Major Grants Project develops tool to assist Herbert growers with their annual Nitrogen and Phosphorus budget
Facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River and part of the Major Grants Project, Herbert sugarcane growers had the opportunity to attend a series of Nitrogen & Phosphorus (N&P) Budget workshops showcasing the functionality of a new excel spreadsheet tool.
The tool allows growers to enter their soil test data and collate it into a budget of total amounts of N&P permitted across their farms, enter a fertiliser product as recommended by the agronomist who interpreted their soil test and a kilogram/hectare rate, and allows the growers to make a record of when they apply the fertiliser on farm which is a requirement by legislation.
Read the full media release HERE
Agro Group’s Modernising Mill Mud Application first project completed in Lower Herbert Water Quality Program
A recent trial on a farm in Abergowrie showed that using mill mud increased tonnes of cane harvested. Reducing fertiliser rates to account for mill mud application, did not impact CCS as much as when fertiliser was left at full rates and yet still produced an increase in yield.
Agro Group Director Kristen Kernke said that according to the study using mill mud in any fertiliser application increased overall tonnes of sugar harvested and the control also revealed that no use of mill mud resulted in the lowest tonnes of sugar harvested.
Read the full media release HERE
Herbert growers embrace opportunity to meet with industry expert at soil workshop and networking forum
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP), its delivery providers and CANEGROWERS Herbert River recently held a soil workshop and grower forum networking event in Ingham.
The soil workshop was an opportunity for growers in the Herbert to be ‘hands on’ with an expert and the forum a chance to share knowledge, experiences and celebrate the 2023 season.
A leader in the Australian sugarcane industry specialising in soil health and regenerative farming practices, speaker Simon Mattsson shared his insights into the implementation of plant and biological diversity to create a healthy soil.
Colouring and idea competition attracts multiple entries and builds awareness of Lower Herbert Water Quality Program among local students
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River recently ran a colouring and idea competition to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices.
With growers changing the way they are running and managing their farms to lessen their footprint on the environment, local students were encouraged to enter the colouring competition and share their ideas on how they would look after the environment.
There were three entry categories including most engaged school, best idea on how to look after the environment and best or most creative colouring.
Read the full media release HERE.
Students encouraged to get creative through Lower Herbert Water Quality Program colouring and idea competition
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River has launched a colouring and idea competition to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices.
Read the full media release below.
Video series highlights improved farming practices in the Herbert for an environmentally sustainable and healthy Great Barrier Reef
‘Improving Farming Practices for a Brighter Future’, a series of short videos featuring growers and their families, shines a spotlight on responsible stewardship for cleaner waterways while at the same time improving productivity and profitability of the Herbert sugar industry.
Read the full media release below.
Delegates visit growers in the Herbert District to understand and observe the impact that regional program on-ground activities are having on improving farming practices and water quality
A team of six delegates of the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) recently met with Herbert District growers to see a sample of the work funded under the Reef Trust Partnership, including the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP).
Read the full media release below.
Herbert River sugarcane growers adopt new practices and reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen for healthier waterways
Under the Reef 2050 plan to reduce runoff of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) the Herbert River is one of the highest priority river catchments in Queensland. The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year and is well on track to meet the expected target by June 2024.
Read the full media release below.
Local students meet with Program Delivery Providers to increase their knowledge of technologies and farming practices to improve water quality
Students from Ingham State High School met with delivery providers of the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program on Tuesday for an agricultural workshop facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River highlighting the impacts and threats to our local waterways.
Read the full media release below.
Local engagement a key factor in educating the wider community about the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year.
Read the full media release below.
Grower grants help improve nutrient runoff and water quality in the Herbert catchment
Grower Incentive Grants made it possible for Herbert growers to invest in new machinery by receiving financial support to better improve water quality associated with on-farm nitrogen management practice changes and the results in Nitrogen run-off are evident.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program
Queensland’s sugarcane industry has a results-focused suggestion of where the Federal Government could invest some of the reported $1 billion it is planning to commit to the Great Barrier Reef.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program – Canegrowers
Sugarcane growers take safety seriously
October is National Safe Work Month, the perfect time to launch the new CANEGROWERS Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Guide for sugarcane farms, designed to help growers assess their businesses and remain vigilant with WHS compliance.
Read the full media release below.
Partnership to develop sugarcane industry roadmap
Sugarcane industry peak bodies and the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) are partnering to develop the first whole-of-industry shared vision and roadmap to 2040.
