Australian Canegrower - December 2024

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Smartcane BMP turns 10

Mossman – 12 months on Caring for both farm and sea

GOT A BURNING DESIRE

to help shape your industry’s future?

CANEGROWERS Elections 2025: Step Up and Make a Difference!

The time for talk is over. If you’re passionate about the future of the sugarcane industry and tired of sitting on the sidelines, this is your moment.

► Want to create real change?

► Ready to lead your local growers?

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Editor: Robyn Devine

Design & classifieds: Eleanor Fraser

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

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

Telephone: 07 3864 6444

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

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Photo credit: Robyn Devine Read more on page 24

NEWS BRIEFS

KICKING OFF WITH COLLABORATION

With the new State Government now settled in, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan hit the ground running, meeting with Premier David Crisafulli MP and Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett MP at 1 William St during November.

The future of Queensland’s sugarcane industry took centre stage, with discussions tackling the government's commitment to Mossman's cane industry, and their focus on research and development more broadly. My Galligan took the opportunity to brief the Minister on a range of key industry issues.

The Premier was clearly keen to work with CANEGROWERS to build a stronger more sustainable future for growers and their communities.

FARMERS URGED TO SEEK HELP ON 3G SHUTDOWN IMPACTS

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has urged farmers experiencing mobile connectivity issues in the wake of the 3G network shutdown to reach out to providers for help.

The 3G network was progressively turned off across Australia from October 28.

NFF Telecommunications Committee

Chair Peter Thompson urged farmers to be vocal about issues they’ve encountered since the change.

Mr Thompson urged anyone experiencing issues to contact their provider, such as Telstra or Optus or the Regional Tech Hub.

The Regional Tech Hub is totally independent and is geared up to help with the ability to escalate any issues with providers and give independent advice on product purchases.

Contact the Regional Tech Hub with details on the issues including the timing and location of the problem:

www.regionaltechhub.org.au or 1300 081 029

NEW SRA CHAIR ELECTED AT 2024 AGM

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) held its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Brisbane on 26 November 2024. One of the agenda items for the AGM was the election of new directors to the Board of SRA.

SRA’s outgoing Chair, Rowena McNally, concluded her term at the meeting and Michael (Mike) Barry was elected as the new Chair.

My Barry was previously the CEO of MSF Sugar for 13 years and has been the Chair of a number of listed and unlisted public and private companies.

Also at the AGM, Haydn Slattery was appointed as a director on the SRA board. Haydn has 20 years of experience in both sugar milling and refining, in senior roles with CSR (now Wilmar), Mackay Sugar and Mossman Central Mill.

Mike Barry

LANDMARK LEGAL WIN!

CANEGROWERS SECURES

FAIR PAYMENT FOR MEMBERS

CANEGROWERS Mackay has delivered a decisive victory for its members, successfully challenging Mackay Sugar’s attempt to impose payment terms that threatened to undermine growers’ cash flow.

Following a robust legal challenge that culminated in binding arbitration, the arbitrator ruled in favour of CANEGROWERS Mackay, rejecting Mackay Sugar’s interpretation of the Cane Supply and Processing Agreement (CSPA).

This landmark decision reinforces the critical role of CANEGROWERS in defending growers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment, CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee Chairman Joseph Borg (pictured) said.

Protecting growers' livelihoods

The dispute centred on Mackay Sugar’s interpretation of a clause governing starting CCS, which directly impacts growers’ payments.

Mackay Sugar argued the initial CCS could be based on the average of the first three to five weeks of the season – a methodology that would reduce growers’ early-season cash flow – rather than a genuine estimate of the whole season’s average CCS, as calculated with reference to historical fiveyear trends.

CANEGROWERS Mackay disputed this interpretation, arguing that it was inconsistent with the agreement and contrary to growers’ interests.

Left unchallenged, Mackay Sugar’s approach would have left growers without a fair return for their cane in the early part of the season, disrupting cash flow at a critical time.

The arbitrator sided unequivocally with CANEGROWERS Mackay, confirming that Mackay Sugar’s interpretation was incorrect and upholding the requirement for a fair and genuine estimate based on the entire season.

Mr Borg described the arbitration result as a pivotal win for the region’s growers.

“This determination is a very satisfying result. It proves that our interpretation of the clause on initial CCS was correct,”

Mr Borg said.

“Mackay area grower representatives have robustly defended our Cane Supply and Processing Agreement.”

This decision ensures that growers represented by CANEGROWERS Mackay will receive their rightful payments, safeguarding their financial stability and reinforcing the fairness embedded in the agreement.

“This emphasises the value of the CANEGROWERS Queensland collective. The resources, expertise, experience, and our weight of numbers have shone through”, Mr Borg said.

“We offer especial thanks to CANEGROWERS legal advisor Chris Cooper for his outstanding knowledge and service for our members.”

Standing apart in advocacy

Mr Borg emphasised the broader implications of CANEGROWERS ’ victory.

“It’s a powerful reminder of why growers need strong, independent representation. CANEGROWERS Mackay is here to ensure our members are not forced to accept interpretations or conditions that unfairly disadvantage them.

“This decision protects growers’ early-season cash flow, which is essential for managing operations and investing in their future.”

While CANEGROWERS Mackay members are now protected, those with other arrangements may be bound by Mackay Sugar’s interpretation.

“Unfortunately, growers not under the CANEGROWERS agreement could still see significant financial impacts,” Mr Borg said.

SEEKING THE NEXT CROP OF LEADERS

Beginning in early 2025, the

For more information www.nextratoon.com.au nextratoon@canegrowers.com.au

VISIONARY SPEAKERS: Insights from leaders shaping the future

GAME-CHANGING PANELS: Tackling the industry’s biggest challenges

CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION: The latest tech transforming agriculture

INTERACTIVE FIELD TRIPS: Practical experiences tailored to growers

Don’t miss your opportunity to shape the future of sugarcane. Stick around for the ASSCT annual conference, following Sugar Cubed at the same venue.*

How CANEGROWERS can ‘weather the storm’ this disaster season

ADVERTORIAL

Forecasts are predicting above-average rainfall and frequent storms this summer, meaning a challenging disaster season could be on the way for Queensland CANEGROWERS.

Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Manager of Disaster and Drought, Sheree Finney, encourages growers to prepare for severe weather conditions now and to be aware that financial assistance may be available from QRIDA following a disaster.

“Now is the time to carry out home and farm maintenance, keep valuable machinery and equipment in a protected place, and make emergency and evacuation plans, to give your enterprise the best chance of survival through the disaster season,” says Ms Finney.

As well as making physical preparations on-farm, Ms Finney also recommends staying informed about what to do if financial assistance becomes available through QRIDA.

“If disaster strikes, loan and/or grant funding may become available from QRIDA. In your application for funding, we will be looking for evidence of the damage through photos and videos. We will also ask for proof of what’s been spent on getting the farm re-established.”

“Keep documents such as your identification, rates notice, lease agreements, financial statements, tax returns, bank statements and details of your insurance accessible as you will need these documents when applying for any assistance. It’s also a good idea to keep electronic copies of your important documents, in case physical copies get damaged,” says Ms Finney.

“QRIDA’s Regional Area Managers are absolute specialists in times of disaster. Ahead of disaster season, it’s a good idea to know who your local QRIDA Regional Area Manager is and keep their contact details with your other important documents.”

You can search for the contact details of your local Regional Area Manager by visiting the ‘Your region’ page on

QRIDA’s Manager, Disaster and Drought, Sheree Finney

QRIDA’s website where you can search by region or postcode.

QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected growers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Further information on the current assistance available can be found at qrida.qld.gov.au

PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF PRODUCTIVITY

BY DAN GALLIGAN, CEO, CANEGROWERS

At CANEGROWERS , we spend countless hours exploring ways to enhance productivity.

Clearly, in farming, improving productivity offers a pathway to achieving the ultimate goal – better farm profitability.

To assist in this effort, CANEGROWERS has invested in rolling out the Business Essentials program, which covers critical areas such as cost of production, market information services, and succession planning skills for farmers.

The aim is to provide growers with practical advice to support improved business performance.

Of course, on farm productivity relies on the hundreds of decisions farmers make every day.

To support these decisions, the industry's investment in research, development, and adoption through Sugar Research Australia represents our most significant collective approach to productivity improvement.

This includes plant breeding, agronomy, and biosecurity.

Supported by district productivity staff and private consultants, this work drives practice change and improvements.

Farm revenue, in turn, often hinges on marketing decisions informed by professionals in sugar marketing, trade, and market analysis.

Success in achieving productivity and supporting profitable sugarcane growers depends on a complex interplay of decisions made over short, medium, and longterm timeframes.

Ultimately, these decisions often rest with one or two people in the business, but they are supported by a team of on- and off-farm experts.

It is the skills and capabilities of these people that make the difference.

This is why we must remember that while capital investment is critical for advancing agricultural supply chains, investing in people is just as – if not more – valuable, and represents a vital long-term investment.

Facing industry-wide challenges

When we look across the industry, we hear common concerns about people.

Whether it is a lack of experience in our milling sector that has hindered performance, a lack of truck drivers and haulout operators, a need for new fresh ideas and expertise coming through our research partners, or the challenges of bringing in fresh ideas and energy by supporting new farm leaders.

Our industry must focus on developing and supporting its people. That’s why programs like the CANEGROWERS Next Ratoon initiative are designed to nurture emerging leaders.

The program aims to build leadership skills, recognising individual strengths and inspiring participants to grow in ways that resonate with them.

This is achieved by partnering emerging leaders with experienced mentors from within and outside the industry.

Opportunities for Leadership

Early next year, we will enter CANEGROWERS ’ triennial election cycle, during which we will call for nominees for district Boards. These roles present a unique opportunity for leaders to contribute to the industry’s future.

Our people are our greatest asset. However, as we look across the supply chain, it is clear that both opportunities and challenges exist. There are significant risks if we fail to have the right people in the right jobs at the right time.

CANEGROWERS will be looking for other industry partners to step up and contribute to our industry’s ability to support our people.

We need collaborative investment to make careers in this fantastic industry attractive to the best and brightest talent in our communities.

By prioritising our people, we can ensure the future productivity and profitability of our industry. 

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO FUTUREPROOF

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS HELPS YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION AND MUCH MORE

The pathway to a resilient farming business future is riddled with risk. This doesn’t mean that your goals shouldn’t be pursued. Improve your chances of success with strategic thinking and find ways to tweak your game plan.

CANEGROWERS has developed a series of workshops and webinars that are designed to allow more flexibility and easier time commitment. Our sessions have something for everyone and growers that have attended in the past say the benefit from attending has been invaluable, assisting them to plan and address blind spots they had and filled any information gaps.

For our 2025 workshops and webinars we are excited to include a training partner with deep experience in guiding farmers and organisations from a range of sectors including cotton, grain, horticulture, and dairy. The sessions will include topics such as HR management (how to attract and retain talent), and WH&S (how to get started and build a great system that works for you). The series will also include sessions on sugar pricing strategy and sugarcane specific topics to reinforce your industry knowledge.

