERS , a testament to their enduring passion and commitment to the region’s sugarcane heritage.

Their story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and an unwavering belief in the future of Queensland sugarcane—a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS

Director Michael Cavallaro presents Barbara and Maurice with their prestigious award

STL Update: Keeping Growers, Shareholders and Industry informed

STL is pleased to reflect on the first half of the current financial year, identify some highlights and consider the opportunities and challenges facing the business in the time ahead.

Challenging Crushing Season in some Regions

Despite a wide variety of issues facing both Millers and Growers during the 2024 Crush, almost 3.3M tonnes of raw sugar was received, albeit a little below the Millers’ forecast. A total of 61 vessels were safely loaded during this period.

Whilst we started the season with historically low volumes in the sheds, no doubt reflective of strong pricing and shipped volumes. Capacity was sitting at 51% of available storage as at end of December and has obviously continued to decline since then with shipping and refinery returns.

Although the 2025 Season is still a little way off, reports have been received that some Mills are likely to commence in mid to late May 2025 which we hope is indicative of favourable growing conditions in some regions. We do however acknowledge the very challenging flooding event recently experienced in the Herbert and Burdekin Regions, and extend our best wishes to impacted Growers.

First Half Financial Results

STL recorded a H1 profit of $15.7M, a slight decrease on the same period of last year, but in line with expectations noting the decision taken by the Board in September 2024, to provide a ‘one off’ rebate of $1.8M to customers resulting in reduced Activity Charges.

STL has approved a dividend of 4.1 cents per share fully franked to be paid on 4 April 2025. This dividend is identical to that paid in the prior half year period.

Long term investment in Industry’s Assets

STL approved a record capital budget for the current financial year of $30.1M, to ensure the long-term reliability and longevity of the assets. Whilst prudent investments are occurring at all Terminals, a few notable examples include:

• Lucinda Jetty Tail-End Girder Rectification ($10.2M)

• Townsville Substation No. 1 Upgrade ($2.1M)

• Mackay Stormwater Pipe Relining ($1.9M)

• Mourilyan Shiploader Headchute Replacement and Access Improvements ($800K)

• Cairns Shiploader Anti-Collision System ($320K)

Income Diversification

Whilst handling raw sugar remains our priority, STL continues to explore diversification opportunities with highlights in the first half including an export cargo of silica sand using the Common User Infrastructure at the Bundaberg Terminal and a record 30,000 tonne shipment of wood pellets from the same location.

Inactive Growers

Substantial progress has been made in addressing this issue, and we acknowledge the many shareholders who have responded to our requests for updated information. This will continue to be an area of focus in the time ahead.

Negotiations on a new Storage and Handling Agreement

With the Storage and Handling Agreement set to expire on 30 June 2025, Customers in late 2024 made an ACCC Application to permit collective bargaining. STL supported this initiative on the basis that it could potentially reduce cost and improve efficiency of the negotiations. Discussions have now commenced with Customers and will continue over the next few months.

Terminal Operations

STL is well progressed with its transition activities to take over terminal operations from 1 July 2026. We remain committed to seeing this occur in a seamless manner and are appreciative of the fact that QSL has acknowledged its obligations to facilitate this occurring smoothly under the agreed terms of the Operating Agreement, for the benefit of all parties.

Thank you for your ongoing interest in STL and we hope the upcoming crush is safe and productive for all industry participants.

David Quinn Chief Executive Officer

CANE CUTTING CONUNDRUM

BY RENEE CLUFF

With the harvesting sector shrinking across many cane growing districts, CANEGROWERS is seeking to understand the impacts to industry and is pursuing solutions to current and future challenges.

In this, the first article in a series based on podcast conversations, we delve into the specific issues facing growers, harvesters and the miller in the Innisfail and Cairns districts.

In MSF Sugar’s two coastal mill areas, an industry steering committee is being formed to help bridge the gap between harvesting and crushing capacity. MSF Sugar’s Cane Supply Manager for both the South Johnstone and Mulgrave mills, Dennis Wright, says the past five years has seen a trend in larger harvesting operators downsizing. His figures show the current harvesting cohort can’t supply what the mill can crush on a daily basis. It’s a relatively new problem.

“A number of years ago, the problem was that the mill reliability wasn’t there, and the harvesters could keep up to what the mill crushed,” Dennis said. “Credit where credit’s due, Mitr Phol (MSF Sugar’s parent company) responded after listening to the growers and the harvesting contractors and they spent a lot of money on the mills and their reliability.

Now, the three MSF mills lead the industry for reliability, and we haven’t got enough harvesters to supply what they can crush in a 24-hour period.”

Dennis said the composition of harvesting businesses is also playing a role.

“For argument’s sake, of the 38 harvesters that we have in the South Johnstone area, 17 of them cut less

than 20,000 tonne per year,” he said. “They’re dubbed the ‘weekend warriors’, so they have their business through the week and then they cut cane on Friday, Saturday, and spend Sunday with the family. That is a decision that they make.

“The bigger harvesters, those that are cutting 60, 70, 80-thousand tonnes of cane, they’re having to go seven days a week and for them, the time they spend in the harvester, in the field, is a lot more than what it used to be.”

According to Dennis, problems with productivity are resulting in harvesters having to travel further. In 2024, the Cairns and South Johnstone areas saw their worst productivity figures since Tropical Cyclone Yasi, off the back of flooding from ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

“At 85-tonnes/hectare, in theory your harvester will cover 5,680 kilometres per year in the field,” Dennis illustrates. “If it drops back to 55-tonnes/hectare and you still want to cut your 80,000 tonnes for your machine, then you have to do 8,720 kilometres.

“To put that in perspective, at 85-tonnes a hectare, the harvester’s only travelling from Port Douglas through to Albany in Western Australia per season. When you put it back to 55-tonne a hectare, your harvester’s not only going from Innisfail through to Perth,

(L-R) Alan Aquilina, Joseph Marano and Dennis Wright

but he’s also travelling up the back of Western Australia and he ends up 200 kilometres short of Darwin. It’s about 3,000 extra kilometres. That’s fuel, wages, wear and tear on the machine.”

While Dennis accepts weather events have played a huge part in reduced yield and reduced planting rates, he’s concerned it’s not the only factor at play, with the changing demographics of the industry also contributing.

“We’re all getting older,” he said. “The kids have left home so some farms don’t need to earn as much as they used to when they had other expenses: paying off the farm, paying for the kids through school and university and things like that. Some of the growers don’t have to grow as much as what they used to, especially with the price of sugar where it is.

“It’s a case of looking outside the square, looking to younger growers to maybe lease their farms. They may have a better income off the lease than what they would farming their own farm themselves.

“But having the tonnes per hectare in front of the harvesters will solve at least a fair percentage of the problems we’re having now. The break-even analysis for harvesting businesses comes down. Then it will actually be more beneficial for harvesters to do their business case for buying another machine, or buying a machine and cutting that extra cane that’s in the field.”

CANEGROWERS Innisfail Chairman Joseph Marano runs both harvesting and growing operations. He believes the issues are more complex to solve than simply improving productivity.

“If we grow more cane as a district, unless somebody comes in from the outside with a harvester, the current harvesters are pushing their hours to the limit now,” he explained. “Some could go to more days, but then they’ve got to find more men and then that’s more headaches.

Top: Harvesting in the Innisfail district

Bottom:

bins for

“A lot of harvesters are feeling a lot of pressure: it’s getting harder to find good workers and the cost of machinery, maintenance and repairs is becoming exorbitant, so people are saying, ‘Well I’m out’.

“When we started harvesting 17 years ago, we were paying $160 for a track roller and now they’re $450 and there are 20 of them and you have to change them every couple of years. Costs have outpaced our income. We can charge the grower more, but I want him to keep growing cane. Where’s the happy medium of what you can charge and what the grower can afford?”

Fellow MSF Sugar supplier Alan Aquilina reckons there is a case for harvesters to change the formula of how they charge to incentivise productivity. He’s done the sums for a block on his farm, based on half the payment by the hectare and half by the tonne, the latter being the traditional method excluding fuel costs. Alan is concerned by the shrinking nature of the harvesting sector, as well as the lack of investment.

“You can’t shop around when there’s a shortage of harvesters and you’re just thankful that your harvesting contractor keeps cutting your cane each year,” Alan

said. “Also, the harvesting fleet is getting older, there’s very little real investment. But to revitalise the industry, you need people who want to be in it and unfortunately, we haven’t got that.”