The Sugarcane Industry Roadmap will adopt a best-for-industry view to identify significant opportunities to drive sustainability, growth and prosperity of the industry and regional communities into the future.
CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anne Stünzner said the roadmap will identify the future forces likely to impact the industry, establish agreed priorities and provide insight into the skills, resources, innovation and infrastructure needed for future success.
“For more than 100 years, the sugarcane industry has been a major economic and social contributor to regional communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales and has demonstrated a thirst for innovation and new technology,” Ms Stünzner said.
She said industry organisations have recognised the need to complement and enhance the traditional raw sugar production model to improve productivity and diversify revenue sources.
“While the industry faces economic, environmental and social challenges, there is significant opportunity to expand to become a multi-product, ‘sugar plus’ industry with potential for alternate markets such as biofuels and bioplastics,” Ms Stünzner said.
The roadmap initiative has the joint backing of five sugarcane industry organisations – Sugar Research Australia, CANEGROWERS, the Australian Sugar Milling Council, AgForce and the Australian Cane Farmers Association – with funding also provided by the CRCNA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Sugar Research Australia Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the project will involve extensive engagement across the sugarcane industry value chain to co-develop a plan for the future.
“The roadmap will address both the immediate enhancements and improvements that can be made for a stronger industry, as well as longer-term opportunities to enter new markets, to diversify into new crops and products, and alternative uses for core industry assets,” Ms Baker said.
She said the roadmap will support the industry to bring to life a vision relevant to all sugarcane regions while cultivating greater agility to embrace local opportunities.
“This initiative is about generational change and putting industry in the driver’s seat to build an exciting and prosperous future,” Ms Baker said.
Stakeholder engagement sessions are underway. The roadmap is due to be finalised in early 2022.
Queensland’s sugarcane growers have welcomed today’s start of a ban on some single-use plastic items in the state.
Representing the majority of the state’s growers, CANEGROWERS believes the ban will help build the business case for local products that are biodegradable, compostable and based on a renewable resource, such as sugarcane.
Read the full media release below.
Growers want plastics ban to boost local manufacturing – Canegrowers
Ingham CBD roads – Speed reduction to 50km/h
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that the speed limit will be permanently reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h along Townsville Road, Herbert Street and Lannercost Street in the Ingham CBD. Speed signs will be installed the week beginning Monday 30 August 2021.
The speed limit will be reduced to 50km/h on:
− Townsville Road: from McIlwraith Street to the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection.
− Herbert Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Gardiner Street/Cartwright Street.
− Lannercost Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Log Creek.
For more information and to view the road map download the document below.
Council is pleased to announce that local contractor Keita Services Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender HSC 20/26 Kirks Bridge Replacement – Design and Construct, for the tendered price of $1,648,313 (excl. GST).
Kirks Bridge is located on Liborios Road, Upper Stone and the replacement bridge will increase the trafficable width from 4.42m to 6.8m and in height by 1m. The upgrade is an InQuik Bridging System, which is an innovative semi-modular construction method to build reinforced concrete bridges. The replacement bridge will be positioned just upstream of the current bridge. The current bridge will remain open to the public whilst these works are undertaken.
Kirks Bridge was identified for renewal following a level three inspection undertaken in 2019. It identified that the bridge girders were in poor condition, with heavy decay present throughout. This triggered the need for an option analysis to determine the most cost effective design for its replacement.
‘Consideration was given to undertake a refurbishment of the existing timber bridge, however it was deemed that the most cost effective long term solution was to undertake a full bridge replacement using a concrete structure,’ Mayor Jayo said.
A Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Survey and Assessment took place on Tuesday 20 July 2021. Clearing works have commenced and it is noted that no old growth or riparian vegetation will be cleared for the development project (with the exception of introduced grasses and weeds on the lower river banks).
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution whilst traveling in the area. Council would like to thank you for your cooperation during this necessary phase of works.
New Statutory Funding Contract for SRA
The new SRA Statutory Funding Contract has been signed by the Hon. David Littleproud, MP for Maranoa, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, pursuant to the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, and has been tabled in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This new ten-year agreement sets out how SRA receives levy payments from its members and Commonwealth co-investment payments to invest in research and development for the benefit of the Australian sugar industry.
