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The Moss family from Northern Rivers work hard to maintain their piece of paradise
Photo credit: Robyn Devine
Read more on page 24
NEWS BRIEFS
NEW CEO OF SRA APPOINTED
Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) Chair Rowena McNally has announced the appointment of Mick Bartlett as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 14 October.
Joining SRA as the outgoing CEO of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Mr Bartlett was responsible for the strategic direction and reform of the Authority which facilitates $4.1 billion (AUD) worth of international import and export trade annually.
Mr Bartlett brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent more than two decades in senior leadership positions within the commercial agricultural and research sectors across four continents.
With extensive significant achievements in driving innovation and sustainability within the agricultural industry, Mr Bartlett’s leadership has been characterised by a strong commitment to research and development.
In his experience as Global Director of Operations at the International Rice Research Institute, based in the Philippines, Mr Bartlett was responsible for providing governance, due diligence, resource allocation, monitoring and control of research and operational initiatives in 21 countries.
Mr Bartlett said his aim in joining SRA is to enhance productivity, sustainability and profitability for sugar producers, millers and associated stakeholders within the Australian sugarcane community. His appointment marks a new era for SRA as it continues to support the industry through cutting-edge research and practical solutions.
“Research for industry development is predicated on identifying and developing innovative solutions to known and emerging impediments to business growth and sustainability,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Stakeholder, staff and broader industry engagement is paramount in achieving success. I feel fortunate to be joining SRA’s dedicated and competent team and look forward to helping drive the Board’s strategic initiatives.”
EKKA
It’s Ekka time and CANEGROWERS will staff the Sugarcane – one plant, many products stand in the Agriculture Hall where thousands of visitors get to experience a Virtual Reality Paddock to Packet tour.
This whole of industry stand provides a great opportunity to share the sweet success that is sugarcane. Pop in and say hi to the team if you are visiting. The Ekka is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Sat 10 – Sun 18 August.
LOAD RESTRAINT LAWS – KNOW THE FACTS
There is a lot of talk about load restraint laws and their potential impact on the industry. That's why CANEGROWERS sat down with representatives from National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and asked them to address the facts and fictions around load restraints.
To listen to this informative Around the Paddock podcast visit the CANEGROWERS website.
MILL PAY DISPUTE COSTING FARMING FAMILIES MILLIONS
CANEGROWERS has welcomed news that Wilmar and unions representing workers at the company's nine Queensland sugar mills have accepted a mediation offer from the Fair Work Commission.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said he hoped the move signalled the beginning of the end for the longrunning pay dispute that is affecting half of the industry and threatens to completely derail the season.
“Sugarcane farming families have been losing $4 million a day due to strike action at Wilmar mills, and we’ve seen the crush fall up to 20% behind schedule in some districts,” Mr Menkens said.
“It's been clear for weeks that the parties had reached a stalemate in negotiations, so it’s well past time that we got this issue resolved.
“To make matters worse, communication between the mills and their grower suppliers has been almost non-existent, with growers left in the dark about what may happen from one day to the next.
“Cane harvesters, contractors, farmers and farm workers have been operating in an atmosphere of complete uncertainty, and they have had enough.”
The ongoing industrial action is just the latest problem for a milling sector plagued by performance issues that are rapidly dragging down the productivity and profitability of the entire industry, impacting the financial and mental wellbeing of farming families and communities.
“Certain parts of the milling sector have been underperforming for years. Every year we are seeing cane left unharvested in the paddock. The inability of some mills to crush the crop in that June to November window is hurting growers, the industry, and the communities that rely on sugarcane for survival," Mr Menkens said.
“Milling companies need to invest for the long term in their factories and infrastructure. Simply keeping mills ticking over year after year is not enough, because each year they are getting a little bit worse. They need to make significant investments to upgrade and modernise their assets. They must also train and maintain qualified staff.”
Mr Menkens pointed out that some milling companies have successfully invested and collaborated with the growing sector and are thriving as a result.
“MSF’s Tableland mill is currently crushing at around 97% capacity. It should be a shining example to those mills struggling to maintain 70-80% availability.
“MSF’s Mulgrave mill has even joined forces with Mossman cane growers to ensure they get their cane crushed this year following the closure of Mossman Mill in 2023.
“This proves that mills can perform well and work with growers collaboratively if they invest properly in their own business and the industry more widely.”
Burdekin Pioneer mill
POLICY COUNCIL
Grower-leaders from across the industry gathered for a Policy Council meeting in Brisbane last month, where they received updates on advocacy and policy work being undertaken by the organisation.
A presentation from Bureau of Meteorology’s Horticulture, Sugarcane and Wine Customer Lead Jamieson Lowe provided a practical overview of the different weather forecasting platforms.
The Policy Council also considered some of the industry's top challenges and priorities, such as continuing poor mill performance, rising electricity and water prices, and disruptions to the crush across the industry due to ongoing industrial action at 10 sugar mills.
On a more positive note, representatives were delighted with CANEGROWERS ' work in the education space where the organisation is engaging education professionals to develop a suite of curriculum-aligned teaching resources to help educate primary and secondary students about the sugarcane industry. Visit the CANEGROWERS website to see the current resources.
CANEGROWERS Policy Council met at the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre to discuss the opportunities and challenges
Far right: Dan Galligan provided an overview of the current CANEGROWERS advocacy and project outcomes and updates while Jamieson Lowe from BOM provided an update on climate forecasting platforms
REPORT YELLOW CRAZY ANTS
Enjoy increased flexibility with the Harvest Pool Opt Out
Leave the QSL Harvest Pool at any time during the 2024 Season and price more yourself using QSL’s Harvest Pool Opt Out.
Just choose to Opt Out and any of your Harvest Pool tonnage which has not already been priced by QSL will be transferred to the Self-Managed Harvest Contract so you can price it yourself.
THE BENEFITS
Increase the tonnage you can price yourself after 30 April
Use the Self-Managed Harvest Contract without having to commit before you begin harvesting
Lock in price certainty rather than waiting for the final Harvest Pool result
For more information, talk to your local QSL team.
Disclaimer:
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH LOAD RESTRAINTS
On Wednesday 26 June, the load restraint task group alongside members of CANEGROWERS ' Farm Input and Research Committee and milling representatives accompanied six officers from the National Heavy Vehicle Register (NHVR) and four from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) on a field trip.
The trip to Mackay aimed at showcasing the different loading and transport systems used in the industry began at Racecourse Mill before attendees went out on farm and witnessed the different Haulout, Truck and Roll-On-Roll-Off transport systems utilised within the Mackay district.
Attendees were taken through each loading and transportation process in detail with demonstrations provided by the contractors and growers who volunteered their time on the day.
Despite the rain, the trip was successful with the NHVR and QPS officers gaining a better understanding of the ins and outs of the industry
and the complex process involved in transporting cane from the field to mill. This field trip was an active part of the collaboration between CANEGROWERS, Australian Sugar Milling Council and NHVR to ensure sugarcane continues to be transported safely.
CANEGROWERS has produced a podcast ‘Getting a grip on load restraints’ and recorded a webinar on Tuesday 30 July that provide valuable insights on load restraints and practical expectations for operators and growers, visit the CANEGROWERS website to learn more.
NEXT RATOON MENTEES GRADUATING SOON
The first seven mentees from CANEGROWERS Next Ratoon mentoring program will be graduating in August 2024.
The program kicked-off in February 2024 and included six one-on-one mentoring sessions from March to August.
Next Ratoon is designed to build strong connections by supporting leadership skills and knowledge to contribute to a profitable and innovative sugarcane industry. Mentoring is an effective way to develop new leaders, foster diversity and inclusion as well as strengthen the culture of CANEGROWERS
The mentees in Next Ratoon 2024 were attracted to the program because it offered professional development and an opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and networks through structured mentoring. Next Ratoon not only supported their own personal growth and business goals but provided an insight to the sugarcane industry and how they could contribute to leading its future.
Anthony Deguara is a mentee in the program and runs his farming business in Mackay.
“I applied for the program in the hope of gaining a better appreciation of how the CANEGROWERS organisation functions and to understand how other agricultural industry bodies approach their respective challenges”.
Next Ratoon wouldn’t run without the support of the mentors and CANEGROWERS is very fortunate to have the support of highly skilled and
experienced business leaders from within the sugarcane industry and across agribusiness who have willingly offered their time to support our mentees on their journey.
Greg Fraser is one of the mentors and he and his family own a 200 hectare grazing farm at Wee Jasper, west of Canberra. Greg is a director on Citrus Australia and was the Executive Director and CEO of Plant Health Australia from 2008 and 2020, the industry body that manages biosecurity risk and helps Australian agriculture protect itself from exotic pests and diseases. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Greg is the mentor to Rebecca Pace who works in the family business Pace Farming Pty Ltd that grows sugarcane and pineapples in Herbert River.
Greg says when he was approached to be involved in the Next Ratoon program, his response was immediate. “There is no more rewarding activity than supporting young growers develop and achieve their personal goals. Sometimes you just need someone with a different perspective, knowledge and experiences to encourage and guide”.
While it is bittersweet to see the first cohort mentees graduate, CANEGROWERS will be continuing the Next Ratoon program in 2025.
Expressions of interest for the 2025 Next Ratoon program will open in September 2024. Six mentee spots will be available to growers aged between 18 and 40 who are connected to sugarcane business that is a member of CANEGROWERS More information will be available on the CANEGROWERS website.
The response from the 2024 Next Ratoon participants in CANEGROWERS ' inaugural program has been overwhelmingly positive
ADVOCACY –IT’S A TEAM SPORT
BY DAN GALLIGAN, CEO, CANEGROWERS
If you have any spare time at all in this busy harvest season you will be hard pressed to avoid the fact that sport is high on the agenda, with the Paris Olympics kicking off.
Some people hate it, I frankly love the Olympics, in fact I love sport. I love its capacity for demonstrating determination, the human spirit in full force and the real value of teamwork. It is not hard to draw the comparisons and see the value of this teamwork in our priorities here at CANEGROWERS
There is an old adage, “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together”.
This is 100% absolutely the case for agricultural advocacy and in CANEGROWERS we live and breathe that approach in our strategic investments of membership dollars.
We work across the supply chain having some often very difficult conversations with milling companies, milling peak bodies marketers, refiners and some of the world’s biggest food, beverage and grocery brands.
These are often informal but regular, robust conversations that both influence and provide an understanding of our positions.
Formally we have strong relationships, all pulling the oars together through our financial memberships that give us a leadership role within Queensland Farmers’ Federation, the National Farmers’ Federation and the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers – which cover state, national and international policy issues, collaborate across agriculture, share ideas, allow learning opportunities from each other and the chance to share the load.
CANEGROWERS has specific topic-based relationships with Plant Health Australia, the Primary Industries Education Foundation and Bio-Energy Australia we are there to influence, biosecurity, education and bio-energy policies and programs. These groups know exactly what we want because we have worked through our grower led Policy Council to inform our position. We take those positions to these groups, where we work together to achieve supportive outcomes.
We have the myriad of informal networks and connections that our staff facilitate at the district and state levels. Working directly with councils, NRM groups, productivity boards and a range of regional economic development agencies and alliances. This extends right through to the global stage where we bring together the Global Sugar Alliance and the Thai-Australia dialogue and participate in the International Sugar Organisation and the ASEAN+1 trade collaboration.
These relationships are deep-rooted and formed via a range of either paid partnership, informal connections or deliberate strategic collaborations. One single thing is consistent, they are established with a view of working together so that we may deliver better outcomes on our key objectives for the sugarcane growers of Australia.
It is about being clear with what we believe is important from a grower’s perspective and seeking out friends and partners that will help us deliver it. If successful it is truly a team sport that often goes unnoticed.
Sunn hemp trial brings long term results
ADVERTORIAL
Wet Tropics cane grower Neil Maitland has been trialling sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as a fallow break crop with great results.