Visit www.canegrowers.com.au or your CANEGROWERS district office today to find out more! Workshops starting from February 2025. Register your interest today for more information

UP IN THE AIR

One year after Mossman Mill went into voluntary administration, the future for sugarcane growers remains uncertain.

12 months ago, Mossman district sugarcane growers were reeling from the news that their local mill had been shut down. Today, their future livelihoods remain unclear.

Daintree Bio Precinct and Far Northern Milling entered into voluntary administration in November 2023, and with no buyer secured, the liquidation process in recent months led to the auctioning off of vehicles and other mill equipment.

For the 2024 season, government subsidies enabled the Mossman crop to be transported two hours south, to the Mulgrave Mill at Gordonvale. Prior to the Queensland state election, the new LNP government promised $12 million in funding to guarantee the 2025 crop can also be transported to Gordonvale, while a further $500,000 was set aside for Queensland CANEGROWERS to lead a Cane Expansion Plan to secure the northern-most district’s future as a cane growing hub.

CANEGROWERS Mossman Chairman Matthew Watson said he is expecting the LNP will remain true to its word. “I’ve met (Premier) David Crisafulli a few

times and he’s a straight up and down guy, he calls a spade a spade and he has an understanding of what we’re doing and what we’re trying to achieve,” he said.

“At the moment, I have all the faith in the world that he’s going to deliver. We’re still working with government on the funding, and we have to negotiate a deal with MSF Sugar.”

Matthew would like a deal to go even further to lock in successive years of crop transportation to Mulgrave.

“Cane grows well here,” he said. “We’re still negotiating to see if we can continue to truck down to Gordonvale for another three years to keep us alive and give potential investors time.

“If it all just shuts down tomorrow, people will walk away. You can have all the investors in the world turn up but if there are no farmers here to farm the land, they don’t just fall out of the sky.”

Liza Giudice has a slightly different position. She and her husband Michael still farm sugarcane in Mossman, but they have also invested in cane land in the Innisfail District, where they now live. While Liza would also like

to see the 2025 crop transport fully subsidised, she believes any further government funding would be best spent helping growers to transition away from sugarcane, which is what the previous Labor government had earmarked some of its funding for.

“It’s really important that the transport costs get subsidised completely because there’s a chance then to transition,” Liza said. “If there is a portion of growers who want to continue to get a subsidy to send their cane to Mulgrave, I’m more than happy for those growers. For us, it’s a risk because we potentially don’t have a harvester.

“What my husband and I are looking at is what do we do with our land? How do we make an income so we can pay our rates, look after our house, make sure it remains agricultural land?

“When you’re looking at diversification, there are more questions than answers right now"

“Across the district, there’s been peanuts, sorghum, vanilla, chillies, paw paws, there’s a few bananas, there are little pockets of different crops, but I wouldn’t say there’s anything on a commercial scale.

“People have gone out of cane into cows. But again, I have questions: What breed? What grass? Where do I send them? What will it cost to erect fences? Do I have enough land to earn an income? All those questions have to be answered and that’s potentially where some of the funding money can be used. I’m not talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars but just some training and some help to then make a financial decision.”

Liza has also suggested a dollarfor-dollar government loan system to assist with transition, however Matthew Watson believes if there was a viable alternative to sugarcane, growers would have found it by now.

“Sugarcane’s high value and most of the land’s not big enough for cattle,” he said. “Also, we employ eight people during the season but if we go to cattle, that goes down to one person. You’re not employing people, so you

lose kids at the school, you lose teachers, there’s a whole flow-on effect. They’re already losing a few teachers next year because they don’t have the kids at the school anymore.”

The fifth-generation sugarcane grower is concerned about the toll the unresolved situation is taking. “There’s been a lot of talk of mental health issues, people have been leaning on each other,” Matthew said.

“The older fellas, they’re usually busy, but now they’re just walking around kicking rocks; they don’t know what to do with themselves. They’ve got too much time on their hands. Trying to keep an eye on those guys is a bit of a worry.

“I’m a fitter by trade, I could go out to the mines if I had to but to walk away from the farm, that’s my whole life. I don’t want to go out to the mines, hence I’m still here. There are a lot of people who have already left town.

“I feel a real connection to the farm, is it because my family’s been here for so long? Maybe. If we have to go, we have to go. But what happens with all this land?”

Mossman growers Liza Giudice and Matthew Watson discuss the impact to the Mossman sugarcane growing community in the latest Shed Talk

An extended interview with Matthew and Liza is now available via podcast on the CANEGROWERS website. You’ll hear their perspectives on what went wrong with Mossman Mill, and what each think is now the best way forward.

To listen, go to www.canegrowers.com.au/ news-media/podcasts

FROM THE CHAIR

BY OWEN MENKENS, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

It’s AGM season, with CANEGROWERS Queensland, district companies, and various other industry bodies all holding their Annual General Meetings recently.

It’s a particularly busy time for me, as I try to attend as many of these AGMs as possible.

The season began in October with the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) AGM in Canberra – a valuable gathering of agricultural leaders from across Australia.

On 30 October, Queensland Sugar Limited held its AGM, followed closely by the CANEGROWERS Queensland AGM and Policy Council meeting in Townsville on 7 November.

This was the first regional AGM in many years and provided a great opportunity for growers and staff from Brisbane and across the state to come together.

The following week, I attended the Australian Cane Growers Council AGM. ACGC directors include CANEGROWERS Isis Chairman Mark Mammino, CANEGROWERS Innisfail Chairman Joe Marano, and NSW CANEGROWERS President Ross Farlow.

The ACGC meets several times a year to address issues affecting the industry nationally and internationally. It also represents members in the NFF and the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers.

I managed to attend AGMs at Rocky Point and Proserpine as well. These local meetings are invaluable for engaging with growers and hearing firsthand about the challenges districts are facing.

The CANEGROWERS network is unique, with strong local representation connecting to state and national leaders to influence future policy.

In November, I attended the Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) AGM, which raised serious concerns.

Upon arrival, I was surprised to see the entire front row reserved for STL’s lawyers, creating an atmosphere of unease.

The process for growers and industry representatives to access the meeting was excessively complex – something I have never encountered at previous STL AGMs.

The tension in the room was palpable, leaving many attendees uncomfortable. It is evident that the Chair and STL management have caused significant disharmony within the industry.

This situation is unsustainable, and if the Chair’s remuneration is rejected again*, he must seriously reconsider his position moving forward.

*At the time of print, one week after the STL AGM, results of the grower-director election and the remuneration report vote had still not been announced by STL.

ACCREDITATION’S THE GOLD STANDARD

Let’s show off the great work you’re doing.

The destination’s the same, but the journey’s different for everyone.

Contact your Smartcane BMP district facilitator to discover what accreditation could look like for you.

TRUE IMPACT

BY RENEE CLUFF

A Cassowary Coast Reef water quality project has demonstrated that environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand with industry sustainability.

Innisfail sugarcane grower Josh Oldano is invested in caring for his aquatic backyard alongside his farming business. Josh and his brother Adam, who manages the papaya side of the family enterprise, regularly cruise the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, marvelling at marine creatures and managing to earn some extra coin in a fishing side gig.

“We’ve had multiple encounters with all sorts of wildlife – whale sharks, dolphins, small whales – you just never know what you’re going to see and it’s pretty interesting to say the least,” Josh said.

“On the land we only apply what we need to, and it goes hand-in-hand with sustainability on the sea. We don’t take more than we need to and in turn, we get a joyful trip out of it and a change of scenery.”

Josh is among the many sugarcane growers in this area who are accredited through the Smartcane Best Management Practice (BMP) program. But more recently, he’s been going above and beyond that

Above: Josh Oldano encounters a whale shark on the Great Barrier Reef

Across: Josh and his dog Stella on the farm

gold standard through a three-year Reef water quality program that puts growers front and centre.

Cassowary Coast Reef Smart Farming (CCRSF) project leader Debra Telford said the initiative marked a significant shift in how water quality programs are designed, funded and implemented.

“I’ve been involved in water quality projects for 15 years, and this was the first time the emphasis was not on blanket nitrogen rate reductions,” Debra explained. “Sugarcane growers in this area have already reduced nitrogen rates to the extent that further sweeping cutbacks would likely impact on district productivity.

“Instead, this project was focused on helping growers improve their Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), which involved putting them and their enterprises at the centre and taking a whole-of-farm management approach. This will not only improve their productivity and profitability, but also result in improved water quality through reduced surplus of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) entering local waterways.”

The project involved more than 100 sugarcane and banana growers, including Josh. He worked one-on-one with an extension officer to develop a tailored productivity improvement plan, which ensured that yield and sugar content didn’t have to be sacrificed for environmental sustainability. All sugarcane growing participants received such a plan, while for banana growers, nutrient management plans were created.

“You can grow a good crop, and you can do it sustainably”

“It’s just doing what you have to at the correct time as best as you can manage,” Josh said. “You’re not going to go pouring stuff on and hope that it works, you do it tactfully. Our motto is everything in moderation but done correctly.

“The project highlighted that little things do matter and if we can do those things correctly, we’ll benefit.”

Debra Telford said drilling down into where gains could be found was not a one-size-fits-all approach. “Not only is farming not a recipe, but every grower is different and every enterprise is different,” she explained.

“Our team of extension officers had to really consider what would work for each grower and their farm, taking into account everything from their family circumstances to the availability of machinery and implements, to landscape and budgetary challenges.”

Nutrition, pests and diseases were all explored in the quest for productivity opportunities, along with improving uptake of newer, higher-performing sugarcane varieties.

Surveys were undertaken to detect district-wide nutritional crop deficiencies, as well as levels of Pachymetra root rot disease and rooteating nematodes.

Tissue culture plots and variety demonstration plots were planted to increase the availability and adoption of newer, disease resistant cane varieties.

“The strip trials that have gone on in the area have aided us and highlighted that we weren’t doing anything incorrect, but we could always become more diligent with what we’re doing, like getting the timing right and planting the right variety on the right soil type,” Josh said.

“The project was continually giving us more and more information on what the new varieties were doing in certain soil types.

“On top of that, talking with other growers at the shed meetings you heard for instance that a particular variety wasn’t working for someone, whereas for us it was working on a similar soil type. Then you have something to talk about and say okay,

maybe it’s something we did in our practice that was slightly different.

“Little things like that made the world of difference.”

The project also partnered with research organisations including the University of Southern Queensland, along with behavioural science organisation Evidn, which provided expertise to facilitate grower-led learning and adoption.

“CCRSF has incubated a model of how programs will work in the future,” said Evidn Behavioural Scientist Sam Moore. “Previously, it was a top-down approach which often lost sight of the growers and what’s important to them.

“But to achieve true productivity and sustainability – practices that will continue and be improved upon after a project ends, the needs of growers must be considered. That way, there is trust and complete buy-in which creates a legacy. CCRSF has done just that.”

“It’s shown what is possible by putting growers back in control”

The results speak for themselves. Not only did the project easily attract participants, there were all-round improvements in NUE so that pollutant load reductions were met. Overall yield targets weren’t reached, but Debra said growers understood that was due to climatic factors, with the project period encompassing unusually long wet seasons two years in a row.