Alan believes the recruitment of labour also needs a re-think. “It’s very hard to get reliable labour, particularly when you’re competing with the money in the mines,” he said. “Whether we can get seasonal workers maybe, get a labour hire company involved, it’s something worth investigating.”

Joseph said all ideas are on the table as the steering committee scrutinises the situation.

“There’s not a simple fix,” he said. “Otherwise, we would have fixed it by now.”

Hear the full conversation on the CANEGROWERS Around the Paddock podcast, Harvesting Sector Challenges: Episode 1

Find it at canegrowers.com.au/ news-media/podcasts

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transport to South Johnstone mill

CANEGROWERS REGIONAL ROUND-UP

SUPPLIED BY CANEGROWERS DISTRICT OFFICES

MOSSMAN

Even though we experienced various rain events during the month of February, it ultimately turned out to be a dry month with less than half the monthly average rainfall being recorded; just over 241mm.

The development of a cyclone towards the end of February, which moved down the Queensland coast, brought some fine days and cool mornings to the region.

The cane responded well to the drier February conditions, but the start of autumn saw the return of the wet and humid conditions, especially around 17 March when minor flood warnings were issued, and we experienced a week of wet and overcast conditions.

Colliers Real Estate had the former Mossman Sugar Mill factory, milling plant and lands up for sale during February and into March. Expressions of Interest for the property closed on 20 March 2025 and were assessed by the Liquidator, who produced a potential short-list. If the property isn’t purchased in one whole Lot, then a break-up sale will commence.

On 11 March 2025, a Mossman Crop Diversification: Tableland Broadacre Crop Bus Tour was held by DPI. The oneday trip covered broadacre crops soybeans, peanuts, and maize grown on the Atherton Tablelands.

There was nothing new in these three crops but being broadacre they had the potential to use larger areas of land on the coast if growers wanted to invest in a change-over crop. As a trial there are several areas of land being planted out on the coast for maize this year.

On 19 March the first Mossman Advisory Committee meeting was held in Mossman. This group will look at a number of different issues for Mossman cane farmers, and the Douglas Region economy.

On 26 March 2025 the Wet Tropics Waterways Partnership held a workshop in Cairns to take the Partnership through a facilitated Theory of Change process to assist with future strategic and operational direction. The Partnership is coming up to its 10-year review and later this year will release its 10th Report Card talking about the state of the Wet Tropics waterways catchments.

Nominations for four Director vacancies at the Mossman CANEGROWERS Limited company closed on Monday 24 March 2025. At the time of writing this round-up we had received three nominations for the next triennial period.

TABLELAND

Preparations for the upcoming season are well underway, with Cane Supply Operations Manager Aaron Moore conducting estimates and mapping of the blocks.

The tentative start date for the season has been set for 21 May, 2025. In the meantime, the mill is undergoing upgrades to key choke points as specified by MSF to enhance operational efficiency.

CAIRNS REGION

At the time of writing, the region is once again under clouds.

Minor flooding has been experienced in the lower reaches of the catchments. Prior to receiving the latest deluge, the crop was responding well to the favourable conditions.

One local longtime resident from Deeral reported that his farm had received 3,572mm of rain since 26 January 2025.

CANEGROWERS Cairns Region has been proactive across a few fronts, including meetings with Andrew Cripps,

Recent rainfall arrived just as growers began irrigation efforts. It is hoped that the wet season will conclude before the end of April, allowing for adequate dry-down, particularly for those in the Arriga Basin.

Growers are encouraged to finalise preparations for the season, including maintenance of headlands and haul-out roads. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter.

State Recovery Coordinator for North Queensland.

Pig damage has had a considerable impact on productivity across the region for at least the last decade. Despite the best endeavours of several stakeholders, the pig problem remains.

CANEGROWERS Cairns Region is supporting three members to attend the National Pig Conference on the Gold Coast. Locally, the organisation has lobbied at every opportunity, with little progress around better managing the problem. This conference runs for two days with an extensive crosssection of speakers.

Our seed plot is progressing well. An expert’s opinion says it looks fantastic—early stages yet, but it has been established for greater expansion.

A new venture for our organisation, started in a small way based on the theory: from little things, big things grow

The organisation’s digital refractometers, which have

INNISFAIL

Early March brought hot and sunny conditions to the Innisfail district, while the mid to latter part of the month saw a return to monsoonal weather.

About 30 grower members attended a pre-season meeting where a number of topics were discussed. Attendees were provided an update on Leaf Scald disease detections in variety SRA26 and Dr Seona Casonato, SRA Leader Plant Pathology, was on hand to answer questions.

Harvesting challenges were also discussed at the grower meeting amid concerns of a gap between harvesting capacity and MSF Sugar’s crushing capacity. A steering committee made up of CANEGROWERS , MSF Sugar and SRA representatives is now tasked with finding solutions.

Also in March, Chairman Joseph Marano and Manager Debra

TULLY

With Tully Sugar planning for 26 May start to the crush the first week of April will be the week to plan for crop ripening, if you intend to take advantage of the products available and the crop is suitable.

been loaned to members, are being recalled for cleanup and calibration. Any members who would like to utilise one for the upcoming season, please get in contact with either office.

Telford met with the Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, and Director General of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Graeme Bolton, at a Community Cabinet event in Cairns.

Positive discussions centred around productivity and sustainability of the local industry, and we are now in the process of following up on these initial talks.

The crop has been affected by weather conditions with a dry period after the early February floods.

The first half of March provided 615mm of rain, with a high possibility of more heavy rain over the remaining weeks of March. Total rain fall for the year so far is 2762mm.

As reported in March, ground preparation is some time away for the tropical north. If the weather is favourable, there is opportunity to start some planting in the drier areas in May while there is some warmth left in the soil.

There is a small risk if there is high moisture content in the soil leading into the winter months with cool soil creating poor germination and slow growth patterns.

TCPSL planted the 2.4ha mother plot at Merryburn in 2024 to supply cane for planting distribution plots in 2025. Distribution plots have been planted in the El Arish, Euramo, Kennedy, Lower Tully, Murrigal,

HERBERT RIVER

The Herbert River district continues to face wet conditions as rain persisted throughout March.

Riversdale and Warrami sub-districts for a total area of 10.95ha. The distribution plots should yield around 750 tonnes of approved seed material under favourable growing conditions. First ratoon distribution plots of approved seed are available in the Merryburn, Kennedy, Riversdale Warrami and Syndicate subdistricts and should yield about 550 tonnes of cane for the 2025 planting season.

Plots are planted, maintained and inspected following the guidelines as required in the SRA Distribution Agreement. Planting and maintenance of the plots at this scale is only possible because we have excellent cooperation from participating growers.

Each of the plots has the major varieties of Q208, Q253, Q240 and KQ228 and the newer varieties SRA9, SRA26, SRA28 and SRA37. Some of the plots have the minor varieties SRA15, SRA16 and SRA6. Note that the information relating to approved seed has been sourced from Tully Cane Productivity Services Limited.

Obviously, obtain professional advice prior to application. Generally it’s possible to tell in April if the crop will continue to grow on over an extended period or slow extensively by whether flowers begin to appear or not.

Growers remain unable to fully assess the extent of damage caused by the weather due to waterlogged fields. However, there is optimism for the upcoming season, with the impact varying across sub-districts.

In March, CANEGROWERS Herbert River hosted a wellattended Young Growers Branch meeting. The young growers engaged with directors and

management on key industry matters and finalised preparations for their much-anticipated trip to Cairns, demonstrating the strong commitment of the next generation to the industry.

Looking ahead, the CANEGROWERS Herbert River Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for 15 April at the Noorla Bowls Club. The AGM will feature prominent guest speakers, including QCGO Chairman Owen Menkens and CEO Dan Galligan, who will provide insights into the state

of the industry and future prospects.

Additionally, CANEGROWERS

Herbert River’s directors and management recently met with senior management from the mill. Despite the challenges posed by recent floods, the mill management expressed optimism about their readiness for the 2025 season.

They are undertaking crucial maintenance on both the mill and cane rail network to ensure smooth operations.

In a positive development, after concerted efforts by

BURDEKIN

March commenced with about 11 days of sunshine with some growers having to turn their pumps on again to irrigate, and then the rain returned which soon put a stop to that.

It is the wet season after all which is vital for crop growth and aquifer replenishment, however the impact of prolonged periods of reduced exposure to solar radiation will be revealed when the crop is crushed.