His family-run property grows 205 acres of sugarcane with about 15ha of fallow/rotation ground each year, at Aloomba, south of Cairns. Neil has been on the property for 45 years and after planting a mixed species product one year, some sunn hemp seed remained, so he decided to run it out.
“It was such a small seed, but the crop leapt to 3.5m high,” Mr Maitland said.
Driven on by the humidity and high rainfall (Aloomba averages almost 2000mm per year), the crop was so high it prompted him to get in touch with Jack Robertson, from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to find out a bit more about this plant.
Sunn hemp is a native plant of Bangladesh, Bhutan and India. Its vigorous growth rate, particularly in the tropics, sees a crop fully grown in 90 to 120 days.
“If we get humidity and rain, it grows at a phenomenal rate,” he explained.
When the plant decomposes, the fixed nitrogen is mineralised and released into the soil and is available for subsequent crops. It’s recommended for rotation with crops prone to root nematode infection such as potatoes and sugarcane due to its resistance and suppressive action against these pests.
Initial biomass trials at the Aloomba property found the early crop had put some 210kg/ha of nitrogen into the soil. Considering sugarcane in the area requires about 120kg/ha, Neil was impressed with the results.
“Tests showed it boosted the organic carbon in the soil by 0.4 to 0.6 per cent.”
Generally, a higher organic carbon level means less additional (synthetic) nitrogen is needed, so the Maitland farm has reduced its fertiliser input, but maintained its yield, which is good news in terms of reduced costs.
The farm produced a 144t/ha cane crop last year. Soil tests after harvesting the cane found the level of organic carbon did not diminish. An additional result has been greater water penetration meaning less farm run-off and increased moisture holding capacity. All very good news for reef water quality and the environment as a whole.
“You’ve got to keep moving into the future because it’s the only thing that keeps farming profitable.”
To find out about other producers who are using new techniques and innovations to improve practices onfarm in reef catchments, visit www.qld. gov.au/FarminginReefCatchments or call DAF on 13 25 23
The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has local extension officers, agricultural economists and researchers throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchments to support you to increase on-farm profitability and sustainability, including:
• using AgTechnology such as drones and precision farm equipment
• using farm management and online tools
• designing contour banks and waterways
• optimising fertiliser requirements to crop needs
• efficiently applying pesticide
• reducing erosion and sediment loss
• retaining nutrients on farm.
FROM THE CHAIR
BY OWEN MENKENS, Chairman, CANEGROWERS
CANEGROWERS ’ Policy Council members met in Brisbane last month to discuss some of the big challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and to receive updates on the work being undertaken on behalf of growers.
There were plenty of informative sessions, and lively debates were had on issues like load restraint laws, biofuels, Smartcane BMP, and mill performance.
One of the biggest topics of discussion centred on how CANEGROWERS promotes itself, and how we inform members and others about what we are doing.
In today’s world, fewer people are watching local news or reading local newspapers. Instead, they are getting their news and information from social media, whether that’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X or Tik Tok.
This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, social media is an inexpensive way for organisations to get their messages out directly to members and the wider community. Anyone with an internet connection can chime in, and they do, often with incorrect, misleading, or outright false statements.
One thing that became clear from the discussion around communications is we need to do better at communicating our actions, initiatives, goals, and achievements to growers.
Communication is a team sport. As an organisation we regularly post information on social media about what we are working on, the benefits of membership, etc.
But as district directors we often don’t share those messages with growers on the ground as well as we could or should.
One of the quickest and simplest ways we can do this is to ensure we ‘like’ and ‘share’ social media messages from our local district office and CANEGROWERS Queensland.
But we also need to ensure we’re spreading the positive messages about our organisation in person, whether that’s face-to-face or over the phone with our fellow growers.
If we, as elected grower representatives, can’t or won’t talk up our industry body, how can we expect anyone else to.
Since becoming Chair of CANEGROWERS Queensland, I try to get to meetings at every district every year, to inform
growers as much as possible. We also do a lot of TV, radio and newspaper media, as well as member emails and, of course, this magazine.
But a yearly meeting is not enough. District directors need to ensure they are informed about what their organisation is doing at local and state level, and they need to constantly share those messages.
The issues discussed at the Policy Council are always varied and detailed, and we have achieved some wonderful outcomes in many areas.
One of the best outcomes was the work done in the transport space. As many of you know, in April this year the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) took over as regulator for many of our cane transport haulage.
There was concern that there would be a crackdown on haulage equipment due to load restraint. Fortunately, following a lot of discussions with NHVR representatives, we have reduced a lot of pressure on our industry.
Growers still need to be vigilant and make sure there are no spilled billets on the road, otherwise fines will come.
Taking a whole of industry approach to this problem by including millers, growers and contractors is the best way to take the pressure off our industry.
There is still more work to do in this space and we will continue to work with authorities, but reducing spillage is the main priority going forward.
The other issues we discussed were the current industrial issues, the electricity tariff changes, and the immense amount of work we have undertaken in the education sector.
This work is all about getting into schools and providing teachers with positive, curriculum-aligned material about our industry and the many families it supports.
The other major issues which we have worked on is mill viability, mine development on agricultural land, and Smartcane BMP Module 4. We will continue to work with all parts of the industry and government to get results in these areas.
I would also encourage all growers who are STL shareholders to fill in the recently received Member Status Declaration to prove they active growers.
STL is finally doing something about their dry shareholders, and it is important all active growers fill in these forms.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!
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STEP BACK IN TIME
BY RENEE CLUFF
Two decades after the first SIX EASY STEPS® grower workshop, we re-visit the origins of the sugarcane industry’s best practice nutrient management program and examine how it has evolved over time.
Sugarcane growers today know the SIX EASY STEPS program not only as a basis for Smartcane BMP accreditation, but as an agronomic tool that allows them to customise nutrient management planning according to block or paddock variables.
Importantly, it considers all essential nutrients for sugarcane production: not just nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)! It also recognises how these nutrients interact with differing soil properties to deliver profitable sugarcane production without adversely impacting soil fertility or off-farm effects.
The leader of the program is Professor Bernard Schroeder (University of Southern Queensland), who began his scientific investigations in the 1990s when he was employed by the then Bureau of Sugar Experimentation Stations (BSES) – now Sugar
Research Australia (SRA) – as a research scientist. His position was created within the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Sugar Production (CRC Sugar) to undertake a review of nutrient management in the industry.
“One of the things I identified was that the nutrient management guidelines weren’t soil specific,” Bernard said. “For instance, when it came to N application rates, there was a category for rich land soils and another for all the other soils. The latter was split according to those applicable to the Burdekin/Mareeba districts and all other districts. It was also suggested that growers adjust rates according to the sugar price.
“I got in touch with Dr Andrew Wood, who was the CSR Ltd Chief Technical Field Officer stationed at Macknade Mill. We quickly found common ground because of our very similar opinions of how best to manage soils and nutrients in sugarcane production systems. We were both concerned that the existing nutrient recommendations were inadequate and required modification.
“From there, we wanted to develop and promote a set of nutrient management guidelines that reflected the diversity of soils and districts within the Australian sugar industry and we have worked collaboratively for this purpose for almost 28 years now.”
The team grew, with John Panitz, the late Dr Phil Moody, Dr Barry Salter, David Calcino, Alan Hurney, Dr Danielle Skocaj and Glen Park rounding-out the SIX EASY STEPS RD&E team.
“Others like Phil Netz, John Jackson, Eric Kok, Sam Henty and Zofia Ostatek-Boczynski provided technical support, and people like Bob Stewart, Jason Benn, Evan Shannon, Robert Sluggett, Dr Bob Aitken, Rick Beattie, Peter McGuire, Jim Sullivan, Victor Schwenke and Scott Hardy shared their local knowledge over the years,” Bernard added.
L-R John Jackson, Barry Salter, Bernard Schroeder, Sam Henty
Multiple industry organisations were brought together through this team effort, including BSES/ SRA, Queensland CANEGROWERS , CSR Sugar, the Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC), the Queensland Departments of Natural Resources and Primary Industries, and various Productivity Boards, Natural Resource Management groups and milling companies.
“There were some people who thought the previous nutrient management guidelines were adequate. Consequently, we’ve had to spend a lot of time over the years defending what we were doing,” Bernard said. “Over time, we convinced the sceptics more and more that the SIX EASY STEPS program and knowledge of soils enabled better on-farm decision-making.
“The science that underpins the system is robust and the nature of what we’ve developed is both logical and understandable. Importantly, the order of the SIX EASY STEPS is chronological, and STEPS 5 and 6 in particular offer opportunities for cyclical learning and continuous improvement.
“Initially, train-the-trainer courses were held as part of CRC Sugar and brought together knowledge of the properties of Australian sugarcane-producing soils. Those courses ran over two days and included presentations of various topics and practical soil-based workshop activities.
“In 2004, the first grower-oriented short course was conducted in Bundaberg,” Bernard said. “The name ’SIX EASY STEPS’ was the brainchild of a local journalist, Carole Colville, who I’d been talking to about the program. It came to life when those short courses were presented and ever since then it has been badged as the SIX EASY STEPS and recognised as the basis for BMP.”
“That’s when and where the
SIX EASY STEPS was born”
Soil booklets for each district were rolled- out over successive years, along with a toolbox to value-add to the level of support that growers could access. The SIX EASY STEPS Advisory Committee (SESAC) was established more recently to vet the incorporation of potential tools into the toolbox.
Over the years, one of the major changes was to STEP 5, which was originally ‘Use leaf analysis to check the adequacy of fertiliser inputs’. As a response to industry feedback, it’s now not so specific, and includes provisions for on-farm assessments and growermanaged on-farm strip-trials.
“If or when there are changes that need to be made within the guidelines, we’ve dealt with that through our investigative work,” Bernard said. “When new, robust and valid evidence comes from science, we can update the guidelines accordingly.
EXTENDING THE SCIENCE
David Calcino worked at BSES and SRA as an advisor and extension officer for 40 years until his semi-retirement in 2017.
“The most rewarding activity I was involved in was the SIX EASY STEPS program,” he said. “From the very early days in the development of the program, the leader, Bernard, involved extension in the formative planning stage. This allowed practical input from a future extension perspective while providing project ownership.”
Sugar Research Australia’s Principal Agronomist, Dr Danielle Skocaj, has been involved with SIX EASY STEPS since 2007. She said today, refresher courses (in addition to full day workshops) that focus on different facets of the program – such as how to interpret soil test results (STEP 4) – are held at suitable times of the year.
“Scientific knowledge has been packaged into a palatable form, which includes multimedia resources, faceto-face workshops, practical hands-on training and online tools,” she said. “It’s very visible how growers’ knowledge of nutrient management has changed over the years.”
John Panitz collecting a soil sample in Bundaberg
Prof Bernard Schroeder and Dr Danielle Skocaj
THE SIX EASY STEPS
“I like to compare it to a person –the SIX EASY STEPS is a living thing! It’s gone from being born, through childhood and adolescence when it was nurtured and also sometimes bullied, and now it’s 20 and it’s an adult. It’s grown and matured and will continue to do so into the future.”
One of the biggest challenges Bernard, Andrew and the team faced was the introduction of government Reef Protection Regulations for the sugarcane industry in 2010.
“We got the impression that the Queensland Government wanted to take the SIX EASY STEPS and regulate it, but we were against that idea”
“I felt growers should use the SIX EASY STEPS voluntarily, rather than being forced to do so,” Bernard said. “Ultimately, the Queensland
Government regulated STEP 3 and the N and P guidelines in STEP 4. That’s caused me much angst as it neglects STEPS 1 and 2: understanding the soils, and STEPS 5 and 6 which are about making sure the guidelines are working for growers and adjusting their inputs accordingly.
“The CANEGROWERS initiative to persuade government to recognise and give credit to growers using the full SIX EASY STEPS under Smartcane BMP was an important development. Those growers who are accredited are now able to manage their crops according to their specific circumstances.”
