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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AUSTRALIA'S SUGARCANE INDUSTRY
LOCAL INDUSTRY SUPPORT KEY TO
CANE-CHANGE SUCCESS
By Robyn Devine
They say a change is as good as a holiday, but for the young farming families making the life-altering decision to move into cane country, it’s more than a holiday they’re chasing, it’s the dream of a better lifestyle and of building something they can be proud to pass on. The Brownlies are one such family. In February this year, 32-year-old Ryan Brownlie, his wife Suzie and their young son Flynn, moved from a cotton farm in Theodore to Home Hill, to take on the challenge of growing sugarcane. And they are not alone in making the life-changing move. In March, "There is definitely a Clint and Kate lot happening here for Lyon sold their cattle and sheep us as a young family property at Walcha in the Burdekin, it’s a on the northern Tablelands in NSW big game changer." to make the canechange to Ingham. According to these growers, whilst the learning curve has been steep, the support they have received from within the local community and industry has been both exceptional and friendly. Ryan grew up on a cotton farm, living and breathing that industry, while helping his father over the years and eventually taking over the management of the family farm he achieved some really positive results. “We made some changes to our farming practices and growing style and were rewarded with the highest yield for the two years in the in the Dawson Valley area, while we were in management,” Ryan said.
“That was probably the biggest achievement in the industry for us. It was great to leave on those highs.”
understanding of the soil types on their farm thanks to the local support they have received.
Ryan and Suzie always assumed they would remain cotton growers but after having some big life conversations with their family their road led them to the Burdekin. Suzie is originally from Bowen and still has family there. The young family often spent time in the area while on holidays and were intrigued by the industry.
“Everyone has been so helpful, and there are so many local organisations within the industry like CANEGROWERS, Burdekin Productivity Services, AGnVET and Farmacist providing support and advice. The previous owners, and our neighbours, have been a phone call away, it’s been phenomenal.” Ryan said.
“We looked at four or five farms in the Burdekin, we limited our wish list to a size of farm where we could see growth for our own business,” Ryan said.
“It makes a big difference to have that support when you are settling into a new industry.
“Water security was a really big thing for us, and another big factor was to be close to the coastline and Suzie’s family. “There is definitely a lot happening here for us as a young family in the Burdekin, it’s a big game changer for us.” Ryan and Suzie agree that while growing sugarcane uses completely different farming practices to growing cotton, they have been able to work through the differences and gain an
“It has been challenging but I’ve enjoyed learning something different. In cotton there was only a couple of varieties that worked for us. Whereas here there are so many different varieties that work with different soils, it makes it more interesting.” Suzie agreed that its always changing and that the learning was an exciting part of the new venture. “We’re looking forward to making something that is our own. Every bit of the blood, sweat and tears is for us,” Suzie said ►.