“12 months before the project ended, we also had flooding from ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which ripped up cane fields and resulted of course in productivity declines,” Debra explained. “But that didn’t impact on the real benefit of the project, which was arming growers with the tools, data

L-R UniSQ Prof Bernard Schroeder, Adam Zappala, Josh Oldano, Peter Becke, Debra Telford visiting a cotton farm as part of a CRSF activity

and knowledge to continue to work towards their productivity goals well into the future.”

It’s a valuable outcome that Josh can confirm. “We’ll continue to gather the information, continue to talk with other farmers, continue to help ourselves and fine-tune our practices as best we can,” Josh said. “We’ll continue to manage our time better to get things done on time, every time.

“We’ve taken on the farm hand-in-hand with our father, Michael, and we’ll keep doing what we have to because we love it.

“I’d love to follow in my father’s footsteps. I’d love my kids to have the upbringing that we had. Personally, I think that’s pretty special.”

Above: Debra Telford addresses a shed meeting

Below: Josh Oldano loves fishing in the Coral Sea

Cassowary Coast Reef Smart Farming was funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

LIQUAFORCE – COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE COASTAL FARMING

LIQUAFORCE BIG SHOT

LIQUID IS...THE FUTURE IN FERTILISING

WANT AN ECONOMICAL & ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS FERTILISER OPTION WITH SOIL SUPPORT AND PLANT STIMULANTS? YOU WANT LIQUAFORCE BIGSHOT!

A one-shot application containing high analysis NPKS, LiquaForce BigShot also includes a super shot of molasses to slow down nitrogen release and help tillering plants absorb nutrients

Flexible and adaptable, BigShot offers growers the option of adding additional trace elements to support specific soil and crop requirements.

But don’t take our word for it. BigShot is backed by independent research by the University of Southern Queensland to reduce nitrogen leaching by 17% to help the microbial slow release of nitrogen

QSL GROWER PRICING UPDATE

Sugar Market & Currency

Influence

Commentary

Brazil

India

Thailand

Speculators

Currency

Your Trusted Partner

Current as at 21 November 2024.

By Elliott Apel, QSL Assistant Manager Trading & Risk

Wet weather interruptions have plagued the tail end of the 2024 Centre South Brazil crop, resulting in fewer mills closing than previously expected at this point in the season. By 1 November, a total of 566 million tonnes of cane had been harvested, producing 37.4 million tonnes of sugar for the season, with an average sugar mix of 48.6%.

The key sugarcane-producing states of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have commenced their 2024/25 harvesting season, with 144 mills now operational. Maharashtra, on the other hand, has yet to begin harvesting due to delays caused by the state election. At time of writing, only 9.1 million tonnes of cane had been harvested in India this season, compared to 16.3 million tonnes at the same point last year.

While October rainfall in Thailand was slightly below average, the consistent distribution of rain across key sugarcane growing regions is seen as positive for the upcoming 2024/25 Season, which is set to commence in the first week of December. Market estimates for the new season range between 100 and 110 million tonnes of cane, an increase from recent years, driven by an approximate 10% expansion in land under cultivation.

The speculative community has reversed its net long position observed in October, selling into the recent market weakness as prices slipped below 21 USc/lb. As of 12 December, speculators recorded a net short position of 7255 lots.

Donald Trump’s victory in the recent US presidential election triggered a significant pullback in the Australian dollar, which traded below 65 US cents in early November. This weakness stems from Trump’s indication of plans to impose global import tariffs on foreign-produced goods, disadvantaging the Australian and Chinese economies and causing inflationary pressures in the US. Domestically, the RBA has indicated it is not yet convinced that the economy is ready for an interest rate easing cycle, as inflation remains sticky and the effects of government energy rebates cloud true inflation levels.

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 February | Any 2024-Season Target Price Contract tonnage not priced by this date will automatically have its pricing window extended and roll costs may apply.

• 20 February | Any unpriced tonnage allocated to the ICE 11 March 2025 contract through the Individual Futures Contract and/or Self-Managed Harvest Contract that is not rolled by this date will be priced by QSL at the next market opportunity.

NFF WELCOMES RIGHT TO REPAIR PUSH, BUT

CALLS FOR COMMITMENT FOR AG MACHINERY

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ renewed emphasis on right to repair in his address on Wednesday 13 November to the Australian Business Economists but has urged the Federal Government to commit to including agricultural machinery in proposed reforms.

The Treasurer told the group: “I expect we’ll start by fast-tracking the adoption of trusted international product safety standards and developing a general right to repair – both Commonwealthled reforms.”

NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said the organisation was committed to a scenario where manufacturers and farmers could work constructively on a right to repair framework for farm machinery.

REPORT YELLOW CRAZY ANTS

“What we need is greater flexibility for farmers to repair their equipment, like what other countries have achieved for their farm sector. We haven't been able to land any such arrangements so far,” Mr Mahar said.

“Farmers across Australia know all too well the cost of equipment downtime. When machinery is out of action during harvest, it costs time and money.

“We’ve been pursuing the right to repair to give farmers greater flexibility to use a suitably qualified repairer of their choice without fear of voiding warranties and travelling long distances – or waiting excessive periods – to access supplier repairers.”

The NFF’s Right to Repair Taskforce, a collective of commodity councils and state farming organisations, has been pushing for policy changes to address these issues.

“We are encouraged by Treasurer Chalmers’ comments signalling a focus on right to repair but want to see a firm commitment this will include agricultural machinery.

“This move would not only align with the recommendations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Productivity Commission and right to repair academics, but would

also bring Australia in line with our international competitors such as Canada and the state of Colorado in the United States, where right to repair is now law.”

The NFF also acknowledged recent comments from Assistant Minister for Competition Dr. Andrew Leigh MP, recognising right to repair issues can put farmers under real financial pressure.

“We support the Government making a firm commitment to include agricultural machinery in a right to repair and stand ready to work with them to achieve that.

“This is a practical and sensible solution that will support farmers, boost the farm sector’s productivity and level out the playing field with our international competitors,” Mr Mahar said.

FAMILY KNOWLEDGE PLUS BMP EQUALS SUSTAINABLE FARMING

BY ROBYN DEVINE

Harnessing the rich tapestry of his heritage, Robert Bonassi and his wife Leanne have cultivated thriving entities, fuelled with an eagerness for knowledge and a passion for nurturing sugarcane.

With each passing year, their business entities and their families continue to flourish, reaching new heights of success.

In the outskirts of Ingham, within the idyllic Herbert River sugarcane growing district, lies the captivating farm owned by the Bonassi family.

Third generation grower, Robert lives on the same farm where he grew up and Leanne, who grew up just down the road at Helen’s Hill, have raised three children there. Robert’s father was a well-respected grower in the district who passed away two years ago, but his legacy remains strong in the Bambaroo property.

Robert explained that they strive to run a productive and well-maintained sugarcane farm as well as running an efficient harvesting business and is proud of the efforts of the whole family that work together, especially during harvesting.

“We farm on about 230 hectares in total area, and our contract harvests 115 -128 thousand tonnes of cane annually depending on the years, I only cut for myself and another grower’s harvest, but the other grower is probably the biggest single entity in the Herbert, so it keeps us pretty busy. Not only do we harvest his cane, but I also do land prep for him, and I

manage one of his farms and work closely with the other manager that looks after the rest of the farms.

Leanne and Robert’s three children continue the family passion for the sugarcane industry, although not all of them work on farm full time.

Their daughter Kiara works as a Management Accountant at Incitec Pivot in Townsville, and according to Robert regularly shares interesting discussions about the industry and what’s new with fertiliser.

Robert had been harvesting for 30 years, when son Brandon, decided to work on the farm after leaving school, he also gained his boilermaking apprenticeship through Wilmar. He shares the same enthusiasm as Robert to grow and cut cane, and now drives the harvester, relieving Robert from constant driving duties.

Above: Herbert River growers Leanne and Robert Bonassi believe that maintaining a solid business comes from adopting best management practices

Left: The Bonassi's Bambaroo farm nestled on the outskirts of Ingham

“He's been driving for eight years now. It's family, it works well, the farmer that we cut for, he likes it because we're family and we all share the same passion,” Robert said.

“Our second son Cameron did a plumbing trade and does the season with us while off season he goes back to the plumbing industry.

“It's quite a good business and it's been good for the kids to grow up around family on the farm.

“Dad was second generation, as my grandfather farmed here first until he built in town and moved there, we had extra land then that we had cattle on, as my grandfather loved cattle, because that is what he had in Italy and my grandfather would travel up and down to town to tend the cattle until he was nearly 90 years old, when he decided to slow down. As our farming enterprise got bigger, we gobbled up our cattle country. Now cane and harvesting are what we do.

“We embraced modern technology farming years and years ago. There was a group of us, that went on young

farmer trips which were supported by CANEGROWERS and other industries which allowed us to travel around Queensland and the northern rivers region, looking at different ways people farm, and we adopted a lot of things.

“I've been on 1.8 rows mounded now for 8-9 years, maybe longer. I was lucky enough that Dad allowed me to do it, he could see what I wanted to do. In some cases, adopting the change from the old farming ways to new farming practices was quite challenging. It can be like that still today with a lot of areas just not ready to embrace it.

“I'm a big believer in legume crops, not as in sales of legumes seeds just yet, but I do a rotation crop every year. Normally we'll plant legumes, but 2023 – 2024 has been challenging with a wet year. I'm interested in soil health and growing good legume crops to put the nutrient back into the soil.

Robert recognises that there are challenges with the reducing number of contracting and labour resources available in the district over the years, however he’s open to finding solutions

to counter these issues as they arise, for example two years ago he extended their machinery portfolio with a billet planter. He also has decided to employ an extra farm worker, to take on those jobs that help maintain a healthy farm business.

Robert has used a smart farming application called Aglantis, designed by a company based in the Burdekin, to link together all the GPS devices on the vehicles on farm. The system ensures the mapping system is regularly being updated, in an efficient and effective manner. Robert believes in working smarter and not harder.

“Once they become available, our mapping will get updated every year because you're always moving something, a line somewhere. We were the first in the Herbert that they've mapped and then they give me a hard copy mapping of all our farms. We are in the process of plotting all our power poles, and as we do supplementary irrigation, we have a lot of hydrants throughout the farm, that they too will be plotted. They do an overlay that will alarm us when you're coming up close to any of these.

“They're great to have because like power lines, when the guys are harvesting and they're doing 1012 hours a day, there’s always that possibility that something can happen, it’ll help if you've got an alarm that's going to alert you that power poles are coming up. It's another really good tool to have in the toolbox.”

Robert has a thirst for knowledge and is open minded to learning about techniques to assist his farming practices.

“Over the years I've been part of the Catalyst Grower Group, which is a group of growers throughout eastern Queensland that share good ideas and I've been a part of that for nine to ten years now. It's good to get together once a year and share ideas and they're a good group of growers that will actually steer you in the right direction if they've tried something and you're thinking of trying it.”