Bernard also believes that the Reef Regulations have placed too much emphasis on N and, to some extent, P fertiliser application rates. Another concern is that the regulations oversimplify the concept of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
“NUE has two components: the application rate as well as the yield,” Bernard explained. “Because of the Reef Regulations, there was a focus
on reducing N rates to improve NUE. However, it is much more positive if you try to improve yield in order to improve NUE.
“In my opinion, growers and other industry stakeholders have been overly consumed with N and have tended to forget about all the other essential nutrients and the factors that affect them. If we hadn’t done that, if we’d been paying attention to all inputs and not just N & P, we’d be in a much better position now with regard to maintaining yield and improving NUE.
“SIX EASY STEPS remains the best option on how we should be doing just that.”
L-R Andrew Wood and Glen Park L-R Alan Hurney, Bernard Schroeder, David Calcino
QSL GROWER PRICING UPDATE
Sugar Market & Currency
Influence Commentary
Brazil
India
Thailand
Speculators
Currency
Your Trusted Partner
Current as at 19 July 2024.
By Elliott Apel, Marketing & Risk Officer
Harvesting in Centre South Brazil continues at a rapid pace, with weather remaining favourable. As of 1 July, almost 240 million tonnes of cane had been harvested and 14.2 million tonnes of sugar produced, ahead of last year by 13% and 15% respectively. The large volume of sugar produced in the first third of the season has the market nervous of yet another record crop, but given the last nine months have been extremely dry, there is a strong possibility of the crop being compromised at the tail end of the season. The market will be watching closely to see if production begins to fall away into the second half of the season, as well as the progression of the sugar mix which is currently tracking at 48.72% towards sugar.
The wet season in India has improved in the last fortnight with the monsoon finally progressing to the north, delivering significant rainfall in much-needed areas. The Indian Sugar Millers Association (ISMA) continues to lobby the government to recommence sugar exports of up to 3.5 million tonnes. To date, the government has remained silent on the matter and is expected to remain that way until at least the beginning of 2025 once there is a better idea of the size of the upcoming crop.
Rainfall in Thailand remains extremely variable with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall while others are recording below the long-term average. Due to this, the variance in crop forecasts remains wide, with 95-110 million tonnes of cane expected. With that being said, sugar exports from Thailand should increase year-on-year, given the extremely poor crop last year.
After building to an 81,750-lot net short position early in June, speculators reversed their position and returned to a small net-long position in July. As of 9 July, a position of 6540 lots net-long was recorded. Potential Brazilian weather risks and a possible lower sugar mix were likely the drivers behind some of the speculator community beginning to buy back their positions.
The AUD traded to highs of 67.99 US cents in July as inflation in the US fell to 3.0%, indicating that the Federal Reserve is on track to commence its rate-cutting cycle in the coming months. Conversely, inflation in Australia remains resilient and may force the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to deliver a further rate hike before the end of the year which would only fuel further AUD strength.
The outlook ratings above are in relation to AUD/tonne sugar prices. A bullish outlook is considered positive. A bearish outlook is considered negative.
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 = $550
Key Dates:
• 20 September: Any unpriced tonnage allocated to the ICE 11 October 2024 contract through the Individual Futures Contract and Self-Managed Harvest Contract that is not rolled by this date will be priced by QSL at the next market opportunity.
• 20 September: Any 2024-Season Target Price Contract tonnage not priced by this date will automatically have its pricing window extended and roll costs may apply.
ENDURING LEGACY
BY RENEE CLUFF
Queensland’s Sugar King:
The Zammit Legacy delves deep into the pioneering ethos of the early days of far north Queensland’s sugar industry, and how one migrant overcame obstacles and seized opportunities in his pursuit not only to belong, but to give back.
Catherine Smith’s very personal historical biography also spans themes of racial discrimination, music, gold mining, rural life and wartime through the lens of her relative’s lives. Thus, at its heart, Smith’s composition is a rich story of resilience, familial bonds, community and service laid over a steady beat of humility and kindness.
Woven amidst engaging tales of everyday family and farming activities in tropical Queensland is the true story of Smith’s grandparents, Paul and Pauline, who’d migrated from Malta on separate ships in 1912 and 1913.
“In the 1980s, when I was in my early 20s, I would meet people in Brisbane who would comment on my dark colouring,” the author said. “I would explain I had Maltese heritage and then they’d say, ‘I knew this wonderful Maltese man once, Paul Zammit, who was a sugarcane farmer at Bartle Frere.’
“I was surprised that such a simple question could lead to such a pointed answer, and I thought, ‘If he was that good, why hasn’t someone written about him?’”
In 2003, she set about writing about him herself, initially spending hour upon hour in libraries gathering material from the state and national archives.
“I would come home with square eyes and a bad neck,” she said.
“I knew nothing of them when I was first told about them but through my research, I feel like I have been introduced now”
It was quite a story she unravelled. Even though Malta was part of the British Empire, the couple’s olive complexions clashed with Australia’s then White Australia Policy and Paul initially found it difficult to get a break. He walked on foot from Sydney to far north Queensland, where he began cutting cane.
It was through alliances and friendships forged in the cane fields that he and his brother (who arrived a few years later) were able to purchase some land and start a new farm from scratch. Paul later bought out his brother’s share and purchased other farms as well.
Smith said Paul and Pauline shared a vision of progress and managed the business and their family of 12 as an egalitarian partnership. “They operated in tandem, and they both had brains for business,” she said.
“They consulted each other and made decisions together and that was unheard of in those days. I believe they were ahead of their time, and I don’t think it would be too outrageous to suggest that today we would regard them as migrant entrepreneurs. It was sweat equity and they pursued economic opportunities and created their own wealth through sugarcane farming, then contributed that back to the community.”
In 1948, Paul Zammit was awarded the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Pius XII for building the Church of St Paul at Bartle Frere. He was the first Queenslander and fourth Australian to be recognised by the Papal honour.
The family was also well known for giving back through music. All ten children were talented musicians, performing locally, nationally and even on global stages. “That music and performance on such a scale over 20 years or more created cultural and social cohesion between migrants and Anglo-Australians,” Smith said. “They didn’t have a gramophone, or a TV and music was always live.”
The Zammit family also sponsored many other migrants to come to Australia and take up jobs in the cane fields. The descendants of those migrants continue to work in the sugar industry today. Silkwood sugarcane grower Luke Zammit is among them.
“At the end of the day, a lot of us are here because of Paul Zammit”
“He brought out our grandparents, he brought out the Calleja and Camilleri families, the Aquilinas, there’s a huge list,” Luke said. “They worked off their debts and then they bought their own farms. Everyone spread out.”
The grandfather of Mourilyan sugarcane grower Alan Aquilina was also sponsored by Paul.
“His wife, Pauline, was my father’s Aunty and Paul Zammit sponsored my grandfather to come over with his brother,” Alan said. “My father used to work with the younger ones, the children.
“Paul was such a success with all his business deals. He came with nothing at all and achieved so much. He had an influence on early Cairns development and the Floriana building he constructed on the Esplanade is an example of that.
“His ability to harness those small opportunities early on allowed him to provide much bigger opportunities for his family in later years.”
Cairns Library will be hosting Catherine Smith at a special author event on August 30. More information can be found at qldsugarking.com
Anti-clockwise from top: The Zammit family in 1923; Church of St Paul at Bartle Frere. It was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winifred in 1986; The Zammits’ Bartle Frere farm house; Con Zammit driving the tractor with Mt Bartle Frere in the background; A gang of canecutters at Bartle Frere
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application. Every hectare has about 74 metric tonnes of nitrogen hidden above it; all you need to harvest it via biology on the leaves.
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
BY ROBYN DEVINE
One family’s sugarcane heritage continues to quietly grow, nestled away in a unique piece of paradise.
The picturesque Goodwood Island is situated between the main channel of the Clarence River and the river’s north Arm near Iluka and Woombah, New South Wales Australia. The Clarence River region has a rich history in the sugarcane industry with the State’s first sugar mill built on the banks of the expansive river at Harwood in 1874 and remains the active local factory. Fourth generation sugarcane growers Doug and Paula Moss know just how charming this part of the world is, growing up Doug enjoyed watching dolphins swimming playfully in the river from his backyard, and their four sons Ashley (23), Hayden (22), Jackson (19) and Nathan (17) have enjoyed active childhoods while helping out on the farm, happily swapping school shoes for work boots most afternoons.
Despite deluging floods in recent years and the ongoing farming challenges to be dealt with like pest management, maintaining soil health and variable input costs, Doug maintains his belief that this part of the world is an idyllic location to go to work each day.
“The thing I like about here is that no matter where we are working, we can be watching blokes drifting around in the boats or jet skis, we can see the Harwood Mill stack, and there is always some movement on the roads. I don’t think we’ve got a paddock that we can’t see either the river or the road, there’s always some action happening.
“I used to work out west and you can feel like you are a million miles from anywhere, you could be out in the paddock for 12 hours and you might see a helicopter come in and do a bit of spraying, but other than that you see no one until you get back to the house. But not here, it’s never boring,” Doug said.
“With a good run through the Gold Coast, it’s close to three hours to Brisbane, and it’s only a few hours if you want to go up on the Tableland. And as far as the fishing goes, well this stretch of water is terrific. There is blackfish, mulloway and flathead. The kids enjoyed fishing here, but we don’t get out there often enough.
“Our kids have had plenty of outdoors growing up here, they would put the boat in or ride bikes around, and go fishing and camping, a few of their mates might pull up in their boats and they’d camp for a few nights.”
Right: Fourth generation grower Doug and his wife Paula are proud of their family's passion for growing cane on the Clarence
Below: NSW grower Doug Moss enjoys the lifestyle of growing sugarcane on his Goodwood Island farm
“We know how good it is we would never, never sell. Mind you we’ve had offers,” Doug laughed.
Being the southernmost part of the Australian sugar industry, the industry in NSW has had to adapt to growing cane in a temperate climate which brings some unique challenges.
These include severe weather (flood, frost and drought), low temperatures and wet winters, and the industry has developed farming systems based around one and two-year cropping cycles.
With approximately 700 acres under cane across the entity’s two farms Doug acknowledges the different farming practices across the states include the smaller window of time available to plant in the Northern Rivers location.
“We can only Spring plant, we start in September, and you don’t really like going into December, because it’s almost a waste of time going past that,” Doug said.
“I haven’t gone much further north than Bundaberg, we have family living there and we went during our offseason, and I got surprised to see growers planting cane in March or April.
“Here, we’re planting cane all day and then burning at night to get the cane off the next day. It’s a really small window due to the weather.”
Another challenge that faces growers is pest management and while there are feral pigs in NSW, Doug said his personal challenges with pests on farm are the kangaroos that migrated onto the island decades ago to escape fires.
“They’ve just bred and bred and now there’s probably a couple of thousand of them in there and when it gets dry, they come and mow the cane out. There’s too many and I can’t do anything and there’s no real predators to reduce their numbers naturally as this is not their normal environment,” Doug said.
“I just wish I could take them back out to the National Parks.”
Like their northern neighbours across the border, the region has lost cane over the decades to mixed farms including macadamia trees and urban encroachment.
NSW has had to adapt to growing cane in a temperate climate
Ashley has been working off farm as a technical assistant with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Grafton in cropping research and takes the lead with the family soybean crops.
“Ashley is into the soybean side of things, but this isn’t great soybean country. You’re only going to get little bit of pocket money out of it here,” Doug said.
Left: Tiger the family dog oversees most of the action on farm; Top right: Nathan has just finished school and is keen to get out into the industry, working with contract harvesters; Bottom right: Hayden and Olivia enjoy living on the edge of the Clarence river
“It’s just that we’re set up for, you know we’re cane farmers were set up for growing cane.”
