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SECTION 4INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

SECTION 8INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

SECTION 9TRADE DIRECTORY

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2014 — 1

S E C T I O N 1

OVERVIEW 34 Foreword

8 Sugar: A year in review11 World sugar outlook 2014–15

S E C T I O N 2

AREA ROUNDUP 1516 Northern Region

18 Herbert 20 Burdekin

21 Central Region22 Southern Region24 New South Wales

S E C T I O N 3

THE FUTURE 2526 Improved yield, reduced N losses and

greater efficiency – all good!30 Is splitting fertiliser applications the way of

the future for you?32 Plants and players looking for a peptide

pickup

S E C T I O N 4

INDUSTRY IN FIGURES 35 36 Australian production

36 Australian cane production36 Australian sugar production37 Australian sugarcane area37 Australian yields over time

38 World production38 World sugar supply and use38 Major sugar producers

39 The international scene39 Major importers of Australian sugar39 World raw sugar price40 Sugar exports by major producers40 Sugar imports by major consumers

S E C T I O N 5

Australian Cane Farmers 2014 4142 The Australian Cane Farmers Association44 Chairman’s report

S E C T I O N 6

MILLING & MARKETING 4748 Milling in the Australian sugar industry51 ASMC commentary52 QSL sugar marketing faces greatest

challenges since deregulation54 Milling and refining organisations54 Marketing organisations and sugar

terminals

S E C T I O N 7

RESEARCH & EXTENSION 5556 Sugar Research Australia – A year of

achievement60 SRA cross-sectoral R&D and research

collaborations62 Agriculture can’t afford to take a ‘she’ll be

right’ attitude towards research63 USQ research sisters – the future is on-farm

robotics and intelligent automation66 R&D organisations

S E C T I O N 8

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS 67 67 Peak bodies

68 Government bodies

S E C T I O N 9

TRADE DIRECTORY 69Cover: Australia has a reputation for reliably producing and delivering high quality sugar. And as an industry we must continue to strive to maintain this reputation – particularly when it seems sugar is constantly overlooked when it comes to Free Trade Agreements. (Picture courtesy of SRA)

Australian SugarcaneP.O. Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350. Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520, Email: [email protected] DELIVERY ADDRESS: 120 Herries Street, Toowoomba, Queensland. 4350EDITOR: Brian O’Connell Phone (02) 6778 3255, Fax (02) 6778 3256, Mobile 0413 130 777ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Lloyd O’Connell & David Dowling Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mick AllanGROUP SALES MANAGER: Michael CookADVERTISING: Michael Cook Phone (07) 4659 3555, Fax (07) 4638 4520, Mobile 0428 794 801

Email [email protected] Brian O’Connell Phone (02) 6778 3255, Fax (02) 6778 3256, Mobile 0413 130 777

CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in Australian Sugarcane are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Copyright 2014. Published by Berekua Pty. Ltd., 40 Creek Street, Brisbane, Queensland. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. PP 100008014. ISSN 1442–5157.

PUBLISHED: APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER, FEBRUARY — SUGARCANE ANNUAL

AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2014

SECTION 3THE FUTUREThis sect ion supported by

SECTION 1OVERVIEWThis sect ion supported by

SECTION 5AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMER 2014Proudly sponsored by

SECTION 2AREA ROUNDUPThis sect ion supported by

SECTION 6MILLING &MARKETING

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AS usual we start the Sugarcane Annual by taking a look at the year that’s just past. And as has been the case far too

often over the past few years, “the times they are a changing” – for all of those amongst us old enough to remember, my apologies to Bob Dylan.

Mind you when I read back over what I had written at this time last year I note that I was moved to ‘wax lyrical’ as the poets say when reflecting on 2013. I suggested that it had been an ‘interesting year’ and I qualified this by explaining that when the Chinese say “may you live in interesting times” they are not wishing you well. The ‘interesting times’ referred to are times of uncertainty, full of not necessarily pleasant surprises. Sounds like déjà vu all over again for farming in 2014 does it not?

Weather extremesOnce again the Australian sugarcane crop

was affected by extremes of weather – cyclones and floods in northern Queensland while southern Queensland and NSW suffered from a drought.

And let’s not forget the cyclone. In April 2014 Cyclone Ita dropped in for a quick visit. She arrived full of wind, the strongest tropical cyclone to impact Queensland since the devastating Cyclone Yasi in 2011. Three years on and we all recall Yasi, crops and communities along the coast are still recovering from that event. Ita crossed the Far North Queensland Coast near Cape Flattery as a Category 4 but soon weakened to a Category 1 as it moved down the coast. Although many areas experienced some kind of flooding and lodged cane, the effects were far less than first feared.

YCS (whatever it is) still with usOur Industry 2013–14 Timeline begins with

the observation that the search for the cause of Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS) was still marching on in the form of the Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome research project funded by SRA and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ). As I write YCS continues to be found from Mackay to the Far North but nearly $4 million dollars has been invested to fund a

Foreword O By Brian O’Connell, Editor, Australian Sugarcane

4 — AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL 2014

Brian O’Connell.

Mill area 2013–14 Harvested area (hectares)

Tonnes of cane per hectare

Mossman 7,497 78.3

Tableland 7,865 108.1

Mulgrave 14,675 75.2

South Johnstone 20,144 83.6

Tully 26,118 89.4

Herbert River Mills 54,018 74.1

Burdekin Mills 71,402 102.1

Proserpine 21,038 77.6

Mackay Sugar Mills 69,867 71.8

Plane Creek 16,558 73.4

Bundaberg Sugar South 20,927 71.8

Isis 15,239 76.4

Maryborough 10,070 60.4

Rocky Point 3,568 65.0

Queensland 358,986 81.4

Condong 4,188 76.7

Broadwater 6,101 91.5

Harwood 4,571 92.3

New South Wales 14,860 87.6

Total/average 373,846 81.7Source: SRA.

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4235CorporateSugar 2014-11-11T10:41:56+11:00

three-year integrated research program with the aim of identifying and managing YCS.

SRA this year also launched their Strategic Plan which included a commitment to develop economically-feasible alternative products and uses for sugarcane. This will become even more important to growers as we move ahead, particularly in light of the increasing uncertainty over the future of sugar marketing.

Where to with marketing?As our peak farmer bodies have pointed

out, the deregulation of sugar marketing and the subsequent proposed ‘opting out’ of the jointly owned industry marketing body QSL by a number of millers will not be fair to farmers. Because of the unique nature of our crop compared to other more readily ‘store-able’ commodities there is a lack of competition for farmer’s cane and therefore a market imbalance in the industry – an imbalance overwhelmingly in favour of the mills.

Negotiations to date between the millers and farmers have failed. Farmers are now seeking pro-competition regulation to address the imbalance caused by individual farmers being captive suppliers of sugarcane to monopoly mill processors.

In a demonstration of farmer unity ACFA and Canegrowers have made a joint submission to the Queensland Government’s investigation into

competition concerns in the industry and the Senate inquiry, Current and future arrangements for the marketing of Australian sugar.

But let’s go out on a high note – a run of good weather across most of the state has seen the 2014 harvest progress nicely, with most areas looking at an improvement on their original crop estimates for the season. May it end this way, we can do with an ‘un-interesting’ year! O



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2013–14

November 2013

The search for the cause of Yellow Canopy Syndrome marches on

Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome research project funded by SRA and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ) extends field trials and laboratory tests in the search for the cause of Yellow Canopy Syndrome, a condition affecting cane-growing regions in northern Queensland.

Researchers to bring their best ideas to the Australian sugarcane industry

Sugar Research Australia calls for applications for research funding and postgraduate scholarships that will help build the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry.

QSL in the field with Next Gen farmers

Young growers attended the Bundaberg/Isis Next Gen meeting which included two local farm visits to look at the results of various herbicide treatments, eco-blend fertiliser applications, new fertiliser products and to receive QSL updates – QSL is a major sponsor and strong supporter of the Next Gen program.

December 2013

Australian sugarcane crop nears completion

Processing of the Australian sugarcane crop is in its final stage with just over 30.5 million tonnes of sugarcane crushed by Australia’s 24 raw sugar mills. This aligned very closely with the pre-season forecast.

Red Witchweed harvest challengeFour sugar cane producers in the Mackay

region successfully completed their harvest, despite Red Witchweed being confirmed on their properties in July 2013. Biosecurity Queensland worked closely with the producers to facilitate harvesting on their properties under strict protocols.

Farmers unite under Qld BMPAt the official launch of the Smartcane BMP

program, ACFA Chairman Don Murday said that Qld BMP had brought farmers together under a common objective; demonstrating leadership and ownership of the issue of sustainable sugarcane farming, in order to minimise negative off-farm impacts, while focusing on profitability.

January 2014

Growers advised to be aware but not alarmed by YCS

SRA reports that YCS data collected from the 2013 season revealed that although YCS appeared to reduce CCS early in the season, these levels improved as the crush progressed and later returned to expected levels. Low-levels of YCS symptoms did not necessarily result in yield losses however in some areas affected by severe YCS symptoms growers experienced yield reductions in excess of 50 per cent.

February 2014

Mackay Sugar partners with global leader in sugar marketing

Mackay Sugar reaches agreement with the world’s largest sugar and ethanol exporter Copersucar for the joint marketing of raw sugar into the Asian markets. The agreement will see Mackay Sugar’s marketing body Queensland Commodity Services (QCS) combine a portion of Mackay Sugar’s raw sugar supply with Copersucar’s supply to increase returns on the sugar sold to the Asian markets

March 2014

Cane farmer wins National Carbon Cocky of the Year Award

New South Wales cane farmer and ACFA Director Robert Quirk takes out the prestigious National Carbon Cocky of the Year award at the National Carbon Farming Conference and Expo in Canberra.

SRA calls for nominations for SRA Grower Delegates

Growers who are SRA Members and interested in being more involved in Sugar Research Australia have been sent an information pack about the SRA Delegate nomination process.

April 2014

Tropical Cyclone Ita pays a visitCyclone Ita was the strongest tropical

cyclone to impact Queensland since the devastating Cyclone Yasi in 2011. Ita crossed the Far North Queensland Coast near Cape Flattery as a Category 4 but soon weakened to a Category 1 as it moved down the coast. Although many areas experienced some kind of flooding and lodged cane, the effects were thankfully far less than first feared.



Sugar: A year in review

2013–14

SRA’s Strategic Plan announcedACFA welcomed SRA’s inaugural 2013–14

to 2017–18 Strategic Plan announced at the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologist (ASSCT) Conference on the Gold Coast.

SRA invests nearly $4 million dollars from reserves to fund a three-year integrated research program as part of its ongoing resolve to identify and develop management strategies for Yellow Canopy Syndrome.

May 2014

Cane farmers disappointed over Wilmar pull out

ACFA and Canegrowers expressed their severe disappointment at the news that Wilmar Sugar Australia has given notice to leave Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL). Wilmar announces it will exit the current raw sugar marketing arrangement at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

SRA invests over $16 million in RD&E program for the year ahead

Sugar Research Australia announced that it will invest over $16 million in its research, development and extension (RD&E) program in the 2014–15. The investment will be funded primarily by the new statutory Sugarcane Levy of 70 cents per tonne of cane for which SRA grower and milling members each contribute 35 cents per tonne of cane.

June 2014

Cane farmers betrayed by sugar traders says ACFA

ACFA and Canegrowers slammed the decision by a third sugar miller to withdraw from QSL – the industry-owned marketing body – at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

Raw sugar contract signed with Korean refineries

Representatives from Korea’s three sugar refineries visited Queensland to officially sign a $500 million contract and celebrate a 40 year partnership with QSL.

SRA releases 2014–15 variety guidesSRA releases their 2014–15 variety guides

for the Burdekin/Central regions, Herbert/Northern regions and Southern/NSW regions.

July 2014

Cane farmers welcome sugar market investigation

ACFA and Canegrowers welcome the announcement made by the Queensland State Government outlining their immediate plans to investigate competition concerns in the sugar industry.

August 2014

Cane farmer finalist in Farmer of the Year awards

Mossman cane farmer, ACFA director and Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, was named a finalist in the prestigious Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.

QSL Grower Representative Members appointed

The election process for QSL Grower Representative Members is completed with 21 growers appointed to their positions for a three-year term, commencing August 2014.

Sugar industry marketing investigation to move ahead

Representatives from across the sugar industry invited to have their say on the sector’s marketing and competition challenges following the approval of a State Government investigation.


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2013–14

September 2014

Manildra Harwood Sugars celebrates 25th anniversary

Manildra Harwood Sugars (MHS) celebrates a major milestone having supplied the Australian market for 25 years with a range of high quality refined sugar products.

100 per cent Australian owned NSW Sugar industry featured on ABC

ABC Landline airs a story on the NSW sugar industry and how it is the sole remaining 100 per cent Australian-owned sugar mill and refinery and that it is hoping its green credentials will keep it that way.

Australian Sugar Milling Council expecting 32 million tonnes sugarcane crop

With just over half of the 2014 sugarcane crop now crushed, the Australian sugar industry looks to be heading for its highest crush since 2006 with forecasts putting the crop at about 32 million tonnes.

October 2014

SRA Annual General MeetingThe inaugural Annual General Meeting

of Sugar Research Australia Limited held 22 October 2014.

QSL presents its 2013–14 Annual Report

Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) delivers its 2013–14 Annual Report. QSL sold 2.975 million tonnes of raw sugar in the 2013–14 Financial Year, with 3.765 million tonnes of raw sugar handled through the bulk sugar terminals.

Cane farmers to put a price on improving nitrogen use efficiency

The Australian Government and Terrain NRM offer Wet Tropics’ sugar cane farmers opportunity to build on existing efforts to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef. The $5 million Reef Trust Tender offers financial incentives to sugar cane farmers to improve their nitrogen use efficiency and help reduce nitrogen discharge from the Wet Tropics – one of the biggest known risks to the Great Barrier Reef.

November 2014

Submission to Senate enquiry into Australia’s sugar marketing systems

Peak grower groups ACFA and Canegrowers tendered a joint submission into the Senate enquiry into Australia’s sugar marketing systems, outlining strategies to rectify the market imbalance in favour of the mills. O



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World sugar prices to decline in 2014–15

The world indicator price for raw sugar (Intercontinental Exchange, nearby futures, no. 11 contract) is forecast to decline by around 18 per cent to average US14 cents a pound in 2014–15 (October to September).

The forecast price decline reflects large carry-over stocks from 2013–14 and forecast higher production than consumption in 2014–15, which is expected to result in record world stocks.