Growers who like to plant in March are sitting on the bench, unable to take to the field and planting contractors phones will be running hot when the ground is good to go.

Andrew Cripps, the Qld State Recovery Officer was in Ayr on 11 March to talk with stakeholders about the impact of the 29 January Tropical Low and to receive feedback on damage in the district which CBL provided.

CANEGROWERS and key stakeholders working with State and Federal Governments, Herbert River growers affected by recent disasters are now eligible to apply for disaster recovery grants of up to $75,000 which includes replant.

Although we continue to work with the Government to amend the definition of a primary producer to allow more growers to be eligible for these disaster recovery grants, this is a significant step forward for those impacted.

represent the Burdekin and wider industry.

Whilst this event decimated our fellow sugarcane growers in the Herbert River district, it also caused sporadic damage to the Burdekin sugarcane industry and the subsequent announcement to increase grants from $25,000 up to $75,000 was welcome.

One area where more funding is desperately needed is for the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust as the Trust is woefully underfunded to complete the works required to fixed 36 areas of damage on the Burdekin and Haughton Rivers.

CBL Directors attended QCGO Policy Council on 11-12 March in Brisbane to represent the Burdekin on local and State issues and to farewell and thank retiring Directors, which included Greg Rossato who has worked tirelessly for the industry over several terms.

In terms of the 2025 Triennial election, CBL received sufficient nominations to ensure we will again have a full Board of dedicated local growers to

Wilmar called for feedback from stakeholders for any amendments required for the review of the Cane Analysis Program (CAP) which CBL submitted on 7 March and we look forward to the ensuing negotiations to achieve an improved CAP.

To assist growers to understand the financial assistance packages available through QRIDA for the 29 January Tropical Low, CBL organised with QRIDA, Rural Financial Councillors and DPI to hold a workshop in Giru on 18 March. The meeting was open to all farmers and collectives and was well attended by 27 growers.

QRIDA encouraged growers to get their application in the system using the initial $5,000 grant to begin with, which will generate an ID which will assist with future applications. QRIDA advised growers not to self-assess themselves out of eligibility and to instead apply so that QRIDA can determine their eligibility.

Applications can be lodged online or via the old fashioned

paper way and CBL is happy to help out members complete their applications. If you require assistance, please contact Mindi Lennon of this office.

CBL attended a meeting organised by Wilmar on 19 March with the other grower collectives to run through the 2025 season changed grouping applications and requests for siding priorities. Wilmar provided commentary on which applications were acceptable and those still under review pending further investigation.

We are all mindful of the reduction in in the number of harvesting contractors over the last five years which continues to place stressors in the system.

Whilst collectives can provide input into these matters, at the end of the day, Wilmar can’t force a contractor to cut a growers cane and in regard to siding priorities, Wilmar owns the sidings and the decision on how priorities are allocated rest with Wilmar.

Under the CSA, growers have until 8 April to negotiate with Wilmar to try and find a solution satisfactory to both parties where a grouping application

Angelo Rigano QRIDA Regional Area Manager, NQ presenting to growers at Giru

has been refused. Any person aggrieved by a decision made under the guidelines of referred to in Schedule 6 of the CSA paragraph 2.3 and who has not been able to negotiate a satisfactory outcome may apply to have the matter mediated by the Review Committee.

A notice requesting a review must be lodged with the Review Committee by 15 April.

QCGO organised with Biosecurity Plant Health Australia to provide a Biosecurity Preparedness Workshop in Townsville on 2425 March which CBL attended along with SRA, Prod Services, collectives and millers from North Queensland. The purpose of the training event was to build the industry’s collective capacity to help respond to major sugarcane biosecurity incursions in Queensland.

A group of young CBL growers under the guidance of Rian Swindley braved the wet weather and tagged along

PROSERPINE

Conditions across the Proserpine district remained relatively wet with significant downside risk to the crop due to late 2024 ratoons.

Recent rainfall was welcomed by growers in southern localities where soil moisture had fallen over the late February and early March period. However, for most growers, soils remained waterlogged with operations continuing to be impacted.

Early estimate data would show over 100,000 tonnes down on the prior season with many

with the Herbert River District CANEGROWERS (HRDC) young growers tour up to Cairns with stops along the way to Kennedy, Tully and SRA Meringa to gain exposure to different farming practices, plant breeding and other industries.

Thank you to HRDC for organising the tour and to QCGO for assisting CBL growers to participate in this event. At the time of writing, more heavy rain was forecast which will delay the completion of many jobs, but they will get done eventually and we will all need to make the best of what we have to work with for the 2025 season, which is now only 10 weeks away!

With mill preparations progressing as planned, the mill start date would likely be midJune, however, many growers remain hopeful this would be slightly earlier leaving enough room for an early finish.

However, an earlier than anticipated start would largely depend on harvesting conditions (weather) and the ability for mill preparations to be completed ahead of schedule.

In the absence of strike action and a slightly better positioned workforce, there is expectation that mill performance would improve over the coming season, but this would need to be seen.

Unexpected news included the move of Luis Rodriquez (Operations Manager) to Victoria Mill. Luis built a strong working relationship with CANEGROWERS in his short time at Proserpine Mill and will be missed.

Fortunately, Luis is replaced by Cory O’Shea (Engineering Manager) who worked closely with Luis and brings with him many years of experience. From  CANEGROWERS Proserpine, we wish both well in their upcoming roles.

issues to be tabled with the goal of securing more irrigation opportunities for the region.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine and QCGO hosted members both impacted by or interested in the recent Native Title Claims registered against most of the Whitsunday region. Members welcomed the representation offering from QCGO for the services of Chris Cooper (QCGO Solicitor) free of charge.

Chris, who has 20 years of experience in similar matters, will be guiding members through the process that can take many years to resolve.

QCGO also hosted another Business Essentials Workshop on 20 March. This covered various topics critical to the operation of a successful sugarcane business.

There was also a QCGO Transport and Compliance Workshop organised for 4 April. This has become an increasingly challenging space for both growers and harvesting contractors alike.

growers expected to submit lower estimates. However, some isolated areas in the southern supply area showed promise for a reasonable crop that could partially offset some of the production shortfalls north.

At this early stage a 1.5–1.6 million tonne crop is expected falling well short of mill capacity. In this remains a strong message that crushing in the region needed to conclude well before December rains to have any chance of setting up a good crop for the following season.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine continued with both local and state political meetings and interactions. With the key objective being the longterm viability of the mill and growers, issues such as access to water and maintenance of infrastructure remain important topics discussed.

More recent interactions with the Queensland Minister of Water and Local Government (Ann Leahy MP) and local MP (Amanda Camm) provided opportunity for ongoing water

With all the business-related activities happening during the off-crop, CANEGROWERS and SSP continued to promote and support social activities such as a Proserpine Young Farmers event and the recent CANEGROWERS /SSP BBQ & Beers session held on 26 February.

Feedback from growers has been very positive with information shared freely in an informal setting.

This event will be taking place at various times during the year and all growers are encouraged to come along and join in the conversation over a cold one!

Burdekin biosecurity workshop

MACKAY / PLANE CREEK

Preparations for the 2025 harvest are under way at CANEGROWERS Mackay, with directors and senior management convening to discuss harvest management options and season length.

This crucial planning phase was complemented by ongoing efforts to strengthen the organisation’s governance, with directors and management from both CANEGROWERS Mackay and Pioneer Valley Water participating in a professional development workshop led by Sam Byrne, Secretary of the Co-op Federation, focusing on refining governance processes.

This collaborative effort with Pioneer Valley Water highlights CANEGROWERS Mackay’s ongoing commitment to effective leadership.

Mackay Area Fire Management group met on 4 March at Dumbleton Rural Fire Station. Topics discussed included mitigation of fuel load in areas that are most at risk for the upcoming fire season. Also, because of the extraordinary amount of standover cane this year, the fact that there will be more cane fires in the upcoming season was discussed.

BUNDABERG

The weather has dried out and irrigators have started up around the district with falls from Tropical Cyclone Alfred albeit patchy or nonexistent for most.

CANEGROWERS Mackay

Deputy Chairman Joseph Borg said: “This was a good, productive meeting and it is important we were there to represent our members.”

As always, the slack is far from a time of slackness.

CANEGROWERS Mackay remains highly active, engaging in a range of behind-the-scenes work for growers.