Both Ashley and Jackson have participated in NextGen Conferences in the past and bring that knowledge back to the business. With Ashley attending the conference at Mackay in 2017 at the same time that Cyclone Debbie crossed the coast, while Jackson had a less eventful but still informative conference in Bundaberg in 2021. Jackson’s field trip included going out on a farm that showcased sustainable crop rotation.
We can only Spring plant, we start in September
“The grower makes his own compost, he’s minimum till so he spreads his compost on his rows and then he plants his rotation crop, peanuts,” Jackson said.
“It was pretty cool, he fired the tractor up and showed us how he turns his compost. It was really good.”
Both Paula and Doug are passionate about the importance of being active in the industry and going to these types of activities for the younger generation.
“We always try to be involved, might be Nathan’s turn next, it’s good to create the interest for the younger ones,” Doug said.
“There are not that many grower families around here with their kids working in the industry,”
Paula said they have always wanted their kids to follow their own path.
“We want the kids to do their own thing, unless your born into it and have that full understanding it’s not easy. There are good times but there’s really tough times.
“I’m happy for the boys to get their trades and come back if they want to, they’re very welcome and they all have a good interest in it but by no means is there an expectation.”
Paula said that although she works as a nurse in town, during the season, no matter what all the family pitch in. It is truly the family business with all hands-on deck as needed.
“We get on the tractors as directed by Doug, as we are the support crew,” Paula said.
The four sons have recently purchased a neighbouring farm together, in a joint partnership, and are busily harvesting. The future is looking rosy for the Moss family in their idyllic location in northern NSW.
THE NSW INDUSTRY
NSW CANEGROWERS Association
With over 460 members across the 3 rivers; the Tweed, the Richmond and the Clarence, the NSW CANEGROWERS Association is committed to the prosperity and sustainability of the cane farming community.
The New South Wales Cane Growers Association (NSWCGA) act as an intermediary between members and the New South Wales Sugar Milling CoOperative Ltd (NSWSMC) and other corporations, including all government agencies.
Sunshine Sugar
The NSW sugar industry is located on three major river systems with Harwood Mill on the Clarence River, Broadwater Mill on the Richmond River and Condong Mill on the Tweed River and there is the refinery co-located at the Harwood mill.
The three mills and refinery are owned by Manildra Harwood Sugars – a joint venture partnership between the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative and Manildra Stockfeeds.
The partnership operates as Sunshine Sugar and sugar contributes $200 million a year into the Northern Rivers economy.
Doug's mother was an avid collector of local history and a great storyteller for the industry, while she was alive she hosted many tour groups to the farm. The family are working on ways that they may continue her legacy
SRA PERFORMANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
SUPPLIED BY SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA
Sugarcane growers and millers will have their say on Sugar Research Australia’s (SRA) activities and operations at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in Brisbane on 26 November.
Current SRA members will soon receive an invitation to attend the AGM and vote in person or by joining the meeting online. SRA membership is free and open to all sugarcane levy payers.
As eligible voluntary members of the organisation, cane growers and millers receive detailed information in the form of industry updates, quarterly magazines, and access to field days and events, all of which showcase SRA’s research and development activities.
In addition, SRA members have access to Variety Guides, District Plans, Reports, as well as informative webinars and podcasts highlighting SRA’s research updates and impacts for the entire sugarcane industry.
There is no cost to becoming a member of SRA and registering now will ensure you receive access to all SRA information and events. If you are already a member, and any of your current membership details have changed, you can email them to: communications@sugarresearch. com.au
SRA has recently published a series of information and reports focussing on research planning and performance on behalf of the Australian sugarcane industry. Find out more by scanning the corresponding QR code.
FINAL INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW REPORT
A recent Independent Performance Review of SRA identified 20 recommendations for improvement, including stakeholder engagement, research investment and collaboration with partners, and governance. SRA is currently consulting with industry stakeholders to seek feedback on the Response Plan and will release a written response in August.
READ THE REPORT
R&D PLAN
SRA finalised its Ten-Year Research and Development (R&D) Plan (2024-2034) following extensive consultation with industry and government stakeholders.
READ THE R&D PLAN
JOIN SRA HERE
2024/25 VARIETY GUIDES
Cane Variety Guides for 2024 have been mailed to industry stakeholders and SRA members across all canegrowing districts.
READ YOUR DISTRICT VARIETY GUIDE
DISTRICT PRODUCTIVITY PLANS
The 2024 District Productivity Plans are now available. These Plans are reviewed and updated annually by SRA’s Industry Services team. The plans are developed every year after consultation and engagement with stakeholders across the sugar industry supply chain to drive investment at a local, applied level.
READ YOUR DISTRICT PRODUCTIVITY PLAN
ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN 2024/2025
SRA’s Annual Operating Plan (2024/25) details SRA’s investments in research activities and outputs over the coming year. It includes funded grant projects, programs and services that will deliver innovations to the Australian sugarcane industry and regional communities.
READ THE AOP
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
The SRA Board undertook a Review of the Strategic Plan (2021-2026) to ensure it is driving the greatest impact for the industry. This refreshed strategic roadmap aims to be easy to navigate yet comprehensive in addressing the opportunities and challenges of the way ahead.
READ THE UPDATE
SUGAR PLUS
A significant factor in the strategic plan update was the industry’s co-development of Sugar Plus, the industry-wide vision and roadmap. Sugar Plus is aimed at strengthening and expanding the sugar industry by unlocking opportunities in the bioeconomy.
READ THE INDUSTRY’S SUGAR PLUS ROADMAP
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
VIA THE SIX EASY STEPS, WHERE’S THE VALUE?
BY KATE REARDON
With nutrient inputs amongst one of the largest costs to growers, effective nutrient management is essential for profitable sugarcane farming.
Developing a nutrient management plan helps growers prioritise improving nutrient use efficiency and demonstrate on-farm environmental sustainability outcomes. Sugar Research Australia (SRA) developed the SIX EASY STEPS® program to support the adoption of best practice nutrient management onfarm, assisting growers to implement balanced on-farm nutrition to optimise productivity and profitability while maintaining soil fertility and minimising off-farm effects.
SIX EASY STEPS considers the farm and management requirements of different soil types, recognising that appropriate nutrient inputs for a particular farm should be based on the knowledge of the soils on the farm and the nutrient processes and risks of nutrient losses associated with those soils. Balanced nutrition ensures all essential plant nutrients are present at appropriate concentrations in the soil to facilitate optimum crop growth and yields. A combination of soil testing, leaf analysis and crop response assessment ensure all essential plant nutrients are adequate.
On-farm nutrient management is key to farm and industry sustainability and minimising off-site impacts. Growers who annually review their nutrient management ensure there is minimal
risk of losses in productivity (loss of yield), profitability (loss of income), nutrients (leaching, runoff losses) and soil resources (erosion and fertility losses). Best-practice nutrient management and environmental responsibility are complimentary and entirely compatible: using the SIX EASY STEPS program is the proven way of getting the best outcome for the environment while ensuring productivity and profits are optimised.
Sustainable nutrient management in sugarcane farming is essential for maintaining soil fertility and minimising environmental impacts. The proximity of sugarcane farms to the Great Barrier Reef highlights the industry's responsibility to protect water quality. Following SIX EASY STEPS guidelines ensures compliance with environmental legislation on N and P use while promoting a holistic approach to soil health and crop nutrition.
The SIX EASY STEPS nutrient management program is the foundation of the Australian sugar industry’s
nutrient and fertiliser guidelines. It is comprehensive, integrated and science-based recognised by industry and government as nutrient best practice. With a focus on profitable sugarcane production in combination with enviromental considerations, it is adaptable to the range of districts, soil types and soil properties within the sugar industry while promoting balanced nutrition and sustainability.
By adhering to best practices, sugarcane growers can achieve higher yields, better profitability, and enhanced environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
CANEGROWERS delivers the Smartcane BMP project (20222026) with funding from the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program and CANEGROWERS
SHOW HOW YOU GROW
Let’s prove the Aussie cane’s the best in the world.
Smartcane BMP ensures your great work gets the recognition it deserves.
Albert, Mackay
CANEGROWERS REGIONAL ROUND-UP
SUPPLIED BY CANEGROWERS DISTRICT OFFICES
MOSSMAN
Finally, the rainfall eased off with about half the monthly average falling during June.
This was 42mm and gave everyone the time to get some spraying done and start building the static stands needed for the harvest.
The first trial of the transport system was run on 1 July with one harvesting group cutting during daylight hours for several days with a number of trucks delivering to a temporary pad in Gordonvale.
The July weather turned again and while there weren’t heavy falls there was sufficient to stop Mulgrave mill for a number of days, so the trial was suspended as well.
In the first week 901.54 tonnes of cane were delivered to Gordonvale. The daylight trials continued once Mulgrave started crushing again so a number of harvesting crews had the opportunity to test their stands and loading into different forms of trucks.
On the 12 July industry, council, tourism and chamber representatives attend cutting at the Brie Brie home farm to record some activities and promotional interviews which will form part of the education and notification process for other road users and visitors to the area.
Although there is no smoke from the chimney and no trains
on the lines everyone still needs to pay attention on the roads with agricultural vehicles and implements still operating for the 2024 harvesting season.
The pad located at Mulgrave Sugar Mill was completed mid-July and supply from Mossman was being directed to this pad in late July. Harvester crews will be working both day and night to deliver cane over a 24 hour period. The target each 24 hours is 2,000 tonnes.
There continues to be several meetings with industry and council regarding the transition options for agriculture, with the State Government and Council to decide how the remaining funds from the transition process are to be handed over and used.
On the 17 July, the Wet Tropics Waterways released their latest Report Card on waterway health along with their 4th edition of Reef and Rivers magazine.
On 21-22 July the Mossman Show was held, and CANEGROWERS continued their support of the Cane Display event for 2024.
At a meeting early in July the Liquidator advised grower representatives that the sale process of Mossman mill would begin by mid-late July when assets were catalogued and would be offered for sale in various lots.
Cutting at Brie Brie; Fill trucks; Brie Brie promo event; Temporary pad at Mulgrave
TABLELAND
A meeting held between MSF and grower representatives highlighted issues that are affecting the crush rate of the Tableland Mill.
During June, 2½ weeks out of the 4 the mill did not crush at a rate of 200 tonnes/hour. The mill is running at 97.2% efficiency. There are many factors that have impacted the mill running at the nominated threshold. Two of the issues with the biggest contribution are harvesting and transport.
CAIRNS
After a cool start to the season wet weather continued to hamper both the progress of harvesting and planting throughout the start of July.
At the time of writing, the weather is looking conducive to farming operations with picturesque vistas of many blocks arrowing across the region creating a breathtaking backdrop for the winter tourists visiting.
Over the past month CANEGROWERS Cairns Region staff and representatives have been busy promoting growers’ interests on many fronts.
The Chairs and Board members across the MSF milling region recently met with MSF sugar marketing to continue to promote the successful implementation of the QSL Direct app in the MSF Region.
These issues need to be addressed to help achieve the best outcome for the season.
The crop estimate at the start of the season was 895,000 tonnes. So far, the cut to estimate has been 13 to 15% lower. Through discussions held with the mill it would seem that the poor performing cane has been harvested first and the better crops will be soon processed, thus improving the cut to estimate.
fair condition with an array of species diversity.
The Reef Rainforest Research Centre held the initial grower project information meeting in Babinda. The project priorities include integrated pest management with a focus on feral pigs and Tilapia in combination with coastal revegetation.
The coordinated approach to feral pig management across the Russell and Mulgrave catchments is a new and promising approach to pig management that will hopefully show positive outcomes for both growers and the environment.
that equity is maintained throughout the season for all CANEGROWERS members.
The new CANEGROWERS Collective Cane Supply Agreements (CSA) has now been signed by most growers across both the Mulgrave and Babinda Zones. The growers who are yet to sign the new CSA are encouraged to review and return the contract in a timely manner. In an aim to support increased productivity across the region, planting incentives have been increased in both the new CSAs.