It has helped Robert stay ahead of the game in relation to the Reef regulations and he has been included in the Grower Incentive Grants that are facilitated with the support of CANEGROWERS Herbert River, assisting in much welcomed machinery and farm implements.

“We have embraced a lot of the new technology and farming methods, these days it's getting harder and harder to get people to come and do any contract work for you, the more you can do yourself, the better,” Robert said.

“I never did an apprenticeship, but one thing Leanne and I wanted for our children, was that they were to have an apprenticeship in case they need something to fall back on. Farming is never great all the time, so it’s good to have a trade if there's a downtime. Up until three years ago Brandon was going back to the mill, but now in the slack we do so much fabrication, we don't like to buy implements, in most cases we make them.”

Brandon and Robert enjoy the ability to fabricate custom-made solutions to the unique challenges that arise on their farms.

Robert does all his own record keeping and is Smartcane BMP accredited after embracing the program early.

“Leanne has always worked in town, she said right from the start that ‘BMP’s gonna be your baby’,” Robert joked.

“I could see Smartcane BMP was going to be a necessity moving forward because there’s always going to be government regulations, so we need to be at the forefront of all of it. And keeping records is a big part of that, for future management plans.

“I currently still do a paper trail, but we are looking to getting it on the laptop soon, which would probably be a bit easier, especially the way we've set up our GPS on the farm I can just transfer that straight to the computer.

“We went through our second accreditation in 2023, which went without a hassle. For example, I have had chemical storage for probably eight years. It was quite easy to transition, it’s just a matter of taking the time to write it down every day. You write down what you did, your fertilising, your spray records, you write it down as you do it and it's not a problem.

Leanne said Robert had a good role model in his father, observing what he practised when growing cane, she said he’d always kept detailed records of his husbandry.

“Dad always wrote in a little notebook, and it wasn't until he passed away and we were going through all the cupboards that we found them. Everything had a date, with how many bags an acre, that sort of thing,” Robert agreed.

“I think with record keeping it’s important to be up to date, moving forward, it’s only going to get tougher. If you've done it in the past, it's water off a duck’s back.

“I think people thought Smartcane BMP was going to be the big bad wolf, and they were very shy of it, that record keeping was going to control them. And it does control you to a certain degree, but as long as you're doing things right then you get to understand your ameliorants and soil samples. I won't do my nutrient management plan though; I'd rather give it to someone that's qualified in that field.

Robert enjoys fabricating custom-made solutions

“The last couple of years now we've been hit with cane grubs and many of the pest management products are coming off the market, which is very scary for us. If we lose that there may be parts of the farm where I am not going to be able to grow cane, I'm hoping that the research that Sugar Research Australia is working on, a new approach, will work.

“We know that where we are putting mill mud and ash, we're finding now we're getting grubs and the confidor insecticides are not controlling it, we have to rethink our management and by keeping lots of years of records we can go back and look at what we did years ago. You always do the wondering. I wonder if we did that like that again would that work or is this way better?

“Varieties are different to what we had years ago, and conditions are always changing so what worked last year will not necessarily work this year. You're always doing something different or something new.

“Smartcane BMP made me open my eyes to the practices that happened in the past and we have to do it better and leave things better for our kids moving forward.”

Robert and Leanne see one of the biggest challenges for the industry is workers and how to introduce new workers into the industry.

“We've had these two guys working for us for quite a long time, but they both needed a break two years ago, so we had to find two new workers and that was a challenge,” Leanne said.

“Luckily after a year off, they decided they did want to come back, we do look after our people, I think knowledge and experience is just second to none.

“That group of guys spend more time together than their own family during those six months of the season. You’ve got to have a good work environment.

“And you have to pay them the right tonne rate to cover the hours they're in paddock or they're not going to want to come back.”

Robert admitted that he wasn’t completely sure what was the best way to deal with future labour shortages as an industry.

“I don't know how we're going to deal with it, like whether its migrants coming in, more females picking up haulout driving, I’m not sure what the answer is Robert said.

“It’s going to be frustrating to start, some pick it up quite well, and some just cannot pick it up, because it's just not about driving a tractor. There's a lot of responsibility there, you know there’s servicing and there's all sorts of things that go with it.

“As employers, they're under our care basically from when they leave home to when they get home. And you want him to get home the way they left home, that's part of the reason we opt to buy JCBs. They're smooth, they’re like driving your car, if we can take that pressure off them that’s good. You don't hear about back pain, and you don't hear them complain about rough headlands. We spend the extra money to try to get things as easy and comfortable for them, to get a good day's work out of them. That's how we see it and I think they appreciate this, that’s why they're coming back.”

“You've got to manage fatigue as an employer. We basically tell the boys whenever they feel like they need to have a day off give us notification and we will work with them. Give them that extra day off, even if it’s at the end of a RDO. They come back so much better, and at the end of the day, it’s their wage that they're going to lose out on, but they’re often so much better for it.

“You got to make them feel wanted,” Robert said.

The Bonassi family share a passion for the sugarcane industry (photo supplied by Leanne Bonassi)

PARAQUAT SURVEY YIELDS EMPHATIC RESPONSE

SUPPLIED BY SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA

An on-line paraquat survey conducted by Sugar Research Australia (SRA) in September attracted an overwhelming response from sugarcane growers nationally.

More than 600 growers participated in the confidential survey, providing feedback on the implications of proposed restrictions to paraquat by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA).

The proposed regulatory changes would prohibit application of the herbicide in sugarcane; a move that would have significant impacts on cane growers and their businesses.

The APVMA made the proposed regulatory announcement in late July, opening a three-month public consultation phase for industry to provide submissions to the regulator.

During this period, SRA’s Weed Scientist Emilie Fillols worked closely with CANEGROWERS , along with other industry organisations and affected agricultural industries to review the APVMA’s justification for the restrictions and formulate an industry response.

APVMA’s proposed recommendations resulted from a health and safety assessment, a residue and trade assessment and an environmental risk assessment. It is their environmental

risk assessment which indicated potential impacts on wildlife that is behind the significant restriction proposed.

Growers were asked how the proposed changes would impact their farming businesses, via an online questionnaire.

The anonymous responses were aggregated to form part of SRA’s submission to the APVMA, which was lodged on 29 October 2024.

The submission strongly communicated the consequences of such a decision, including impacts on productivity, cost of production, and the environment and proposed fewer stringent restrictions based on

new environmental risk thresholds refined by the Australian Environmental Agency during the consultation period.

All submissions received by the APVMA during the consultation period are now being considered by the regulatory body as part of their review. A summary of these submissions and the APVMA’s response to them will be included in a Final Review Technical Report.

A final decision by the APVMA is scheduled for public release on 28 February 2025.

The complete results of the SRA grower paraquat survey can be found at sugarresearch.com.au/sugar_ files/2024/10/Paraquat-Survey-report.pdf

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) weed specialist Emilie Fillols conducted a survey of cane growers nationally to help formulate an industry response to proposed restrictions on paraquat use by the APVMA.

Don't let the wet season erode your asset

ADVERTORIAL

It feels like yesterday we were stuck in a persistent wet season, and for many Queenslanders, it still lingers.

As we near the end of the crush, weather experts predict another torrential wet season ahead. I can recall hearing, “We had wet seasons like this back in the ‘60s.” While that may be true, the soils back then could better handle large rain events due to the organic matter, natural compost, carbon, and microbes like fungi and bacteria in the soil, which contributed to the formation of humus.

Humus is the dark, nutrient-rich organic material that results from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It plays a vital role in soil fertility, improving soil structure, moisture retention, and supporting beneficial microorganisms. Key benefits of humus include:

• Nutrient retention: Humus stores essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur, making them available for plants.

• Water retention: It boosts soil’s capacity to retain moisture, helping plants during dry periods. A 1% increase in organic matter can increase water-holding capacity by up to 170,000 litres per hectare, while also binding 132 tonnes of CO2 per

hectare that would otherwise be in the atmosphere.

• Soil structure: Humus helps create a loose, crumbly soil structure, enhancing root growth and aeration.

• Microbial activity: It fosters a healthy environment for microorganisms, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil health.

A healthy balance of microbes (fungi, bacteria, etc) is essential for soil productivity. In agricultural soils, microbial biomass measurements of 200ug C/g are poor, while 800ug C/g is considered excellent. The goal is to achieve a 1:1 fungi-to-bacteria ratio. However, many sugarcane farms today measure between 50ug C/g and 150ug C/g, with a 0:1 fungi-to-bacteria ratio.

Aztec Dynamics supplied a nutritional bio-liquid fertilizer to a farmer, applying it during planting. Six weeks later, microbial biomass increased from 122ug C/g with a 0:1 ratio to 286ug C/g with a 0.3:1 ratio.

Fungi are key to creating humus, without them, soil leaching increases. Mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots,

significantly boost the root surface area, increasing water and nutrient access.

The term “Mycorrhiza” was coined by 19th-century German biologist Albert B. Frank describes this vital partnership between fungi and plants.

Prep for the Wet:

• Focus on breaking down the trash blanket ASAP by applying products like Alltech Compost Aid, Alltech Soil Set and NTS Triacontanol. The trash blanket will become compost.

• Use foliar sprays like Alltech Grain Set and Rural Boss or Alltech Liquiplex to boost growth during the growing stage (chest high) before Christmas, and (optional) three months before cutting to enhance plant biomass if using ‘ripener’ or, two to three months without the ‘ripener’ treatment.

The positive thing about this recipe is there is no negative, it works if the rains come or not.

For more information or interested in purchasing products or services, visit www.aztecdynamics.com.au, or contact Mark Azzopardi on 0447 385 889

MARKING A MILESTONE

BY RENEE CLUFF

The Smartcane BMP program has turned 10.

Ingham sugarcane grower Michael Pisano is celebrating his second reaccreditation under Smartcane BMP after notching up a decade in the program. Michael was the first grower in Queensland to receive accreditation in 2014. He told Australian Canegrower he initially wanted to demystify the process.

“I did it over a wet weekend,” he recalled. “At that time, I was chair of Herbert River CANEGROWERS and I knew that CANEGROWERS wanted to promote Smartcane BMP. I thought it would be fair to do it and see what the challenges were, so I spent the weekend in the office with the checklist of things to go through.

“It wasn’t a big change. We’ve always done soil tests and tried new things, so it wasn’t a big deal to get all the information together.”

Now in semi-retirement, Michael is passing the baton to his son, Alex, who at a young age was instrumental in the farm’s first accreditation.

“When Alex was in high school in grade 11, way before Smartcane BMP was thought of, he wanted a project to do for his engineering class,” Michael explained. “I asked him to make me a chemical storage cabinet. So, he made it as a high school project, and we were ahead of the game. We’re still using it.”

43-per-cent, or more than 167,000 ha of Queensland cane land, has been Smartcane BMP certified since the program began. Every year, program numbers continue to grow, thanks to the work of the Smartcane BMP facilitators, who are instrumental in supporting growers on their path towards accreditation.

“Early adopters like Michael lead the way in adapting to the changing consumer environment,”

Herbert River sugarcane grower Michael Pisano, the first grower to become Smartcane BMP accredited in Queensland, with his son Alex.

said  CANEGROWERS Smartcane BMP Project Manager, Kate Reardon. “Growers who commit to maintain their certification in Smartcane BMP signify their commitment to best practices and the environment.