Despite world stocks forecast to increase in 2014–15 for the fifth year in a row, the stocks-to-use ratio is expected to decline for the first time in five years. If realised, the forecast world sugar indicator price will be the lowest since 2009–10 but still higher than the 10-year average to 2008–09 of US12 cents a pound (2014–15 dollars).

The world indicator price for raw sugar is estimated to have averaged US17 cents a pound in 2013–14, compared with US18 cents

a pound in 2012–13. As at 5 September 2014, the world sugar indicator price was around US15 cents a pound.


World Sugar Outlook 2014–15

O By Benjamin K. Agbenyegah, ABARES

FIGURE 1: Indicator price, ICE (daily, ended 5 September 2014)

FIGURE 2: World sugar indicators

FIGURE 3: Sugar cane, sugar and ethanol production, Brazi



AT A GLANCE… O Despite forecast record world sugar stocks

in 2014–15, the world stocks-to-use ratio is expected to decline for the first time in five years. This reflects relatively high growth in consumption compared with production.

O World sugar consumption is forecast to increase in 2014–15, mainly driven by expected lower world sugar prices and growth in world population and incomes.

O World sugar exports are forecast to increase in 2014–15. This largely reflects forecast higher exports from Thailand, India, the European Union and Australia, partially offset by a reduction from Brazil – the world’s largest exporter.

O Australian sugar exports are forecast at 3.3 million tonnes in 2014–15, around six per cent higher than in 2013–14.

O Raw sugar exports to Indonesia rose year-on-year by 71 per cent in the first half of 2013–14 to around 530,000 tonnes, making Indonesia Australia’s largest export destination for raw sugar.

O Australia exported 95,000 tonnes of raw sugar to China in the first half of 2013–14, compared with 27,000 tonnes in the whole of 2011–12, the last time Australia sent shipments to China.

Modest growth in world sugar production in 2014–15

World sugar production is forecast at around 184 million tonnes (mt) in 2014–15, compared with 183 mt in 2013–14. Forecast higher sugar production for India, Thailand, Europe and Australia is expected to be partially offset by forecast lower production in Brazil and China. Sugar production in India is forecast at 27.3 mt in 2014–15, around 1 mt more than in 2013–14.

This forecast largely reflects a five per cent increase in assumed average sugar yield, resulting from well above average rainfall during the 2013 monsoon. Partially offsetting the effect of this increase is an estimated two per cent decline in the area of cane harvested as a

result of Indian farmers shifting to production of more profitable alternatives (rice, vegetables, grain sorghum and mint).

Thailand’s sugar production is forecast to increase by around 3 per cent to a record 12.2 mt in 2014–15, reflecting an estimated three per cent increase in cane planting. This increase in area is based on favourable returns to cane production, largely as a result of the Thai Government redirecting subsidies for rice production to sugar production. As a result, Thailand is forecast to crush 105 mt of cane in 2014–15, compared with 103.7 mt in 2013–14.

In the European Union, sugar production is forecast to increase by 6 per cent in 2014–15 to around 18 mt. This forecast is mainly based on estimated increases in sugar beet planting in Germany and France. The EU quota system will end in 2017, and other EU countries are expected to keep planted areas largely unchanged from 2013–14.

Sugar production in Eastern Europe is forecast to increase by around 15 per cent in 2014–15 to 8.4 mt, based on increased sugar beet planting and assumed higher yields. The Russian Federation is forecast to increase sugar production by 10 per cent in 2014–15 to 5.0 mt, reflecting the combined effects of an assumed seven per cent rise in average yield and a three per cent increase in beet planting. Sugar production in Ukraine is forecast at around 2.0 mt in 2014–15, 41 per cent higher than in 2013–14. This forecast reflects an estimated 18 per cent increase in sugar beet planting and an assumed 23 per cent increase in average sugar yield.

In 2014–15 (October to September) in Brazil, sugar cane crush is forecast to decline by five per cent to 620 mt, while sugar production is forecast to fall by two per cent to 39.3 mt. These forecast declines are mainly driven by assumed reductions in cane and sugar yields as a result of drought in Brazil’s centre south region, which produces around 90 per cent of its sugar cane. The Brazilian Government intends to increase the ethanol blending ratio for fuel to 27.5 per cent in 2015. This is expected to result in ethanol production


FIGURE 4: Forecast change in world sugar production in 2014–15, by country

FIGURE 5: Changes in world sugar exports, 2013–14 and 2014–15, by country


remaining largely unchanged at around 28 billion litres in 2014–15. The share of total cane production used to produce ethanol is forecast to increase to 56 per cent.

Chinese sugar production is forecast to decline by five per cent in 2014–15 to around 14 mt. This forecast is based on a combination of an estimated three per cent decline in cane and beet planting and an assumed lower average sugar yield. Chinese farmers moved away from sugar cane and beet production in 2014–15 in response to relatively low returns on sugar compared with alternative crops, such as cassava, vegetables and rice.

US sugar production is forecast to decline by around three per cent in 2014–15 to 7.6 mt, largely reflecting an estimated five per cent decline in sugar beet planting and cane area harvested. Partially offsetting this forecast decline is an assumed two per cent increase in average sugar yield.

Mexican sugar production is forecast at 6.5 mt in 2014–15, similar to the volume produced in 2013–14. Cane area harvested and average yield are expected to remain largely unchanged, assuming average seasonal conditions.

Lower prices to boost world sugar consumption in 2014–15

World sugar consumption is forecast to rise by two per cent in 2014–15 to around 183 mt, because relatively low world sugar prices are expected to encourage consumption of sugar over alternative sweeteners (high intensity sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup). Growth in world population and incomes, particularly in China, India and Brazil, is expected to support higher sugar consumption.

Modest recovery in world sugar trade in 2014–15

World sugar exports are forecast to increase by 600,000 tonnes to 59.2 mt in 2014–15, reflecting forecast increases in supplies available for export from Thailand, India, the European Union and Australia. These forecast increases

are expected to be partially offset by an expected reduction in exports from Brazil (the world’s largest exporter).

Thailand’s sugar exports are forecast to increase by 10 per cent in 2014–15 to a record 9.5 mt. The supply of sugar available for export is expected to increase in 2014–15, resulting from forecast record production and the domestic consumption quota remaining largely unchanged at 2.5 mt.

Sugar exports from India are forecast at around 2.8 mt in 2014–15, six per cent more than in 2013–14. This is based on a forecast increase in domestic production, large carry-over stocks from 2013–14 and the Indian Government’s raw sugar export subsidies. The government approved tax incentives to promote sugar exports in 2013–14 and 2014–15, with the aim of reducing the country’s sugar stocks, infusing capital into the sugar industry and helping struggling millers clear their debts to cane farmers.

It has recently increased the subsidy for raw sugar exports to rupiah 3371 (around US$55) a tonne in August to September 2014 from rupiah 3300 (around US$54) a tonne in June to July 2014.

Based on forecast higher production, EU sugar exports are forecast to almost double to 2.6 mt in 2014–15. If realised, the European Union will export well above the maximum limit of 1.3 mt under its World Trade Organization obligations. In contrast, EU imports are forecast to decrease to 4.8 mt in 2014–15 from around 5.0 mt in 2013–14.

Brazilian sugar exports are forecast to decline by two per cent in 2014–15 to around 26 mt. This reflects an expected reduction in export supplies resulting from forecast lower production.

Relatively high US domestic stocks are forecast to result in imports falling by four per cent in 2014–15 to around 2.8 mt. This is the minimum the US can import under its 1.1 million-tonne tariff-free sugar import quota with the World Trade Organization and its


FIGURE 6: World sugar consumption, stocks changes and stocks-to-use ratio





1.7 million-tonne obligation under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Mexican sugar exports are forecast to decline by 10 per cent in 2014–15 to 2.3 mt, reflecting expected lower US import demand.

Russian Federation sugar imports are forecast at 1.2 mt in 2014–15, similar to 2013–14, despite a forecast rise in its domestic production. Sugar consumption in the Russian Federation is forecast at around 6.0 mt in 2014–15, 26 per cent more than production.

Indonesian sugar imports are forecast to increase by seven per cent in 2014–15 to 3.6 mt. Sugar consumption is expected to rise by around four per cent to 6.4 mt, while domestic production is forecast to remain largely unchanged at 2.7 mt.

Record world sugar stocks in 2014–15

World closing stocks of sugar are forecast to reach a record of around 81 mt in 2014–15, compared with 80 mt in 2013–14. Despite

the forecast record levels, world stocks-to-use ratio is forecast to decline to 44 per cent for the first time in five years. This reflects forecast higher world consumption growth relative to production in 2014–15.

Higher Australian sugar production in 2014–15

Australian sugar production is forecast to increase by five per cent in 2014–15 to 4.6 mt (raw value), based on a combination of an assumed three per cent recovery in average sugar yield and an estimated two per cent rise in the area of cane harvested. Cane and sugar yields were lower in 2013–14, reflecting flooding in early 2013 and the spread of canopy syndrome disease in the Bundaberg and Isis regions.

Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) forecast its gross harvest pool return to increase by around 7.5 per cent in 2014–15 to $412 a tonne International Polarity Scale (IPS), despite an expected fall in world sugar prices. QSL markets more than 90 per cent of Australia’s raw sugar exports. The forecast pool, if realised, will be lower than the record $518 a tonne IPS in 2011–12 but well above the 10-year average to 2010–11 of $271 (2014–15 dollars) a tonne IPS.

Based on the current price forecast and assumed sugar yields from cane, the average mill-gate return to Australian cane growers is forecast at $35 a tonne in 2014–15, compared with $37 a tonne in 2013–14. The decline in return to growers largely reflects expected lower world sugar prices in 2014–15. The forecast mill-gate return, if realised, will be the lowest since 2007–08, when Australian cane growers received $32 a tonne.

Australian raw sugar exports are forecast at 3.3 mt in 2014–15, around six per cent higher than in 2013–14. This forecast reflects an expected increase in supplies available for export, resulting from higher production. Based on the forecast higher export volumes and lower world prices, the value of Australian sugar exports is forecast to remain largely unchanged at around $1.4 billion in 2014–15.

In the first half of 2013–14, Australian raw sugar exports were largely unchanged from the 1.8 mt shipped in the first half of 2012–13. Increased shipments to China, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan offset a decline in exports to the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the US and Malaysia. Raw sugar exports to Indonesia rose by 71 per cent in the first half of 2013–14 to around 530,000 tonnes, compared with the same time in 2012–13, making Indonesia Australia’s largest export destination for raw sugar. Australia exported 95,000 tonnes to China in the first half of 2013–14, compared with 27,000 tonnes in the whole of 2011–12, the last time Australia sent shipments to China.

Drawn from ABARES – Agricultural commodities – vol. 4 no. 3 • September quarter 2014. O

TABLE 1: Sugar outlooka

Unit 2012–13 2013–14s 2014–15f % changeWorldb

Production Mt 185.3 182.7 183.7 0.5–Brazil Mt 40.9 40.2 39.3 –2.2Consumption Mt 175.6 178.7 182.5 2.1Exports Mt 61.1 58.6 59.2 1.0Closing stocks Mt 75.8 79.8 81.0 1.5Stocks-to-use ratio % 43.2 44.6 44.4 –0.4Price USc/lb 18.0 17.0 14.0 –17.6Australiac

Area ’000 ha 371.0 375.0 381.0 1.6Productionc Kt 4300.0 4380.0 4599.6 5.0Exports Kt 3003.6 3107.0 3277.9 5.5–value A$m 1437.4 1360.3 1359.0 –0.1a Volumes are raw value equivalent. b October–September years. c July–June years. f ABARES forecast. s ABARES estimate. Sources: ABARES; Australian Bureau of Statistics; International Sugar Organization

FIGURE 7: Sugar production, exports and returns to cane growers, Australia

15

OVERALL COMMENTThe Australian sugarcane crop has again

been subject to the vagaries of the weather

– cyclones and floods in northern Qld, while

southern Qld and NSW suffered from a

crippling drought. Despite these challenges

the 2014 harvest should see a rise in sugar

production over last season.

AREA ROUNDUP

THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SECTION 2AREA ROUNDUPThis sect ion brought to you in associat ion with


Northern Region

O By Gerard Puglisi, ACFA Northern Region Director

FOR the Mossman Mill it has not been an ideal year, with the 2014 season having a few hurdles to get over. The wet start

to the year, along with fuel issues and Mill reliability problems, has had the Mossman Mill on the back foot since the start. Implementing a new transport system along with new trucks and the number of skilled drivers required to undertake the job has also had its share of problems.

There have been some positives to come out of the 2014 season. Once we overcame the initial wet start to the crush, the planting programs for the region were generally undisturbed. This has allowed everyone to have their plant cane planted at a reasonable time, giving them the best chance of a good plant crop for 2015, as long as we receive favourable weather conditions. The recent dry weather has also helped with weed control, with minimal weeds growing in plant and ratoon crops.

The delays to the start of the 2014 crush have now put the Mossman Mill in a precarious position in regards to the Mossman and Tableland region. On the coast, the crop is in need of some rain to help the plant cane and also the ratooning crop to grow on for the 2015 season. But if we receive too much rain, then we will be in a position where we may not be able to harvest our entire crop and may also suffer severe damage by cutting blocks in the wet. This will then cause major problems with the ‘ratoonability’ of fields, reducing any chance of the Mossman region being able to harvest a reasonable crop in 2015. The Tablelands are in a similar position where they can receive storms in November that can hold up the harvest for days

and also increase their chance of standover.All in all we are not in an ideal situation for

next year’s crop. For the Mossman Mill to have a chance of a decent crop through the rollers in 2015 we are relying on the weather conditions being favourable and Mill reliability being improved compared to the start of the season. Also with the extended crush for 2014 and a strong chance of having to start the 2015 crush early again next year, we can only hope for the best and a fair bit of luck.

NORTHERN REGION 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSTableland 850,000 108.1 12.75Mossman 587,000 78.3 14.02Mulgrave 1,103,000 75.2 12.82South Johnstone 1,684,000 83.6 12.40

Tully 2,336,000 89.4 12.94Northern Region production: 6,560,000 tonnes

Babinda-Innisfail

O By Michael Camilleri, ACFA Northern Director

IT is too early to predict the 2015 crop with only half of the harvest completed, but the weather is fine now and generally fine

weather leads to a good crop. A great deal of planting has been accomplished with some farmers still making progress. You can’t lose four weeks to wet weather and still get all of your work done in the same timeframe. Early cut ratoons are striking well.