To date negotiations between MSF and QSL are ongoing with progress unknown to our organisation.
The Wet Tropics Management Authorities’ new Ant Zone app was launched in July. This spatial app shows invasive ant zones throughout the region for both Electric and Crazy Ants. Growers are encouraged to have a look at the app to be aware if they are working within an invasive ant infected area.
Staff attended the Madjandji Rangers Healing Waters project meeting with presentations showcasing the results of the Natural areas water quality monitoring, bird monitoring survey, fish health assessment and flora survey across the Russell River tributaries through the region.
The surveys and monitoring undertaken had generally shown the tributaries to be in
Mossman cane has now commenced being transported to and crushed at the Mulgrave Mill. The additional cane coming to the mill is being managed to ensure the traditional Mulgrave growers are not disadvantaged and
In a collaborative approach with MSF the organisation is focused on identifying shared opportunities to advocate and promote the industry to policy makers, and the wider community, while highlighting the social and economic advantages of maintaining a sustainable sugar industry regionally.
INNISFAIL
The impact of prolonged wet weather and flooding is being recognised by growers in the Innisfail district with yield well below original forecasts.
Average yield across the South Johnstone collective as at the fourth week of harvesting is 57 tonnes per hectare, well below the original, grower estimate of 71 tonnes per
hectare. Also CCS has been underwhelming at 11.73.
Fortunately, cool and relatively dry conditions are currently being experienced.
CANEGROWERS Innisfail staff have been assisting members to sign the next iteration of the collective cane supply agreement. Office staff have also fielded several inquiries in relation to STL correspondence.
TULLY
Not much joy in July, by mid-July, a total of 288,271 tonnes had passed through the rollers.
Sugar levels are higher than anticipated for this time of year, even though the CCS have come back to the long-term average of 12.77 at the midJuly mark after being as high as 13.22 in the first week of the season.
Fibre is 14.31% and soil 1.6%. The top 5 varieties in order of tonnage are Q253, Q208, Q240, KQ228 and Q250. The benchmark variety for tonnes and sugar currently is Q253, with CCS at 12.83 and yield 79 tonnes per hectare. Farmers are targeting the older ratoons to harvest because of the wet weather and paddock damage, with 4th ratoon or older making up 50% of all cane supplied to the mill. Total harvested area is currently at 11.8%.
Suppliers of calcium products have been encountering an increase in application of lime and magnesium blends. Calcium is very beneficial to assist in nutrient uptake that could be limiting crop
productivity. Regular soil tests will help determine application rates and blends as necessary.
Fallow blocks lay in wait for planting, which have not been touched due to the wet weather. It is becoming more common to see the very straight lines from the spray tractor, with the uptake of precision equipment becoming more achievable and popular. Overlaps are minimised as underlaps disappear. Growers are keen to get on the ground as the percentage of planting for the year is well behind in comparison to previous years.
Ground preparation time generally indicates that there is more machinery on the road than any other time of year.
As machinery increases in size, there is a need to know about road rules that are required to move the equipment around the road network.
The CANEGROWERS resources page on the website will guide you to the Road Access for Farm Equipment tab. To get detailed information, go to the CANEGROWERS website and visit the New Membership portal, you will need to set up
your own password and register the first time you visit.
There you will find the Transport/Road Access Guides for farm equipment section which will provide the Decision Flow Chart for Over Width Agricultural Vehicles. Maps for your area are also available on the Membership Portal.
HERBERT RIVER
The 2024 season has indeed been quite challenging for the Herbert River district.
The combination of wet weather, industrial disputes, mill breakdowns, and transport issues has created a tough situation for everyone involved. The wet weather has particularly delayed planting across most of the district, with only the southern areas being less affected. Some growers have started planting, but many are still hindered by the wet conditions, unable to work the ground.
Although only a small amount of cane has been cut to date, it is indicating that we are cutting below estimate by approximately 5 percent.
If you require assistance in navigating the webpage or logging into the webpage, please contact your local CANEGROWERS office.
SmartAg QLD Subsidised Pilot Level 1 and 2 Training will be taking place at Tully CANEGROWERS Office on Monday 19 August.
CANEGROWERS
Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth, Deputy Chair Steven Marbelli and Manager Frank Scardamaglia met with Wilmar Sugar CEO and GM Grower Relations and also with the unions in a separate meeting. We underlined the seriousness of the situation.
The aim of these discussions was to stress the urgency of resolving the industrial dispute, highlighting that the poor start to the year is due to a combination of weather-related delays, mill readiness issues, and industrial action.
The impact on sugarcane farmers, harvesting contractors, and the broader Herbert River community was a significant point of emphasis in these talks.
BURDEKIN PROSERPINE
July started with wet field conditions from rainfall in the last week of June.
Ground conditions gradually improved after the wet weather and there were some processing issues due to higher dirt levels which was to be expected.
After the staggered season start in June 2024 and uncertainties around industrial action, July 2024 was shaping up to provide more clarity on crushing time on the back of the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) decision to approve a 6-week suspension of industrial action on 30 June. This was short lived when the Union’s successfully appealed the decision on 5 July which opened the gate for further industrial action which was conducted with stoppages on 18 and 24 July.
One outcome of the Appeal approval was the FWC offering to conduct an assisted bargaining/ mediation meeting with both Wilmar and the Unions which was accepted by the Parties on 19 July. At the time of writing, the date for this assisted bargaining was yet to be established and during the month, CBL representatives met with both the AWU and Wilmar to talk through their respective positions, impact on the industry and to stress the importance of making the most of this mediation opportunity to resolve the dispute and provide the industry with certainty to get on with the crush.
CBL Chair Owen Menkens and Director Rian Swindley attended the Townsville
Community Cabinet on 10 July where they met with Premier Steven Miles and Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries (pictured below). The Premier enquired how the Wilmar strike is affecting growers. They discussed many issues including biosecurity, sustainability, Suscon and environmental audits.
CBL representatives attend the July Policy Council meeting in Brisbane on 16 July – 17 July to represent the Burdekin and consider policy recommendations on key industry issues.
In terms of mill performance, Invicta Mill had some recurring issues with tube leaks in number 3 boiler and both Kalamia and Pioneer Mill has issues with turbines and power upon restart after the 18 July stoppages for industrial action.
Inkerman Mill had been performing well at the time of writing. We have enjoyed a run of good weather post the rain in late June and we are hopeful that Wilmar and the Unions will resolve their 15-month dispute so that we can focus on what we should be doing this time of year which is converting our sugarcane into crystal.
Following initial harvest results there was some indication of a larger than expected crop following extended wet conditions early in the year.
However, the estimate remained at 1.7 million tonnes moving into July with significantly more delivery data required to make a closer prediction on the final crush. With the cold snap continuing through June July, along with mild cases of frost, pictured, reported across the district, the CCS was expected to improve from an average of 13.30 for the season to-date (this against an interim CCS of 14.18).
The first week of crushing ended abruptly due to initial mechanical issues that were soon followed by rain. Factory operations started to improve towards the end of the second week of crush with only 102,000 tonnes of cane crushed by the close of the third. Issues in the third week included power outages and cane transport (loco) challenges. There also remained concern over 1-hour strike actions that had already occurred with more planned for the ensuing week. These actions resulted in extended shut-down periods that were expected to significantly impact mill throughput, season lengths and ultimately grower and contractor profitability. Such impacts continued to be communicated through various channels with both the mill and unions being urged to resolve the on-going wage dispute. CANEGROWERS Proserpine also continued to engage with other districts and QCGO on the
best ways to assist in resolving the ongoing dispute.
With business plan requirements changing under the QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grant Program, CANEGROWERS continued to assist various Central Region growers with updates to ensure they were able to access 25% grant funding on mostly new irrigation infrastructure. This funding falls under the Farm Business Resilience Program funded by DAF Queensland and administered by QCGO. Central District growers interested to learn more can contact CANEGROWERS Proserpine or email Chris_Gillitt@ CANEGROWERS .com.au
With the need to collate an NMP Budget, Sugar Services Proserpine (SSP) continues to support members in the supply of information as required by law. Members are encouraged to contact SSP who can provide this vital service to avoid unnecessary penalties being issued by the Department of Environmental Science and Innovation (DESI).
MACKAY / PLANE CREEK
Between continuous mill breakdowns, industrial action impacts and some inclement weather, it has been an abysmal run from what was to be an early June start.
Wilmar Plane Creek finally processed some cane on 2 July after a planned 11 June start, putting the milling area in a highly challenging position to get all cane processed in a reasonable time.
Even at this early stage, it seems highly probable that there will be crushing into Christmas yet again.
In the Mackay Sugar area, at the time of writing, many growers supplying to Marian
mill had only a very minimal to zero cane through the rollers, due to the mill’s inability to operate. Growers supplying to Farleigh and Racecourse have enjoyed somewhat improved reliability, but the percentage of crop processed was well behind a desirable position by week 5. Further, the miller, up to Week 5, was reporting “technical issues” with data, and had failed to meet CSPA requirements to supply milling data to Growers and peak representative organisations including CANEGROWERS
CANEGROWERS
Mackay directors continue to make strong representations to the millers on the subject of mill performance and the absolute
CANEGROWERS
Mackay has been proud to again support the Mackay Show Cane Comp, and its awards night, held in mid-July was well attended by growers
urgency for all mills to settle into a reasonable crush rate in order to see a successful harvest.
Any growers requiring assistance with any issues are encouraged to call 4944 2600
Bundaberg Sugar Mills processed 28,278.14 tonnes for the week ending 7 July 2024.
This brings the Season to date to 222,824.72 tonnes. The average CCS for Bundaberg Sugar Mill for week 7 was 12.52 CCS and the season average for Bundaberg Sugar Mill is at 12.19 CCS. The highest individual CCS for the week was 15.50 units for Q208A Old Ratoon and the highest variety average CCS for the week was 13.06 units for varieties Q208 A. Wet weather has caused some delays and CCS remains low.
Bundaberg irrigation scheme irrigators saw their allocations for the 2024-25 irrigation released. High Priority has been set at 100% and Medium Priority also set to 100%. Sunwater have advised that Paradise Dam pre works has begun albeit we are waiting on environmental approvals and
to get the ball rolling on a solution. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, The Billet and weekly District Manager Updates for emerging training and industry opportunities.
costings before the government will give contractors the green light to commence work on the construction of the new dam, this could take a considerable amount of time.
We have successfully negotiated a new Contract with Oreco for the 2024-2026 Seasons including a 10% price increase ($55 + GST per tonne) and a slight change to timing of payments that should see payment received sooner. If you would like to supply cane trash in the 2024 Season and you do not yet have a Contract, please contact the office on 4151 2555
To schedule baling, please contact Oreco’s In-Field Baling Manager on 0487 788 770
We have secured some partially subsidised training opportunities for growers through the SmartAg training program. The first of these courses being run in Bundaberg is a pilot/escort training course on 7 August.
BUNDABERG
Growers who complete this course will be able to apply to become a Level 1 pilot which enables the licensed pilot to assist in the movement of oversize/ overmass vehicles around the road network.
Other courses that may be available, if there is enough interest, include haulout training, forklift training and rural first aid. To register your interest please call the office on 4151 2555
The Isis district has welcomed the cool dry weather over the past few weeks.
We are hoping the spate of wet weather is now behind us and we have a trouble-free crushing moving forward.
At the time of writing Isis Mill had crushed just over 230,000t with a season to date average CCS of 12.44. The highest individual CCS thus far was recorded in week 6 by a Wallaville grower at 15.50 for some Q240 spring plant.
We have commenced preliminary CSA negotiation discussions with Isis Mill and have been participating in a new Mill led Alliance.
Members of the Alliance include CANEGROWERS organisations and Productivity boards across the Isis and Maryborough districts. The core aim of the initiative is to increase Isis Mill
MARYBOROUGH
With a disjointed first five weeks of the season, we are starting to see some progress into more continuous supply.
