Steep learning curve She may be a relative newcomer to the sugarcane industry, but Leah Russo is determined to be a strong advocate for her fellow Herbert River growers. Earlier this year, Leah became just the second woman ever elected to a director role on the board of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, and while it’s been a steep learning curve, the 39-year-old is drawing on her passion and experience in the travel industry to provide a strong voice for growers. BY ROBYN DEVINE
Tucked away off the main highway about 20kms south of Ingham is the picturesque area of Yuruga. It’s here that Leah and Santo Russo’s young family embarked on their cane-growing journey in 2018, following in the footsteps of Santo’s family, which has been farming in the area for three generations. The couple bought 60 hectares of the Russo family farm in 2018 and the remaining 60 hectares from her fatherin-law Frank when he retired two years ago. The young Russos decided to embrace the farming lifestyle and moved the family onto the Yuruga farm after living in town since returning to the Herbert River district.
up. It’s keeping our family history alive,” Leah said.
“My husband grew up on the farm, his family are growers and have been contract harvesters, but it’s been brand new for me.”
“This farm is part of the original family farm. My husband’s grandparents came over from Sicily and bought the property in 1959, so our children are growing up where their father and grandfather grew
“My husband grew up on the farm, his family are growers and have been contract harvesters, but it’s been brand new for me. I did grow up in Ingham, with farms around us, but my parents didn’t own a farm, so I wasn’t involved in a farming experience.” Their three children, Jessica (9), Lucas (7), and Benjamin (5), now enjoy farm life in their little piece of paradise, where the mountains frame the long green rows of sugarcane in the fields. Like many growers, Santo also works off farm, holding down a full-time job at the local mill. Balancing full time employment while running a farm - doing the necessary maintenance and growing tasks requires some adept juggling.
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