Earlier this year, Terrain’s Wet Tropics Regional Landcare Facilitator Fiona George, invited farmers in the region to two Soil Health forums of which almost 200 farmers attended. Soil experts from around the country shared their knowledge of healthy soil structure and improved land management options for farmers to consider.

Fifteen farmers, along with their nominated buddies, expressed interest in learning more by participating in the Digging Deeper program which required attendance and input into a series of intensive on-farm field days and workshops over five months. It includes interactive activities to learn about soil biology, some hard science soil biology theory, and a hands-on component that investigates what is below the surface and how that relates to productivity. They represent approximately 3500 hectares of land farming cane and various other local crops.

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Herbert O By Carol Mackee, ACFA Herbert Region Director

The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 saw extremely dry conditions for the Herbert Region. The dry conditions set the crop back about two months.

In January the rainfall was scattered over the region with some areas receiving rain and some areas completely dry. February and March saw the same pattern as well.

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held in March at Kurrimine beach, enabling people to attend both the AGM and go to the GIVE Conference held in Innisfail. It was great to see quite a lot of young people attending and presenting their projects. Over the two days we went on bus tours to various parts of the district to look at some innovative farming practices. This was followed by a field day held in the Innisfail Showgrounds. Rain bucketed down but it didn’t make any difference to the very well attended day.

April was a different story when on the 13th Cyclone Ita dropped 500 mm overnight, inundating crops and causing the worst flood that the Halifax area has seen. The lower lying areas were flooded, with cane underwater. The previous dry conditions saw large trees dying as an aftermath from Cyclone Yasi, and to have another cyclone not long after saw the demise of a lot more trees – especially in the Abergowrie area. The wind, while not as intense as Yasi, blew all day and knocked out extremely large trees that must have lost root structure from Yasi.

The start of the 2014 crushing season was disappointing as mill performance was poor. The mills have ongoing issues which are still causing problems. The crush looks like finishing near the end of November. Ratoons do not get away as well when the season ends later than

normal, thus causing a loss of productivity.Early rains can be a two edge sword! There

was some scattered rain late September with areas receiving around 175 mm while the rest of us, particularly in the Abergowrie area, received a mere 15mm. Not too good for the harvesting sector.

Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS) has decimated some areas of the district with a loss forecast around 30 per cent and added to this loss is a decline in sugar content. And this comes on top of the loss in both tonnes and sugar content courtesy of Cyclone Ita. Not a great outcome this year.

Then there are five year lows in world price and ever increasing costs which we keep on having to absorb to the point of no return.

Wilmar has notified farmers in the Herbert that, together with the other regions they service, they will no longer be using Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) as their marketing agent by the end of 2016. Both ACFA and Canegrowers have been working to ensure farmers have a choice as to who markets their sugar. This is still ongoing as they have been to both state and federal government over the issue.

The year ahead looks promising weather-wise, with the plant crop off to a good start and it looks like early rains will keep the plant coming along nicely. Let’s hope that YCS will fade out and that there are better times ahead price-wise. We farmers are always the optimists.

I have received an invitation to attend the National Farmers Federation (NFF) Congress in Canberra and will be representing farmers and ACFA at this..

HERBERT 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSHerbert River Mills 4,001,000 74.1 13.90

Herbert production: 4,001,000 tonnes


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Burdekin O By Margaret Menzel, ACFA Burdekin Director

THE past year has provided many challenges to cane farming in the Burdekin district. While disease and weather events have

been significant issues, the most serious has been the policies and charges imposed by government at every level; local, state and federal.

The unreasonable and unjustifiable rates imposed on Burdekin canefarmers has again been increased over and above the CPI. Burdekin canefarmers, who occupy around a quarter of the land area in the shire, are forced to pay around half of the total rate bill for the Burdekin Shire. Comparatively, Burdekin canefarmers pay 3 to 4 times more rates than growers throughout the industry, in other shires. Only the Herbert and Burdekin growers pay such exorbitant rates, with representations to the relevant Minister producing no resolution.

Water, electricity and other costs have caused serious financial hardship across the district, again with no resolution as yet.

Pricing and marketing changes to be introduced in 2017 by Wilmar have faced joint opposition by ACFA and Canegrowers. The federal government has announced a senate inquiry to examine the issue. The ACCC are investigating possible ‘anti-competitive’ behaviour by the mills. It’s difficult to imagine how either the government or the ACCC can ignore the anti-competitiveness of Wilmar district growers being refused the option to remain with QSL for their pricing and marketing. Competition demands more than one forced option! To me it hardly seems there’s a need for an inquiry to provide more evidence than that.

Currently there is 71,700 hectares under cane in the district – 300 hectares over the 2013 crop. Interestingly, the land area under cane in the Burdekin was once 84,192 hectares. This would tend to disprove the claims that deregulation would improve both the profitability and productivity of the industry – the statistics suggest the reverse is the case.

1997 2014 2005 Average 2005-2013

Total crop, 000’s

8,334 7,980 8,435 7,816

Yield, t/ha. 121 111.3 117.9 113.4

With grower numbers declining rapidly after deregulation from over 800 in 1997 to 710 in 2005 and currently at 583 growers for the Burdekin district, the average age of those growers is rising.

A combination of the effects of weather on

the crop cycle together with YCS outbreaks in various areas of the district, has resulted in a drop in production across the district, over recent years and has been compounded by cost increases, including government charges.

Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS)BPS have increased their list of services to

accommodate the changes from BSES to SRA and their achievements this year include the following:

O Distribution plots expanded to meet increasing grower demand for seed cane.

O Increase in number of growers purchasing approved seed cane..

O BPS continuing involvement with SRA and HCPSL, in the YCS project

O Development of a strategic plan to 2017 focussing on: – Distribution of approved seed cane;– Pest and disease services; and,– Extension and agronomic support.

O Completion of various district surveys including pachymetra, RSD and YCS.

O Establishment of variety strip trials to compare performance of newer varieties.

O Involvement in Smartcane BMP. O Hosting the Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures project (additional extension officer, plus incentives for BRIA growers).

O Obtained funding from SRA to conduct harvester speed trials to quantify the effect of various speeds in subsequent ratoons.

O Conducted two rounds of grower shed meetings and on farm demonstrations of various practices.

O Focus on key areas to improve productivity – irrigation, harvesting, soil-health and variety management.Regular grower representative meetings with

mill staff continued throughout the year have proven to be of benefit to both growers and milling staff.

Thanks are due to both Rob Milla (BPS) and Peter Allen (Wilmar) for information provided for the compilation of this report.

I wish all involved in the industry a safe and successful end to the 2014 season and every blessing for the coming Christmas season. Thanks are due to all who have worked together during this season and we look forward to a brighter 2015 for all.

BURDEKIN 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSBurdekin Mills 7,293,000 102.1 14.62

Burdekin production: 7,293,000 tonnes


Central Region

O By Steve Fordyce, ACFA Central Region Director

Mackay’s 2013 season finished harvesting in the last week of November, crushing a disappointing crop of just over 5 million tonnes. But the CCS was very high with a PRS of just over 15. This was due to the dry conditions for the season. The disappointment was revisited at the end of the season when untimely rains resulted in a lot of cane not being harvested.

An outbreak of Yellow Cane Syndrome was identified in the Central districts. How this disease operates remains a mystery. In some cases, the dramatic visual evidence is not obvious but, on closer inspection, infection is visible and limiting production.

Mackay Sugar partners with global leader in sugar marketing

Mackay Sugar announced it has reached agreement with the world’s largest sugar and ethanol exporter Copersucar for the joint marketing of raw sugar into the Asian markets. The agreement will see Mackay Sugar’s marketing body Queensland Commodity Services (QCS) combine a portion of Mackay Sugar’s raw sugar supply with Copersucar’s supply to increase returns on the sugar sold to the Asian markets.

Until now Mackay Sugar’s raw sugar has been exported exclusively through Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) but with QSL offering marketing rights to other industry players in 2013, Mackay Sugar opted to export its economic interest sugar (about 150,000 tonnes) from 2014 via QCS – this will leave 300,000 tonnes of sugar to be exported via QSL.

Mackay Sugar to stay with QSL despite Wilmar’s withdrawal

Mackay Sugar has confirmed that it will remain with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) regardless of the decisions made by Wilmar, MSF and Tully to withdraw from the raw sugar marketing body.

Mackay Sugar CEO Quinton Hildebrand said the outcome was unfortunate and stated Mackay Sugar did not share their position.

“Mackay Sugar intends to remain with QSL and we will work with QSL, the other mill suppliers and growers to develop a suitable strategy that can be put in place from the 2017 season,” he said.

As mentioned above, Mackay Sugar will export 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar via QSL this season, with its economic interest sugar (around 150,000 tonnes) marketed via Queensland Commodity Services (QCS). Although marketed

through QCS, the economic interest sugar is still part of QSL’s Raw Sugar Supply Agreement and is passed through QSL’s financing, pricing, logistics, and quality systems.

Mackay Sugar’s cane supply to be boosted with farm purchase

Mackay Sugar entered into an agreement to acquire an additional 1000 hectares of cane land within the Mackay district under the farming entity, Racecourse Projects, comprising Mackay Sugar and Black River Asset Management, will acquire a portion of the Barnganal Farm from Mackay’s Borg family. The farm, which is situated in the Blue Mountains area inland of Macka), offers 140 hectares of established, irrigated cane land; but Racecourse Projects seeks to develop an additional 900 ha of cane land on the property over the next two years, which will ultimately deliver 85,000 tonnes of additional cane to Mackay Sugar’s mills.

This addition of extra land helps to keep Mackay Sugar’s plan on track to bring into production an extra 5000 hectares.

Water and electricityWater and electricity costs continue to

outstrip crop returns at a rate never seen before. Businesses have a budget range to operate in and the increased costs are leading to a reduction in irrigation applied. The Pioneer Valley and SunWater irrigation schemes both were utilised to about 30 per cent of the capacity available last year.

The result is a reduced benefit to future crop sizes. This is reflected upon milling through-put and the flow on effect further down the chain. To date, repeated presentations to the Government have failed to adjust the issue.

2015 SeasonEach year it is hoped that production can

get out of the current position that it is in. The increase in production for the 2014 season is five per cent above the 2013 production level of 70 tonnes per hectare. There have been two useful rain events so far this 2014 harvest. We are hoping for follow up rain to compliment the good start and help us ensure that gains in productivity can be achieved.

CENTRAL REGION 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSProserpine 1,632,000 77.6 14.67Mackay Sugar Mills

5,017,000 71.8 14.72

Plane Creek 1,215,000 73.4 15.18Central Region production: 7,864,000 tonnes


SECTION 2AREA ROUNDUP

This sect ion brought to you in

associat ion with

Southern Region

O By Michael Hetherington, ACFA Southern Region Director

WAY back in time some rain fell. And didn’t it fall in the Burnett and Mary River catchments. And then it stopped

raining. Period!This is how I remember the past 12 months.

Spring 2013 was a difficult time for planting sugarcane. Land preparation included pre-watering: never easy and inevitably resulting in an uneven strike. Rotation crops were under review as irrigation systems struggled to keep sugar cane growing. Many supplementary systems could only keep the crop alive without some natural rainfall. Peanuts under pivots grew well with record yields for some growers, in the sunny weather. Other blocks under travelling irrigators did not fare so well. Some herbicides failed on the hot dry soil surface and that leaves us wondering ‘what to do now?’

Marketing sugar has been a close relative of punting. Not for the lack of trying though. Huge effort has been put into QSL visits to the region to try to give credibility to marketing arrangements. The trick was the situation became the exact opposite of a few years back when wet weather prevented the production of predicted tonnes of sugar. This time it was, ‘will the drought affected crop be enough to fill the quantities in the marketing contracts?’ No one knew and the lowest recorded rainfall was making this an impossible call.

That’s correct, the lowest recorded rainfall! No extrapolation outside the graph was giving any certainty to the decision that could set off the chain reaction of not enough actual sugar. Most of us seem to have gotten through. No need to go to the races for a gambling fix this year. The caution built into the marketing arrangements seems to have been very sensible indeed.

Water and energy costsThe current Queensland State government

has given irrigators an option to move to Local Management. This investigation has been more than a year’s work but some solid possibilities have emerged in the last 12 months. Meetings between irrigators and the Interim Board have been held and, I believe, an honest set of results given. The trend of water pricing is, I suppose, inevitably upward. The Interim Board has worked to find ways to make the trend line a shallower slope.

A proposed ‘whole of system pricing’ has been accepted as the only way to keep the system alive. The unusual gathering of all irrigators has created some cross cultural


There are thousands of everyday people playing their part in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, including cane farmer Gerard Puglisi from Mossman.

Long term monitoring by the Australian Institute of Marine Science shows crown-of-thorns starfish are responsible for 42 per cent of coral loss since 1985. Fertiliser run off has been linked to more frequent outbreaks of the star fish. The Queensland Government is working with cane growers to reduce run-off and improve water quality through the $5.4 million best management practice programs.

Find out what is being done to protect the reef and the health of its precious ecosystem at www.reeffacts.qld.gov.au. Or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ReefFacts or www.twitter.com/reeffacts

Authorised by the Queensland Government, George Street, Brisbane

image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

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Keep an eye out for next week’s edition to find out more information about how the government is working to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

As a fourth generation cane farmer, I want to make sure I manage my land sustainably and keep soil, fertiliser and pesticides on my paddock—and not in the Great Barrier Reef.

Thanks to government support, I’ve been able to do this.

And these efforts are starting to pay off, with evidence showing water quality is improving.

By reducing my fertilizer run-off, I’m helping to prevent more frequent outbreaks of crown of thorns starfish, one of the biggest impacts on the reef.

I am proud to be working to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Gerard Puglisi cane farmer


benefits. All types of primary production are reliant on irrigation and a united effort to keep the system alive is a positive outcome. The Interim Board is well aware of the possibility of creating a stranded asset, and there in lies the hope of a better future.

Energy cost has overtaken water pricing as the major item on the irrigation problems list in the last six months. No amount of lobbying has seen a change in energy suppliers’ price paths. Low pressure irrigation systems are a must to avoid production cost runaways. Water efficiency will suffer, but when survival is the issue, a new system must be created.

Community action rocks!Hand picking up rocks and politics have been

linked by a series of events which illustrates how things ‘got done’ in the past year. Two years ago after the local Rural Fire Brigade meeting, the crew was discussing the untenable state of a couple of local roads. It was agreed that these two sections were unusable, and should be a higher priority than many of the feel good projects being undertaken.

