6 minute read
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, technology-driven 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.
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
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 top-quality 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.