A full week of supply hasn’t been achieved yet although this may happen in week 7.
throughput to 1.5millon tonnes by securing a further 250,000 tonnes.
Bundaberg Regional Council is due to issue rates notices shortly. Many of our members reported receiving unimproved valuation increases within 60% to 80% range. When Council handed down their budget, they introduced a 20% cap on agricultural rates, and we are assessing the impact this will have on our members.
We have recently drafted and distributed a new tariff comparison tool to members reflecting the price changes from 1 July and have negotiated a new 3-year cane trash supply contract with ORECO. We have continued our involvement with the local groundwater and Sunwater irrigation advisory committees and the Paradise Dam Reference Group as well as maintaining support against the Fox Resources mining application.
A small delegation is being organised to visit the Logitrix operations room in Brisbane to help understand how it is run and share some local knowledge on the different farms in the area. This visit is due at end of July. The district Manager has visited the site in early July and the opportunity to appreciate how it is working is well worth the visit.
Training opportunities are being worked on in the region with a Pilot or Escort training course
being held 8 August. At time of print there are only three spots left of 14 so get in quick if you are interested. Please contact the Maryborough office if you want to be involved.
A new harvesting roster commenced 20 July and a meeting was conducted with mill representatives on 19 July to talk through issues with transport logistics.
Both will need time to see the impacts of changes.
The Rocky Point crush was (at time of writing) scheduled to commence on Monday 29 July.
Following the recent rain that fell across the district, dry conditions must prevail until this anticipated start date so that harvesters can enter the fields.
Rocky Point Mill has engaged Logistrix to run the scheduling of trucks bringing cane to the factory and daily harvester bin allocations and movements. This will be a change to what growers have become accustomed to, having to deal with the team at Logistrix rather than mill staff. We are hoping for a smooth transition!
Growers are keen to get the harvest underway. With 30% of the crop as stand over and large areas of the one-yearold cane now arrowing, this will lead to a loss in tonnes if the cane is not harvested in a timely manner.
Growers are hopeful of a crush with limited lost time due to the mill undertaking extensive maintenance over the past six months.
Early small mill CCS testing has indicated a range from 11 to 14.
All Soybean crops have now been harvested, with yields well below the rolling average for most growers. Most of the beans made food grade 1 or 2.
ROCKY POINT
ISIS
Growing cane operation winning the war on weeds
ADVERTORIAL
ACHIEVING season-long control of grass and broadleaf weeds in sugarcane crops is a constant challenge for an expanding North Queensland operation, however strategic herbicide applications and wider management is helping to win the battle.
Watts Farming Company has grown its sugarcane production to encompass 640 hectares in the O’Connell River area near Proserpine, alongside its large cattle business.
The constant weed management on the property has almost eradicated guinea grass, while they also have to keep on top of vine weeds, bluetop, sicklepod, crowsfoot grass and barnyard grass.
“Feathertop rhodes grass also has popped up in some paddocks in recent years and that can require mechanical control if you let it get established,” said Farm Manager Steven Drinkwater.
“These tough weeds can reduce yields and require other costly control measures if not kept in check. If vine weeds are creeping out the top of the cane, we may need to look at late season aerial applications of herbicide – and we have buffer zones here due to the reef regulations, so it can be difficult.”
However, he said they were gradually winning the war on weeds and management was becoming easier.
“We have had to tidy up some areas and we are still contending with the weeds, but our herbicide strategies are definitely helping,” Steven said.
“We rotate herbicides and we also spot spray and ensure we keep surrounding areas clean.”
He said the addition of Palmero® TX herbicide in recent times, used as a rotational partner with Bobcat® i-MAXX, Bobcat® Combi and other herbicides, had proved a major benefit in their push for season-long control of grass and broadleaf weeds.
Palmero TX, from ADAMA Australia, has a similar use pattern to Bobcat i-MAXX and its two active ingredients, isoxaflutole and terbuthylazine, also have provided excellent residual control of many challenging weeds.
Steven said for plant cane, they usually apply Impose® herbicide or a tank mix of Dual Gold® and atrazine at planting, depending upon the soil and weed spectrum in the particular paddock.
Several months later at the out-ofhand stage, Palmero TX is applied as a directed spray at a rate according to soil type and in a mix with paraquat and 2,4-D herbicides.
“If soils are medium to heavy and have higher fertility, we will use the higher label rates, but if they are medium to light with lower fertility, we will apply the lower label rate,” Steven said.
“Keeping plant cane clean is important because it makes weed control decisions in the following ratoon crops easier.”
Like Bobcat i-MAXX, Palmero TX also has no time of use restrictions and, hence, it has become an excellent rotation option for post-harvest and early ratoon applications.
“Herbicide resistance is not an issue for us at this stage, but it’s always good to be aware of the risk and so the ability to add Palmero TX to our program now is a bonus,’’ Warren Watts said.
“We want to rotate our herbicides whether we are in plant cane or ratoon cane.”
The Watts Farming Company team deploys various weed management options in ratoon crops.
“All our cane is harvested green and paddocks have a heavy trash blanket after harvest,” Warren said.
“Some paddocks will get an application of Palmero TX within a week of harvest, whereas others will get an application once the cane has reached a height where a directed spray can be applied without contacting the cane foliage.
“Applications straight after harvest don’t require paraquat or other knockdowns in the mix unless the cane has started to poke through the trash or you can see weeds present.
“We try to apply the directed sprays as late as possible to aim for the season-long control. This can be very dependent on the time of the year and what the season is dishing-up in terms of the weather, but we want to get weeds under control before the wet season sets in,’’ he said.
For further information on Palmero TX herbicide from ADAMA Australia, growers and advisers can contact their local ADAMA Australia representative or visit ADAMA.com
Watts Pastoral Company team members on the Proserpine property in North Queensland, including Taylor Drinkwater, Steven Drinkwater and Warren Watts, who are using a range of herbicide options and strategies to keep on top of weeds in its expanding cane growing operation.
A new chapter begins for PTx Trimble’s largest dealer, Vantage BMS
ADVERTORIAL
After 45 years, Australia’s largest PTx Trimble reseller Vantage BMS is starting a new chapter; handing over the reins to another precision ag giant.
Over the past several months, Vantage BMS has partnered with Vantage Australia to arrange the purchase of the business—a process that, as of June 2024, is now finalised.
The official Trimble Distribution Partner in Australia, Vantage Australia is well placed to continue Vantage BMS’ four-decade-long legacy of superior service and support.
Vantage BMS Director Lewis Brandon founded the business with his good friend, the late Kevin “Mussy” Muspratt, in 1979 when they saw an opportunity to bring new technologies to the agriculture and construction industries.
“After almost 50 years of developing such a strong brand, it’s now time to take the exciting step into retirement and pass on the legacy Mussy and I built to the next generation,” says Lew.
“While I’m sad to say goodbye to what has been a cornerstone of my life, the time is right, and I’m glad to see it go to capable hands.”
Regarding the purchase of Vantage BMS, operations will continue as normal during this transition with most of the Vantage BMS staff continuing in their roles to support customers.
Vantage Australia Managing Director Adam Bright says he is honoured to continue the legacy Lew and Mussy started in 1979.
“As long-term PTx Trimble dealers ourselves, I’m excited about the
and the
opportunities we will be able to bring to Australian agriculture by joining forces with BMS,” he says.
Adam also claims Vantage Australia will be focussed on continuing the positive culture built by Vantage BMS and follow the business’ core idealogy that ‘when you provide exceptional customer support, the rest will take care of itself’.
PTx Trimble Senior Vice President Bryn Frosburgh explains these core values of customer support and innovation have made Vatange BMS ideal business partners, colleagues, and friends over the last 45 years.
“Personally, Lew and Mussy taught me about the agriculture market and patiently guided me for nearly three decades—teaching me the difference between a garden hose, a pivot, and a hydraulic hose,” says Bryn.
“It has been great to see the business continue to grow and thrive over the
years and to now see the next natural step in their journey. Lew has worked hard to achieve BMS’ success and has well and truly earned the right to put his feet up in his retirement.”
And, to Vantage BMS’ customers, suppliers, and supporters:
“Thank you for your consistent support over the many, many years,” says Lew. “It has been a pleasure being your partner in precision ag since 1979.”
Lew Brandon and the late Kevin Mussprat, 1983
Lew
North Queensland team, 2022
CANEGROWERS MEMBER BENEFITS
Membership Engagement & Innovation
BY MATT KEALLEY
CANEGROWERS MEMBERS PORTAL –EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS
CANEGROWERS has launched its new member portal that is exclusive to members. Once inside you will have access to specifically designed tools, such as Sugar Price Ready Reckoners and information specific to your business including legal advice articles, marketing information and updates, transport guides, and exclusive membership offers.
I’m sure in your business, there are multiple platforms and people vying for your attention. It can be distracting and overwhelming at times.
Fortunately, CANEGROWERS can help.
If you’re looking for specific information on sugarcane, your industry or how CANEGROWERS can support your business – check out the CANEGROWERS website www.canegrowers.com.au and the new members portal.
Member portal access
The new portal will make it easier for members to via your own easy-to-remember login details.
1. Go to the CANEGROWERS website canegrowers.com.au
2. Select the new membership portal tab at the top of the webpage
3. Login using your username and password
4. Access the member-only information
Invites to set up your CANEGROWERS member portal login were sent out by email in July. If you want further information or help to access the portal get in touch.
AROUND THE PADDOCK – CANEGROWERS PODCAST SERIES
Did you know CANEGROWERS produces podcasts?
Around the Paddock is CANEGROWERS podcast series that examines some of key issues and challenges in the industry as well as celebrating the successes of the advocacy we do on behalf of growers in Queensland.
The most recent podcast is called “Getting a grip on load restraints” which discusses load restraint with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NVHR) on what growers can do to transport sugarcane safely, and what growers can expect at the roadside if they are intercepted by the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance officers.
So far CANEGROWERS has produced 10 podcasts that have informative discussions with CANEGROWERS staff, industry experts and growers on trade, rural crime, emissions reductions, sustainable sugar, and business essentials for grower pricing.
How to listen to CANEGROWERS Around the Paddock podcasts
These can be easily accessed through your computer or mobile phone:
3. Search for Around the Paddock on your favourite streaming platform such as Apple music or Spotify Podcasts are a great tool to unlock a world of inspiration and practical advice. If you’re wanting something to listen to in the tractor or harvester, check out the Around the Paddock podcasts.
If you have an idea for a podcast let CANEGROWERS know!
QUEENSLAND FARMERS' FEDERATION MEMBER DEALS
CANEGROWERS is a member of Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) and through this relationship we have access to great offers for CANEGROWERS members.
MOBIL FUEL OFFER
Mobil have partnered with the QFF to assist CANEGROWERS members to stay fuelled.
You can now save on Mobil fuels available through a growing network of Mobil branded and 7-Eleven service stations.
With zero card fees and great savings, add a Mobil Card to your wallet today and start saving at Queensland Mobil branded sites:
6 c/L discount on diesel fuels at unattended locations
4 c/L discount on diesel fuels
4 c/L discount on unleaded fuels / e10
6 c/L discount on premium unleaded 95 /98
Zero card fees, up to 21 day payment terms and flexible billing cycles
7-Eleven service stations are now accepting Mobil Card and at their locations and you can now enjoy:
2 c/L discount on unleaded fuels/e10 and diesel fuels
3 c/L discount on premium unleaded 95/98 fuel
How to access the Mobil fuel offer?