The DRAG (Dangerous Road Action Group) group was formed. No one in particular was in charge. We just needed the road work done. One of the members of the Brigade did the footwork, collecting signatures. A public meeting with the Regional Council and the local Member of State Parliament and anyone

and everyone who was affected by the roads in question was held – just placards around the area and a small notice in the local paper.

The turn out by the ordinary folks was sufficient to initiate the work. It didn’t happen in 2012, but it did happen in 2013. People still stop me and say that these road works are a godsend. It’s pretty certain that DRAG had a bit to do with it. DRAG, a community gathering together with a common need. Our local Politicians are recorded as saying having DRAG gave them the ammunition to go to the Council and State and be heard. So having had some spoil from the road works dumped in a hollow in a paddock led to hand picking rocks and therefore a link back to local politics.

Over the last year, the sugar marketing and overall sugar industry situation has created a

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SECTION 2AREA ROUNDUP


associat ion with



necessary grouping up of the representational power of the cane farming sector. Many years ago a cane train went to Brisbane and rallies were held in the Roma Street forum. Although nothing like this happened last year huge amounts of representational work by ACFA has been going on. Many high profile members of Government have been coaxed out into the field with us farmer ordinaire types and sometimes, just sometimes, results can be seen. The whole of the grower side of the industry has become more united over the 12 months and this has not gone unnoticed in the great halls of Government in the South.

The drought of the past year has been a kind of purgatory for the Southern Region and to get it behind us will be the best thing for the future. And across the region the crop estimate is holding.

SOUTHERN REGION 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSBundaberg Sugar South

1,503,000 71.8 14.96

Isis 1,164,000 76.4 14.23Maryborough 608,000 60.4 14.71Rocky Point 232,000 65.0 14.83Southern Region production: 3,507,000 tonnes

NSW O By Robert Quirk, ACFA NSW Region Director

THE 2015 outlook for NSW is looking very positive with the crop looking excellent and potentially very large. What a

difference a year can make and good seasonal conditions always help.

For the last two harvest seasons both the farmers and the mills in NSW have struggled to make ends meet; now the ends may be coming together. The outlook for the 2015 season is the brightest we have seen for some time – weather permitting of course.

Those who saw the Landline program on NSW Sugar should have taken note of the positive attitude of the industry and the plans by the CEO to take us forward. The Co-Op is in a position to move cane between mills depending on the size of the crop in each district. This year cane is going from Condong to Broadwater (Richmond River). With a large crop anticipated for the Richmond for next year, some cane will probably travel to Condong for crushing in 2015.

BonsucroNSW Sugar is the only sugar in the world

that has had its total supply chain certified sustainable to a Bonsucro global standard. This includes the farms, the mills and the refinery.

We do have a major point of difference in that our sugar is Australian owned, grown, milled and refined and no profit in any part of the supply chain goes offshore. There are mills in Brazil that have been certified but their production and certification does not include growers; only mill-owned corporate farms.

Bonsucro’s acting GM visited Brisbane last month and ran a very good engagement with the Australian sugar cane industry, with most of the players in the industry represented.

Harvester trialsLast cane crushing season, the SRA

agricultural engineers ran some trials on harvester losses in our harvesting run and the results were staggering.

The harvester was running only the primary fan – the second extractor had been removed. The losses were 12.5 per cent of the crop going on the ground and this crop was only 75 t/ha – this meant the loss was about 10 tonnes of cane per hectare, or around $400 per hectare.

There was some resistance from the harvester crew, as they felt that the harvester would use more fuel and the dirt levels would also increase. Both turned out to be wrong: the harvester used much less fuel running the two extractors at a reduced speed and the dirt levels in the cane were also reduced – so much so, that the harvester has dirt levels of about 1 per cent now. The harvester crew are now the top advocates to put the second extractor back on the harvester, if anyone asks.

Condong varieties for 2014 seasonMost growers take advantage of the clean

seed plot at the mills in NSW with 21 varieties available for this year – these plots have been through a super-hot water treatment. Two new variety releases were available this year – Q248 and Q254. The stand out varieties this year are Q208, KQ228 and Q183.

The Agricultural Services committee in NSW has subsidised the price of cane from the clean seed plots and this has most certainly been reflected in the increase of farmer take up of clean seed. This can only go well for increases in productivity.

Growers are looking forward to a ‘normal season’ and a ‘normal crop’ for 2015, let’s hope the weather goes our way for a change.

NSW 2013 HARVEST SUMMARYMill area Tonnes Tonnes per

hectareAverage

CCSCondong 321,000 76.7 11.71Broadwater 558,000 91.5 11.97Harwood 422,000 92.3 12.08NSW production: 1,301,000 tonnes

THE FUTURE

25

THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH


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reduce nitrogen losses from your farm is a big plus. And that’s exactly what ENTEC urea is designed to do.

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The result: more efficient use of the nitrogen you’ve paid for – less waste – and, importantly for the environment, reduced leaching potential or loss into the atmosphere via ‘denitrification’.

Six year trial resultsIncitec Pivot Fertilsers (IPF) has released data

from six trials (seven cuts) conducted over the course of six years (each of one to two years length) in areas ranging from Ingham in Far North Queensland to Broadwater in Northern NSW.

The analysis of the pooled trial data predicts a statistically significant 9.1 per cent increase in cane yield and 7.7 per cent increase in sugar yield with the use of ENTEC over conventional,

untreated urea blends most commonly used by cane growers.

To show what this could mean financially, assumptions were made about sugar price and fertiliser costs to illustrate that the small additional investment in the treatment has the potential to result in a positive return (net of fertiliser cost) when compared with the control treated only with Urea.

IPF Technical Agronomist Rob Dwyer notes: “ENTEC works by stabilising the nitrogen in the soil, making it less prone to loss and more readily available to the plant when it needs it.

“Based on these trials, the best results can be expected during wetter seasons when there is heavy rainfall within six weeks of application and greatest risk of resulting nitrogen loss,”

Improved yield, reduced N losses and greater efficiency – all good!

AT A GLANCE…Trials of a more efficient and

environmentally friendly form of nitrogen have been underway for the past six years. The results obtained point to less nitrogen waste entering the environment, improved nutrient uptake and potential increased crop yield – this may well be the future of nitrogen application, particularly in reef catchment areas.

FIGURE 1: Fertiliser Uptake ENTEC versus traditional urea

FIGURE 2: Data suggests increase in yield with the use of ENTEC treated urea

Analytical methodology: The data from the series of six trials con-ducted between 2008 and 2013 were analysed to assess the impact of ENTEC treatment of urea on cane yield, CCS and sugar yield.

SECTION 3THE FUTUREThis sect ion brought to you in associat ion with


continues Rob. “But even on average, over a wide range of areas and wetter and drier seasons, ENTEC shows significant benefits.”

Mean raw sugar yield was 14.67 tonnes per hectare for conventional urea and 15.26 tonnes per hectare for ENTEC treated urea at equivalent nitrogen rates. As this data set had a wide range of cane yields (48–195 tonnes per hectare), data was normalised to % yield vs urea treatment eg. if cane yield was 100 tonnes per hectare with urea and 108 tonnes per hectare with ENTEC urea, then relative yields were 100 and 108 per cent respectively.

How does it work?ENTEC isn’t a ‘controlled release’ or ‘slow

release’ product and it’s not coated with a compound that physically delays or regulates release of the nitrogen.

Instead it uses a sophisticated treatment that works like a stabiliser – giving nitrogen fertiliser more staying power than normal urea blends, without ‘sealing off’ the nitrogen from the plant at times when it needs it most.

ENTEC stabilises applied ammonium nitrogen in the soil for a number of weeks after application. It does this by acting on the nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas) which use

ammonium as their preferred energy source.Working like a sleeping pill, ENTEC slows

down the bacteria in the soil that converts the ammonium (NH4+) form of nitrogen into the nitrate (NO3-) form. It does not reduce Nitrosomonas populations in the soil or leave harmful residues in soils or harvested crops.

As the stabilising effects diminish, the ammonium converts to nitrate nitrogen in the normal way. How long ENTEC is active in the soil is dependent on soil temperature and other soil conditions.

Nitrate is prone to loss by leaching beyond the root zone and it is also susceptible to ‘denitrification’ into the atmosphere under water logged conditions. By slowing down the conversion, the growing plant still has access to nitrogen in the ammonium form, but the majority of the nitrogen is not subject to the two key loss mechanisms. So with ENTEC, plants can get more of the nitrogen they need, as they need it in the growing cycle.

The net result: less nitrogen waste, improved nutrient uptake and potential increased crop yield.

For more information: See your local accredited ENTEC dealer or visit entecfertilisers.com.au O

The Agius family are among a growing number of cane growers starting to use Entec urea. When their adviser from Mackay Rural Supplies talked with them about the potential for productivity gains with an enhanced efficiency fertiliser, they decided to give it a go. And part way through their first season with ENTEC, they were already positive about its potential.

“We’re hoping for good yields this year, higher than last season, to show the benefits of

using ENTEC in the crop, but in terms of nitrogen efficiency it has definitely been worthwhile,” David Agius said. “The crop certainly looks healthy for this time of year. Interestingly, the late harvested cane which normally seems to run out of puff due to being fertilised so close to the wet season is still looking vigorous.”

“Next year we’ll use ENTEC again, and we’re also discussing a split nitrogen application using EASY N later in the season on some of the early harvested crops.”

Septimus district farmers David and Jeffery Agius, with Mackay Rural Supplies’ Ian Faulkner, in a crop of KQ228 Cane.


A CANE farmer has to have a very good reason to invest the extra effort in an additional application of fertiliser. Results

just in from a new trial give an indication of just how much the payback for that extra effort might be.

A replicated small-plot trial was carried out on duplex soil in a first ratoon crop of sugarcane near Sarina Queensland – a split application of N was applied:

O Urea up front for 60 per cent of the nitrogen; and,

O Followed by Easy N liquid fertiliser just before out-of hand stage for the remaining 40 per cent,This split application approach produced

significant cane and sugar yield increases over the most common single application treatments.

The associated potential for extra dollar earnings, even after the cost of fertiliser and a second application, is enough to make most growers sit up and take notice.

The results recorded in the split application trial showed differences in return per hectare of $210 and $447 when compared to a range of conventionally applied fertilisers – see Figure 1.

In evaluating results, IPF Technical Agronomist Rob Dwyer pointed out: “The split application fertiliser provided promising performance even considering the extended relatively dry conditions in which this trial took place. He also noted that while split application might not be right for every grower, “if you can do it, these results suggest you really need to consider it.”

If you want to find out more about the potential for use on your property, see your local fertiliser dealer. O


Is splitting fertiliser applications the way of the future for you?


FIGURE 1: Potential for more in growers’ pockets through split application

WHY WOULDN’T YOU LOOK AT SPLIT APPLICATION?

The main concerns growers voice about the innovative practice of split application of nitrogen fertiliser include:

O “There’s too much trash on the ground.”The stage at which side-dress or stool

splitting becomes impractical is exactly the time when a liquid fertiliser shines. A high analysis, liquid nitrogen fertiliser provides an easier, more practical way to get nitrogen through the trash and to the crop at the out-of-hand stage and to the plant at a critical stage in the growing cycle.

O “I don’t have the right equipment.”It’s surprisingly easy to get set up to apply

liquid fertiliser. For any grower with a high clearance boom spray, existing equipment can typically be used with only minor modifications. If a contractor is being used, the contractor is certain to have the right set-up.

O “It’s too much effort for who-knows-what return.”Split application is another task, but

the best way to approach it is to apply the nitrogen as ‘solid stream’ directed spray, to the base of the stool, through a separate nozzle/line/tank arrangement in the same pass as the routine out-of-hand herbicide application. Only the grower can decide if the extra work is warranted. But the potential return for that effort may no longer be a ‘who-knows-what’ question. With results from a head-to-head trial now showing significant potential yield upside for split application, it should be worthwhile for a lot more growers to give it a go.


SECTION 3

THE FUTUREThis sect ion


For any grower with a high clearance boom spray existing equipment can typically be used to apply liquid fertiliser with only minor modifications.

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PEPTIDES have been in the news of late for all the wrong reasons. They were cited in the report ‘Organised Crime and Drugs in

Sport’ as one of the notable substances being used by professional athletes in a number of sporting codes.

So what are they? It seems peptides are a small chain of amino acids that isn’t quite long enough to be considered a full protein. They are, in essence, the building blocks that create protein.

This can be useful in a couple of ways.Professional athletes want to heal quickly

and return to competition as soon as possible after an injury. Peptides will help the muscle or soft tissue in this rebuilding healing process.

They are also used during pre-season and other periods to build muscle mass.

Plants too want a stimulantPlants can often be in need of a lift or

growth stimulant – in particular a nitrogen lift – and again that is where peptides apparently come into play.

Nitrogen is a major limiting nutrient for plants. Root systems acquire nitrogen through uptake of nutrients such as nitrate from the soil. Some plants can also obtain nitrogen by establishing a root nodule symbiosis with N-fixing bacteria. Whatever the means to acquire nutrients, an investment of the plant is required in which root architecture is suitably adapted.

Plants integrate local and global nutrient cues to spend resources efficiently. In a recent issue of Science Magazine researcher Ryo Tabata and colleagues identified a peptide signalling mechanism by which the root locally senses N limitation in the soil, and communicates with the shoot. The shoot then signals back to the root to stimulate lateral root growth in regions with a high nitrate content to facilitate nitrate uptake.

Nitrate, or other sources of nitrogen, is not




Plants and players looking for a peptide pickup?

AT A GLANCE…Although a plant’s root system reaches

through the soil in search of nutrients, its search is not indiscriminate. So how do plants know where to seek out nutrients such as nitrogen? Researcher Ryo Tabata and colleagues have found a small peptide that delivers a signal involved in this process.

FIGURE 1: Sensing and responding to patchy nutrients

(A) Local N starvation inhibits lateral root growth and triggers production of CEP peptides; these are perceived in the shoot by LRR-RK receptors, leading to an unknown systemic signal X that can stimulate growth in high-N areas. (B) In legumes, local N supply triggers production of CLE peptides, which are perceived in the shoot by the CLV1 receptor, leading to an unknown systemic signal X that suppresses the formation of N-fixing root nodules. (C) A model of foraging behavior. Low nutrient concentration locally induces the production of a signal (peptide) that represses lateral root growth. In the shoot, the peptide induces production of a second signal (X) that stimulates lateral root growth in patches with high nutrient level, but cannot counteract the growth repression in lateral roots at low nutrient level. (N and P are example nutrients.) (Illustration: P. Huey/Science)

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K





evenly distributed in the soil environment. For optimal growth it is essential that a plant can respond in a systemic manner to its global N status – it needs to be able to locate and take up N.