The new contract is based on Performance Principles that guide our actions at a strategic and operational level. The Performance Principles are:
- to engage stakeholders to identify RD&E priorities and activities that provide benefits to the industry
- to ensure RD&E priorities and activities are strategic, collaborative and targeted to improve profitability, productivity, competitiveness and preparedness for future opportunities and challenges through a balanced portfolio
- to undertake strategic and cross-industry and cross-sectoral collaboration that addresses shared challenges and draws on experience from other sectors
- for governance arrangements and practices to fulfill legislative requirements and align with contemporary Australian best practice for open, transparent and proper use and management of funds
- to demonstrate positive outcomes and delivery of RD&E benefits to levy payers and the Australian community in general, and show continuous improvement in governance and administrative efficiency.
The 2017 – 2021 contract will remain on our website until the new contract is finalised when it will be made available.
Decision support tool to help the industry find the harvesting sweet spot
Recent research into sugarcane harvesting has demonstrated that there is significant potential for the industry to ensure more sugar makes its way from the paddock and into the supply chain.
Through a range of research projects in recent years, it has been demonstrated that adjusting the way the industry operates its harvesters can put more valuable sugar into the supply chain – and not leave it in the paddock.
However, changing these practices costs money. Practice change involves a negotiation between the harvesting contractor and the farmer to make sure both sides of the equation are receiving a benefit.
SRA Agricultural Machinery Specialist, Phil Patane, explained that recovering more sugar from the paddock involves decisions such as practice change or making modifications to harvesters.
“Most of these changes involve a cost for the harvesting contractor, who need to look at their return on their investment for their business,” Mr Patane explained. “Changing practices can improve yield, but the grower and the contractor need to work out the sweet spot so that both can benefit.”
Now, that process will be made much easier through a new tool that is currently being developed by SRA and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) (DAF).
This tool is part of an investment partnership between DAF and SRA and it is using data collected through years of trials across the sugar industry and is being supported by in-depth economic data being collected and analysed by agricultural economists at DAF.
Once available, it will provide an online platform that helps growers and contractors look at the potential gains and cost implications of changing harvesting practice, including the impact on harvesting costs.
“If the project helps achieve increase adoption of improved harvesting practices by 40% during the life of the project, this would add 480,000 tonnes to the crop annually, worth at least $34.4m to the industry at current sugar prices,” Mr Patane said.
DAF agricultural economist Brendon Nothard said that the project will continue to provide a framework recognising that practice change presents different risks and rewards for different sectors in the value chain.
“The team will be testing the platform this season and are aiming for a more widespread rollout beginning in 2022 through to 2023.”
- For more information a fact sheet has been developed on the project.
- SRA acknowledges the funding contribution from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries towards this research activity.
Ergon Energy’s new Look Up and Live mobile app is designed to help reduce incidents and injuries at high-risk work sites, including Queensland cane farms during the crushing season. To find out more download the media release below.
Australia’s sugarcane growers have welcomed the opportunity to grow sugar exports to the United Kingdom under an in-principle trade deal between the two countries.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan has been in regular contact with CANEGROWERS during the long-running negotiations and we thank the Australian Government for its efforts in securing an agreement with a substantial and positive outcome for the sugar industry.
Positive outcome for sugarcane growers in FTA – Canegrowers
Days from the start of the 2021 sugarcane harvest, CANEGROWERS grower leaders are feeling upbeat at an important meeting in Cairns.
More than 80 people are at the CANEGROWERS Leadership Forum, including the National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson and grower leaders from every sugarcane region in Queensland.
Grower leaders pause in Cairns ahead of busy harvest – Canegrowers
A sugarcane farmer dragging a ball and chain is the centrepiece of an animation explaining CANEGROWERS key issues with Queensland and Australian government treatment of agriculture in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Made to explain the decade-long sugarcane industry battle against reef regulations, waged while growers have been improving farm environmental practices, the animation is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/NheaJ_aEUhs
Animation tackles sugarcane issues with reef politics – Canegrowers
CANEGROWERS has announced that, ahead of the 2021 crush, Australia has become the world’s second largest raw sugar exporter. At the March Policy Council (prior to the most recent rain), crop estimates were tallied by representatives from all districts revealing a smaller harvest ahead than in 2020. However it will be enough for Australia to become the world’s second biggest raw sugar exporter behind Brazil because Thailand has also experienced drought.
Australia now second biggest raw sugar exporter – Canegrowers
Positive Relationships through local on-ground support are the key to adopting new practice changes in the Lower Herbert
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) draws on established and trusted delivery providers in the Herbert district to support sugarcane farmers to better manage their farm nutrient inputs to best suit their crop needs and reduce nitrogen losses as runoff.