“Our reaccreditation numbers are strong and are a testament to the program. It demonstrates that once a grower becomes Smartcane BMP certified, they continue to do the work to maintain their certification.

“Many consumers, end users and key stakeholders now look for proof of good practices and Smartcane BMP delivers this for the sugar industry. As interest in sustainably sourced sugar continues to grow, Smartcane BMP positions our industry in the driver’s seat to meet these demands and satisfy the sustainability requirements for end users and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies. Every Smartcane BMP grower accredited goes through an audit – it’s not just a representative sample of growers, strengthening our credibility with key industry stakeholders and positioning

Smartcane BMP as the gold standard of certification programs.”

Kate said over the years, the most significant changes have not involved growers, but rather how global markets and the industry have responded to the program’s success and its value.

“The program is now well recognised as being aligned with other international programs like ProTerra and VIVE, providing stronger access to international markets,” she said. “Furthermore, there has been an increase in interest in the social sustainability of Smartcane certified growers. The program will soon offer growers an additional module (Module 4 – People & Business) which will support these enquires.

“While its inception was to demonstrate industry self-regulation, the program has evolved in supporting growers to increase efficiencies and profitability rather than focusing solely on responding to regulations,” she added. “It empowers growers to consider alternative farming practices which can lead to strengthening productivity and viability within the industry.

“Smartcane BMP is more than a BMP program; it’s a comprehensive approach that empowers sugarcane growers to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impacts. It provides farmers with a toolkit of principles and practices, allowing them to implement tailored strategies based on their unique circumstances.”

More wide-ranging benefits for growers are emerging, including green loans, in addition to being low on the priority list for reef regulation compliance audits. Since Michael’s initial foray into Smartcane BMP, another 170,000 ha have become accredited, with District CANEGROWERS Offices and Productivity Services instrumental in supporting them on their path.

CANEGROWERS delivers the Smartcane BMP project (2022-2026) with funding from the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program and CANEGROWERS

RETENTION RATE FOR ACCREDITED GROWERS

Source: Smartcane BMP

CANEGROWERS REGIONAL ROUND-UP

SUPPLIED BY CANEGROWERS DISTRICT OFFICES

MOSSMAN

October’s weather didn’t disappoint, the dry spell for the 2024 calendar year continued into the second month with the monthly rainfall reaching just over half the monthly average.

The dry was starting to show in the cane to the south of Mossman which is habitually drier than the north. The sugar content increased so we saw good weekly district average CCS results and it also lifted the year-to-date district average. By mid-November the heat was building, and the area experienced a few showers. The ratooning cane was looking extremely healthy and growing at a rate of knots.

The big decision for growers as the harvest finished during the second last week of November, was whether to try and fertilise the harvested areas as discussions for a 2025 season had begun.

To the week ending 17 November 2024, Mossman Coastal growers supplied a total of 193,002 tonnes of cane for a district average of 12.11CCS and the Mossman Julatten growers supplied 18,631 tonnes of cane to the MSF Tableland Mill.

The company AGM was held on Tuesday 26 November 2024. Aside from the normal resolutions, the special resolution regarding some constitution changes were discussed and voted on.

With the change of State Government, the number of meetings for the cane industry and its future ramped up again with meetings held with the Local Member for Cook, David Kempton, the LNP Minister for Agriculture Hon. Tony Perrett, and MSF representatives.

All these meeting had the same theme; how do we extend the cane harvest for the 2025 season and how do we keep agriculture alive in the Shire.

TABLELAND

The Tableland Mill tipped the final bin for the season on Saturday 23 November.

This season has produced 742,000 tonnes (unaudited) from 9,160 ha. Production rate of 81 ha per 100 tonnes has made this the worst season recorded for the Tableland Mill. There needs to be a concerted effort by all stakeholders in finding the cause behind this poor performance.

If ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper was the originating cause for the lack of production, then how do growers rectify damage done and ensure that there are no lasting affects? There are

real concerns that next years’ crop may not be much better as ratooning crops are looking gappy. It’s hoped that with correct crop maintenance the tonnage will improve.

To all our growers, there is an election coming up next year for the directors. This Board has been functioning without a full Board for the last three years. One of the directors is not going to run for re-election.

Please think of putting your hand up to be on the Board and assist in keeping the industry progressive for the district. If you are interested, please contact Angela at the office by phone or email.

CAIRNS REGION

At the time of writing Mulgrave factory had ceased crushing with a small amount of Mulgrave contracted cane being transferred to South Johnstone Mill.

Similarly, the Mossman cane that was destined for Mulgrave is being sent further south.

The finale of the season has not been pleasant with some of the field sector under immense pressure.

The elected representatives will be undertaking reviews as per the respective Cane Supply Agreements and these issues will be tabled.

The weather remains fine however some scuds have been received in the Catchments.

CANEGROWERS Cairns Region celebrated National Agriculture Day in Babinda. A big shout out to Gilvear Planning and those Babinda businesses who supported the event as well as our own Toni Whyte (pictured) who assisted on the day.

All money raised was donated to Aussie Helpers to assist farming families and primary producers across Australia.

At the time of writing, Innisfail growers are finalising the 2024 harvest and with average yields approximately 56 tonnes per hectare and CCS hovering just below 12, it’s one we’re all relieved to see the end of.

Thankfully, despite wet weather delays, the plant cane is looking promising for 2025 as are the ratoons.

The final round of project shed meetings for the year were well attended and growers are hoping for kinder weather to assist them in their productivity goals in 2025.

Innisfail’s Cassowary Coast Reef Smart Farming extension team (pictured) spent much

of November in the field conducting a nematode survey, the first of its kind for many years. The team also gained new insights into the processing of cane during a tour of MSF Sugar’s South Johnstone Mill.

The final stages of the 2024 crush are almost complete.

As of 19 November, there is approximately 15 days of sugarcane supply on the current estimate of 2,167,664 tonnes.

The original estimate at the start of the season was 2,599,135 tonnes, down by 16.6% in comparison to the end of season data.

Farmers and the mill estimation team are generally more precise with the estimate, but on this occasion, it appears that nature has intervened with the growth patterns since the original estimate.

In summary, since the beginning of the year, there was 188 days of rain recorded up to end of October resulting in 4658mm rainfall. Too much rain, not enough sunlight.

As of 19 November, cane through the rollers – 1,915,462 tonnes, CCS – 12.76, fibre – 14.71, soil – 1.56, current yield 75.07 tonnes per hectare, current estimate on yield will finish at 73.62 tonnes per hectare, total estimated area29,442.38 hectares.

If the estimate is correct and there are no major weather events or unforeseen failures, the Tully district should be complete for season 2024 by the end of the first week of December.

The next step in farm management is not far away. With reasonable growth patterns in recent weeks, early ratoons will require weed, grass and vine control in the next few weeks.

There are strict rules around the Christmas holiday/festive season for oversize machinery and vehicles. Curfews extend across Queensland during this time.

• An oversize vehicle or combination movements which require more than one pilot or escort vehicle is not permitted to travel from 12.01am Thursday 19 December 2024 until 11.59pm Thursday 2 January 2025

• An oversize vehicle or combination is not permitted to travel from 12 noon Monday 23 December 2024 until 11.59pm Thursday 2 January 2025

There are some areas that have permits for harvesting around this time. To ensure that you have accurate information, talk to your local CANEGROWERS District Manager.

As the end of crush is imminent, there is an opportunity to engage in fallow crop management or ground coverage management.

Tully Sugar’s Greg Shannon along with Tully Cane Productivity Services Manager, Peter Sutherland provided technical advice relating to cover crops in the Tully area.

On behalf of the CANEGROWERS Tully board and staff, I would like to thank the Sugar Industry participants for their involvement over the last 12 months.

CANEGROWERS is not only about the membership, it is about our entire community that relies on the sugar industry for the future.

HERBERT RIVER

As the 2024 cane crushing season in the Herbert River nears its end, the mills are currently in Week 22 of production.

So far, the region has seen over 3.3 million tonnes of cane crushed, which represents about 84% of the total crop. This year we will expect to cut less than 4 million tonnes which again is a very disappointing crop.

The season-to-date average CCS stands at 12.54. However, with the arrival of rain this week, which is expected to continue into the next, coupled with mill breakdowns, the season may extend closer to Christmas.

Looking ahead to 2025, CANEGROWERS Herbert River has organised two exciting trips for its members. First, the Young Growers group will embark on a trip to Cairns from 24 to 26 March. Along the way, they will visit local farms and harvesting

BURDEKIN

The Burdekin is inching closer towards the end of the season with a December finish on the cards for all four mills.

operations, with additional highlights including a tour of Sugar Research Australia’s core plant breeding hub in Meringa and a visit to the Little Tuna company factory. The itinerary also features two evening functions with guest speakers from CANEGROWERS , SRA, and Little Tuna.

In May, Women in Sugar Herbert (WISH) will head to Brisbane for a trip from 12 to 15. Their visit will include a meeting with CANEGROWERS policy managers from the Brisbane office, a tour of the Rocky Point milling area, discussions with the QSL direct team, and an insightful visit to the Brisbane Markets to better understand the supply chain.

Both trips promise to be valuable opportunities for members to connect, learn, and gain insights into the broader sugar industry.

CBL Board with QRIDA’s Angelo Rigano

CBL with Ag Students and Staff at HHSHS National Ag Day

there are capex jobs waiting to be commenced with contractors as soon as the season finishes. At this stage, Kalamia Mill will be the first factory to finish, followed by Inkerman, Invicta and Pioneer.

Forecast rain arrived from 22 November with some heavy falls across the district, but patchy enough to keep a reduced level of supply going to some but not all of the mills. Kalamia and Pioneer Mills were the areas most affected.

Wilmar used the rain stop to complete cleans and maintenance and as usual mud levels will be an issue upon restart once decent loadings recommence. This rain event will impact on season end dates which we will learn about in due course.

competitive advantage and the relationships need to be better.

QCGO brought their AGM and Policy Council to the region and held the meetings at Townsville which CBL representatives and members attended. We would like to thank QCGO for the effort in bringing these meetings to regional Queensland.

CBL also caught up with QRIDA Regional Area Manager Angelo Rigano who provided us with a run-down of their loan products and grants. Angelo advised that their loans applications are assessed the same as a commercial bank, but the key differential is the significantly cheaper loan interest rate.

We held what may have been our final Harvest Management Group meeting for the 2024 season with Wilmar on 21 November and Wilmar have the season budgeted to finish in the week ending 21 December with five days of wet weather factored in. All mills are on manual remains and the revised estimate of 8.2 million tonnes has held. Low bins weights are proving to be a headache with the variety Q232 being the main detractor.

Rain clouds building up behind Pioneer Mill which subsequently delivered their payload.

Mill reliability across the district was advised at 84.0% and

The QSL Board were in town as part of a regional visitation program and the CBL Board caught up with them to discuss a range of local and industry issues.