Split root assays (see Figure1) have been pivotal in unravelling the mechanisms that regulate this systemic control of lateral root organ formation (lateral roots and nodules). In these studies, the plant’s root system is split into two and placed in separate compartments, where different nutrient levels can be applied. If conditions in compartment 1 induce a response in the root system in compartment 2, systemic communication through the shoot must have occurred.

It is interesting to consider that a peptide relay also controls rhizobium-induced nodulation in legumes (see the figure, panel B). When one split-root compartment contains a high (+N) and the other a low nitrate (−N) concentration, high nitrate is sensed and triggers repression of root nodule formation in both compartments.

Sensing other nutrientsThere is ample evidence that the

availability of multiple nutrients is assessed in plants and that their uptake systems interact with one another. Nitrate and phosphate levels

can both trigger local growth responses and are subject to systemic control. Other important nutrients, such as potassium and sulfur, are also sensed, and this information is integrated in the overall response of the plant to nutrient status.

The work shows that small-peptide signalling pathways play an important role in the process by which plants deal with trade-offs between nutrient demands. In addition, it suggests that plants use a general mechanism to compute multiple nutrient levels in the shoot and relay this information back to individual root tips. There, inhibition due to local nutrient deprivation might be balanced with activation signals that relay multiple global nutrient levels.

Such a modular design might help to achieve optimal root foraging architecture under competing nutrient demands (see the figure, panel C).

For more information: Science Vol. 346 17 October 2014 or www.sciencemag.org O

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INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

35

Australian production

ABOVE: The 2013 harvest saw Australian cane production return to levels not seen in five years and the industry looks forward to a continued recovery to ‘normal’ harvest tonnages.

BELOW: Another modest improvement on recent seasons saw Australian sugar production in 2013 remain well above the four million tonne mark.


Source: Queensland sugar mills, NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative, CJ Ord River Sugar Mill




SECTION 4INDUSTRY IN

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ABOVE: Over the past few seasons the ongoing push by various mills to bring more country into play has reversed a long decline in sugarcane area which now stands at well over 370,000 hectares.

BELOW: Dry growing conditions in some key areas and then untimely rain at harvest resulting in cane left in the field saw cane yields reduced but there was a significant improvement in sugar extracted.




World production

ABOVE: World sugar production is expected to remain flat at around 183 to 184 million tonnes in 2013–14 and 2014–15. Forecast higher sugar production for India, Thailand, Europe and Australia is expected to be partially offset by lower production in Brazil and China. Consumption on the other hand continues to rise.

BELOW: Although slightly down on their 2012–13 record crop, Brazil continues its production dominance.

Source: ABARE/FAO/USDA/FAS PSD

SOURCE: ABARES Ag Commodities Sep Qtr 2014


SECTION 4INDUSTRY IN

FIGURES

Major Importers: It’s fortunate that we are in close proximity to the still strongly growing Asian market and have a reputation for reliably producing and delivering high quality sugar. Fortunate because sugar as a commodity seems to be constantly overlooked when it comes to the recent plethora of Free Trade Agreements.

The international scene

World Sugar Price: The world indicator price for raw sugar is estimated to have averaged US17 cents a pound in 2013–14, compared with US18 cents a pound in 2012–13 and is forecast to fall further to average around US16 cents/lb in the coming season as production exceeds consumption for the fourth consecutive year. This is still comfortably above the average of US13.4 cents/ lb over the last decade.

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ABOVE: Australia is yet again ranked third in the world behind Brazil and Thailand In terms of exports by major sugar producers in 2013–14.

BELOW: Relatively low world sugar prices are expected to encourage consumption of sugar over alternative sweeteners. Imports will also rise to meet the growth in world population and incomes, particularly in China, India and Brazil.

NOTE: Includes exports of both raw and white sugar measured in raw sugar equivalents. SOURCE: USDA Sugar World Markets Trade May 2014

SOURCE: USDA Sugar World Markets Trade May 2014

2014

41

Don Murday Chairman

Don is a fourth generation cane farmer who began farming in 1981 and has been on the Australian Cane Farmers Board of Directors since 2002. Don runs a diversified enterprise, farming fruits such as papaya and cocoa along

with his main regime of sugar cane. Don’s cane farm supplies around 12,500 tonnes of cane each year to the Mossman Mill. Don is a director of the Mossman Sugar Company Limited and has completed a leadership diploma with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Don attended Brisbane Grammar School and Queensland Agricultural College in Gatton. Don is married to Debbie and they have three children. Phone: 0418 774 499

NORTHERN REGIONGerard Puglisi Northern Director & Deputy Chairman (Junior)

Gerard is the QSL Grower Representative Member for the Mossman Mill area, a director of Daintree Cocoa, Mossman Mill Bargaining Agent and the representative for agriculture on the Local Marine Advisory

Committee. He completed an apprenticeship as a boilermaker at the Mossman Central Mill and was a Field Officer at the Mulgrave Central Sugar Mill. Gerard is the founding Chairman of the Mossman Next Generation Group which concentrates on positive issues such as encouraging farmers to plant more cane, aiming to improve current farming practises and encouraging farmers to put proper succession plans in place. Gerard is also the Officer in charge of the ACFA’s young person’s program, Next Gen. Gerard and his wife Terese recently opened a farm tourism business in Mossman called ‘Sweet Farm Tours’. Phone: 0428 922 136

Michael Camilleri Northern Director

Michael joined the Australian Cane Farmers Board of Directors in March 2014. Michael is a second generation cane farmer who supplies South Johnstone Mill. Initially Michael began as a cane harvester before setting up Maalacan

Engineering to help his inventive brother realise his ideas. Today Michael lives on the same farm where he was born, and together with his wife Mary, they run their farm and engineering businesses. Michael has a keen interest in developing new farming practises and way in which to increase farm profitability. Soil health is also a topic Michael has great interest in, and is currently involved in a program that looks at applying worm juice to cane. Michael is a qualified boilmaker. Phone: 0419 738 702

HERBERT REGIONCarol Mackee Herbert Director

Carol and husband Lex farm in the Ingham district of north QLD. Carol is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an advanced diploma in Agribusiness Management. She has completed a

Woman in Business Leadership Course along with a Rural Leadership Course. Carol and Lex have a keen interest in sustainable sugar production and they also grow a range of bamboo varieties for different end-users. Carol is an active advocate to reduce rural debt. Phone: 0419 652 102

The Australian Cane Farmers AssociationORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE


SECTION 5AUSTRALIAN CANE FARMERS 2014This sect ion brought to you in associat ion with


BURDEKIN REGIONMargaret Menzel Burdekin Director

Margaret was born in Gordonvale, Far North Queensland and has a family history of cane farming. Margaret and husband Max settled first in Babinda and then on their cane and banana farm at Miriwinni until, in 1995,

they moved to farm in Ayr. Margaret has had extensive involvement with issues associated with the deregulation of the sugar industry. She has completed a variety of industry and business based courses to keep abreast of industry requirements and manage the farming enterprise. Margaret has been an ACFA Board member since 2007.Phone: 0407 779 700

CENTRAL REGIONSteve Fordyce Central Director

Steve is a fourth generation cane farmer supplying Mackay Sugar’s Marian Mill. Steve trained as a fitter and turner at Marian Mill before returning to the family farm. He has worked in the mines and worked in the USA in a future farmers

exchange program. Steve has since completed a degree in Agronomy and has recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Director’s ‘Foundations of Directorship’ course. Phone: 0408 883 907

SOUTHERN REGIONMichael Hetherington Southern Director

Michael and Kerry farm in the Farnsfield area near Childers. They bought the family farm in 1992, subsequently purchasing another couple of blocks and are currently expanding their sugar enterprise on leased land, supplying ISIS

Central Mill. Michael began contract harvesting in 2000 and has been the ACFA Southern Director since 2006. Michael is a keen supporter of programs which seek to tackle mental health issues in rural communities. Phone: 0403 012 501

NSW REGIONRobert Quirk NSW Director & Deputy Chairman (Senior)

Robert serves on the Board of Australian Cane Farmers representing NSW along with serving on the Board of Bonsucro, the global standard for sustainable sugarcane production. He has been growing sugar cane for over 50 years,

and is on the Executive for the NSW Cane Growers’ Association- Tweed branch. He has been involved in sugar and soil research for the last 15 years and has presented this research to many domestic and international forums. Robert won the National Carbon Cocky of the Year in 2014 for his work in understanding, implementing and achieving results in the management of land based carbon storage and carbon emission reductions.Phone: 0413 677 727

ACFA HEAD OFFICEStephen Ryan General Manager

Ph: 07 3839 1900Freecall: 1800 500 025Fax: 07 3839 1911Email: [email protected]

Amanda Sheppard Administration Officer

Ph: 07 3839 1900Freecall: 1800 500 025Fax: 07 3839 1911Email: [email protected]

Australian Cane Farmers Association LtdLevel 3, 447, Upper Edward StSpring Hill, Brisbane 4000

Postal address: GPO Box 608, Brisbane QLD 4001Phone: 07 3303 2020; 07 3839 1900Freecall: 1800 500 025Fax: 07 3303 2024; 07 3839 1911Email: [email protected]: www.acfa.com.au

SECTION 5AUSTRALIAN

CANE FARMERS 2014


associat ion with

THE past year has been illustrated by uncertainty over the future of sugar marketing. After a number of discussions

between growers and millers no resolution was reached with the formal recognition of Grower Economic Interest (GEI) being the sticking point.

Confusion over the meaning of GEI doesn’t help. GEI is not title: it is the basis for calculating a farmer’s cane price and the linkage between the farmer’s individual price for sugar and the farmer’s individual price for cane.

The industry defines economic interest as: O Grower Economic Interest sugar is raw sugar for which Growers, excluding those Growers who are Related Bodies Corporate of a mill, bear the price exposure under the cane supply or other agreements between the Supplier and the Grower.

O Mill Economic Interest sugar is the total of raw sugar that a mill produces for which the mill bears the price exposure. For the avoidance of doubt, this excludes any Raw Sugar for which a Grower (other than a Grower that is a Related Body Corporate of the mill) has the pricing exposure.ACFA holds that, in a deregulated

environment, farmers must have the right to assign the marketing and pricing of their GEI because their income is directly linked to the value of their Economic Interest.

The deregulation of sugar marketing has resulted in market power eroding farmers’ market position. There is a lack of competition for farmer’s cane and therefore a market imbalance in the industry, in favour of mills and

against growers. Farmers need regulation to address this market failure by countering the market power of regional mill monopolies.

Pro-competition regulation would increase competition in the market for sugarcane and would remedy the market power issues related to farmers having become captive suppliers of sugarcane to monopoly mill processors. This is consistent with the principles of National Competition Policy.

Both growers and mill owners have an economic interest in the raw sugar produced and this is defined in the longstanding cane payment arrangements where the price of sugarcane is directly linked to the price of sugar.

We are participating in the Qld Government’s investigation into competition concerns in the industry and the Senate inquiry, ‘Current and future arrangements for the marketing of Australian sugar.’

ACFA and Canegrowers have made a joint submission to the Agricultural Cabinet Committee and have jointly presented to the Committee on 10 September 2014. We are currently finalising arrangements for our approach to the Senate enquiry.

WeatherThe Australian sugarcane crop was affected

by the opposites of cyclones and floods in northern Qld, while southern Qld and NSW suffered from a crippling drought.

In April, Tropical Cyclone Ita crossed the Far North Queensland Coast near Cape Flattery as a Category 4. Ita’s intensity quickly weakened within hours of crossing the Queensland Coast, to a Cyclone Category 1.

Ita then moved in a south south-eastern direction from Cooktown, down the coast effecting populated areas including Mossman, Mulgrave, Mareeba, the Atherton Tablelands, Innisfail, Tully, Ingham, Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, Proserpine and Mackay.

Although many areas experienced some kind of flooding and lodged cane, the effects were thankfully far less than first feared.

Cyclone Ita was the strongest tropical cyclone to impact Queensland since the devastating Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

Water and energy pricesOn July 1, 2014, the Minister for Energy and

Water Supply, Mark McArdle MP, responded to a partition from Canegrowers, “That my department is working the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ergon Energy and the Queensland Farmers Federation to develop an initiative aimed at addressing the

Don Murday, Chairman.



Chairman’s report O By Don Murday – ACFA Chairman

rising costs of water and energy.” We look forward to the outcome of that process.

Water and energy prices have placed many irrigated cane farms under extreme financial pressure. We along with Canegrowers and other rural industries are keeping the pressure up on the Qld Government to remedy these unsustainable prices, which is essential for the Government to even begin to fulfil its policy to increase agricultural production.

Sugar Research AustraliaYellow Canopy syndrome (YCS) continues to

be found from Mackay to the Far North, so it was welcome news earlier in the year when SRA announced that they had invested nearly $4 million dollars to fund a three-year integrated research program as part of its ongoing resolve to identify and develop management strategies for YCS.

The three research projects funded by SRA and the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) started on July 1, 2014. Each project is investigating different aspects of YCS and collectively they are expected to provide complementary information and results that build our understanding of the condition.

The projects include ‘Solving the Sugarcane Yellow Canopy Syndrome’, ‘What biological factors cause or drive the development of YCS’ and ‘A novel polyphasic framework to resolve Yellow Canopy Syndrome Paradox’.

Another highlight for SRA this year was the launch of their Strategic Plan at the Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference in April. It was encouraging to see their eight key focus points, particularly SRA’s commitment to develop economically-feasible alternative products and uses for sugarcane.

Smartcane BMPIn December last year, I attended the

launch of Smartcane BMP in Mackay along with Canegrowers Chairman Paul Schembri, Environment and Heritage Protection Minister, Andrew Powell and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister, John McVeigh.

The program has brought farmers together under a common objective; demonstrating leadership and ownership of the issue of sustainable sugarcane farming, in order to minimise negative off-farm impacts, while focusing on profitability.

Work on practice improvement in the Australian sugar industry has been moving positively forward for decades. Individuals and groups have been doing great things for improved sustainability and water quality – this BMP program builds on that.