Read the full media release below.
Students encouraged to get creative through Lower Herbert Water Quality Program colouring and idea competition
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River has launched a colouring and idea competition to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices.
Read the full media release below.
Students encouraged to get creative through Lower Herbert Water Quality Program colouring and idea competition
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River has launched a colouring and idea competition to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices.
Read the full media release below.
Video series highlights improved farming practices in the Herbert for an environmentally sustainable and healthy Great Barrier Reef
‘Improving Farming Practices for a Brighter Future’, a series of short videos featuring growers and their families, shines a spotlight on responsible stewardship for cleaner waterways while at the same time improving productivity and profitability of the Herbert sugar industry.
Read the full media release below.
Delegates visit growers in the Herbert District to understand and observe the impact that regional program on-ground activities are having on improving farming practices and water quality
A team of six delegates of the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) recently met with Herbert District growers to see a sample of the work funded under the Reef Trust Partnership, including the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP).
Read the full media release below.
Herbert River sugarcane growers adopt new practices and reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen for healthier waterways
Under the Reef 2050 plan to reduce runoff of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) the Herbert River is one of the highest priority river catchments in Queensland. The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year and is well on track to meet the expected target by June 2024.
Read the full media release below.
Local students meet with Program Delivery Providers to increase their knowledge of technologies and farming practices to improve water quality
Students from Ingham State High School met with delivery providers of the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program on Tuesday for an agricultural workshop facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River highlighting the impacts and threats to our local waterways.
Read the full media release below.
Local engagement a key factor in educating the wider community about the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year.
Read the full media release below.
Grower grants help improve nutrient runoff and water quality in the Herbert catchment
Grower Incentive Grants made it possible for Herbert growers to invest in new machinery by receiving financial support to better improve water quality associated with on-farm nitrogen management practice changes and the results in Nitrogen run-off are evident.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program
Queensland’s sugarcane industry has a results-focused suggestion of where the Federal Government could invest some of the reported $1 billion it is planning to commit to the Great Barrier Reef.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program – Canegrowers
Sugarcane growers take safety seriously
October is National Safe Work Month, the perfect time to launch the new CANEGROWERS Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Guide for sugarcane farms, designed to help growers assess their businesses and remain vigilant with WHS compliance.
Read the full media release below.
Partnership to develop sugarcane industry roadmap
Sugarcane industry peak bodies and the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) are partnering to develop the first whole-of-industry shared vision and roadmap to 2040.
The Sugarcane Industry Roadmap will adopt a best-for-industry view to identify significant opportunities to drive sustainability, growth and prosperity of the industry and regional communities into the future.
CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anne Stünzner said the roadmap will identify the future forces likely to impact the industry, establish agreed priorities and provide insight into the skills, resources, innovation and infrastructure needed for future success.
“For more than 100 years, the sugarcane industry has been a major economic and social contributor to regional communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales and has demonstrated a thirst for innovation and new technology,” Ms Stünzner said.
She said industry organisations have recognised the need to complement and enhance the traditional raw sugar production model to improve productivity and diversify revenue sources.
“While the industry faces economic, environmental and social challenges, there is significant opportunity to expand to become a multi-product, ‘sugar plus’ industry with potential for alternate markets such as biofuels and bioplastics,” Ms Stünzner said.
The roadmap initiative has the joint backing of five sugarcane industry organisations – Sugar Research Australia, CANEGROWERS, the Australian Sugar Milling Council, AgForce and the Australian Cane Farmers Association – with funding also provided by the CRCNA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Sugar Research Australia Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the project will involve extensive engagement across the sugarcane industry value chain to co-develop a plan for the future.
“The roadmap will address both the immediate enhancements and improvements that can be made for a stronger industry, as well as longer-term opportunities to enter new markets, to diversify into new crops and products, and alternative uses for core industry assets,” Ms Baker said.
She said the roadmap will support the industry to bring to life a vision relevant to all sugarcane regions while cultivating greater agility to embrace local opportunities.
“This initiative is about generational change and putting industry in the driver’s seat to build an exciting and prosperous future,” Ms Baker said.
Stakeholder engagement sessions are underway. The roadmap is due to be finalised in early 2022.
Queensland’s sugarcane growers have welcomed today’s start of a ban on some single-use plastic items in the state.
Representing the majority of the state’s growers, CANEGROWERS believes the ban will help build the business case for local products that are biodegradable, compostable and based on a renewable resource, such as sugarcane.