STL held their AGM in Brisbane and it is a shame that there is such disharmony in this sector of the industry as the Bulk Sugar Terminals are vital industry assets that enable our

CBL attended the Home Hill State High School National Ag Day celebrations, and we were pleased to be associated with this event and to provide certificates to Ag students.

The teacher who runs this program, Louise Nicholas, has been an inspiration to incorporate agriculture as a career path into the school system into the Burdekin and the new glasshouse currently under construction at Home Hill State High School will

take students horticultural experience to the next level. Not every school student needs to, or wants to, go to university and agriculture is an important and meaningful industry which students should pursue as a rewarding career path straight out of school.

It's a shame that we were unable to finish the season in

November due to a combination of wet weather events, industrial action and mill performance. One positive that has come out of Wilmar’s protracted EA negotiation and the resultant 16% pay increase is that tradesmen are now considering coming to work for Wilmar which is good news for the upcoming 2025 season.

With 1.44 million tonnes harvested by 16 November, the final crop is expected to finish close to the 1.73 million tonne estimate.

Although mid-season harvesting results came in slightly above estimate, there remained expectations that late season blocks could finish below. However, this was not expected to have significant impact on the final crop with only 17% of the crop left for harvest.

Despite dry conditions continuing through late October to early November, cane quality remained below the five-year average with weekly mill average CCS results dropping below 14 over November. This is likely the result of early maturing cane due to widespread flowering

that the AVPMA will seriously consider the submission which addresses many shortcomings in their initial report.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine continued to work on amendments to the Proserpine Cane Analysis Program that addresses rules applied to stale cane. This has become ever more important with extended mill stoppages occurring in recent years.

Both CANEGROWERS Proserpine and Sugar Services Proserpine held their respective AGMs on 19 November (pictured). The AGMs were well supported with 38 attendees.

This included members and representatives from Wilmar, QSL, QRIDA and QCGO. The AGM concluded with an address by QCGO Chairman Owen Menkens and a brief update by SSP Manager Stacey Corrie on the latest information on Paraquat use.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine extends its sincere thanks all those who supported the event and wish members well for the rest of the crush and coming festive season.

Please note the CANEGROWERS Proserpine Office will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024 to Wednesday 8 January 2025.

MACKAY / PLANE CREEK

that occurred at the start of the season.

Average mill CCS for the year-todate was 14.01 with the interim CCS (estimated final CCS) being further reduced to 13.80.

Good mill performance continued with weekly crush rates exceeding 85,000 tonnes for six of the prior eight weeks. The target end date remained the second week of December with the possibility of an earlier close should good crush rates be maintained. This would also depend largely on final paddock yields and late season rainfall.

Both CANEGROWERS

Proserpine and Sugar Services

Proserpine submitted letters of support for the SRA response on the AVPMA’s chemical reconsideration of both Paraquat and Diquat. It is hoped

The 2024 harvest is trudging on with the projected finish dates in Plane Creek and Mackay area now sitting into January, pending weather and cane supply.

This is by anyone’s standards a disappointing result. We have articulated to millers the cost imposed upon growers and urge any growers who may be left with significant standover to

speak with their sugar marketer sooner rather than later, if they have concerns about a shortfall in their forward priced sugar. There are solutions.

November is indubitably AGM month, and CANEGROWERS Mackay held its on Wednesday 27 November. The organisation also supported Plane Creek Productivity Services (PCPSL) in holding theirs on 11 November, with an insightful presentation

From left, PCPSL District Manager Frank Jacobs, Productivity Officer Leahanna Lacey, guest speaker Frank Millar from SSP with PCPSL Chairman Mal Langdon following the 2024 PCPSL AGM

by Frank Millar of Sugar Services Proserpine on Tissue Culture,

which is part of that prod service’s Clean Seed Program.

The PCPSL AGM will also be the last for Chairman Mal Langdon, also a member of the CANEGROWERS Plane Creek Area Committee, who is moving towards retirement. CANEGROWERS Mackay thanks Mal for his many years of service to growers through leading this vital service and as a grower representative.

We wish members a merry Christmas, and best wishes for the end of crush. Please note that the district office will be closing for Christmas break from 2pm on Friday 20 December and will reopen 8.30am on Thursday 2 January.

Any growers requiring assistance with any issues are encouraged to call 4944 2600 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.

biosecurity, Reef Regulations, research funding and the economic importance of the sugar industry.

Michael Turner has finished work and will be on extended leave prior to retirement, we wish Michael a happy retirement filled with many adventures and special memories. David Dowson is available on 0429 334 553 for any Sugar Services related matters.

Matthew Leighton on 4151 2555 or 0437 084 035

Growers are reminded that there are restrictions for moving vehicles wider than 2.5m during the Christmas period. If growers think they will be travelling on critical roads between Christmas and New Year, they need to apply for permits to travel.

Bundaberg Sugar Mills processed 46,614.15 tonnes for the week ending 17 November 2024, this brings the season-to-date to 1,082,511.96 tonnes.

The average CCS for Bundaberg Sugar Mill for week 26 was 13.91 CCS and the season CCS average for Bundaberg Sugar Mill is at 13.68 CCS. The highest individual CCS for the week was 17.80 units for Q208

A First Ratoon and the highest variety average CCS for the week with supply greater than 500 tonnes was 15.00 units for variety Q183A.

At time of writing the crushing is due to finish on 5 December (wet weather permitting) with an approximate final tonnage of 1.2m tonnes.

Early estimates for the 2025 Season are indicating a crop size 1.3m tonnes and planning is already underway to ensure transport and mill throughput are maximised to ensure core season length meets the requirements of the Bundaberg

Cane Supply Processing Agreement.

Growers will be kept informed via email, newsletter and meetings where required. If you are not on our email list and would like to be, please contact the office on 4151 2555 or email bdb_ office@bdb CANEGROWERS . com.au

In November we met with Tom Smith MP, Member for Bundaberg following his reelection and discussed key issues affecting agriculture in our region including Paradise Dam and electricity affordability. We also took the opportunity to congratulate Tom on his shadow portfolios including Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Development, and Shadow Minister for Manufacturing.

A briefing was provided to Jamie Gorry, DPI Rural Economic Development Director – South Region to provide current views of the Bundaberg Sugar Industry in respect to matters including

Now is the time to consider the use of a legume crop to fix some additional nitrogen for the following season’s crop. There is also the advantage that the nitrogen from the legumes does not need to be counted in the Nitrogen and Phosphorus budget that every grower is required to have prior to applying fertiliser to a cane crop, including planting an autumn crop.

To find out suitable varieties and other information about soybeans including marketing and harvesting, contact

ISIS

Patchy storms have disrupted harvesting across the district over the past few weeks.

At the time of writing Isis Mill had crushed just over 1,103,393 tonnes with a season to date average CCS of 13.56 and approximately 200,000 tonnes left to crush. Depending on the weather we expect the harvest to be completed before the Christmas break.

CCS has started to rapidly decline over the last 3 weeks dropping from a weekly average

Further information about times and locations can be found in the Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Newsletter. For assistance, please contact Matthew Leighton on 0437 084 035

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS office will be closed from 5pm on Friday 20 December until 8:30am Thursday 2 January 2025. If you require assistance during this time, please contact Tanya Howard on 0409 485 154

Finally, we wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy new year and thank you for your support throughout 2024.

of 14.10 to just 12.98 reinforcing the predicted impact of mill breakdowns during the peak CCS window and the extended season length.

The CANEGROWERS Isis Harvesting Equity Committee will continue to monitor harvesting equity between and within groups as the season draws to a close. The office has continued to dedicate substantial time monitoring the implementation of the cane analysis program and the allocation of the large amount of delayed cane.

BUNDABERG

MARYBOROUGH

Down to the pointy end of the season with less than 4 weeks left (at time of report).

Wet weather influenced week 24 for the southern growers and, in particular, harvest crews having to work hard to find ground they could access for most of the week. District representatives met with Logitrix management on Friday 22nd November to talk through the best approach for the rest of the season.

Two areas with common issues remain – lack of drivers for trucks and lack of drivers for trains. The transloader has had some tinkering to the software that now sees only 6 rail bins collecting a B double. This means better weights in the bins and less chance of derailment.

The meeting looked at changes over the off-season. Logitrix will be updating farm mapping to improve the quality of information held. Maps will need to note correct farm entry and will have DLA’s referenced.

manoeuvre charges for low yielding sites in the future. Central Harvesting operates with an extra efficiency charge that will be investigated before next season.

At least the weather is setting up next year’s crop very well with plant cane and ratoons

looking very healthy around the place. Focus is to get to the end for 2024.

Our district AGM has been delayed while Financial reports are finalised. We would hope to have these at the end of the month and meeting midDecember.

Representatives will be in the area to do on farm updates.

This meeting also discussed ways of improving the remainder of the season and an idea put forward of trialling a quick hitch system (on a small scale) to help understand it’s merits.

The resourcing of trucks has been an issue for most of the season and the current contractor hasn’t been able to maintain even volumes over the last few months.

Harvester operations were also discussed and how to

ARROW-RTC

At week 16 (16 November) the Rocky Point Mill has crushed a total of 179,046 tonnes of cane at an average CCS of 14.26.

CCS has begun to drop after recent rainfall. We are currently targeting only 60% of the crop due to mill reliability and the wet weather we have experienced over the last couple of months.

During the week ended 16 November, Rocky Point received an average of 70mls of rain. A further 30mls was received at the start of week 17, with more expected. Very little cane was harvested during week 16

(1 day of crushing) due to the rain. If we receive more rain as forecasted for late November, more harvesting time will be lost.

At this stage, the mill is planning to take a small break from 22 to 27 December over Christmas and continue the crush until 3 January (weather permitting).

Growers are currently looking at fallow maintenance, mostly planting soya and hay crops. However, some growers are looking at sunflowers and other crops to take advantage of the proximity to urban development.

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

ROCKY POINT

Blocks at sunshine coast after recent rain – need water wheels

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PROTECTING CANE LAND

Sustainability & Environment

BY MICK QUIRK

Two factors that will affect the future of sugarcane and other forms of cropping in Australia are (1) how well cropping land is protected from development, and (2) how well we can protect crops from incursions of new pests or diseases.

CANEGROWERS works on your behalf to ensure the sugarcane industry is protected from both of these threats.

Protection of cropping land

The best means of protection is through legislated measures by the State government. Currently, this is addressed by the Regional Planning Interests Act of 2014. But the Act’s intention is vague, and it does not adequately prioritise cropping land.

For example, its intent is to ‘manage the impacts of resource activities in areas that contribute…to Queensland’s economic, social and environmental prosperity’. There is no mention of protecting or conserving crop land. In fact, the critical importance of cropping land is not even acknowledged. And ‘manage the impacts’ does not inspire much confidence about the care factor for livelihoods and food production.

CANEGROWERS believes that specific legislation is needed that will protect cropping land and the viability of regional communities. This is especially important for cane land, as the viability of each mill area depends on adequate cane supply to that mill.

The current legislation superseded the Strategic Cropping Act of 2011 which actually set out to protect cropping land and preserve the land’s productive capacity for future generations. But it again talked about ‘managing the impacts of any development on that land’ which creates ambiguity about the level of protection.

