3 minute read
WELCOME TO Cane Matters
WELCOME TO
THE SUMMER 2022/23 EDITION OF Cane Matters
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The final quarter of 2022 has flown by, with plenty of activity to close out the year.
In this edition, we introduce three new Directors elected at SRA’s Annual General Meeting and share research highlights and impacts from the 2021/22 financial year.
SRA’s research portfolio is focused on delivering tangible solutions and real impacts to growers, millers and other stakeholders. Each year, we engage independent consultants to measure the economic, environmental, and social impact of past solutions released to the industry, and we share the findings of those analyses.
One of Sugar Research Australia’s most important investment roles is in mitigating biosecurity risks. A key body of work in this area is reviewing the 2016 Biosecurity Plan for the Sugarcane Industry along with the 2017 Farm Biosecurity Manual with the support of Plant Health Australia. Since international trade, travel, and even weather events have the potential to introduce exotic pests and diseases, this is essential work to understand and manage the industry’s changing exposure to threats.
In our varieties feature, we look at SRA22A and what makes it an attractive option for growers in the Central district, including tonnage, commercial cane sugar and disease resistance. In other updates we examine how the latest phenomics, genetics and cytogenetics research and work within SRA is contributing to plant breeding and may help speed the development of new varieties.
Varieties were also topical at the recent Bundaberg Field Day, which drew strong attendance, and included a range of presentations and demonstrations, including soil profiles, iMapPESTS national plant pest surveillance program and the latest varieties for the district.
In the Spring edition of Cane Matters, we shared insights from SRA’s grower survey. This time, we examine the miller survey and some of the changes being made in response to the feedback.
And in the Burdekin, we catch up with young leaders of the future to discuss how innovation and technology are addressing environmental challenges for the sugarcane industry and local communities to manage water and food security.
Happy reading.
SRA stations are closed from 24 December, re-opening Tuesday, 3 January 2023.
Whatever you’re doing this holiday period, we wish you the very best of the season and hope you have a restful and safe break with family and friends.
We look forward to working with you during 2023.
Cathy Weis Head of Strategy, Insights and Engagement
PLANNING GEARS UP FOR 2023 EVENTS
Sugar Research Australia is fine-tuning a schedule of events for 2023 – a year that will mark ten years since the formation of SRA.
District managers, researchers and variety development teams are all eager to continue engaging with the industry about local District Productivity Plans and to share the latest updates on research, varieties and other industry developments.
District Productivity Plans highlight specific local issues and proposed solutions and actions to address them.
The plans are updated and reviewed annually to drive investment at the local level and to ensure they address the most important constraints that are impacting productivity and profitability at the local level.
Updated plans are due for release in early February 2023 and a series of events will kick off soon after, with field days to again feature on the calendar.
The Meringa field day, planned for 18 April, is expected to attract visitors from across the industry since it coincides with the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Conference, being held in Cairns from 18-21 April.
Keep an eye out for more information on upcoming events from the end of January 2023.
SRA Variety Officer Far North Rhylee Pendrigh promotes the 2022 Meringa Field Day. Fingers crossed for dry weather for the 2023 event.