1. Apply online at mobilcard.com.au
2. Enter Promo Code QLDFARMERS when completing the application
3. If you need any support with completing an application, contact Lisa Hurford on 0416 543 884 or lisa.hurford@sales.mobil.com.au
MITSUBISHI MOTORS
Mitsubishi are offering National Fleet Pricing when you purchase a new vehicle from Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited. The benefits include (terms and conditions apply):
National Fleet pricing on range of vehicles
10 years Capped Price Servicing
10 years Diamond Advantage New Car Warranty
4 years Roadside Assistance
Additionally, you may be able to access Mitsubishi Motors Business Advantage (eligibility and terms and conditions apply):
One monthly invoice gets you a brand new vehicle that covers most running costs
How to access the Mitsubishi Motors deals
Visit your local dealership and mention you are a member of QFF (through CANEGROWERS ) with your membership number or other form of eligibility.
For more information and how to access the offer, contact Nathan Finch via email nfinch@mmal.com.au
Terms and conditions apply. National Fleet Pricing is available with Diamond Advantage Warranty and Capped price servicing subject to terms and conditions which can be found here: mitsubishi-motors.com.au/owners/ diamond-advantage
There has been no lost time due to break downs... I would recommend them to any person or company who are looking to invest in a new set of o sets.
Download your brochure or watch our videos online today www.delmade.com.au/disc or call
to your farm - Australia wide Ask about your local dealer partner
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY – NOT JUST COMPLIANCE BUT BEING SAFER
Industry & Farm Inputs
BY BURN ASHBURNER
Safety of our members, their families, workers and contractors is a critical issue.
Workplace health and safety is firmly on the radar of the CANEGROWERS Farm Input and Research Committee and the Policy Council and over many years there has been a tremendous amount of material produced by CANEGROWERS for growers. Commercial offerings have been and are available to assist growers with implementing a farm safety system. From my understanding there has been limited uptake.
CANEGROWERS , in conjunction with James Cook University, has combined many of the sources and resources required to develop a safety system for cane growers into the CANEGROWERS Workplace Health and Safety Guide for Sugarcane Farms on the website.
In the CANEGROWERS Business Essentials workshops one of the key activities is a risk assessment of the whole farm business. This goes through a process of identifying risks and opportunities through an analysis of the grower’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (a SWOT analysis). The risks are then prioritised by assessing and rating the likelihood and impact the risk poses to the business and looking for ways to mitigate those risks.
The risks range from sugar price volatility, mill reliability and viability, rising input costs, cyclones, floods, drought, lack of workforce and many others. One risk that consistently comes up is the safety of everyone who works and lives on the farm and in particular the key personnel, usually the grower. The impact of losing a key person is always rated as high and there are examples of devastated cane farming families and businesses.
CANEGROWERS has also completed a training needs analysis for growers and in the top three needs was workplace health and safety and it is clearly a legal requirement for business owners to provide a safe workplace.
This all tells me that the grower leadership and growers in general are fully aware of the risk posed by poor workplace health and safety processes and there is sufficient material and arguably affordable commercial operators for implementation. Yet the statistics show that agriculture is the highest risk industry to work in. I don’t think the sugarcane industry is any different.
Most conversations around workplace health and safety on farms comes down to two things. Firstly, from the grower’s perspective it is how to put a safety system in place that will meet compliance and cover me with as little effort as possible and preferably at no cost. Secondly from a leadership perspective it is how do we change grower culture so they want to implement safety systems and processes that make the grower and their family safer. This should also meet compliance requirements.
I think the legislation and regulations are complex and sometimes confusing which make us think it is harder than it really is to implement. However we cannot argue with the logic of implementing safety strategies and processes and continually improving them to make us safer. The grower is the only one who can make this happen and I hope they do. Keep safe.
TIME TO RETHINK AUSTRALIA’S BIOSECURITY SYSTEMS
Sustainability & Environment
BY MICK QUIRK
We all appreciate that biosecurity is Australia’s first line of defence in preventing new pests and diseases entering the country and damaging our agriculture and/or our natural environments.
But this system is under increasing pressure. For example, from 2012 to 2017 the number of interceptions of biosecurity risk materials at our borders increased by almost 50% to 37,000 per year. Unfortunately, more recent trends are not readily available.
Over that same period, there were over 600 incidents of a new plant pest or disease being detected in the field, each of which triggered a process of investigation plus assessment of the feasibility for eradication. From these incidents, the government declared 23 major incursions that posed a significant threat to agriculture.
But the risk of additional incursions will continue to increase.
Annually, there are over 18,000 vessels, 1.8 million sea cargo consignments, 41 million air cargo consignments, 152 million international mail items and 21 million passengers arriving in Australia. And these numbers will continue to grow.
Biosecurity specialists increasingly question if our biosecurity system remains fit for purpose, and a large number of former biosecurity officers have jointly sponsored a discussion paper to point the way forward.
The evolution of Australia’s biosecurity system since Federation has included varying agreements between the Commonwealth and the States, producing what is now a somewhat ad hoc set of arrangements that lack a sustainable funding model. In particular, there is significant underinvestment in the areas with a higher return on investment – prevention, surveillance and preparedness.
The discussion paper recommends a systematic and strategic approach, driven by the need to adequately support all pre-border, border and post-border biosecurity functions. It suggests two options for achieving this approach, either (1) nationalising the biosecurity function or (2) developing a national cost sharing agreement for surveillance and preparedness.
Neither option will be easy to achieve given it needs all levels of government to work together in the national interest. But failure to do so will leave a legacy of inadequately planned and resourced arrangements that will increasingly leak new pests and diseases into the country.
Such a legacy will see increasing numbers of expensive and reactive programs of eradication, combined with the associated damage to agriculture, food security, and the wider economy.
BIOSECURITY SINCE FEDERATION
The Australian constitution allowed for laws to be made in relation to quarantine.
The passing of the Quarantine Act of 1908 was a time when sea travel was the only risk pathway, and the main concern was protecting the country from diseases such as the bubonic plague and yellow fever.
The Act was amended more than 50 times in its 108 years of existence to adapt to wider biosecurity concerns (“protection of the economy, environment and human health from… entry, establishment or spread of exotic pests and diseases”), and changing risk pathways.
The Biosecurity Act of 2015 replaced the Quarantine Act and took a more risk-based approach in the framework of regulations, including how the Department of Agriculture manages risks associated with goods, people and vessels entering Australia.
Biosecurity systems are currently administered by two federal Departments – Health and Agriculture.
INDUSTRIAL ACTION – WHAT’S GOING ON CANEGROWERS
Legal Advisor
BY CHRIS COOPER
We have seen industrial action taking place in Wimar Sugar and Tully Sugar areas during the 2024 season. What does it all mean?
Brief background
Industrial action, whilst not uncommon in the milling sector of the sugar industry, has recently been taking place in mill areas owned by Wilmar Sugar and Tully Sugar. In general, the employees represented by 3 unions, are in dispute with their respective employer Wilmar Sugar or Tully Sugar.
What is the dispute about
The dispute is about the terms and conditions of employment, and in particular the increases in wages that should apply under the enterprise bargaining agreement between the milling company and its workers.
Negotiations have been underway between employer and employee representatives for many months but still the dispute remains unresolved.
Why industrial action
There are various options available to employers, employees and unions to resolve industrial relations disputes about wages. Genuine, good faith discussion and negotiation is usually the best and most efficient way to resolve a dispute. Conciliation from the Fair Work Commission (FWC) is also available and has been utilised in these disputes. So far, these options have not resolved the dispute.
If negotiations fail, industrial action is another option often used to try and resolve an industrial dispute. Industrial action may be invoked to apply pressure to the other party to force them to the negotiation table and hopefully agree on a mutually acceptable resolution. Employees can take industrial action by way of strikes or impose work bans. Employers can take responsive industrial action by imposing lock out orders. The Commonwealth Fair Work Act (FWA) which governs and regulates industrial matters, prevents any payments of wages being paid to an employee when they engage in industrial action.
Types of industrial action
The FWA provides for 2 categories of industrial action:
protected industrial action.
unprotected industrial action.
Protected industrial action is legal and permitted to be undertaken by either employee or employer.
Unprotected industrial action is illegal and if engaged in exposes those involved to be sued for loss and damage suffered as a result of the unprotected industrial action.
Protected industrial action
Employees can only take protected industrial action if first approved by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) AND approved by a majority of employees.
Wilmar and Tully
In the Wilmar and Tully enterprise bargaining disputes, the FWC has approved the industrial action and the respective majority of workers have approved, by organised independently conducted ballot, the taking of various forms of industrial action, including strikes and work bans.
Suspension of industrial action
If the consequences of protected industrial action are so severe that it is in the interest of the public, or the employer or employees, or even adversely affected third parties, the FWC can make an order suspending or terminating the protected industrial action even though it is legal to be engaged in.
Brisbane hearing
In the Wilmar dispute, an application was made on 25 June by Wilmar under section 424 of the FWA seeking a suspension or termination of the protected industrial action being taken by certain Wimar employees. For Wilmar to succeed, it needed to satisfy the FWC that the protected industrial action ‘is threatened, impending or probable ‘and has, is or would threaten ‘to cause significant damage to the Australian economy or an important part of it.’
The Deputy President hearing the matter agreed with Wilmar that the requirements of the Act were met and on 30 June accordingly ordered that the protected industrial action be suspended for 6 weeks.
Sydney hearing
3 unions representing the Wilmar workers promptly lodged an appeal against the suspension order to the Full Bench of the FWC. Late on 5 July the Full Bench allowed the appeal and ordered that the suspension order be quashed. Accordingly, there is no suspension order in place as of 5 July and protected industrial action is permitted to continue.
Current state of play
As of time of writing (22 July), the industrial dispute in Wilmar Sugar and Tully Sugar areas remains unresolved.
In a positive sign, Wilmar and the unions have agreed to engage with the assistance of the Fair Work Commission to explore options for resolving the dispute. CANEGROWERS at both local and State level have been actively involved in urging both sides to resolve the dispute promptly so that the adverse effects on growers of delay to crushing can be minimised. Both Wilmar and its workers and unions have been given detailed submissions by CANEGROWERS on the significant harm that is caused to growers by any delays to the crushing season. I have attended relevant parts of FWC hearings. Whilst maintaining a neutral position in the dispute and not favouring either side, I continue to keep a watching brief on developments and stand ready to take such steps as the Organisation determines to protect cane growers’ rights and interests.
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
FIRST 5 LINES FREE* FOR CANEGROWERS MEMBERS!
Book online 24/7 at www.canegrowers.com au or email us at ads@canegrowers.com.au
Next deadline is 21 August 2024
MOSSMAN TULLY
10ft galvanized superior slasher in good order. Ph: 0457 255 961
Howard Rota Vator HR51 Rota. Ph: 0457 255 961
John Deere 4450 row crop spray tractor with 1150 litre chemical saddle tanks, included TPL 1150 litre Croplands electronic controlled spray tank with 11.5 metre hydraulic spray boom. Very good condition work ready. $44,000 plus GST. Ph: 0427 030 063
One pair 21L-24 Armour earth moving/quarry tyres, currently on a backhoe. Good condition. $700 each tyre plus GST. Ph: 0419 150 350
2012 GX Landcruiser ute, Reedmans steel tray, under tray side water tank, steel bullbar and side rails, UHF radio, red arc brake controller, canvas seat covers, 331,000km. Comes with RWC. $45,000 + GST. Tully district. Ph: Santo 0418 181 646
36 plate case 770 offsets, 30 inch discs $40,000 and HBM plant cutter with topper $4,400. Ph: 0448 345 139
* 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.
2 x 440/65 R24 tractor tyres $1,100 inc GST each. 2 x 540/65 R34 tractor tyres $2,100 Inc GST each. All four types as new only done 500 hrs. Ph: 0427 665 759
1997 Cameco CHT 2500 full track cane harvester for sale $50,000 inc GST Ph: 0432 150 364
Billet planting equipment. 1990 Toft 7000 Trac. Underslung B-Box. Rubberised rollers and optmised. New Ifit 2 blade diff chop. New steel hood line. 2 1990 elevator Austoft powerhauls. HBM single row billet planter, new dip, chains and drive shaftes and bushes, rear axle steer, staines fert boxes, 2 cameras. 2 500L and 2 100L tanks and and frame. 1PTO pump. All equipement in good condition and ready to work. Photos available. $150,000 (plus GST.) Ph: 0428 682 886
2006 Case IH JX109OU in good condition. Always serviced – 6,800 hrs $24,200 (inc. GST) Ph: 0427 665 759 Tully area.
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.