Read the full media release below.
Growers want plastics ban to boost local manufacturing – Canegrowers
Ingham CBD roads – Speed reduction to 50km/h
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that the speed limit will be permanently reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h along Townsville Road, Herbert Street and Lannercost Street in the Ingham CBD. Speed signs will be installed the week beginning Monday 30 August 2021.
The speed limit will be reduced to 50km/h on:
− Townsville Road: from McIlwraith Street to the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection.
− Herbert Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Gardiner Street/Cartwright Street.
− Lannercost Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Log Creek.
For more information and to view the road map download the document below.
Council is pleased to announce that local contractor Keita Services Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender HSC 20/26 Kirks Bridge Replacement – Design and Construct, for the tendered price of $1,648,313 (excl. GST).
Kirks Bridge is located on Liborios Road, Upper Stone and the replacement bridge will increase the trafficable width from 4.42m to 6.8m and in height by 1m. The upgrade is an InQuik Bridging System, which is an innovative semi-modular construction method to build reinforced concrete bridges. The replacement bridge will be positioned just upstream of the current bridge. The current bridge will remain open to the public whilst these works are undertaken.
Kirks Bridge was identified for renewal following a level three inspection undertaken in 2019. It identified that the bridge girders were in poor condition, with heavy decay present throughout. This triggered the need for an option analysis to determine the most cost effective design for its replacement.
‘Consideration was given to undertake a refurbishment of the existing timber bridge, however it was deemed that the most cost effective long term solution was to undertake a full bridge replacement using a concrete structure,’ Mayor Jayo said.
A Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Survey and Assessment took place on Tuesday 20 July 2021. Clearing works have commenced and it is noted that no old growth or riparian vegetation will be cleared for the development project (with the exception of introduced grasses and weeds on the lower river banks).
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution whilst traveling in the area. Council would like to thank you for your cooperation during this necessary phase of works.
New Statutory Funding Contract for SRA
The new SRA Statutory Funding Contract has been signed by the Hon. David Littleproud, MP for Maranoa, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, pursuant to the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, and has been tabled in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This new ten-year agreement sets out how SRA receives levy payments from its members and Commonwealth co-investment payments to invest in research and development for the benefit of the Australian sugar industry.
The new contract is based on Performance Principles that guide our actions at a strategic and operational level. The Performance Principles are:
- to engage stakeholders to identify RD&E priorities and activities that provide benefits to the industry
- to ensure RD&E priorities and activities are strategic, collaborative and targeted to improve profitability, productivity, competitiveness and preparedness for future opportunities and challenges through a balanced portfolio
- to undertake strategic and cross-industry and cross-sectoral collaboration that addresses shared challenges and draws on experience from other sectors
- for governance arrangements and practices to fulfill legislative requirements and align with contemporary Australian best practice for open, transparent and proper use and management of funds
- to demonstrate positive outcomes and delivery of RD&E benefits to levy payers and the Australian community in general, and show continuous improvement in governance and administrative efficiency.
The 2017 – 2021 contract will remain on our website until the new contract is finalised when it will be made available.
Decision support tool to help the industry find the harvesting sweet spot
Recent research into sugarcane harvesting has demonstrated that there is significant potential for the industry to ensure more sugar makes its way from the paddock and into the supply chain.
Through a range of research projects in recent years, it has been demonstrated that adjusting the way the industry operates its harvesters can put more valuable sugar into the supply chain – and not leave it in the paddock.
However, changing these practices costs money. Practice change involves a negotiation between the harvesting contractor and the farmer to make sure both sides of the equation are receiving a benefit.
SRA Agricultural Machinery Specialist, Phil Patane, explained that recovering more sugar from the paddock involves decisions such as practice change or making modifications to harvesters.
“Most of these changes involve a cost for the harvesting contractor, who need to look at their return on their investment for their business,” Mr Patane explained. “Changing practices can improve yield, but the grower and the contractor need to work out the sweet spot so that both can benefit.”
Now, that process will be made much easier through a new tool that is currently being developed by SRA and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) (DAF).
This tool is part of an investment partnership between DAF and SRA and it is using data collected through years of trials across the sugar industry and is being supported by in-depth economic data being collected and analysed by agricultural economists at DAF.
Once available, it will provide an online platform that helps growers and contractors look at the potential gains and cost implications of changing harvesting practice, including the impact on harvesting costs.