The organisation is maintaining a strong media presence, with Joseph Borg discussing electricity costs and related issues on ABC Tropical North, and CANEGROWERS Mackay

Chairman Kevin Borg, in his fortnightly column to Mackay Whitsunday Life, highlighting CANEGROWERS ’ grassroots approach to representation and addressing the impact of late crushes on crops.

CANEGROWERS Mackay will be offering two haulout training courses in May, providing essential skills and knowledge for aspiring new cane carters, covering tractor operation, machinery maintenance, and workplace health and safety, successful candidates will receive a statement of attainment.

Estimates are due in April and once a final figure is calculated, the Board will agree on the start date for the core season and notify growers. Planning is underway for a pre-season breakfast on 1 May and an invitation will be mailed once final details are confirmed.

Our work on Right to Farm and other issues with Council is progressing well following a meeting of agricultural and Council representatives to develop an MOU between parties. This will allow for regular meetings and open

communication on common issues that affect growers.

The Bundaberg Sugar Industry 2024 Season Awards dinner was held on Friday 21 March where representatives from all sectors of the industry and their business associates gathered to hear the awards announced and celebrate some great productivity outcomes from the 2024 crushing season.

Congratulations to all award winners on some outstanding achievements with mention to our 2024 District Champion –MGBJP Pty Ltd with average of 15.55 tonnes sugar per hectare for the past three seasons.

At the time of writing, Oreco payments remain unpaid, and we are actively following this up on behalf of growers.

ISIS

The Isis district has received patchy isolated storms over the last month, with some parts of the region still irrigating in earnest.

Most growers are hoping for one last rain event in the coming weeks to finish the crop off.

Michael Cavallaro, Chairman Bundaberg Sugar Services presents Brad Piper of MGBJP Pty Ltd with the District Champion Award for 2024 Season

Our work has continued to focus on joint CSA negotiations with CANEGROWERS Maryborough and Isis Mill. We have also commenced a review of the Isis Mill Cane Analysis Program, and have been involved in the arrangements for the new mill supply logistics and drafting

A governance workshop was held at

CANEGROWERS Mackay in March

some new guidelines to ensure harvesting equity is maintained across the region during the 2025 season.

Last week we attended a project briefing at Isis Mill for a biorefinery which proposes to convert mill waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Technology developer Licella has received funding to assess the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility at Isis Mill, with work to commence this month.

As part of our Federal Election Strategy, we met with David Batt, the LNP’s federal candidate for Hinkler. We highlighted the big issues for our region

including funding and timeline for Paradise Dam rebuild, energy and water costs, and workforce constraints. We also discussed the importance of fast tracking the removal of red and green tape, improving biosecurity, and improving connectivity. We plan to engage with other candidates in the coming weeks to ensure our concerns are heard by all candidates and the industry is represented.

Work is progressing on a haulout essentials course due to take place in early April. We are currently reviewing the Queensland Competition Authority Electricity Price Review as well as working on our local water plan review.

Amazing how variable the weather through the district has been. Hervey Bay has been drenched a couple of times over the last few weeks but the remainder of the district hasn’t seen significant or regular falls over the same period.

Irrigation is certainly back in operation and the crop has certainly shifted in it’s colour with the reduced wet.

The district elections may be headed to an actual election for 2025.

We currently have six nominations in for five positions

international sites already underway, and appear well organised for the next steps. A fact sheet on the project can be viewed at www.licella.com/ project-swift

We are conducting a chemicals training course at the hall on 7 and 8 April which booked

ROCKY POINT

Cyclone Alfred brought 550 – 600mls of rainfall to Rocky Point within four days between 6 March and 9 March.

There was wind gusts recorded of up to 85km per hour. Many roads in the district flooded, causing access issues in and out of the district until

out very quickly. A standby list is now being worked on to organise a second training session later in the month, so if you would like to complete or update your certification please contact the office to be on the list.

11 March. Many homes also lost power, phone and internet for over a week.

There will be some cane loss due to flooding, the extent of which will become evident in the coming days/weeks.

We estimate that there will be a possible loss of 60% of the district’s soybeans.

and ballots will be in the post 27 March 2025. It’s been many years since the director positions required a vote and it will be a good opportunity to show your support for your preferred nominee. A full list will come out with the ballot paper.

Attended a presentation by Licella group on 21 March introducing their Project Swift biorefinery and the partnership with Isis Central Sugar Mill.

While it is very early in the process, a feasibility study is under way, with a number of milestones identified between now and mid-2026. The group have connected to four other

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NO NEW REPORTS OF LEAF SCALD SYMPTOMS IN SRA26

SUPPLIED BY SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA (SRA)

SRA’s Variety Development team paused to re-examine strong market performer, cane variety SRA26, in February this year.

This followed the discovery of leaf scald symptoms on three crops of SRA26 by a grower farming in the Innisfail region. The disease was subsequently confirmed by Leader Field Pathology, Dr Seona Casonato.

General Manager, Variety Development, Dr Garry Rosewarne, said that fortunately for the industry, since the discovery there had been no new reports of the disease.

Dr Rosewarne attributed the occurrences to the very wet conditions earlier this year.

“After a review of the data we believe that the current infections are isolated incidents,” Dr Rosewarne said.

“We stand by the attributes of this variety, honed over many years.

“We back our work which has shown the disease resistance rating of SRA26 is strong for three major diseases –Pachymetra Root Rot and smut as well as leaf scald.”

SRA disease ratings are derived from three independent disease assays that include standard varieties that range in their response to leaf scald.

These robust tests gave SRA26 a high score of 2 in a 1-9 scale. This compares favourably with another resistant variety, Q124 and is slightly higher than Q208.

“SRA26 also has an excellent high yield and sugar potential.

“It was commercially released five years ago and is now one of the most widely planted varieties across the Northern coastal cane growing region.

“We know it is also popular among growers in the Central district.”

Referring to its agronomic attributes, Dr Rosewarne said the variety was known to suffer under waterlogged conditions.

“That seems to be what’s happened in Innisfail.

“But while it struggles in low-lying or waterlogged blocks and heavy clays, if planted in the right conditions with well-drained soil on blocks that will be cut early to mid season this variety performs really well.”

SRA will continue to monitor the situation, communicating findings to the industry in a timely manner following this process:

1. Outline results that indicate SRA26A has a leaf scald rating of “Resistant”. (See fact sheet: sugarresearch.com.au/ leaf-scald-update)

2. Monitor currently infected crops to observe any exacerbation of symptoms of leaf scald, and any spread into neighbouring crops.

3. Maintain regular communications with industry parties (Productivity Boards, CANEGROWERS , QCARACFA and MAPS) to identify

any new occurrences of leaf scald, particularly on SRA26A. (The current shed meetings are a valuable opportunity for growers to advise of any further disease incidents).

4. Obtain bacterial isolates from the infected crops in Innisfail and use to inoculate SRA26 and other standards to see if there is a different response (1-2 year time frame).

5. Reassess ratings of varieties annually or as more information becomes available.

6. Provide regular communications to industry.

WHAT ARE THE PRIORITY ISSUES FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS?

Sustainability & Environment

BY MICK QUIRK

The Environment and Sustainability Committee is composed of growers from the CANEGROWERS Policy Council, and it manages the advocacy and policy work of QCGO in relation to the industry’s social licence, government regulations, reef and climate policies, river health, biosecurity, access to chemicals, invasive plants and animals, and Smartcane BMP.

It met recently to review its successes and learnings from the last three years, and to identify the priority issues for the next three years.

THE WINS:

ƒ The Reef:

ƒ Much less attention on cane farming in relation to the health of the GBR lagoon.

ƒ Much more realistic expectations from Federal and Queensland Governments on what growers can do to further reduce any potential risk to the ecology of freshwater or inshore waters. In particular, governments have finally recognised that nitrogen rates cannot be reduced below those derived through the SIX EASY STEPS program, without significant impacts on farm profits and mill viability.

ƒ A realisation in both levels of government on why there has been little adoption of crop management practices that they have promoted as lower risk for water quality. A Qld DPI report demonstrates clearly that many of these practices increase risk to crop production and/or lack a clear and significant economic benefit.

ƒ Biosecurity: the Federal Government withdrew its legislation that would have imposed a biosecurity tax on all Australian farmers.

ƒ Greenhouse gas emissions: Analysis commissioned by QCGO showed major reductions in farm emissions from all cane regions over the last 20 years.

Estimated reductions of 30% or more were due to adoption of improved nutrient management, reduced tillage, and more efficient irrigation management.