Of course, we can’t expect that there will be absolutely no loss of cropping land to either urban development or some forms of mining. But any area lost within a local district should not exceed a stipulated threshold, and this threshold must account for local industry viability and for a region’s capacity to underpin both Australia’s food security and our national export income.

Importantly, mining activities that can have insidious or irreversible impacts on crop land should not be allowed. This includes forms of underground exploration and mining that can cause subsidence and/or impact an area’s supplies of surface or underground water.

With the push towards greater reliance on renewable energy, there is increasing concern amongst farmers and regional communities about how these developments affect local landholders and the local town economy.

While the focus on new legislation must be the protection of cropping land, it is also timely to consider how well the recently-created Coexistence Qld (previously the GasFields Commission) is able to assure farmers and local towns that the impacts of proposed developments will not compromise their future prosperity.

Protection from new pests and diseases

There are three organisational layers of protection for new pests and diseases, each of which needs to be adequately resourced and implemented:

1. National biosecurity system: minimising the risk of new pests and diseases through border control activities, monitoring of high-risk areas, and established arrangements for responding quickly to any incursion.

2. State biosecurity system: early detection through surveillance and the capacity to lead and implement national programs of eradication and containments.

3. Industry preparedness: surveillance by growers and field staff for early detection, improved diagnostics for key pests/pathogens, ensure responses to incursion are guided by knowledge of the pest/disease and proven control options.

CANEGROWERS works on each of these – it advocates both levels of Government to adequately resource and coordinate their respective duties, and is the signatory to the national Deed that guides the funding, management and implementation of responses to a pest or disease incursion that affects sugarcane crops.

Most recently, we have contributed to the review of the Biosecurity Plan for the Australian Sugar Industry, with the updated Plan almost ready for release. The review is funded by SRA and coordinated by Plant Health Australia.

Most growers may not have seen this Plan, but it is the guiding document for:

ƒ Which overseas pests or diseases of sugarcane pose the greatest risk – it identifies 20 pests and 10 pathogen that pose a high or extreme threat.

ƒ What actions are needed to ensure we are prepared should any one these threats be detected in Australia – this includes R&D, response plans, training and communication.

ƒ Improving surveillance for early detection, including reliable and rapid diagnostic tools for pest and pathogen identification.

Implementation of this plan over the next few years will be a major priority for CANEGROWERS , SRA, and other industry and government partners.

We will provide a link to the new Plan once it has been finalised.

GROW YOUR FUTURE WITH CANEGROWERS: APPLY NOW FOR NEXT RATOON

Membership Engagement & Innovation

BY MATT KEALLEY

Are you a young, ambitious cane grower aged 18-40 looking to take your skills to the next level?

This is your chance to learn directly from industry leaders, gain fresh insights, and strengthen connections that will propel you toward a bright future in sugarcane farming. CANEGROWERS is seeking six passionate individuals for an exclusive opportunity to join 2025 Next Ratoon.

“I think it’s a real booster to be able to speak to other people in the same boat as you –optimistic about the future and have quite a lot of time in the industry ahead of them”

DYLAN WEDEL, MACKAY MENTEE 2024 PROGRAM

The value of mentoring

The Next Ratoon mentoring program has proven to be a highly valuable initiative for CANEGROWERS , garnering consistent and positive feedback from both mentors and mentees.

“If you’re curious about how the industry works and how you can contribute back to it, it’s definitely worth considering”

MARK BARBAGALLO, BURDEKIN MENTEE 2024 PROGRAM

Applications close 13 December 2024. Ideal candidates will be eager to learn, be open-minded, and committed to success.

What you’ll gain:

ƒ Exclusive access to the Next Ratoon event in Brisbane

ƒ Six mentoring sessions from industry experts

ƒ Course materials and tools to enhance your journey

ƒ Regular guidance and virtual check-ins

ƒ A celebration event in August 2025

What you need to do to apply?

We’re excited to learn more about you and your aspirations through our application process.

If you are eager to apply, go to the CANEGROWERS website and read the information about becoming a mentee and answer these key questions:

1. Considering your own personal and professional development, what are three things that you would like to achieve from being involved in 2025 Next Ratoon?

2. Describe how you would like to see the sugarcane industry evolve over the next decade and what is the first step that you would take to make this happen?

3. Create a two-to-three-minute video (on your phone is fine) to explain why you are the best candidate for 2025 Next Ratoon.

Some key points to help your application:

ƒ Why do you want to be a part of CANEGROWERS 2025 Next Ratoon?

ƒ How are you committed to applying the learning in your work?

ƒ What excites you about the future of the industry?

“It may be daunting, the whole application process but it’s worth it – do it!”

REBEKAH PACE, HERBERT RIVER MENTEE 2024

Want to know more?

For further information about the Next Ratoon mentoring program visit www.nextratoon.com.au or email nextratoon@canegrowers.com.au or (07) 3864 6444

Apply today and be part of the next generation leading the future of sugarcane farming!

TIME TO DRIVE THE PEN (OR COMPUTER) AND NOT THE TRACTOR

Industry & Farm Inputs

BY BURN ASHBURNER

Over the last 5 years at this time of the year with harvesting coming to an end and growers having limited opportunity to get inside I have focused on turning grower’s minds to working on their business and not just flat out working in the business.

One of the first things is probably to look after yourself and your family and take a break. This is not just a luxury but the business won’t work well if you are not in good shape. Business management principles have not changed much over many years. There are a number of financial management tools of which a budget is one of the most useful.

Sugarcane is, compared to other farming, relatively stable. Once a cane farm is established the cycle of harvesting, ratooning and planting with the necessary inputs does not change significantly from year to year unless there is a severe weather event (flood, drought or cyclone) or pest or disease incursion (orange rust/smut). Frustratingly in recent years in some districts there is also mill performance to add to this list.

This means that a well set up budget may take some time initially but once set up is not difficult to update and do “what if’s”. The CANEGROWERS budget tool gives a good example of how to put a budget together and present the information in a meaningful manner.

The budget will enable a grower to estimate their costs of production and a breakeven sugar price which is critical to a grower’s pricing strategy. The accountants need a budget to determine tax strategies and banks need it to ensure there

is the capacity to meet financial commitments. Lawyers need it to work out succession options. Most importantly the business needs it to determine the level of profit and benchmark to see where the business stands and plan for new equipment or expansion.

One of the issues I have mentioned in the last five years is risk. Changing the yield (tonnes cane and CCS) and/ or price in the budget can give a good indication of the financial effect of production and price risk. The one risk growers often gloss over is personal risk and being safe. The consequences of the grower being injured or worse can be severe on the business and family.

Another issue discussed is understanding the financial effects of your management decisions and timing of operations and I showed that at the time if harvesting was not at best practice, weeding was one week later than optimum, fertiliser poorly applied it would reduce the net farm profit up to 50%. With the current high sugar price this would be less but the principle is still the same. Management counts.

I have also written about deciding what you can and cannot control and how you can be busy but not effective and to look for any quick wins and focus on major projects with high impact and even if it takes lots of effort.

CANEGROWERS are again offering Business Essentials but with a changed slant by using outside consultants who have worked in the cotton industry and with cotton harvesting contractors to develop a business mindset. This is complemented with a deeper dive into separate workshops for growers to choose from. These include some of the current Business Essentials offerings like bookkeeping, budgeting, sugar pricing strategy to reduce risk and understanding the cane payment system and relative payments with the addition of workplace health and safety and human resource management.

I urge growers to take advantage of these workshops as they give a good insight into working on your business. Hope you all have a safe and happy festive season.

ENVIRONMENTAL OBLIGATIONS CANEGROWERS

Legal Advisor

BY CHRIS COOPER

All persons and businesses in QLD have a general legal duty to meet environmental protection obligations.

There are 3 primary duties that apply to everyone :

ƒ General environmental duty: a person must not cause environmental harm without taking all reasonably practicable measures to prevent or minimise harm.

ƒ Duty to notify: a person has a duty to notify relevant authorities, such as local Council and Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), when environmental harm has occurred.

ƒ Duty to restore: a person has a duty to restore or rehabilitate where unlawful environmental harm has occurred.

Of particular relevance to farming activity is the potential for complaints to be made by non-farming neighbours who believe their health, safety or amenity is being adversely affected by some farming activity. Under the EPA, it is an offence to commit an environmental nuisance.

What is environmental nuisance?

Environmental nuisance is unreasonable interference (or likely interference) with an environmental value caused by things such as aerosols, fumes, light, noise, odour, particles (including dust) or smoke.

Environmental values include characteristics of the environment that support public health, safety or amenity. An example may be the ambient air quality or noise levels in a residential area that are conducive to sleep, study or relaxation there. These values can be affected by noise, dust, odour or light.

If noise, dust, odour or emissions impacts are unreasonable on neighbours and makes it difficult for neighbours to lead a normal life and reasonably enjoy their own property, the risk of complaints and an investigation by Council for an environmental nuisance is probably quite high.

Complaints

Most complaints about environmental nuisance are made to the local Council which has a wide range of powers to deal with the issue. In some more significant cases, the government department DETSI will undertake the complaint resolution process.

Where a complaint is made the Council will usually conduct some form of investigation. The grower should be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances. Following any investigation the Council will make a decision about whether to pursue the matter further. It really is all about what is reasonable in the circumstances, both from the neighbour’s perspective and the grower’s perspective.

If a grower is faced with notification of a complaint, the grower could just ignore the complaint and wait and see what action, if any, Council takes and if necessary, respond legally at that time. I would not recommend ignoring notification of a complaint. My suggestion is that the grower be prepared and be proactive and would be wise to prepare documentation relating to the activity and respond to any investigation. This documentation should try and address the issues listed in the various criteria mentioned above and any other relevant matters. A grower might provide comment where possible on:

ƒ The nature of the activity being complained about.

ƒ How and why the task is being undertaken.

ƒ Details of whether the task is normal standard industry practice.

ƒ Details of how long the grower has been farming on the block in question.

ƒ If known, details of how long the neighbour has been in occupation and what was the previous use of the neighbour’s land.

ƒ Details of the frequency of the activity.

ƒ Details of what steps the grower has or will take to minimise off farm impact.

As an example Bundaberg Regional Council publishes the following process that Council usually undertakes on receipt of a nuisance complaint:

BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL: NUISANCE COMPLAINT

On receipt of a complaint regarding a nuisance, Council will generally write to both parties and inform them of the relevant provisions of the legislation. The complainant will then be issued with a Nuisance Diary for which they will be asked to complete for a two (2) week period. This provides Council with a history of the nuisance. Once the completed diary is submitted to Council’s Environmental Health Services, an Environmental Health Officer will assess the information and determine any further action.

When investigating a nuisance complaint Council Officers make an assessment

ƒ The sustainability, efficiency or economic or other benefits of the activity.

ƒ The cost, difficulty and detriment of using other methods.

ƒ A commitment to adopt a reasonable risk management strategy and a commitment to take all reasonable steps to minimise off farm impacts.