“If the project helps achieve increase adoption of improved harvesting practices by 40% during the life of the project, this would add 480,000 tonnes to the crop annually, worth at least $34.4m to the industry at current sugar prices,” Mr Patane said.
DAF agricultural economist Brendon Nothard said that the project will continue to provide a framework recognising that practice change presents different risks and rewards for different sectors in the value chain.
“The team will be testing the platform this season and are aiming for a more widespread rollout beginning in 2022 through to 2023.”
- For more information a fact sheet has been developed on the project.
- SRA acknowledges the funding contribution from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries towards this research activity.
Ergon Energy’s new Look Up and Live mobile app is designed to help reduce incidents and injuries at high-risk work sites, including Queensland cane farms during the crushing season. To find out more download the media release below.
Australia’s sugarcane growers have welcomed the opportunity to grow sugar exports to the United Kingdom under an in-principle trade deal between the two countries.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan has been in regular contact with CANEGROWERS during the long-running negotiations and we thank the Australian Government for its efforts in securing an agreement with a substantial and positive outcome for the sugar industry.
Positive outcome for sugarcane growers in FTA – Canegrowers
Days from the start of the 2021 sugarcane harvest, CANEGROWERS grower leaders are feeling upbeat at an important meeting in Cairns.
More than 80 people are at the CANEGROWERS Leadership Forum, including the National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson and grower leaders from every sugarcane region in Queensland.
Grower leaders pause in Cairns ahead of busy harvest – Canegrowers
A sugarcane farmer dragging a ball and chain is the centrepiece of an animation explaining CANEGROWERS key issues with Queensland and Australian government treatment of agriculture in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Made to explain the decade-long sugarcane industry battle against reef regulations, waged while growers have been improving farm environmental practices, the animation is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/NheaJ_aEUhs
Animation tackles sugarcane issues with reef politics – Canegrowers
CANEGROWERS has announced that, ahead of the 2021 crush, Australia has become the world’s second largest raw sugar exporter. At the March Policy Council (prior to the most recent rain), crop estimates were tallied by representatives from all districts revealing a smaller harvest ahead than in 2020. However it will be enough for Australia to become the world’s second biggest raw sugar exporter behind Brazil because Thailand has also experienced drought.
Australia now second biggest raw sugar exporter – Canegrowers
Students encouraged to get creative through Lower Herbert Water Quality Program colouring and idea competition
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River has launched a colouring and idea competition to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices.
Read the full media release below.
Video series highlights improved farming practices in the Herbert for an environmentally sustainable and healthy Great Barrier Reef
‘Improving Farming Practices for a Brighter Future’, a series of short videos featuring growers and their families, shines a spotlight on responsible stewardship for cleaner waterways while at the same time improving productivity and profitability of the Herbert sugar industry.
Read the full media release below.
Delegates visit growers in the Herbert District to understand and observe the impact that regional program on-ground activities are having on improving farming practices and water quality
A team of six delegates of the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) recently met with Herbert District growers to see a sample of the work funded under the Reef Trust Partnership, including the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP).
Read the full media release below.
Herbert River sugarcane growers adopt new practices and reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen for healthier waterways
Under the Reef 2050 plan to reduce runoff of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) the Herbert River is one of the highest priority river catchments in Queensland. The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year and is well on track to meet the expected target by June 2024.
Read the full media release below.
Local students meet with Program Delivery Providers to increase their knowledge of technologies and farming practices to improve water quality
Students from Ingham State High School met with delivery providers of the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program on Tuesday for an agricultural workshop facilitated by CANEGROWERS Herbert River highlighting the impacts and threats to our local waterways.
Read the full media release below.
Local engagement a key factor in educating the wider community about the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program
The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP) aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year.
Read the full media release below.
Grower grants help improve nutrient runoff and water quality in the Herbert catchment
Grower Incentive Grants made it possible for Herbert growers to invest in new machinery by receiving financial support to better improve water quality associated with on-farm nitrogen management practice changes and the results in Nitrogen run-off are evident.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program
Queensland’s sugarcane industry has a results-focused suggestion of where the Federal Government could invest some of the reported $1 billion it is planning to commit to the Great Barrier Reef.
Read the full media release below.
Growers call for investment in farm best practice program – Canegrowers
Sugarcane growers take safety seriously
October is National Safe Work Month, the perfect time to launch the new CANEGROWERS Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Guide for sugarcane farms, designed to help growers assess their businesses and remain vigilant with WHS compliance.
Read the full media release below.