ƒ Smartcane BMP: continued growth in accreditation of growers, as well as very high retention rate for growers reaching the 5-year renewal of their accreditation.

ƒ Chemical use: emergency and minor use permits were secured to help growers manage difficult circumstances, including late season applications of imidacloprid, aerial application of MCPA in years of major vine outbreaks, aerial application of rat baits to standover cane, and aerial application of 2,4-D using accu-flo nozzles.

ƒ Paraquat: We worked with SRA on a detailed submission that questioned the relevance and reliability of the APVMA’s environmental risk assessment for paraquat. Any decision on its use has now been delayed for up to 12 months so that the APVMA has adequate time to review this and other detailed submissions from the ag sector.

ƒ Invasive pests: More attention of Federal and Queensland Governments on invasive species, including commitments for fire ant eradication. But coordinated and well-funded efforts on pests such as feral pigs are still as rare as rocking horse poo.

THE NEXT THREE YEARS

The Committee recommended that we focus more effort on these issues:

ƒ More tangible benefits for Smartcane BMP accredited growers including access to higher value markets or incentive payments from the supply chain, and access to better terms with financial institutions and insurance providers.

ƒ River health including restoration of creek banks: the ongoing lack of functioning or well-funded River Improvement Trusts has seen river health decline and downstream flood risk increase. This needs new arrangements and major funding in place that continues, or renews, localised planning and management of works to improve river health.

ƒ Greater protection of cropping land through legislation and local government planning, including the right to farm.

ƒ Increased engagement with the APVMA and SRA to ensure we are better prepared when the regulator completes reviews of important crop products.

ƒ Invasive pests, especially feral pigs.

ƒ New fertiliser products that increase efficiency of use and are backed up by SRA field testing.

Several of these issues (river health, invasive pests, cropping land protection, right to farm) are also priorities for other members of the Queensland Farmersʼ Federation, including Cotton Australia and the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, and we will achieve much more through a collaborative approach.

The next Environment and Sustainability Committee will form and convene once the triennial elections are finalised, and Policy Council reps are in place. It will have no shortage of meaty issues to discuss and progress.

HIGH PRIORITY –PRODUCTIVITY

Industry & Farm Inputs

BY BURN ASHBURNER

Increasing sustainable productivity, measured in tonnes of cane per hectare (tc/ha), remains a top priority for CANEGROWERS , millers, SRA, Productivity Services and every grower.

While there is a need to balance tonnes of cane, CCS, and profitability per hectare, tc/ha remains a widely accepted and valuable productivity measure across the industry.

Growers and millers collectively own SRA and Productivity Services, entrusting them with the responsibility of driving productivity improvements. Based on my rough calculations, these organisations collectively invest approximately $40 million per annum ($1.33 per tonne of cane), with around $28 million ($0.93 per tonne of cane) coming directly from grower and miller levies. Interestingly, this figure closely aligns with the estimated $1.00 per tonne cost of BSES and SRDC in 2013.

Over the past 20 years, this investment amounts to nearly $800 million. If we factor in additional funding from external sources—such as Reef projects through NRM groups and private consultants—the total investment is even greater. However, despite this substantial expenditure, there has been little measurable improvement in tc/ha.

Many growers and millers question the return on their investment. The issue is complex, with multiple contributing factors, each playing a role in the broader picture.

To put this in perspective, if we assume the sugarcane value to growers and millers is $70 per tonne ($500 per tonne of sugar at 14.0 CCS), then the industry must either increase production or prevent production losses by 570,000 tonnes of cane per annum to justify the investment in SRA and Productivity Services.

Considering that the industry harvests approximately 340,000 hectares, this equates to an additional 1.7 tonnes per hectare or 170 tonnes for a grower harvesting 100 hectares.

Although tc/ha has remained largely unchanged over the past two decades, the real value of these investments lies in the prevention of production losses.

Services, the industry would likely have been unviable. There is no doubt that these organizations are essential.

The concern, however, is that productivity has stagnated for too long. While the industry has successfully mitigated disease threats, productivity remains a high priority.

Given that sugarcane is grown in one of the world’s most variable climates, measuring broad-scale productivity gains from improved varieties, better farming systems, and enhanced farm management remains a challenge.

In the Sugar Plus roadmap, productivity is recognized as a key element of “better business as usual,” with an emphasis on increased adoption by growers and improved mill performance (targeting 85% availability).

CANEGROWERS will continue advocating for better extension services and collaborating with millers to enhance mill performance.

NEXT RATOON 2025 KICKS-OFF!

Membership Engagement & Innovation

BY MATT KEALLEY

The Next Ratoon mentoring program kicked-off on 26 and 27 February in Brisbane and connects six younger growers with experienced and knowledgeable mentors from both inside and outside of the sugarcane industry.

This is the second year for the program with the first intake graduating in August 2024.

The Next Ratoon Mentoring Program has emerged as a cornerstone initiative of CANEGROWERS , and the program is designed to foster the growth and development of the next generation of leaders within the Australian sugarcane industry.

Launched with the vision of empowering younger growers and emerging leaders, this six-month program pairs individuals aged 18 to 40 with accomplished business executives and seasoned agricultural professionals, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences.

The term “Next Ratoon” draws from sugarcane cultivation, where a ratoon crop is the regrowth that follows the initial harvest. Symbolically, it represents renewal and continuity, mirroring the program’s objective to cultivate emerging leaders who will drive the industry’s future.

CANEGROWERS is excited to have the six mentees in the program who are sugarcane growers that either run their own business or are part of a family business. The mentees are: Celia Zarins from the Cairns region, Levana Finch from the Isis district, Louis Fichera from Innisfail, Rachel Atkinson from Mackay, Brenden Accornero from Herbert River and Jeff Searle from the Burdekin.

Next Ratoon would not work without mentors and CANEGROWERS is very appreciative of the experienced business leaders who have willingly offered their time to support our mentees on their journey. These connections can turn into life-long relationships which can help to guide and support their personal and professional aspirations.

Our mentors for 2025 are Michelle Weston – CEO of Caravan Parks Association of Queensland; Paul Sloman from Cotton Australia; Vivien Miller Communications Manager from Sunshine Sugar in NSW, Greg Plath – a sugarcane grower and QCGO Policy Council representative from Mackay; Michael O’Shea – Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland; and Tricia Velthuizen – CEO at Churchill Education.

The success of Next Ratoon is evident in the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by its participants. The 2025 cohort was buzzing over the two days, and that momentum has continued into the program.

The six-month mentoring program is delivered by Pragmatic Thinking, a highly regarded behavioural and motivational strategy company. The two-day meeting consisted of engaging discussions, workshops, panel sessions and plenty of time for the mentee pairs to get to know each other.

Mentoring will continue between March and August 2025 with monthly mentoring sessions, online learning modules and regular check-ins with Pragmatic Thinking and CANEGROWERS 

ANNUAL QUEENSLAND LAND VALUATIONS: 2025

CANEGROWERS

Legal Advisor

BY CHRIS COOPER

Each year the Valuer General issues valuation for some local government areas. This article provides information about the 2025 valuations.

Current revaluations

During March 2025 the Valuer General will issue new land valuations for 14 local government areas in Queensland, some of which are in sugarcane districts including Cairns Regional Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council

The valuations will reflect values at 1 0ctober 2024 and will be effective from 30 June 2025. Affected Council areas will use these new values for determining rates for the 2025/26 year. If your property is in a Council area that was not revalued, then your land valuation will remain unchanged.

What are land valuations used for?

Land valuations are used and relied upon by various government authorities for a variety of purposes including the levying of various taxes and charges against land holders. These taxes and charges are calculated at a specified rate in the dollar of land value. Examples include local council rates, state land tax and state land rental on state leasehold lands. An increase in your land valuation may, but does not automatically, lead to an increase in your relevant government rates and charges.

Will my council rates increase?

Just because your Valuer General land valuation increases does not automatically mean your local council rates will also increase. Councils have very wide powers to manage rating and changes in property values. Councils can apply caps, averaging of values over several years, differential rating and most obviously, changing the rate in the dollar of land value.

From my experience, I have noticed many local councils use as an excuse the increase in land values by the State Valuer General to justify increases in local rates. There however is no valid basis for this approach and councils certainly have many ways in which they can ensure that an increase in land values does not equate to an increase in rates.

How is the valuation calculated?

Lands that are zoned rural are valued on an unimproved basis by state government department valuers. The unimproved basis is intended to reflect the land in its original, natural and undisturbed condition. The unimproved value is the notional amount the land could be expected to sell for without any physical improvements such as houses and sheds, land clearing, levelling and earth works.