This type of documentation could be produced and given to Council in response to any investigation with the intention that the documentation will be sufficient for the Council to decide things are in hand and being managed and that the Council does not need to take any further steps.

What can council do about environmental nuisances?

Where Council is satisfied that environmental nuisance offence has occurred it can issue a Direction Notice or an Infringement Notice. A Direction Notice requires the offender to cease causing an environmental nuisance and may be issued in an instance where the investigating officer believes the offence may be repeated.

Before issuing a Direction Notice the investigating officer must give consideration to the General Emission Criteria set out in section 363C(3) of the Environmental Protection Agency. This includes consideration of the following criteria:

ƒ The emission’s characteristics or qualities;

ƒ The emission’s amount or rate;

ƒ The duration and time of the emission;

ƒ Whether the emission is continuous or fluctuating;

ƒ The characteristics and qualities of the receiving environment, including the types of emissions that could reasonably be expected in the receiving environment;

under the general emission and/or noise emission criteria under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to determine an offence. Criteria examples include:

ƒ The amount of aerosols, fumes, light, noise, odour, particles of smoke being emitted

ƒ The duration and rate of emission

ƒ The characteristics and qualities of the emission

ƒ The sensitivity of the environment into which the emission may be impacting

ƒ The views of any other neighbours.

ƒ The emission’s impact on the receiving environment;

ƒ The views of any persons affected by the emission;

ƒ The order of occupancy of the affected person and the person causing the emission;

ƒ The period during which the person causing the emission has occupied the place from which the emission is generated and the affected person has occupied the place including any structural changes to either place or change in the activities conducted at either place; and

ƒ Any mitigating measures that have, or could reasonably have, been taken by the person causing the emission.

Failure to comply with a Direction Notice carries a maximum penalty of about $600,000.

Most local councils and DETSI have useful information on environmental nuisance issues and the process to be followed. As always contact your local CANEGROWERS office for further information, guidance and assistance.

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

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

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

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

Kubota Zero Turn ZG 222 with catcher 48" cut. Fiat 980 2WD –3,500hrs. Fiat 1000 2WD –5,000hrs. John Deere 4040 2WD – 3,600hrs. Chamberlain JD 4080 2 WD – 5,000hrs. Case 2590 2WD – 5,700hrs. Massey Ferguson 3635 4WD – 5,500hrs. 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

1997 JD 7810 4x4, 7,896hrs. Quade box, duals 20,8 38, 70%. Intergrated JD auto steer, 2630 JD screen and JD 3000 RTK reciever. JD Q-hitch. In cab 10" monitor and rear camera. Tinted windows. Cab in good condition as per whole tractor. Total rebuild of rear end 2 years ago, receipts available. Original owner. $100K + GST. International 1486 2wd cab tractor with double bin trail with 7,000L tank, Honda pump and truck crane mounted, ideal for planting, $30k + GST. 120" Howard rotary hoe with roller and rippers, $15K + GST. HBM heavy duty billet planter, new dip, elev chains, drive shafts and bushes. New drive tyers. Stainless boxes, holds over half ton. Rear wheel steer. Tanks and PTO pump for tractor, $30K + GST. 2.5t Gessner fert box with double disc openers and 300L tank and tool bar attachment to fertise plant. On 3 point hitch. $25k + GST. Case 28 plate 770 offsets, new tyres. with 30" round discs, fronts worn to 28" rear 30" with cover discs. 2 new spare 30" discs $20K + GST Ph: 0428 682 886

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

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

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

2012 John Deere 7200R tractor PTO, 3PL with quick hitch, 4 sets of remotes, front weights, front tyres 540/65R34, rear tyres 650/85R38, 4,510hrs. In good condition. $160,000 + GST Ph: 0427 976 416.

10ft galvanized superior slasher in good order. Ph: 0457 255 961

Howard Rota Vator HR51 Rota. Ph: 0457 255 961

Terranova rotary hoe 120" bonel 4 disc plough square. Mulgrave Area. Ph: 4056 1474

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

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

36 plate case 770 offsets, 30" discs $40,000 and HBM plant cutter with topper $4,400. 7 foot slasher with Howard box – all refurbished –$10,000 incl GST ONO and 3 row fill in grubber with folding wings $4,000 incl GST ONO. Ph: Gavin 0448 345 139

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

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

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

Tractor TE20 good condition $3,300 GST incl. Tractor AV International 130 with fertiliser equipment and scarifier $3,300 GST incl. Tractor AV International 140 with spray equipment $3500 GST incl. 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

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

Great plains 6m 3PL planter, currently set up for zonal planting however have all units for solid planting, $20,000 + GST. Ph: Peter 0427 976 416

10 blade faggy chopper box for 3510/3520. $6,000 + GST. Ph: 0437 434 280

2021 Tatu heavy duty offset disc, 25 plate, 34" disc, brand new condition. $45,000. 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

Newton 4T tipper bin $4,000 + GST. Hardi spray tank 850L, 3-point linkage $4,500 + GST. Ph: 0429 653 461.

Valley centre pivot 8 span all running gear tyres & 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

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

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

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

1968 International Farmall 756, 2WD, tricycle, 6 cyl, 5,560hrs, $5,950. 1993 140" Howard rotary hoe, crumble roller, serial 060301095, $24,500. 2006 Case iH 7700 full track harvester, Iveco 10.3L 6 cyl motor, 2,912hrs, $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

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

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

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

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

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 extras ph for more details. Ph: Craig 0436 332 044

Bonel whole stick harvester / double fan cane stripper / four trailers. Ph: 07 4056 1742

Hydraulic spraying machine – high rise siesel motor, 1,600L stainless steel tank $25,000 + GST. Ph: Tim 0428 183 307

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. 10.3L 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

Rotocult 1 shot cultivator $7,000 ONO + GST. Ph: 0149 988 158

HERBERT

Southern cross TCE3000 travelling irrigator. Herbert River. Ph: 0408 89 446

Rainfall Report

2002 New Holland TM135. 3,000hrs, quick hitch, Hyd, top link, tinted windows. Excellent condition. Ph: 0427 622 006

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

New Holland T6030 tractor 1746hrs, near new tyres, VGC. $65,000 + GST. Ph: 0407 154 250

New Holland TT490 tractor 450hrs, VGC. $48,000 + GST. Ph: 0407 154 250.

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

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RIVER – BURDEKIN

Bonel stick planter with spare blades $500. Bonel stick plant cutter with topper $750. Dual fan trash blower $750. 4 tonne side tipper bin adjustable lift height, suit billet planter $2,500. Ph: 0407 746 859

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

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

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 tyres, rwc, one owner in VGC $43,000 ONO. Ph: 0438 821 683

Case Magnum 315 2012 dual tyres front and rear with weight pack, Trimble GPS, UHF and quick hitch $210,000 plus. Howard rotary hoe CH 2000 4.7m 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 – 5,200hrs. Ph: 0419 666 544.

MACKAY-PROSERPINE

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

Irrigator Avoka 75 model. Capable of carrying two hoses, however hoses are not included. Good condition. $5000 + GST. Ph: 0417 714 209.

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

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

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

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

Jarrett offsets 28 x 24" discs. $6,500 plus GST.  Ph: 0427 593 848

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trailco 110x360m hard hose irrigator $23,000 incl GST. Koumala. Ph: 0429 027 377

Pegorano power harrow 100". $3,500 incl GST Koumala. Ph: 0429 027 377

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

GPS autosteer kits and base station can be fitted to any tractor. FJ Dynamics brand, $15,000 excl GST. Ph: 0401 847 162

60HP Western Electric motor, foot & flange $2,750. Ph: 0417 158 656

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" 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 Siemans brand (no before or after the meter pipework required) 150mm flanged, table D/E. Ph: 0411 196 860

6" and 8" cast iron flanged gate valves. New never used. Ph: 0411 196 860

We can rake, bale, stack, and transport ourselves.

With Oreco we are professional and efficient and ensure no damage is done to existing stools to ensure you can easily continue to grow into the next season.

Available from Gympie to Proserpine.

2 tractor tyres 18-4-38, 75% rubber – $600 each. 1 plant cane or return grubber 14 tine – $1,200. 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.

2 x 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. GC. In the Mackay area. $9,000 + GST. Ph: 0408 874 974 or 0418 874 974

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.

BUNDABERG-ROCKY POINT

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

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

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

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

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

Gessner 1.5t stool splitter good condition, $33,000. Toft J150 whole stick harvester modified to load onto planter trailers, $5,500. Bonel trash stripper fan always shedded good condition,$660. Don whole stick trash planter has fert boxes, water tanks (may need some repair) and suscon applicator, no trailers, $1,100. Croplands $1,100 tank and frame, no pump or boom, $4,400. Prices include GST. Ph: 0427 769 086.

2 Farmall AMD tractors tin work is no good, engines have been open to rain have 1 good engine to go with or separately, best offers. International B 414 engine open to rain, best offers. Volvo BM 4400 front end loader. Good brakes and hand brake 14,000hrs works well + spares, $38,500. Prices include GST. Ph: 0427 769 086

Komatsu PC 228 US-3 22t excavator 8,000hrs. Tilt hitch lots of buckets, hammer etc, some rust and panel damage. Mechanically sound has been used for contracting. $66,000 for machine and 1 bucket. Extra buckets by negotiation. White Road Boss air bag rear suspension in excellent condition, $44,000. Drake low loader with top deck. Elevator stand, non widening, 17.5 rims, excellent condition, could use paint, $44,000. Prices include GST. Ph: 0427 769 086

White Centurion center point suspension bogey tipper 2 way tailgate and electric tarp. Excellent condition, $44,000. JD cotton picker 4,000hrs with rear wheel assist, was going to use for a sprayer. Offers. Prices include GST. Ph: 0427 769 086.

Plant cane cultivator 2 x 1.6m row w/ 3 weeder rakes and tines, $1,320 incl GST. Land plane w/ 4m hyd blade, $3,300 incl GST. 2x1.6m row cultivator w/ 10 x 30ml tines, $1,320 incl GST. 4 wheel trash rake, $1,110 incl GST. Ph: 0408 761 463

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 hilift double 6t side tipper. Bundaberg. Ph: 0413 698 922 or 0427 561 072. Ford 6600 tractor $6,000. Ph: 0403 064 708

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

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

Quinco side dresser fert box, Bonel side dresser fert box, Croplands boom sprayer, Bonel plant cutter, Don stick planter, 3 row folding cultivator frame, 3 row plant cutaway, 5 row plant marker 1.8 ctrs. Ph: 0473 989 961

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

T450 Trailco irrigator. Ph: 0419 503 293

Valpadana interrow tractor in working order Ph: 0407 967 570

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

HBM billet planter. Ph: 0429 651 233

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

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

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

Shredder topper suit John Deere or Case or Toft or Bowder. Any condition. Ph: 0413 584 728

18.4-38 tyre/s. Plane Creek area. Ph: 0458 121 546

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Series utilises the body and blade beam from the

series together with a market standard 150hp gearbox and friction

The EHDE maintains all the benefits of the EHD series body with good under-body clearance and the proven multi leaf alloy spring steel blade beam. You can now have the legendary performance of a EHD with a more price conscious specifications.