BMP accreditation also offers natural progression into global accreditation through Bonsucro, of which ACFA is a member. With global brands such as Coca Cola and Ferrero pledging to source 100 per cent sustainable

sugar by 2020, there is great opportunity for the Australian sugar industry to capitalise.

Since the launch of the Smartcane BMP, nearly 600 farms have registered, equating to a total farm area of over 90,000 hectares.

BonsucroAfter a two-year process, in which ACFA

Junior Deputy Chairman and North Qld Director Gerard Puglisi was heavily involved, the revised Bonsucro Production Standard was unanimously approved by its members. The Standard was published on 26th September and can be viewed at http://bonsucro.com/. Gerard was the sole farmer member of this global committee.

In August, we welcomed Bonsucro Interim General Manager/Head of Engagement Natasha Schwarzbach to Australia to host a meeting in Brisbane with representatives from mills, traders, farmers, researchers, banks, lawyers and auditors. Natasha provided us with an update on the latest developments at Bonsucro and gave the group the opportunity to discuss how to ensure we maintain a sustainable sugar industry here in Australia.

ACFA Senior Deputy Chairman and NSW Director Robert Quirk is a Farmer Director of Bonsucro and has a busy international schedule within the sustainable sugar space.

In October, Robert spoke at NCCARF’s (National Climate Change Adaption Research


SECTION 5AUSTRALIAN

CANE FARMERS 2014


associat ion with






















Facility) Climate Adaptation Conference on the Gold Coast on ‘How Long Can we Hold Back the Tide of Climate Change?’

As part of the Water-Rest-Shade campaign, Robert will be travelling to El Salvador with La Isla Foundation (a Nicaraguan-based NGO) and Solidaridad (a Dutch NGO) in October. These two organisations have together received a 3 million Euro grant to work toward eradicating chronic kidney disease that is prevalent amongst cane cutting communities in several Central American countries. It is suspected the disease is brought on by severe dehydration experienced in the brutal heat in which hand cane cutters work.

Robert will visit El Salvador a second time in January with Ayr cane farmer and champion cane cutter Paul Donnelly. Paul will demonstrate how to cut the same amount of cane with far less energy.

Robert will attend Bonsucro Week in Manilla in November 2014. As well as attending the Bonsucro Board meeting and AGM, Robert will take part in the week’s events, which include workshops, field trips and the Sustainability Awards ceremony.

Robert sits on the National Committee for Acid Sulfate Soils (NatCASS) and will meet with the group on November 26, 2014. NatCASS is one of the mechanisms by which the Australian, state and territory governments, research institutions and industry are working together

to address acid sulfate soil issues. NatCASS meets twice a year to share information and to work on implementing the National Strategy for the Management of Acid Sulfate Soils. Robert represents the farming sector.

Next GenThe Next Gen program, headed by ACFA

Director Gerard Puglisi, continues to go from strength to strength. The program continues to grow and be positively recognised within our industry as being a vital part of ensuring a sustainable Australian sugar industry.

This year Next Gen, through funding from Sugar Research Australia (SRA), has been able to host two fantastic projects for young people in the sugar industry.

The Leadership Program kicked off in December last year which attracted young farmers, millers, researchers and harvesters from all over QLD and NSW to Brisbane to participate in ‘Leadership Week’. In Brisbane, participants were given the opportunity to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors ‘Foundations of Directorship’ course. The group also heard from key industry leaders with whom they have since been holding regular meetings.

The Business Planning & Case Flow Management courses were held in six key sugar regions which gave the opportunity for young farmers and their partners to learn the skills required to run a successful farming business.

Looking forward, we are pleased that Case IH has once again come on board as the major sponsor for the bi-annual Next Gen Step UP! Conference. Case IH Step UP! 2015 will be held at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Palm Cove from March 16 to 18 next year and I encourage all members of the sugar industry to join the discussion on how to ensure our industry remains profitable. More information can be found at http://nextgenstepup.com/.

Director awardsI would like to take this opportunity to

congratulate ACFA’s Deputy Chair, Robert Quirk, on taking out the prestigious National Carbon Cocky of the Year award at the National Carbon Farming Conference and Expo in Canberra in March 2014. Robert is nothing short of a practise-change pioneer and his outstanding contribution to the sugar industry is undeniable.

I would also like to congratulate ACFA Director and Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, for being named a finalist in two of the country’s most reputable Awards; the Premier’s Sustainability award (Rural category) and the prestigious Australian Farmer of the Year awards in the Diversification category. For those of you who are unaware, Gerard grows both cane and cocoa on his Mossman farm and has recently further diversified by opening a farm tour business called Sweet Farm Tours.

I wish all stakeholders a successful conclusion to the 2014 season. O

MILLING & MARKETING

47


SECTION 6MILLING AND MARKETING

IN Australia there are approximately 4000 cane farming entities growing sugar cane on around 380,000 hectares annually,

supplying 24 mills, owned by seven separate milling companies. The vast majority of cane farms are owned by sole proprietors or family partnerships. The mill ownership structures are a combination of publicly owned entities, privately held companies limited by guarantee, and co-operatives.

Major productsThe industry’s major product is raw

crystal sugar, which is sold to refineries both domestically and abroad. Approximately 95 per cent of Australian sugar produced comes from Queensland with the balance from Northern New South Wales.

The Australian sugarcane industry is one of Australia’s largest and most important rural industries with sugarcane being Queensland’s largest agricultural crop. The industry directly employs about 16,000 people across the growing, harvesting, milling and transport sectors.

Up to 35 million tonnes of sugarcane is grown on about 380,000 hectares annually. This sugarcane crop can produce up to 4.5 million tonnes of raw sugar, one million tonnes of molasses and 10 million tonnes of bagasse annually. Approximately 85 per cent of the raw sugar produced in Queensland is exported, generating up to $2.0 billion in export earnings for Queensland. Production from the New South Wales sugar industry is refined and sold into the domestic market.

Green energySugar mills are self-sufficient in energy,

burning the sugar processing by-product bagasse, (which is a renewable fuel) to generate electricity and steam for factory operations. In addition, more than half of the electricity generated (400 GWh in 2012) is exported to the electricity network supporting electricity infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power generation. The use of renewable bagasse for the production of ‘green’ energy reduces the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 1.5 million tonnes annually.

The Australian Sugar Milling Council

The Milling Council’s purpose is to drive a profitable and sustainable sugar industry through dynamic industry leadership, strong and effective advocacy and creating new opportunities for the sugar industry. Milling Council staff work with our members, other industry organisations and government to enhance the commercial development and build the value of the sugar industry in Australia.

ASMC BoardThe Milling Council Board currently consists

of nine Directors including a Chairman and two Deputy Chairmen. Board members are nominated by our represented member companies.

Milling in the Australian sugar industry

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Quinton Hildebrand, (Mackay Sugar), ChairmanDick Camilleri, (Tully Sugar), Deputy ChairmanJohn Pratt, (Wilmar Sugar), Deputy ChairmanRussell Abotomey, (Wilmar Sugar)Mike Barry, (MSF Sugar Limited)Andrew Cappello, (Mackay Sugar)John Gorringe, (Isis Sugar)Ray Hatt, (Bundaberg Sugar)Bill Phillips-Turner, (Mossman Mill)

ASMC members

Bundaberg Sugar LtdChairman: Colin StittChief Executive Officer and ASMC Director: Ray HattMills: Millaquin, Bingera

It is more than 130 years since sugar cane was first grown in Queensland. During this time the companies which now form Bundaberg Sugar Ltd have played a major role in the development and prosperity of their local areas from the Atherton Tablelands in far north Queensland to Nambour in south east Queensland.

The company’s most significant growth period began in 1972, when the listed Fairymead Sugar Company Limited merged with Gibson & Howes Limited, and changed its name to Bundaberg Sugar Company Limited.

Today, Bundaberg Sugar’s operations include the Millaquin and Bingera sugar mills, the Bundaberg Refinery and packaging plant, Bundaberg Walkers Engineering and Bundaberg Molasses. In recent years substantial capital funds have been invested in upgrading plant equipment, increasing the capacity of Bundaberg Refinery and the Millaquin Mill.

Isis Central Sugar Mill Company LimitedChairman: Peter RussoChief Executive Officer and ASMC Director: John Gorringe

The Isis Central Sugar Mill is a locally-owned mill located in Childers. With over 115 years experience in the industry the company now crushes over 1.4 million tonnes in a season and has an annual turnover in excess of $90,000,000. Products include raw sugar that is marketed domestically and exported via QSL; molasses and electricity (made from renewable sugarcane bagasse). The company owns over 500 hectares of farming land and farming activities are also conducted on over 1500 hectares of leased land.

Mackay Sugar LimitedChairman: Andrew CappelloChief Executive Officer: Quinton HildebrandASMC Directors: Quinton Hildebrand, Andrew CappelloMills: Farleigh, Marian, Racecourse and Mossman

Mackay Sugar was formed as a co-operative in 1988 when five formerly independent milling

co-operatives in the Pioneer Valley merged and acquired Pleystowe Mill from the former CSR Limited. The need to be flexible and to maximise value-adding opportunities led shareholders to vote in favour of incorporating Mackay Sugar Limited to a restricted public company in 2008.

Mackay Sugar is among Australia’s largest sugarcane producing and sugar manufacturing companies. Raw sugar production averages 800,000 tonnes annually for both the domestic market and export distribution. It is also a 25 per cent owner in the sugar refining joint venture Sugar Australia Pty Ltd as well as the New Zealand Sugar Company Ltd with its partner Wilmar Sugar Australia. Combined, it is one of the largest refining operations in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2012, Mackay Sugar successfully acquired the raw sugar milling assets of Mossman Central Mill Co. Ltd.

Mackay Sugar’s 38 megawatt Racecourse Cogeneration Plant became fully operational in 2013. It produces enough renewable energy to power about 30 per cent of Mackay. The plant is also reducing Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 200,000 tonnes equivalent carbon dioxide each year.

MSF Sugar LimitedChairman: Isara VongkusolkitChief Executive Officer and ASMC Director: Mike BarryMills: Mulgrave, South Johnstone, Tableland, Maryborough

MSF is an integrated grower, processor, marketer and exporter of raw sugar based at Gordonvale just south of Cairns in Far North Queensland. Assets include four sugar mills, supporting infrastructure agricultural property and water rights to support cane growing activities. MSF also holds a major investment in Sugar Terminals Australia, the owner of six major port facilities in Queensland. The property portfolio of predominantly cane land comprises almost 5500 hectares in the Maryborough district and 8000 hectares in Far North Queensland.

MSF Sugar Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of Mitr Phol Sugar Corp. Ltd (Mitr Phol) of Thailand following a takeover completed in April 2012. Mitr Phol is one of the largest global producers in the sugar industry. In addition to its operations in Australia it also has major investments in both Thailand and China.

MSF Sugar started as a single milling operation based in Maryborough in 1886 and now has additional milling operations in Gordonvale, South Johnstone and the Atherton Tableland. This provides a total milling capacity of approximately 4.7 million tonnes of cane per annum.

ASMC Chairman Quinton Hildebrand.

SECTION 6MILLING AND

MARKETING


Tully Sugar LimitedChairman: Yu ZuojiangDeputy Chairman and ASMC Director: Dick CamilleriChief Executive Officer: Alick Osborne

Tully Sugar Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese agribusiness company COFCO. The company operates one of the largest sugar mills in Australia and also owns and operates a number of cane farms. Since 1998, in addition to meeting their own energy requirements, the company has been exporting 10 Megawatts of excess renewable energy into the Queensland electricity grid when our plant is operational

Wilmar Sugar Australia LimitedExecutive General Manager – North Queensland: John PrattGeneral Manager Operations: Mike McLeodASMC Directors: John Pratt, Russell AbotomeyMills: Macknade, Victoria, Invicta, Pioneer, Kalamia, Inkerman, Proserpine, Plane Creek

Wilmar Sugar Australia (WSA) is part of Wilmar International which is headquartered in Singapore. WSA is Australia’s leading sugar and renewable energy company. The company owns and operates eight raw sugar mills in Queensland and operates ethanol distilleries at Sarina and at Yarraville, Melbourne.

In a joint venture with Mackay Sugar Limited, it operates sugar refineries in Mackay and Yarraville.

Through the New Zealand Sugar Company Limited, also a joint venture with Mackay Sugar Limited, it operates a sugar refinery in Auckland, New Zealand.

Wilmar Sugar administers Australian Molasses Trading Pty Ltd. Other sugar-related activities include marketing ethanol, solvents and specialty chemicals; owning and operating sugarcane farms; and operating large-scale electricity cogeneration plants at Victoria, Invicta and Pioneer mills.

ASMC commentaryRenewable energy target

Australian Sugar Milling Council CEO, Dominic Nolan, has expressed great concern regarding reports that the Renewable Energy Target (RET) is under threat of being abolished.

“The Renewable Energy Target is critical for current and future investment in Australian sugar milling, providing a level of certainty and confidence, vital for the future prosperity of the industry”, Dominic said. “Australia exports

ASMC CEO Dominic Nolan

80 per cent of the raw sugar we produce and almost all sugar is priced openly on the global market; we live and die on our ability to compete internationally and our performance on cost of production”.

Significant wind back or removal of RET would put the Australian sugar industry at a disadvantage against international competitors who have major revenue sources through diversification supported by a positive government policy framework in renewables and other bio-products.

Dominic said “Sugar millers entered into the RET Review assured by government that the process would be impartial and transparent. But media reports indicate the RET is under threat, regardless of the evidence that the scheme is beneficial for consumers.”

All detailed publically released modelling, including the modelling commissioned by the Government’s own RET Review Panel, demonstrates that the RET has:

O A minor impact on household electricity bills; O Driven down wholesale electricity prices; and, O Will continue to drive down wholesale electricity prices, resulting in lower retail electricity prices compared with removing or reducing the RET.The Queensland Competition Authority’s

annual electricity price determination has clearly demonstrated that RET is only three to four per cent of household electricity bills in 2013 and 2014; and that price increases would have been higher over the past two years without the RET. In comparison, Government owned distribution

and network costs are around 47 per cent of the bill, and retail costs are around 23 per cent.

“Australian sugar mills have invested $300 million over the past five years, with more than $1 billion to invest in coming years – but only on the basis that there is a strong, credible Renewable Energy Target intact”, Dominic said.

“The RET was introduced and expanded with bipartisan support. Our investment brings accompanying regional development, industry security and a boost to regional economies.

We must return to clear and broad support to allow investment to continue and ensure genuine competition in the electricity market”.