Department valuers usually monitor the local area real estate market and analyse sales of properties within the area. From these sales, they will make calculations about the value of improvements forming part of the sale and deduct them from the gross sale price to come up with a notional unimproved value for the land component involved in that sale.

Valuers will also consider physical attributes and constraints on use of the land. These items include matters such as the shape, nature and size of land, any adverse effects of natural disasters, limitations on land use, encumbrances such as easements including cane tramway and powerline easements, planning restrictions and environmental and vegetation management issues.

The department does not physically inspect every property in the local authority area every year. Quite often the department will simply carry out desk top valuations using maps and aerial images. Also, in some cases the department will merely apply a factor to adjust the value of all farms by a set percentage. These short cut approaches can lead to anomalies and inconsistent valuations.

Objection process

A land holder can formally dispute a valuation by lodgement of a notice of objection. The notice must follow a set format and be lodged with the department within 60 days of the valuation issuing. In certain special circumstances the Valuer General may accept a late objection.

Review process

If a properly made objection has been lodged by a landholder, then the objection must be considered by a senior valuer within the government department who was not involved in the original valuation.

With the agreement of the objector and the valuer a conference to discuss the valuation may also be held. In some circumstances if there are a significant number of cane grower objectors, CANEGROWERS may also

make submissions to the department. The department will reconsider the valuation and notify the objector of the decision.

Appeal process

If the objector does not agree with the decision on the objection, then an appeal can be lodged with the Land Court within 60 days.

Further advice and assistance

The Department of Resources website (www.resources. qld.gov.au) contains useful information about the valuation process undertaken by it. Your local CANEGROWERS district office can also assist with advice and information.

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

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

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MOSSMAN TULLY

4 x 380/90R46 tyres and rms to suit JD self propelled sprayer. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673

2 row scarifier to fill plant cane. Mossman/ Mulgrave/Babinda area. Ph: 0447 562 373.

2009 Kubota M125X tractor good condition

4,294 hrs, air conditioned cab 16 speed –$44,000 + GST; centre buster heavy duty Gessner 30" coulters and legs adjustable crumbler rollers & adjustable row width –$10,000 + GST; fuel tank on trailer approx 2,400L has unfitted new electric pump – $1,900 + GST; Bonel bag lifter good condition $2,000 + GST. Ph: 0407 554 146 or 0438 554 146

Olympic 20.8.42 65% $300 + GST; front end loader with 4 in 1 bucket, blasted and 2pac painted, resembling required $2500 + GST Ph: 0437 434 280

1997 Cameco 2500 harvester (used for billet planting) $75,000; HBM billet planter $15,000; single 2t tipper and double 2t tipper $8,000; John Deere 7200 (7,500 hrs) $45,000.Ph: 0448 814 655 or email gangemifarm@gmail.com for info

John Deere CH570, 9,157 hrs, walking gear, 1 season 33,500t. Tidy machine. Ph: Frank 0417 720 764

International Acco truck 1970 model. Ph: 0427 327 977

USED MACHINERY FOR SALE

Secondhand 2021 John Deere ch570 track harvester – 4,500hrs

Secondhand Case 2090 2wd tractor All machines located in Ingham.

New 5 wheel finger rakes available

New 16.9 r30 tyres available

Contact us via phone or email for further information.

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90 Origlasso St, Ingham 07 4776 6003 (PARTS) 07 4776 1066 (SALES) admin@sngmachinerysales.com www.sngromano.net.au

* As a FREE service to CANEGROWERS members, Australian Canegrower will print suitable classified advertisements UP TO 5 LINES FREE, FOR ONE ISSUE ONLY. A charge of $5. 50 will apply for each extra line or part thereof. A charge will apply for advertising of non-cane growing activities. Advertisements must relate exclusively to cane farming activities, such as farm machinery, etc. Advertisements from non-members are charged at $11 per line incl GST. Only prepaid ads will be accepted.

1984 Toft 6000 plant cutter, 8,000 hrs. Rubberised rollers, elevator extension for 1.8m rows, swinging knife chop system. Good overall condition for its age, $12,000 + GST. Ph: 0419 021 012

8 x 1" RH pusher spring tines, 8 x 1" LH pusher tines and 8 x 1" upright tines. New price $140 each, selling $40 clamps, selling clamps $15. Ph: 0427 563 056

Tractor IH766, 18-4-34 tyres, 95% thread, castiron rims $3,500 + GST. Howard rotary hoe, 90" – $1,500 + GST. Howard slasher, 6ft, new gear box & PDO shafts – $2,500 + GST. Aluminium hog hopper, never used – $750 + GST. Pig traps – $75 + GST each. Ph: Garry 0412 797 006

JD 3140 needs attention. Ph: 0437 669 247 and leave a message.

Austoft 92 wheeley, rubber rollers, 3 blade chop, leg basecutter, used as plantcutter, hard to fault. Fiat 115/90 2wd. New Holland M135 4wd, new motor. JD3520 full track, GPS. Eco Grande 28 plate offsets, near new. Ph: Gordon 0429 941 218

2015 Massey Ferguson tractor 7624 Dyna 6240hp, front suspension, GPS fitted, 3,031 hrs, two-way radio, serviced regularly, tyres excellent – $130,000. Ph: 0427 525 173

Maschio G350 rotary hoe. Make an offer. Ph: 0439 965 921

Main eng. double disc zero/min till. Hydraulic drive planter ser. no MEBPO21. 1,000L Cropland tank. P.O.A. 411R Fiat braise pusher with water tank $3,000 plus GST. Ph: 0419 988 158 or 0417 720 764

Hino FS. 2003, 6 x 4 tipper truck, 18 speed road ranger, 4.7m body, swing tailgate, pull over cover, ring feeder and some parts to go with sale. Very good condition. $70,000 + GST Ph: 0437 434 280

New cane stool splitter discs 30" x 10mm boron steel, $200. Ph: 0427 044 443

2020 Case 8810 fulltrack cane harvester. Purchased 2021, cut 3 seasons. In good condition with plenty of spares. Ready to cut. Tully. Ph: 0407 160 758.

2001 Isuzu service truck FRR Series, diesel, 3 seater with welder, hydraulic hose maker, compressor, numerous compartments fully lockable $50k + GST. 12m V-blade $10k + GST RES Dolly trailer $20k + GST. 44 plate (28" plate) and 24 plate (32" plate) Baldan offset disc ploughs, 10L Bunded fuel tank $10k + GST Ph: 0409 580 586

Set of half tracks to suit John Deere 3520 cane harvester. Ph: Ferdinand 0421 043 609

2012 John Deere 7200R tractor PTO, 3PL with quick hitch, 4 sets of remotes, front weights, front tyres 540/65R34, rear tyres 650/85R38, 4,510 hrs. In good condition. $150,000 + GST Ph: 0427 976 416

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

Case/Stiger 9250 and 1200 Obryan ejector bucket. With cushion hitch. 6,366 hrs. Fitted with T3rra Cutta, I-Grade , Panasonic Tough Book 726 hrs and JD 3000 SF1 cab receiver, no auto steer. Also have T3rra design software to transfer to your computer. Does not come with bucket receiver or in cab John Deere screen. Have an assortment of spare parts for bucket and tractor. All in working order ready to work. Selling as is where is. Ph: 0428 682 886

Expressions of Interest for shares. Email: rigato. office@bigpond.com with offer or any questions.