Partnership to develop sugarcane industry roadmap
Sugarcane industry peak bodies and the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) are partnering to develop the first whole-of-industry shared vision and roadmap to 2040.
The Sugarcane Industry Roadmap will adopt a best-for-industry view to identify significant opportunities to drive sustainability, growth and prosperity of the industry and regional communities into the future.
CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anne Stünzner said the roadmap will identify the future forces likely to impact the industry, establish agreed priorities and provide insight into the skills, resources, innovation and infrastructure needed for future success.
“For more than 100 years, the sugarcane industry has been a major economic and social contributor to regional communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales and has demonstrated a thirst for innovation and new technology,” Ms Stünzner said.
She said industry organisations have recognised the need to complement and enhance the traditional raw sugar production model to improve productivity and diversify revenue sources.
“While the industry faces economic, environmental and social challenges, there is significant opportunity to expand to become a multi-product, ‘sugar plus’ industry with potential for alternate markets such as biofuels and bioplastics,” Ms Stünzner said.
The roadmap initiative has the joint backing of five sugarcane industry organisations – Sugar Research Australia, CANEGROWERS, the Australian Sugar Milling Council, AgForce and the Australian Cane Farmers Association – with funding also provided by the CRCNA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Sugar Research Australia Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the project will involve extensive engagement across the sugarcane industry value chain to co-develop a plan for the future.
“The roadmap will address both the immediate enhancements and improvements that can be made for a stronger industry, as well as longer-term opportunities to enter new markets, to diversify into new crops and products, and alternative uses for core industry assets,” Ms Baker said.
She said the roadmap will support the industry to bring to life a vision relevant to all sugarcane regions while cultivating greater agility to embrace local opportunities.
“This initiative is about generational change and putting industry in the driver’s seat to build an exciting and prosperous future,” Ms Baker said.
Stakeholder engagement sessions are underway. The roadmap is due to be finalised in early 2022.
Queensland’s sugarcane growers have welcomed today’s start of a ban on some single-use plastic items in the state.
Representing the majority of the state’s growers, CANEGROWERS believes the ban will help build the business case for local products that are biodegradable, compostable and based on a renewable resource, such as sugarcane.
Read the full media release below.
Growers want plastics ban to boost local manufacturing – Canegrowers
Ingham CBD roads – Speed reduction to 50km/h
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises that the speed limit will be permanently reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h along Townsville Road, Herbert Street and Lannercost Street in the Ingham CBD. Speed signs will be installed the week beginning Monday 30 August 2021.
The speed limit will be reduced to 50km/h on:
− Townsville Road: from McIlwraith Street to the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection.
− Herbert Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Gardiner Street/Cartwright Street.
− Lannercost Street: from the Townsville Road/Lannercost Street intersection to Log Creek.
For more information and to view the road map download the document below.
Council is pleased to announce that local contractor Keita Services Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender HSC 20/26 Kirks Bridge Replacement – Design and Construct, for the tendered price of $1,648,313 (excl. GST).
Kirks Bridge is located on Liborios Road, Upper Stone and the replacement bridge will increase the trafficable width from 4.42m to 6.8m and in height by 1m. The upgrade is an InQuik Bridging System, which is an innovative semi-modular construction method to build reinforced concrete bridges. The replacement bridge will be positioned just upstream of the current bridge. The current bridge will remain open to the public whilst these works are undertaken.
Kirks Bridge was identified for renewal following a level three inspection undertaken in 2019. It identified that the bridge girders were in poor condition, with heavy decay present throughout. This triggered the need for an option analysis to determine the most cost effective design for its replacement.
‘Consideration was given to undertake a refurbishment of the existing timber bridge, however it was deemed that the most cost effective long term solution was to undertake a full bridge replacement using a concrete structure,’ Mayor Jayo said.
A Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Survey and Assessment took place on Tuesday 20 July 2021. Clearing works have commenced and it is noted that no old growth or riparian vegetation will be cleared for the development project (with the exception of introduced grasses and weeds on the lower river banks).
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution whilst traveling in the area. Council would like to thank you for your cooperation during this necessary phase of works.
New Statutory Funding Contract for SRA
The new SRA Statutory Funding Contract has been signed by the Hon. David Littleproud, MP for Maranoa, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, pursuant to the Sugar Research and Development Services Act 2013, and has been tabled in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This new ten-year agreement sets out how SRA receives levy payments from its members and Commonwealth co-investment payments to invest in research and development for the benefit of the Australian sugar industry.
