Industry News
Research targets bigger profits for canegrowers
Sugarcane growers in the Bundaberg region could soon be increasing their productivity and profitability thanks to researchers from the University of Southern Queensland. After a bittersweet start to the year – with farmers batting drought and heavy rain – irrigation experts are teaming up with...
Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative Podcast: Fall Armyworm
The first series of PBRI Podcasts is on fall armyworm. It explores the experiences and observations of experts from around the globe and here in Australia as we prepare to take on this invasive pest. Throughout the series, host Chris Brown delves into the biology and behaviour of fall armyworm and...
Election plan to unleash sugarcane industry’s potential
CANEGROWERS has outlined an eight-point plan to the parties contesting the Queensland Election saying it will secure a sustainable, profitable and productive future for sugarcane growers, regional communities and the state economy. “We’re working harder and smarter and the next Queensland...
On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme
On 2 October 2020, the Australian Government announced an additional $50 million of funding for the expansion of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme in 2020-21.The roll-out of the expanded Scheme is currently being negotiated with all states and territories, including...
Burdekin voters concerned about irrigation water pricing
Irrigation water pricing is shaping up to a big issue on voting day for farmers in the marginal electorate of Burdekin. The Australian Sugar Milling Council commissioned a poll of 537 voters in the electorate, conducted late last week, which found three-quarters of voters agree the state...
Vale Wayne Rodgers
The NSW Sugar industry is in mourning following the tragic death of Pimlico cane farmer Wayne Rodgersover the weekend.Wayne was an active Director on the Board of the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative and Chairman of theAgricultural Advisory Committee. He has also served on the Richmond River Cane...
Sugar cane industry shocked at death of leader Wayne Rodgers in farming accident
Wayne Rodgers has been remembered by the sugar cane industry as one of its greatest ambassadors, an innovative farmer, and a gentleman. The 52-year-old died last Saturday while working on a tractor in a shed on his Pimlico property, south of Ballina in northern New South Wales. NSW Sugar Milling...
Australian Cane Farmers Association 2020 Annual General Meeting
Business - Consideration of the financial statements;- Board remuneration, and- Reappointment of the AuditorAny other business that may be properly brought before an annual general meeting will be special business and will require written notification to the company 48 hours prior to the...
Joint media release: Sweet victory for sugarcane growers
A unique pilot project involving more than 100 canegrowers in North Queensland has delivered a solution to reduce the amount of nitrates that end up in the Great Barrier Reef by at least 15 per cent. The successful trial funded by the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program...
2020 harvest: Sugar industry watches La Nina with concern
THE sugar industry says the rain bringing La Nina weather system is a cause for concern with more than 30 per cent of the 2020 cane crop still to be harvested. Jim Crane from the Australian Sugar Milling Council said the confirmation of a La Nina weather pattern heightened the risk of rain...
Growers urged to back bid for sugar terminal board
All grower shareholders are being urged to use their vote this month to ensure their interests are represented by another sugarcane farmer on the board of Sugar Terminals Limited. “This is the first time the CANEGROWERS board has officially endorsed a candidate for the STL board,” CANEGROWERS...
Molasses ‘new normal’ – short supply, high demand
REDUCED supplies of molasses for stockfeed in line with smaller cane crushes has sparked talk that beef producers should start thinking seriously about on-farm storage. While La Nina conditions are far from the severe drought that drove demand for the high-energy feed to the point where it had to...
Speak now: Farmers asked about Burdekin water
North Queensland farmers are being asked what water they need to grow their businesses and jobs as part of the business case for raising the Burdekin Falls Dam. Building Queensland and Sunwater kicked off a 30-minute online survey today. Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the survey...
NQ farmers surveyed on Burdekin water
North Queensland farmers are being surveyed on what water they need as part of the business case for raising the Burdekin Falls Dam. Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said the survey launched by Building Queensland and SunWater today was critical to determining how much water was required...
Global sugar surplus headed our way
The upcoming worldwide cane and beet harvest, coupled with demand uncertainty, will underpin the emergence of a small global sugar surplus in the 2020/21 season, Rabobank says in its just-released Sugar Quarterly report. With Europe, the US and India about to embark on their respective harvests,...
Small Milling Research Program open for applications through SRA
The milling sector of the Australian sugarcane industry is now invited to submit applications to the Small Milling Research Program (SMRP) investment scheme. The SMRP is a targeted initiative developed by SRA to work with sugarcane millers and researchers to deliver productivity, profitability,...
Sugarcane waste-based durable packaging is plastic-free and compostable
The amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean could triple by 2040 as part of the estimated 1.3 billion tons predicted to choke our already strained ecosystem, killing marine life and polluting the land. A recent UK investigation found that microscopic, potentially dangerous plastic particles...
Queensland cane growers are calling for cuts to irrigation tariffs
Water pricing is shaping up to be a key election issue for irrigators in North Queensland, with the sugar industry backing a call for prices to be dropped by 25 per cent. The Australian Sugar Milling Council said a 25 per cent reduction in state government irrigated water tariffs could add $220...
ASMC seek Gvt commitment on irrigation water charges
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) left a meeting with the Queensland Government this week remaining optimistic that political consensus for irrigation water price cuts can be achieved to boost regional Queensland’s COVID-19 recovery. The LNP and Katter Australia Party have made policy...
Farmers United fight for science sense
Battle-lines are being drawn in North Queensland ahead of the state election with farmers launching a grassroots campaign to force agriculture into the spotlight. Cattle and cane farmers from the Burdekin to the Tablelands have banded together to form Farmers United, as they seek political...