Howard Rota Vator HR51 Rota. Ph: 0457 255 961

Terranova rotary hoe 120" Bonel 4 disc plough square. Mulgrave area. Ph: 4056 1474

One pair 21L-24 Armour earth moving/quarry tyres, currently on a backhoe. Good condition. $700 each tyre plus GST. Ph: 0419 150 350

2 x 440/65 R24 tractor tyres $1,100 incl. GST each. 2 x 540/65 R34 tractor tyres $2,100 incl. GST each. All four types as new only done 500 hrs. Ph: 0427 665 759

36 plate case 770 offsets, 30" discs $40,000 and HBM plant cutter with topper $4,400. 7ft slasher with Howard box – all refurbished – $10,000 incl. GST ONO. Ph: Gavin 0448 345 139

Massey 4608 excellent condition 2,000 hrs. Ph: 0418 972 705

3t fertiliser stool splitter stainless steel box 1.5–1.8m spacing $25,000 (+GST). Ph: 0429 912 135

2006 Case IH JX109OU in good condition. Always serviced – 6,800 hrs $24,200 (incl. GST). Tully area. Ph: 0427 665 759

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

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

10 blade Faggy chopper box for 3510/3520. $3,500 + GST. Ph: 0437 434 280

2016 John Deere R4023 self propelled sprayer 1,500 hrs, 2,200L tank, 85ft boom, GPS ready. $235,000 plus GST. Ph: 0429 912 135

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

Valley centre pivot 8 span all running gear tyres and rims $1,000 gearboxes $750, electrical motors & gear boxes $1,000 each ONO. 2x torsion axles v-shape 2,200kg each $500 ONO. Ph: John 0418 198 177

6 cyl. Perkins turbo-charged motor, mounted on trailer to Kelly & Lewis water pump $5,500; 6t Newton bulk fertiliser bin $2,500. Ph: after 7pm or txt 0402 686 714 / 0407 144 637

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

1980 Ford 7710, 4WD, 4 cyl, canopy, 5,323 hrs, $21,000. 1960 Inter tractor 574, 2WD, 4 cyl, canopy, $9,500. 1960 Inter tractor 574, 2WD, 4 cyl, canopy, 4,891 hrs, $7,950. 1975 Cat D3 dozer, angle tilt blade, 4 cyl, hyd tow hitch, root rake blade, 4,836 hrs, $51,900. 2010 Kubota ME9000, 4WD, cab with trimble with GFX-750 GPS, 5,031 hrs, total for both $47,900. 2018 Kubota, 4WD, M7040, 4 cyl, canopy, 482 hrs, $46,900. Ph: Mark 0427 017 717

1968 International Farmall 756, 2WD, tricycle, 6 cyl, 5,560 hrs, $5,950. 1993 140" Howard rotary hoe, crumble roller, serial 060301095, $24,500. 2006 Case iH 7700 full track harvester, Iveco 10.3L, 6 cyl motor, 2,912 hrs, $156,000. 1976 rear feed whole stick planter, s/s fertiliser boxes & chutes, 2 x 200L spray tanks with 4 sprays, hydraulic ram trailer hitch, $4,250. 1990 8-ton bulk fertiliser bin, 3 easy chute doors, 4 stands for storage, $5,150. Ph: Romy 0467 198 700

Fertiliser bin

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

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

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

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

4 sets of 3 disc each off a returning disc. Ideal for making mount. Ph: 0408 889 446 POA.

2 x 2015 JCB 3230 with 14t Corradini bins, 1 x 2017 JCB with 16t smart hauler, 1 x 2017 CH570 John Deere harvester. Ph: 0439 766 800

Toft 5000 harvester, rubber rollers, new tyres and hoods, in good condition, great plant cutter, $20,000 + GST. 3 ton side tipper for planting, $3,000 + GST. Ph: 0439 890 948

1980 Ford TW20 tractor, 3,500 hrs maximum, recently painted, good condition, make an offer. Ph: Laurence 0419 666 544

Rainfall Report

Southern cross TCE3000 travelling irrigator. Herbert River. Ph: 0408 889 446

28 plate Napier offset discs, working condition, $5,000. Ph: 0448 842 792

New Holland T6030 tractor 1,750 hrs. Near new tyres VGC $57,000 + GST. Ph: 0407 154 250

BT D6 dozer, high lift, angle and tilt blade, five roller, 14" tracks, make an offer. Ph: 0438 743 685

3-point Linkage International plough, 4 furrows, 1 drag plough – 3 furrows, self lift, make an offer. Ph: 0438 743 685

2 x International 766, 1 at 10ft spacing, 1 standard, spare rear end for parts. Both run. Ph: 0437 346 341

HERBERT RIVER – BURDEKIN

Brought to you by

2020 Case IH Austoft 8010 cane harvester, machine hours 8,250 and elevator hours 4,680, Scraper and Gripster tyres. All case modifications complete. All drive components current. Ph: 0428 635 922

Pair multiplyers with hydraulics suit JD3510 or JD3510 fulltrack harvester in gc, 3 row multiweeder $350 + GST, Dongough planter $1200 + GST, 80" Dondi rotary hoe $1200 + GST, 2 row Eureka ½ ton fert box with 1 ¼ tynes S/S worm $1200 + GST, International BT D6 crawler and breakpusher, 1 pair 8 blade chopper drums for JD3510 or JD3510, 1 pair 10 blade chopper drums for JD3510 or JD3510 – 1 season old. Ph: 0428 879 341

Moore Scoopy LD3 4 wheel drive, fair condition, make an offer. Ph: Reno on 4777 6148 after 6pm.

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

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

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

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

MACKAY-PROSERPINE

Idrofoglia hard hose irrigator model 125G340, serial no. 8167 $33,000 (incl. GST). 4t Newton side tipper $3,500 (incl. GST) 3m Niemeyer nr 1411 power harrows $5,600 (plus GST) Ph: 0437 184 822

2 of 6 ton Ruffalo side tippers with a partition to suit 5 ton bins. Ph: 0438 541 062

Massey Ferguson 2640 2WD, air cab, 4,600 hrs, good condition, surplus to needs. Ph: 0438 545 251

Elevator extrension conveyer belt 600mm

$1,000. Lely spike power marrow 3m wide

$3,000. 90" hr Howard rotary hoe and wheels

$10,000. Hodge 6" dual chain front for billet bin

$4,000. Fiat 540 high clearance tractor and spray tank $15,000. Ph: 0428 115 456

96 Cameco full track harvester good condition

$55,000 + GST. Mackay area. Ph: 0428 654 350

Tyres on rims, Deere – new 2x front – 380 70/R20, 2x rear – 480 70/R28. Ph: Scott 0401 245 581 or ellrotts@hotmail.com

Irrigator Avoka 75 model. Capable of carrying two hoses, however hoses are not included. Good condition. $5,000 + GST. Ph: 0417 714 209

Hardi spray tank, Hardi pump and press reg, 4x row Irvin boom, 4x trailing legs. $6,600. Ph: 0400 948 630

Kinchant dam water allocation. Give away. Ph: 0448 055 047

1990 Toft all rounder plant cutter plus assorted spare parts. $35,000 + GST. Ph: 0407 164 884.

2006 John Deere 7420 135HP 4WD tractor, 4,813 hrs, IVT, triple link suspension, hydraulics and wiring for ag leader Versa/Paradyme. All tyres replaced after 4,000 hrs. $60,000 plus GST. Ph: 0429 629 337.

Stick planter suscon box and tank mounted on planter ground driven pump and new tyres, $1,200. Ph: 0477 232 929

AutoFarm A5 GPS unit $5,000 + GST Ph: 0417 158 656 for more details.

3 x 26" McLeod stool splitter assemblies with fertiliser and confidor tubes. Ph: 0427 593 848

Case Maxxum 140HP tractor with front end loader with 4-in-1 bucket and forks/jib. Near new condition 168 hrs. $140,000 ONO incl. GST. Howard 7ft slasher, good condition $11,000 incl. GST. Ph: 0418 770 218

Schneider Star Delta starter $1,900 ONO. Ph: 0447 733 366

L & L Wilkinson Haulage Pty Ltd widening drop deck and A trailer. Transporting cane harvester. Farm machinery. Farm implements. Pilot. Ph: Lee Wilkinson 0427 474 064

2 x planting 2.5t tipper bins $3,000 each ONO. Ph: 0437 649 296

Massey Ferguson 8110 4-wheel drive with cab, 135hp, only 2,636 hrs in good condition. $55,000 incl GST. Celli Tiger spike hoe, 2.5m wide with hydraulic crumble roller and oil cooler. VGC. Don Mizzi 741 model on Fiat 750 special turbo plus MF102 half-tracks to suit. 12t self-propelled 6x6 elev infielder. VGC. 6t side tipper on Leyland tandem. GC. Mackay. Ph: 0438 606 578

6 rear wheel weights for New Holland TM155. Ph: Keith on 0448 057 574 or Brock Shailer on 0439 113 511

2 tractor tyres 18-4-38, 75% rubber – $600 each. 1 plant cane or return grubber 14 tine – $1,200. A hodge plant cutter and two fan blower – $1,000.