The new contract is based on Performance Principles that guide our actions at a strategic and operational level. The Performance Principles are:
- to engage stakeholders to identify RD&E priorities and activities that provide benefits to the industry
- to ensure RD&E priorities and activities are strategic, collaborative and targeted to improve profitability, productivity, competitiveness and preparedness for future opportunities and challenges through a balanced portfolio
- to undertake strategic and cross-industry and cross-sectoral collaboration that addresses shared challenges and draws on experience from other sectors
- for governance arrangements and practices to fulfill legislative requirements and align with contemporary Australian best practice for open, transparent and proper use and management of funds
- to demonstrate positive outcomes and delivery of RD&E benefits to levy payers and the Australian community in general, and show continuous improvement in governance and administrative efficiency.
The 2017 – 2021 contract will remain on our website until the new contract is finalised when it will be made available.
Decision support tool to help the industry find the harvesting sweet spot
Recent research into sugarcane harvesting has demonstrated that there is significant potential for the industry to ensure more sugar makes its way from the paddock and into the supply chain.
Through a range of research projects in recent years, it has been demonstrated that adjusting the way the industry operates its harvesters can put more valuable sugar into the supply chain – and not leave it in the paddock.
However, changing these practices costs money. Practice change involves a negotiation between the harvesting contractor and the farmer to make sure both sides of the equation are receiving a benefit.
SRA Agricultural Machinery Specialist, Phil Patane, explained that recovering more sugar from the paddock involves decisions such as practice change or making modifications to harvesters.
“Most of these changes involve a cost for the harvesting contractor, who need to look at their return on their investment for their business,” Mr Patane explained. “Changing practices can improve yield, but the grower and the contractor need to work out the sweet spot so that both can benefit.”
Now, that process will be made much easier through a new tool that is currently being developed by SRA and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) (DAF).
This tool is part of an investment partnership between DAF and SRA and it is using data collected through years of trials across the sugar industry and is being supported by in-depth economic data being collected and analysed by agricultural economists at DAF.
Once available, it will provide an online platform that helps growers and contractors look at the potential gains and cost implications of changing harvesting practice, including the impact on harvesting costs.
“If the project helps achieve increase adoption of improved harvesting practices by 40% during the life of the project, this would add 480,000 tonnes to the crop annually, worth at least $34.4m to the industry at current sugar prices,” Mr Patane said.
DAF agricultural economist Brendon Nothard said that the project will continue to provide a framework recognising that practice change presents different risks and rewards for different sectors in the value chain.
“The team will be testing the platform this season and are aiming for a more widespread rollout beginning in 2022 through to 2023.”
- For more information a fact sheet has been developed on the project.
- SRA acknowledges the funding contribution from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries towards this research activity.
Ergon Energy’s new Look Up and Live mobile app is designed to help reduce incidents and injuries at high-risk work sites, including Queensland cane farms during the crushing season. To find out more download the media release below.
Australia’s sugarcane growers have welcomed the opportunity to grow sugar exports to the United Kingdom under an in-principle trade deal between the two countries.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan has been in regular contact with CANEGROWERS during the long-running negotiations and we thank the Australian Government for its efforts in securing an agreement with a substantial and positive outcome for the sugar industry.
Positive outcome for sugarcane growers in FTA – Canegrowers
Days from the start of the 2021 sugarcane harvest, CANEGROWERS grower leaders are feeling upbeat at an important meeting in Cairns.
More than 80 people are at the CANEGROWERS Leadership Forum, including the National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson and grower leaders from every sugarcane region in Queensland.
Grower leaders pause in Cairns ahead of busy harvest – Canegrowers
A sugarcane farmer dragging a ball and chain is the centrepiece of an animation explaining CANEGROWERS key issues with Queensland and Australian government treatment of agriculture in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Made to explain the decade-long sugarcane industry battle against reef regulations, waged while growers have been improving farm environmental practices, the animation is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/NheaJ_aEUhs
Animation tackles sugarcane issues with reef politics – Canegrowers
CANEGROWERS has announced that, ahead of the 2021 crush, Australia has become the world’s second largest raw sugar exporter. At the March Policy Council (prior to the most recent rain), crop estimates were tallied by representatives from all districts revealing a smaller harvest ahead than in 2020. However it will be enough for Australia to become the world’s second biggest raw sugar exporter behind Brazil because Thailand has also experienced drought.
Australia now second biggest raw sugar exporter – Canegrowers