Heavy duty Tatu offset disc 25 plate $50,000. Ph: 0439 965 921
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
Plant cutter $200; cane stripper $500; binder billet planter $18,000; 2 x Newton 4T Tipper bins $4,000 each – All plus GST. Ph: 0429 653 461.
Harvester for sale. Babinda area. 2010 JD 3520 track harvester, 10,000 frame hrs. 1,200 hrs since engine rebuild. 10 blade Twyford choppers. Base cutter box, turn table and chopper box, 300 hrs use. D5 tracks. Ready to go. $180,000 & GST. Ph: 0439 676 186
Valley centre pivot 8 span all running gear tires & rims $1,000 gearboxes $750.00, electrical motors & gear boxes $1,000 each ONO. 6 Irvin spray legs $80.00 each, 2x torsion axles v-shape 2,200kg each $500 ONO. Ph: John 0418 198 177
Celli rotary hoe 120 inch good condition. $6,000 + GST ONO. Front bucket for 580E backhoe $800 + GST ONO. Ph: 0407 675 361.
6 Cyl. Perkins turbo-charged motor, mounted on trailer to Kelly & Lewis water pump
$5,500; 6T Newton bulk fertiliser bin $2,500. Please call 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. Near new 6t side tipper. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673
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, 6 tonne tipper bin, 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
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, 4891 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
Fertiliser bin M.S.W, double row, 4 tonne stainless bin, with double compartment and 4 cutters $25,000 (inc. GST). Ph: 0400 729 457
Heavy duty two tines (legs) to suit rotary hoe
$1,000 inc GST. Ph: 0438 988 858
2022 Case 9900 cane harvester. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044
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, 2912 hrs, $156,000. 1976 rear feed whole stick planter, s/s fertiliser boxes & chutes, 2x200L 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
Liquid fertiliser applicator croplands rate controler, adjustable centres and new pump. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044
Service unit/fuel tanker, flat 115-90 4wd tactor set up with hitch & brakes. 4,500L diesel fuel tank. 2,000L aluminium water tank, many more extas. Phone for more details. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044.
Bonel whole stick harvester / Double fan cane stripper / Four trailers. Ph: 07 4056 1742
2 x 480/70R34 tractor tyres. 5 years old. 95% rubber. 1 tyre needs minor repair. $1,000 (inc GST) for both tyres. Ph: 0408 728 072 (Tully).
Hydraulic spraying machine – High rise diesel motor, 1,600L stainless steel tank $25,000 + GST. Ph: Tim 0428 183 307
Toft 6000 harvester $20,000 Liquaforce 5 row applicator $25,000 stainless steel 25,000L tanker on tandem axle trailer $15,000 10 tonne side tipper $12,000 kubota 8580 $22,000 grubbers ploughs plus more call Rodney. Ph: 0429 984 920
Olympic 20.8.42 65% $500+ GST; front end loader with 4 in 1 bucket, blasted and 2pac painted, resembling required $4,500+GST Ph: 0437 434 280.
Babinda area – 2006 Case 7700 track harvester. 10.3Lt Iveco motor 3,500hrs. Very good condition. Ph: 0467 198 700 AH: 4067 1498
2012 Case 8800 fulltrack cane harvester fitted with Trimble GPS and new walking gear. All in good condition. Near new 6t side tipper. Mulgrave area. Ph: 0407 160 673
Herbert River 4 tonne 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 tires, RWC, one owner in VGC. $43,000 ONO. Ph: 0438 821 683
Rainfall Report
Hi-rise spray tractor MF35x. Unfinished project comes with 1,200L S/S tank, boom and droppers are made but not fitted 5 rows or 7 over the top. Has power steering not fitted and a new ROPS, canopy and seat. Lots of other extras included. $18,000 plus GST ONO. Heavy duty frame with Coulters off the old Aqua-Ammonia applicators. Could easily turn into ripper coulter implement. $500 plus GST. Ph: Jason 0417 622 129 caruzin@bigpond.com
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HERBERT RIVER – BURDEKIN
John Deere 4450 row crop spray tractor with 1,150L chemical saddle tanks, included TPL 1,150L Croplands electronic controlled spray tank with 11.5 metre hydraulic spray boom. Very good condition work ready. $44,000 plus GST. Ph: 0427 030 063
Case Magnum 315 2012 dual tyres front and rear with weight pack, Trimble GPS, UHF and quick hitch 210,000 plus. Howard rotary hoe CH 2000 4.7 meters with crumble roller 40,000 plus. Ph: Gavin 0408 782 419
LD3 Moore Scoop 4WD in fair condition, runs good, brakes need help. Ph: after 6.30 pm 07 4777 6148
1997 Fiat Agri Genius 190. Good condition, one owner, Hyd toplink, hubs for dwels – 5,200 hrs. Ph: 0419 666 544.
MACKAY-PROSERPINE
Massey Ferguson 2640, 2WD, air cab, 4,600 hrs, good condition, surplus to needs, $18,000. ONO. Ph: 0438 545 251
John Deere 4450 row crop spray tractor with 1150L chemical saddle tanks, included TPL 1150L Croplands electronic controlled spray tank with 11.5m hydraulic spray boom. Very good condition work ready. $44,000 plus GST Ph: 0427 030 063
Schneider Star Delta Starter $1,900 ONO. Ph: 0447 733 366
2 x planting 2.5t tipper bins $3,000 each ONO. Ph: 0437 649 296.
L & L Wilkinson Haulage Pty Ltd widening drop deck and A trailer; transporting cane harvesters; farm machinery; farm implements; pilot. Ph: Lee Wilkinson 0427 474 065
Ford 8310 4wd cab tractor. With autofarm A5 GPS System. New dash. 70% rubber $30,000+ GST. Ph: 0417 158 656
Massey Ferguson 178 tractor with multi-power wet brakes, low hour fully reconditioned engine, good tyres all round. 800L Hardy boom spray tank. Ph: 0417 612 883 for price.
Massey Ferguson 8110 4-wheel drive with cab, 135hp, only 2,636 hrs in good condition. $55,000 inc 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 1200. A Hodge plant cutter & two fan blower –$1,000. 1 Yedder 6 wheel on 3-point linkage frame for plant cane. $1,800. Ph: 0448 605 722
185 Altas Copco compressor on towable trailer, just had new turbo fitted and cup link between motor and compressor, cost $6,000 to repair. Ready to go – $8,500. Good unit for blowing down harvesters or sandblasting. Sandblasting unit also available and hoses –$2,500. Ph: 0488 605 722
2x new Trelleborg TM800 high speed 480/65R24 tyres, 1,000L home-made trailable steel fuel tank, 1,000L steel fuel tank 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. G.C. 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 inc GST neg. VGC. Ph: 0438 424 538
125mm Southern Cross hard hose irrigator in good condition. 350m hose. $30,000 incl GST. Ph: 0428 768 533
60HP Western Electric motor, foot & flange $2,750. Ph: 0417 158 656
Various farm implements: Hodge 4-furrow reversible plough. 3 row McLeod multi weeder rake. Two tyres & rims to suit fiat 1000 and 1300. Agri/Master; CB538 Size 24.5/32R/1 12 ply. Ph: 0417 612 883 for price.
GPS autosteer kits and base station can be fitted to any tractor, FJ Dynamics brand, $14,000 excl GST. Ph: 0401 847 162.
T7040 New Holland 8,200 hrs and 16 tonne Aus quip elevator air/ hyd controls. Farm sold. Ph: Cameron 0427 378 526
Double row McLeod fertiliser box with various sprockets for various applications. Ph: 0417 612 883 for price.
Massey Ferguson harvester 102 base cutter box. Ph: 4954 1174 for price.
Elevator chains for 102. Ph: 4954 1174 for price.
Pegoraro 120 inch rotary hoe in good condition. Ph: 0417 542 783 for price.
3 point linkage cane topper. Ph: 0417 542 783 for price.
4,000L of 50/50 diesel/petrol mix suitable for Firebug burners or parts washing. Ph: 0411 196 860
Water meter never used Siemens brand (no before or after the meter pipework required) 150mm flanged, table D/E Ph: 0411 196 860
6 and 8 inch cast iron flanged gate valves. New never used. Ph: 0411 196 860
2 fan stripper $500. Moller single chain planter
$4,000. Roberts 6T goose neck trailer $5,000. Grubber & box $300. Hodge upright planter $3,000. Ph: 0408 776 336 OR 4959 1765 after 7pm.
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 New Holland T6070 Tractor, $185,000 neg Challenge FEL, quad remotes, excellent condition, 450 hrs. Ph: Justin 0415 626 715
2011 John Deere 3520 Trac harvester. Machine has new tracks, new elevator chain and floors, 2 x new plastic extractor hoods. Some pumps rebuilt and some replaced. Engine rebuilt and plantary hubs replaced. Machine repainted –very tidy machine. Ph: 0413 584 728
7485 MF Tractor Tier 3 with Dyna VT transmission and hi lift double 6T side tipper. Ph: 0413 698 922 or 0427 561 072. Located Bundaberg.
102 Massey Ferguson cane harvester $1,500. C670 Chamberlain 4 ton HPM tipper bin
$5,000. Ford 5000 Tractor $6,000. Hodge fert. bin $1,000 Ph: 0403 064 708
Brand new Howard AH4000/255 2.5m heavy duty rotary hoe w/wheels $44k inc GST. Rocky Point. Ph: Greg 0421 277 126
WANTED TO BUY
1 x secondhand slasher must be in good condition, 7 or 8 ft width. North Tully area. Ph: Joe 0488 010 030
HBM billet planter. Ph: 0429 651 233
7 tyne Hodge ripper with 1 inch tynes and bolt on points. Ph: 0400 743 314
18.4-38 tyre/s. Ph: 0458 121 546. Plane Creek area.
Shredder topper suit John Deere or Case or Toft loader. Any condition. Ph: 0413 584 728
2 off JD rims (flange type 16in x 42in) with or without tyres. Size 480/80 R42 to suit JD7520 12 bolt 855PCD cast centre. Ph: 0407 963 040 Mareeba district.
Rotary hoe 120 inch to 140 inch, prefer Howard. Spray unit with Irvin boom or similar 600L plus. Ph: Roger 0419 788 376 Maryborough area.
Wanting 100 to 120 hp 6 cylinder 4x4 tractor. Eg, (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 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 Ph: 0427 565 511. Mulgrave area.
2.5 tonne or similar tipper bins suitable for billet planter. Ph: John 0427 563 318. Mulgrave area.
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
All panels for Fiat 780. Ph: 0438 421 217 Mackay / Sarina area.
New Holland 8970 tractor suitable for wrecking. Contact 0419 710 280 or tctownley@bigpond.com
1x Ford 6600 or Ford 7600 two-wheel drive tractor. Ph: 0439 591 455
6 FT 3 Point linkage grader blade in reasonable condition. Ph: 0478 228 375. Area Bundaberg.
Hi-clearance spray tractor. Must be a trike and must have air con cab. Send photos and information to 0407 639 985
Tractor with FEL 100-140 HP up to $50k. NQLD area. Ph: Peter 0427 760 449
PROPERTY – FOR SALE
Cane farm Halifax total area 217 ha, CPA 126.4 ha. 2 minutes from Taylors Beach & 20 mins from Ingham CBD. Includes large machinery shed which has 3 phase power & 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
Want to buy farm in Victoria Plains, Eton, Pleystowe area. Ph: 049 00 29 387
Wanted permanent purchase Lower Mary River water allocations on Mary River, Tinana Creek and channel pipeline sections of the scheme. Ph: 0427 930 696