1 Yedder 6 wheel on 3-point linkage frame for plant cane – $1,800. Ph: 0448 605 722

2 x New Trelleborg TM800 high speed 480/65R24 tyres. Ph: 0458 121 546

Hodge side dresser fertiliser box – with 4 front fertilizer coulters, 2 centre rippers with crumble rollers and centre drawbar at rear. Also can be used as a soil buster. Dimensions 1.7m to 2.05m. GC. In the Mackay area. $9,000 + GST. Ph: 0408 874 974 or 0418 874 974

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

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

BUNDABERG-ROCKY POINT

Bonel 1t thrash fertilizer applicator coulter and rippers, scallop discs, crumble rollers, poly bin and stainless steel worms. 3" Avokah irrigator with 3.5" Angus hose. 90" Howard HR40 rotary hoe and crumble roller. Bonel 5 leg ripper with 65mm solid rear bar with 4 at 1.25 coil tynes. Bonel thrash extractor twin fan with topper, blue and yellow colour model. Don Gough thrash whole stick planter and cane cutter and loader. MF 399 4wd cab tractor – 3,119 hrs. 3.5t Tandem plant trailer with 6ply 15" tyres, electric brakes and ramps at rear, VGC. Bonel 1t fert. bin , wheel driven with 10 at 1.25" coil tynes. Ph: 0448 845 296

Case SR200 a/c cab skid steer – 2,071 hrs with Norm 4 in one bucket and extra attachments. CAT 303.5E.CR a/c cab Excavator – 2,900 hrs with 4 buckets. Ph: 0448 845 296

John Deere shredder topper. Ph: 0427 039 051

Hi lift double 6t side tipper on 23.1-26 tyres. Load sharing hitch coupled to 7485 MF tractor with Dyna VT transmission. Ph: 0413 698 922

Volvo BM 4400 front end loader. Good brakes and hand brake 14,000 hrs works well + spares, $38,500. Assorted excavator buckets and rollers suit machines with 90mm pins, prices by negotiation. Toft J150 whole stick harvester modified to load onto planter trailers, $5500. Bonel trash stripper fan always shedded good condition, $660. Don whole stick trash planter has fert. boxes, water tanks (may need some repair) and suscon applicator, no trailers, $1,100. Croplands 1,100L tank and frame – no pump or boom, $4,400. 2 Farmall AMD tractors tin work is no good engines have been open to rain have 1 good engine to go with or separately. Best offers. International B 414 engine open to rain. Best offers. Prices include GST. Ph: 0427 769 086

4 wheel side winder trash rake good condition. $550. Ph: 0413 584 728.

One complete set of front and rear rims to suit John Deere 7810 tractor rear rim, size 23.1 34. $1,500 for the pair plus GST and front rim size 16.9 26, $1,000 for the pair plus GST. Genuine Toyota tray to suit 75 series Toyota Landcruiser ute, $3,000 plus GST. Ph: 0427 577 256

Spring tynes 1 ¼ ins by 1 ¼ ins suit fert. box –set of six. $250. Ph: 0413 584 728

KMC 3 bed folding wing fluffer. VGC, always shedded, ready to work. Ph: 0422 118 466

Canetec BP2500 billet planter single row. New and ready for delivery. Built by Canetec in Bundaberg. $90K. Ph: 0422 669 695

Tractors for wrecking. Case International 485XL $1,000. Fiat 1000 $2,000. Both start and go. Ph: Kevin 0435 026 622.

Wrecking MF 305 cane harvester, with spares. Price negotiable. Ph: Ron 0427 366 307 or Dean 0408 062 830

Don Gough whole stick cane planter $550 (incl. GST). Ph: 0413 584 728

Ford 5000 with blade $12,000 incl. GST. Bonel 2t belt spreader $5,500 incl. GST. Trash incorporator $6,600 incl. GST. 3-point linkage offset 16 plate $1,800 incl. GST. David Brown 990 with loader $9,900 incl. GST. Ph: 0419 577 110

Plant cane cultivator 2 x 1.6m row w/ 3 weeder rakes and tines, $1,320 incl. GST.  2x1.6m row cultivator w/ 10 x 30ml tines, $1,320 incl. GST. 4 wheel trash rake, $1,110 incl. GST Ph: 0408 761 463

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

Ford 6600 tractor $6,000. Ph: 0403 064 708

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

Quinco side dresser fert. box, Bonel plant cutter, 5 row plant marker 1.8 ctrs. Ph: 0473 989 961

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

Brand new Howard AH4000/255 2.5m heavy duty rotary hoe w/wheels $38k incl GST. Rocky Point. Ph: Greg 0421 277 126

NSW

Bonel fertiliser unit recently replaced auger, freshly painted nothing to spend perfect working order. Ph: 0448 120 067.

WANTED

TW20, TW25, TW30 or TW35 tractor – $15,000 neg. Ph: 0448 055 047

Cane trash extractor. Bundaberg district. Ph: 0412 634 005

2 off JD rims (flange type 16" x 42") with or without tyres. Size 480/80 R42 to suit JD7520 12 bolt 855PCD cast centre. Mareeba District. Ph: 0407 963 040

10t cane tipper bins to fit a tandem axle truck Ph: 0427 507 019

Looking for a good condition diesel irrigation set up to run travelling irrigator. Ph: 0428 368 923

Rotary hoe 120" to 140", prefer Howard. Spray unit with Irvin boom or similar 600L plus. Maryborough area. Ph: Roger 0419 788 376

TT75 New Holland front 4x4 axil parts – planetary etc. Ph: 0439 375 301

Kubota RTV side by side. Ph: 0407 761 364

Double 4 , double 5 or double 6 roll on, roll off cane bin trailer. Ph: 0438 583 130

2 x brake drums for front of Volvo F12–10 stud in reasonable condition. Ph: 0408 733 793

Wanted to buy a Patroni style hydraulic three point hitch. Ph: 0427 541 346

Looking for a good running condition dual row billet planter to be shipped to Mauritius. Please contact via mail if any available: dpaul@lamoisson.mu or ring Mauritius –(0011) 230 5984 4007

T450 Trailco irrigator. Ph: 0419 503 293

Valpadana interrow tractor in working order Ph: 0407 967 570

2 tractor tyres 13.6-38/12-38. Tully. Ph: 0437 681 397

HBM billet planter. Ph: 0429 651 233

100 to 120 HP 6 cylinder 4x4 tractor. E.g. Ford tw 20., Fiat, Case ih, basic old tractor. Mossman, Herbert, Mackay (for Ingham). Ph: Lloyd 0439 375 301

Double or triple tipper bin for NSW planting season. Happy to transport from QLD for the right unit. Contact: mildon.park@bigpond.com or Ph: Richard 0412 156 622

Ferguson TE 20 with V8 Ford flattop engine, ½ tracks to suit Ferguson tractor, TE 20 Ferguson with reduction gearbox, Chrighton whole stick harvester with or without tractor. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0427 565 511

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROPERTY – FOR SALE

Permanent water allocation transfer Kolan River medium priority AA 600 ML. Smaller parcels available on request. Ph: Matthew at Colliers 0418 790 042

Cane farm Halifax total area 217 ha, CPA 126.4ha. 2 mins from Taylors Beach and 20 mins from Ingham CBD. Includes large machinery shed which has 3 phase power and water plus 2 smaller sheds. Price $1.62 million. For inspections contact Felix Reitano Real Estate on (07) 4776 5007 or email felix@reitano.com.au

288 acres 35 minutes south of Maryborough, 200 acres under cane. Permanent creek with underground mains 4 bedroom timber home, 12x9m shed with 3 phase power. Ph: 0407 398 852

PROPERTY WANTED

Bundaberg cane grower looking for land to lease. Ph: 0403 200 805.

Sugar cane, Marwood/Sunnyside. Looking to expand, 2025 and beyond. Ph: 0408 011 983

Lease cane farm looking for lease land –Sarina, Mackay or west of Marian, open to any suggestions. Ph: Brian 0498 878 416

Wanted cane farm to lease. Will consider anywhere from Proserpine to Cairns. Minimum 5,000t. Ph: Lara 0438 990 122

Wanting to purchase a land title – Mackay district. Council approval ready to go. Cash sale no finance needed. Ph: 0407 426 626

Wanting to buy cane farm in Mackay or surrounding areas. Ph: 0437 410 434

Looking to purchase a sugar cane farm in Proserpine or surrounding area. Require land only no house needed. Ph: 0451 272 057

Want to buy farm in Victoria Plains, Eton, Pleystowe area. Ph: 0490 029 387

Wanted permanent purchase lower Mary River water allocations on Mary River, Tinana Creek and channel pipeline sections of the scheme. Ph: 0427 930 696