Background O Australian sugar mills generate electricity and steam by combusting bagasse, the left over fibre from crushing sugarcane for raw sugar production. This is carbon neutral, as recognised under the Kyoto protocol.

O The industry has invested some $600 million since the scheme was introduced, with approximately 0.5 GW installed capacity, generating around 1,000 GWh per year, of which more than 500 GWh is exported to the grid.

O The sugar milling sector has identified an additional $1 billion in energy efficiency and cogeneration projects at existing mill sites, representing an additional 1 GW installed capacity in regional Australia, and around 8,500 GWh of additional export to the grid

Drawn from www.asmc.com.au O



WHEN I was approached to join this board, Alf Cristado and Ian Glasson assured me it would be pretty plain

sailing. How wrong they were!Right now, we are in the midst of the most

significant developments in sugar marketing since the industry was deregulated in 2006.

Over the years and certainly during my time on the Board, we have worked hard to find a balance between our members’ often different interests. We’ve sought outcomes that would benefit the whole of the industry whilst ensuring no individual member – grower or miller – is worse off. In economic parlance we’ve sought to grow the pie without changing how it is portioned.

Only last year, we got the industry to agree

to millers being able to market their economic interest. Unfortunately – even before this came into effect – Wilmar Sugar Trading decided it wasn’t enough. In apparent disregard for their growers’ preference and the overall interests of the industry, they want complete control of all of the sugar that passes through their mills.

As we’re all aware, Wilmar proposed a ‘joint marketing company’ and although this was rejected by their growers, they gave formal notice to QSL in May. Almost immediately, we felt the ramifications, with $1 million of additional financing costs imposed on our members, including growers and the smaller mills. Somewhat opportunistically Mitr Phol and COFCO soon followed.

QSL MARKETINGSugar marketing faces greatest challenges since deregulation

Mackay, Bundaberg and Isis have rolled over their supply agreement for the 2017 season, and we’ve commenced discussions with them on what QSL should look like beyond 2017.

QSL previously not outspokenTraditionally, QSL has not been outspoken

about industry developments as we are a company owned by both millers and growers and our purpose is to serve the interests of both. Indeed, we have worked hard to balance these often-conflicting interests. But when we believe that something jeopardises the long-term prosperity of the Queensland sugar industry or potentially disadvantages a substantial part of our membership, we feel a duty to speak out.

The reality is that cane farmers and millers cannot succeed without each other. Mills have a natural monopoly over 90 per cent of the cane and where it is crushed – given known technology there is no escaping this. Cane is very different to other agricultural products and markets.

Australia is a country that fosters and encourages competitive markets. Over the past few decades we have worked hard to deregulate them, and not without considerable pain and adjustment. This has been underpinned by a belief that markets are better at developing solutions, setting prices and managing supply and demand than Government and industry regulation.

So the purpose of deregulation has been to dismantle artificial monopolies. The purpose of deregulation was not to allow private monopolies to replace statutory monopolies. Indeed, when State-owned monopolies have been privatised, they invariably have had controls put in place to ensure competitive arrangements exist.

Growers support QSL modelGrowers have told us that they support the

QSL model, as it has drawn a line between cane milling and raw sugar marketing. With QSL, the marketing, pricing and funding of the sugar that growers are economically exposed to has been done by a company they have 50 per cent ownership and control of.

We are now faced with a situation where three milling companies are using their cane milling monopolies to force growers to use them to also market and price their raw sugar exposure. Growers have been very clear that they have major concerns about potential conflicts of interest and transparency in Wilmar’s proposed model. And it remains unclear how Mitr Phol and COFCO will price their grower’s economic exposure to sugar.

What these three milling companies are doing has parallels to employees and their superannuation. It is akin to saying that because I’m paying your contributions, you must use my Superannuation fund. As we know, super choice legislation was introduced almost a decade ago which gives employees the right to choose where they will invest their superannuation.

Competitive model that offers choiceAt QSL, we believe the best outcome is not

to revert to the past but to progress to the introduction of a competitive arrangement where growers can choose who markets their economic exposure. This would provide competition, allow markets to appropriate value along the supply chain, mitigate risk, encourage innovation and deliver the fairest outcome for all. So QSL welcomes the Queensland Government, the Federal Senate and the ACCC’s investigations.

Let me be clear, QSL is not advocating a return to a single-desk. What is required is modern legislation that opens the marketing, pricing and funding of raw sugar to competition. QSL welcomes having to evolve into an organisation that has to compete for the right to market growers’ economic interest in sugar. If Wilmar Sugar Trading, Mitr Phol and COFCO believe they have a better proposition for growers, then they too should welcome a competitive environment.

There is a lot at stake here. Only with a real say in their future will growers have the confidence to continue to invest in this industry, in which they have over $12 billion of capital invested, and which each year generates around $1.5 billion of export revenue. Notwithstanding our different positions, I do want to emphasise that over the next three years of the RSSA, QSL remains committed to serving the best interests of all participants.

We are absolutely committed to maintaining professional relationships and the highest service levels to all parties. This means retaining our talent and continuing to provide and further develop a range of services and pricing options – and all this with a focus on efficiency, low cost and transparency.

As a not-for-profit, tax-free “pass through” organisation owned by our members, all revenues are returned to our members. Our driving force is and always will be to obtain the best returns for you.

Drawn from Chairman’s Address - 2014 QSL Annual General Meeting delivered by Mike Carroll, October 20, 2014. O


SECTION 6MILLING AND

MARKETING

ABOUT QSLA leader in raw sugar marketing, QSL

(Queensland Sugar Limited) has built an excellent reputation for quality, service and innovation in the global sugar market. QSL is responsible for the majority of Australian raw sugar exports and works on behalf of Australian sugar millers and growers to build sustainable business partnerships with sugar refiners in the Asia-Pacific region. QSL serves the interests of growers and miller for the long-term prosperity of the Queensland sugar industry.

QSL Chairman Mike Carroll



Marketing and terminals

Queensland Sugar Ltd

HEAD OFFICELevel 14, 348 Edward StreetBrisbane QLD 4001

POSTAL ADDRESSGPO Box 891, Brisbane QLD 4001Ph: 07 3004 4400 Fax: 07 3004 4499E: [email protected]

Sugar Terminals Ltd

HEAD OFFICELevel 3, 348 Edward StreetBrisbane QLD 4001

POSTAL ADDRESSGPO Box 945, Brisbane QLD 4001Ph: 07 3221 7017 Fax: 07 3221 5593E: [email protected]: www.sugarterminals.com.au

BULK SUGAR TERMINALS

Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville Mackay, Bundaberg

MillingAustralian Sugar Milling Council

HEAD OFFICEIBM BuildingLevel 3/348 Edward Streeet,Brisbane QLD 4000

POSTAL ADDRESSGPO Box 945, Brisbane QLD 4001Ph: 07 3231 5000 Fax: 07 3229 2113Website: www.asmc.com.au

RefiningSugar Australia

HEAD OFFICEPO Box 80, Yarraville, VIC 3013Ph: 03 9283 4558

Wilmar Sugar Australia

HEAD OFFICEWilmar Sugar AustraliaPO Box 642Townsville QLD 4810Ph: 07 4755 1972Fax: 07 4724 5715

Mackay SugarCORPORATE OFFICE

Mackay Sugar LtdPO Box 5720, Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741Ph: 07 4953 8200 Fax: 07 4953 8340Email: [email protected]: new.mkysugar.com.au

NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative

CORPORATE OFFICE NSW Sugar Milling Coop LtdMain Street, Ballina NSW 2478Ph: 02 6681 2700 Fax: 02 6681 2799Website: www.nswsugar.com.au

HARWOOD REFINERYHarwood Island NSW 2464Ph: 02 6640 0400 Fax: 02 6646 4550Email: [email protected]

RESEARCH & EXTENSION

55

COMMENTSugar Research Australia’s (SRA) first year

of operation saw considerable changes and

achievements.


SECTION 7RESEARCH & EXTENSION

SUGAR Research Australia’s (SRA) first year of

operations was one in which considerable achievements were made. I acknowledge the support and engagement that our members, industry representative bodies and wider stakeholders

provided during the year, and which helped SRA to accomplish these successes.

Driving the Australian sugar industry RD&E agenda

A large-scale consultation program – that ran from Ballina to Gordonvale – invited the entire industry to put forward their perspective on the opportunities, challenges and RD&E priorities that SRA should pursue during the next five years.

This participatory planning process provided SRA with a thorough understanding of the issues and difficulties facing our members, and the main RD&E areas that industry and government wanted us to focus on.

From this planning process, SRA’s 2013/14–2017/18 Strategic Plan was developed. The plan centres on eight Key Focus Areas (see Figure 1) that will guide our RD&E investment over the next five years to enable SRA to contribute to these broader industry outcomes:

O Improving production efficiency, increasing profitability and ensuring sustainability

O Accelerating the transfer of research and development into practice

O Forging stronger relationships and collaborations with industry and RD&E organisations.

Inviting levy payers to have their say in their industry-owned company

Over 50 per cent of grower levy payers and all milling groups joined up to become SRA members this year, and are now directly

Sugar Research Australia – A year of achievement

O By Mr Paul Wright AM, Chairman, Sugar Research Australia

Paul Wright AM, Chairman, Sugar Research Australia.

The SRA Board and Neil Fisher, CEO SRA (second right), listen to Glen Park, Principal Technician SRA (right), and Lawrence Di Bella, Manager HCPSL (left), discuss the SRA agronomy trial at Macknade that looks at difference methods of farming systems applied to clay soils and multi-clonal farming systems.

Laura Donnan, Senior Technician SRA, discusses with Neil Fisher how near-infrared spectroscopic calibrations are developed and maintained in the laboratory for major and trace nutrients of mill by-products.

SRA working with the NSW sugar industry in Ballina, in the first of nine regional workshops held as part of the strategic planning consultation process.

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involved in driving the strategic direction of their industry-owned company.

Our members are ably supported by our grower and miller delegates with representatives in each mill area or mill group, with the exception of the Tablelands. Delegates are our go-to people on a range of SRA-related matters and they connect us directly to our members. This connection is critical in allowing us to better deliver targeted RD&E services to make a difference on the farm and in the mill. The delegates met for the first time in May and will continue to meet at least once a year.

Investing for a productive, profitable and sustainable Australian sugar industry

The SRA research investment process has been built to provide a competitive, independent and unbiased assessment of research project submissions. An increased focus

on industry benefit and competitiveness is a key driver of the process that is overseen by the independent, skills-based Research Funding Panel, a committee of the SRA Board.

The revenue that supports our research investment program comes primarily from the Sugarcane Levy – 70 cents per tonne of cane (with grower and milling businesses each contributing 35 cents per tonne of cane), matching Commonwealth Government R&D funds and Queensland Government grant funding through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Together these revenue sources permitted a contestable research investment of $14.1 million during the 2013–14 financial year.

Our first project call was completed earlier this year with the acceptance of 22 new research projects and one postgraduate

FIGURE 1: Key focus areas for RD&E investment



scholarship. Our second project call, announced in September 2014 is also expected to bring a range of new and innovative research ideas that deliver value to our industry in the year ahead.

The largest-ever single investment in any research project was made this year with $4 million from reserves invested in a three-year integrated research program that continues the efforts to identify the causes of, and develop management strategies for Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS).

Major investment continued to be made in development programs carried out by our own team of plant breeders, entomologists and plant pathologists. This work – conducted at our nine research stations and on commercial farms – underpins the profitability and sustainability of industry, and supports the analytical requirements of our multidisciplinary teams and collaborative research projects.

As well as managing our members’ and stakeholders’ investment wisely and essential to cementing a solid future for industry is the creation of a network of innovative young leaders across research, growing and milling. We pushed this agenda by supporting the Next Gen Program as well as developing our own Young Participants Forum, the members of which were invited to put forward their view of industry priorities during the consultation program.

We also continued to nurture the future thought leaders of our industry by investing in capability through scholarships, travel and workshop funding, and early- and mid-career research awards.

The year aheadIn 2015 SRA will focus on three main

challenges: O Identifying YCS: YCS exists in cane-growing communities that produce over 80 per cent of Australia’s sugar. The three-year investment program which began in July 2014 will continue to be closely monitored by the independent Scientific Reference Panel – appointed as part of the initial one-year research project ‘Solving the Sugarcane Yellow Canopy Syndrome’ – to ensure that the research effort remains focused and outcomes are communicated to SRA members and levy payers.

O Maximising adoption: Ensuring that research findings are broadly adopted by industry is fundamental to obtaining the full value of the financial investment SRA makes in R&D. SRA will implement a new model to enhance adoption rates and ultimately improve the production, profitability and sustainability of our members’ growing and milling businesses.

O Improved germplasm and new planting technologies: Significant improvements in production can be made through the development of new varieties with a drastic change in a current trait or a novel trait, and rapid deployment of the material. The SRA Board will consider how a range of activities in this field – including the introgression of wild germplasm, the use of molecular markers to improve the accuracy of selection, and new bulking and planting technologies – can deliver varieties that are well suited to our diverse growing conditions. These technologies will enable varieties to be delivered, to market, faster.The future for RD&E in sugarcane is exciting.

I look forward to working with our members to ensure that every dollar counts, and is invested wisely to produce knowledge and practices that can be adopted on-farm and in the mill. O

SRA’s Heidi Clements, Principal Technician, Herbert Plant Breeding Program (centre), and Roderick Fletcher, Development Officer Varieties (second right), take questions about new varieties for the Herbert region at the Quabba RVT Site.



SUGAR Research Australia (SRA) is committed to undertaking cross-sectoral collaboration and continuing to invest in

leveraged research activities with other IOCs and research and development corporations (RDCs) to benefit both the Australian sugar industry and the broader Australian community. These collaborations, which take many different forms and vary widely in scale, are an important way to achieve greater outcomes from investments than would otherwise have been achieved alone. The improved communication and coordination within these activities helps to better disseminate R&D activities and outcomes across different industries and improves the prospects of future collaboration.

Cross-sectoral R&DSRA currently invests in and collaborates on

cross-sectoral R&D in the strategy areas outlined below within the National Primary Industries RD&E Framework. SRA participates in these strategies as an investor, participant, program manager and/or steering committee member.

Biofuels and bioenergyThis strategy acts as a forum to provide

opportunities for collaboration and communication, encourage knowledge sharing and resource efficiency, lead appropriate R&D activities and update the national RD&E strategy and priorities.

Climate change research strategy for primary industries

This strategy aims to prioritise and direct research funds on priority climate change

research, identify key research organisations and research capacity, collaborate broadly to conduct R&D activities and to communicate with government and policy makers on climate change issues.

Managing climate variabilityThis program funds research into climate

forecasting tools and supports knowledge and communication activities to increase the understanding and uptake of climate-related opportunities that benefit agriculture and Australia’s natural resources.

Water use in agricultureThis strategy aims to achieve world-leading

farm water productivity within Australian agriculture, while enhancing environmental and social sustainability and maximising RD&E benefits.

Plant biosecurityThis strategy is led by Plant Health Australia

with the goal of protecting Australia from the negative effects of plant pests, sustaining food supply quality and supporting long-term sustainable production practices.

SoilsThis national strategy aims to improve soil

management to increase productivity and profitability, enhance soil mapping, develop better ways to manage soils and soil constraints, and grow the understanding of the role of soils in natural ecosystems.

Occupational health and safety (investment finished on June 30, 2014)

This partnership seeks to improve knowledge about the physical and mental health of farming and fishing families, and the safety, environment and work practices in these industries. Other research activities that fit within the cross-sectoral investment theme include participation within the:

National working party for pesticide application

This working party is a forum to assist with understanding Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) policies, provision of practical risk management advice, and the facilitation of targeted research in areas such as managing pesticide spray drift and downwind buffers.

SRA cross-sectoral R&D and research collaborations

Soil testing assists in the development of management systems to increase productivity.

Improved access to Agvet chemicals for agricultural industries

This program aims to determine priorities for chemical access and develop frameworks to specific case studies to quantify industry benefits. It also seeks to develop measures to understand industry reliance on chemicals and enable comparisons across different primary industries.

Research collaborations

UQ is a recipient of SRA research funding. Ranked among the top 100 research institutions in the world, UQ is renowned for its expertise in plant biotechnology, including metabolic network and genetic analyses.

The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), formed as a strategic alliance between UQ and the Queensland Government, is an internationally recognised agriculture and food research institute providing excellence in research and development. Its mission is to significantly improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of tropical and subtropical food, fibre and agribusiness industries.

QUT is a major recipient of SRA research funding and also functions as a collaborator for some aspects of SRA research. The QUT expertise is based in Brisbane at the Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities (CTCB) and typical research activities include areas such as sugarcane milling, supply chain logistics, process modelling and optimisation, sugar process chemistry and diversification options.

The QUT group also has a number of sugar industry-sponsored postgraduate students who are working on projects focused on aspects of engineering, industry by-products, alternative processing methods and process chemistry.

USQ is a major recipient of SRA research funding and also functions as a collaborator for some aspects of SRA research. The USQ expertise is gained from its Institute for Agriculture and the Environment.

The institute conducts world-class research in climate science, irrigated agriculture, and engineering in agriculture that works across disciplines to develop agricultural production systems for the future.

The institute draws upon two decades of pioneering applied research in irrigation and precision agriculture done by USQ’s climate science and plant pathology groups and the NCEA.

The International Consortium of Sugarcane Biotechnology (ICSB)

ICSB is a non-incorporated 24-year-old affiliation of 19 sugarcane research organisations in 16 countries, founded for collaboratively developing and sharing molecular biology data and technologies on sugarcane.

ICSB has funded 31 research grants to develop new molecular tools to solve specific sugarcane problems. This accumulation of knowledge and technology has contributed to the development of more efficient strategies for identifying and cloning genes of interest to be used for germplasm improvement and for complete genome sequencing. This will allow breeding programs to use mapped markers to select parents and progeny for specific traits.

SRA also collaborates with many sugar-related research institutes throughout the world.

We have variety exchange agreements with most of the major sugarcane plant-breeding organisations in countries such as Brazil, Guatemala, the United States of America, China, Japan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

The joint biosecurity R&D projects that we deliver with the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute and Ramu Agri-Industries in Papua New Guinea are vital to improving the capacity of the Australian industry to respond to new incursions of pests and diseases. O



Sisters Dr Cheryl McCarthy and Dr Alison McCarthy are both USQ mechatronic research engineers in the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA).



SPEAKING with ABC Rural recently, Australia’s Chief Scientist Ian Chubb said agriculture will begin to lose productivity

unless it puts science back at the heart of research and development.

Professor Ian Chubb has urged governments and business to develop a clear strategy for scientific research to keep ahead of overseas competitors.

He says agriculture can’t afford to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude towards research.

“It seems to me to be little point in having great aspirations for agricultural produce and exports as a part of trade agreements unless we can also make sure that we have the scientific base pinned down to provide that capacity, to meet those obligations under those trade agreements.”

Professor Chubb wants to see science linked with the aspirations of business to develop a sustainable and strategic future for agricultural industries.

More strategic about how we invest in science

“We should be much more strategic about how we invest in the scientific base in the country and we should align that scientific base to some of the things that are particularly important to Australia,” he said.

Agriculture is one beneficiary of scientific research and Professor Chubb says it is missing the benefits of scientific breakthroughs.

“There will be people who work on plants and agricultural product who studied molecular

biology at university. They’ll have done genetics or chemistry or physics because of GPS systems and their role these days in modern farming.

“So what we’ve got to try to do is see the whole, not just little bits of it.”

Professor Chubb says Australia will only be able to meet its obligation as an exporter of premium products if it is prepared to accept the cost of adapting to changes in the environment.

He says there are questions for scientific investment that cannot be overlooked:

O “How are we going to adapt our agricultural produce to shifting rainfall patterns?”

O “How are we going to adjust to increased salinity of arable soils?” or,

O “How are we going to adjust to the fact that as our populations grow and our cities grow, then their footprint will intrude into productive agricultural land?”“How are we going to do all of that? Well,

we’re not going to be able to do any of that unless we invest in the science that’s required to give the answers that are clearly problems for the future.”

Professor Chubb says governments business and universities should know where they are investing in their resources, so everyone can take a share of the rewards.

“I can’t tell you right now whether we do invest enough. I couldn’t possibly say to you that we don’t invest enough.

“What I can say to you is that we should know and we should find out.” O

Agriculture can’t afford to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude towards research

Australia’s Chief Scientist Ian Chubb.

THE work of two University of Southern Queensland (USQ) researchers has the potential to deliver big benefits across the

Australian agricultural industry… and that’s not the only thing they have in common.

Sisters Dr Cheryl McCarthy and Dr Alison McCarthy are both USQ mechatronic research engineers in the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA); and now both have been recognised as being among the state’s brightest minds.

The Queensland Government has announced the successful recipients of the extremely competitive Accelerate Fellowships (part of the Accelerate Queensland Science and Innovation Program).

Cheryl McCarthy was awarded a mid-career fellowship, valued at $300,000 over three years, for her research project RPAS (UAV) automated surveillance of crop hotspots for improved management.

Alison McCarthy received an early career fellowship, valued at $180,000 over three years, for her project Improving horticulture irrigation and fertiliser application using real-time, adaptive control.

The fellowships are designed to boost innovation within Queensland’s research sector in a bid to secure future economic growth and prosperity.

Spotting crop hotspotsCheryl said the fellowship would help her

develop technology that makes real-time information about unhealthy crop hotspots more accessible to farmers.

“Insufficient sampling for diseases or pests in crops can lead to misdiagnosis of the presence or level of infestation in a field, or uniform application of pesticide in a field where infestation is not distributed uniformly,” she said.

USQ research sisters – the future is on-farm robotics and intelligent automation



Cheryl McCarthy is using a UAV to identify crop hot spots.

“Similarly, field conditions, including crop growth, water stress and weed coverage, vary spatially and require frequent monitoring to optimise management.

“The cost of weeds to Australian farmers is estimated at between $2 and $4 billion each year, and yield losses ranging from 25-100 percent can result from grain crop diseases.

“My technology will couple rapid, field-scale data collection from a RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system, also known as drones) with automated image analysis to target farming inputs.

“This will increase on-farm productivity and reduce use of inputs including herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers by timely identification of spatially-variable crop requirements.

“The additional funding from the fellowship will allow to me to collaborate with more organisations with expertise in this field and develop this technology further.”

Site specific irrigation and fertiliser application

Alison said the fellowship was a welcome funding boost that would also allow her to expand her research.

“My research is to develop an adaptive control system that will enable site-specific irrigation and fertiliser application,” she said.

“Recent field trials have shown significant water savings and yield improvements and now this fellowship will allow me to broaden my work and develop this technology for use within the horticulture industry.

“Horticulture accounts for more than $2 billion of Queensland’s irrigated agricultural production, yet irrigation and fertiliser use inefficiencies and labour shortages are

increasingly limiting production and threatening the industry’s viability.

Potential to benefit all irrigatorsAlison said her work had the potential to

benefit all irrigated growers.“My research has demonstrated 12 percent

water savings and 10 percent improvements in yield through control of surface and centre pivot irrigation systems using adaptive control, and weather, soil moisture and plant growth measurements,” she said.

“My vision is one of fully autonomous irrigation, where the system automatically adjusts the watering schedule from soil-water and plant response measurements.

“This system would improve sustainability and productivity through the precise application of irrigation water where and when it is required.

“This technology will enhance the agricultural industry’s workforce through improved understanding of sensor use, irrigation tools and automation technologies for improved water use efficiency.

“The future of agricultural technology is in on-farm robotics and intelligent automation. Our research is actively building towards that vision.”

The fellowships encourage collaboration between universities and industry. Dr Cheryl McCarthy’s project is in partnership with the University of New England and V-TOL Aerospace and Dr Alison McCarthy’s project will collaborate with Landcare Research New Zealand and Growcom.

Both researchers acknowledged the support of the Queensland Government as an excellent opportunity to continue their respective research projects.

For more information about USQ’s National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA) visit www.usq.edu.au/ncea O



Alison McCarthy is working on site specific irrigation and fertiliser application.

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R&D organisations contact details

ASSCTAustralian Society of Sugar Cane

Technologists: Secretariat

POSTAL ADDRESSPO Box 5596Mackay Mail Centre QLD 4741Ph: 07 4954 3956Fx: 07 4954 3956E: [email protected]: www.assct.com.au

SRA

HEAD OFFICESugar Research Australia(50 Meiers Road), PO Box 86Indooroopilly QLD 4068Ph: 07 3331 3333Fax: 07 3871 0383E: [email protected]: www.sugarresearch.com.au

Cane Productivity & Sugar Services

BundabergPh: 07 4151 2555

BurdekinPh: 07 4783 1101

HerbertPh: 07 4776 5660

Innisfail BabindaPh: 07 4063 2230 (innisfail)Ph: 07 4067 1266 (Babinda)

IsisPh: 07 4126 1444

MackayPh: 07 4963 6830

MaryboroughPh: 0408 740 891

MossmanPh: 07 4098 2286

MulgravePh: 07 4043 3333

NSWBroadwater

Ph: 02 6620 8257Condong

Ph: 02 6670 1745Harwood

Ph: 02 6640 0479

Plane CreekPh: 07 4956 1488

ProserpinePh: 07 4945 0513

Rocky PointPh: 07 5546 1481

TablelandPh: 07 4092 7549

TullyPh: 07 4088 0706 O




INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

Peak bodiesAustralian Cane

Farmers Association

HEAD OFFICELevel 3, 447, Upper Edward StSpring Hill, Brisbane 4000GPO Box 608, Brisbane QLD 4001Ph: 07 3839 1900Freecall: 1800 500 025Fax: 07 3839 1911

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairman

Don Murday (Northern Region)Ph: 0418 774 499

Directors Gerard Puglisi (Northern Region) Ph: 0428 988 136 Michael Camilleri (Northern Region) Ph: 0419 738 702

Carol Mackee (Herbert Region) Ph: 07 4777 4957

Margaret Menzel (Burdekin Region) Ph: 0407 779 700

Steve Fordyce (Central Region) Ph: 0408 883 907

Michael Hetherington (Southern Region) Ph: 0403 012 501

Robert Quirk (NSW Region) Ph: 0413 677 727

EXECUTIVE TEAMGeneral Manager: Stephen Ryan

Administration Officer: Amanda Sheppard

CANEGROWERS

AUSTRALIAN OFFICECanegrowers Building Level 6, 190 Edward Street, Brisbane GPO Box 1032 Brisbane QLD 4000Ph: 07 3864 6444, Fax: 07 3864 6429E: [email protected]

STATE OFFICESNew South Wales

NSW Canegrowers Association51 Richmond StreetPO Box 27 Wardell NSW 2477Ph: 02 6683 4205Fax: 02 6672 6031

Queensland Queensland Canegrowers OrganisationCanegrowers BuildingGPO Box 1032Level 6, 190 Edward StreetBrisbane QLD 4000Ph: 07 3864 6444Fax: 07 3864 6429E: [email protected]

ChairmanPaul Schembri Ph: 07 4959 8237

Senior Vice ChairmanAllan Dingle Ph: 07 4156 1118

Vice ChairmanSteve GuazzoPh: 07 4776 2788

STAFFExecutive Team

Brendan Stewart, Chief Executive Officer Ron Mullins, Chief Operating Officer Jodie Mittelheuser Chief Financial Officer

CommunicationsSuzi Moore

Policy Burn Ashburner – Economics & IndustryWarren Males – EconomicsMatt Kealley – Environment

Information Technology Arthur Ponting – Information Technology & Telecommunications

REGIONAL OFFICESNORTHERN

MossmanCentenary BuildingShop 1, Front St (PO Box 789)Mossman QLD 4873Ph: 07 4098 2377Fax: 07 4098 3567

Tableland Shop 11B/94 Byrnes Street (PO Box 1359)Mareeba QLD 4880Ph: 07 4092 6065Fax: 07 4092 5857

Mulgrave29 Norman Street (PO Box 514)Gordonvale QLD 4865Ph: 07 4056 1251Fax: 07 4056 3669

Babinda87 Munro Street (PO Box 169)Babinda Qld 4861Ph: 07 4067 1313Fax: 07 4067 1775

InnisfailPO Box 67Mourilyan QLD 4860Ph: 07 4063 2477Fax: 07 4063 2488

Tully59 Butler Street (PO Box 514)Tully QLD 4854Ph: 07 4068 4900Fax: 07 4068 2351

Herbert River 11-13 Lannercost Street (PO Box 410)Ingham QLD 4850Ph: 07 4776 5350Fax: 07 4776 5380

Ayr141 Young Street (PO Box 933)Ayr QLD 4807Ph: 07 4790 3600Fax: 07 4783 4914

Home Hill68 Tenth StreetHome Hill QLD 4806Ph: 07 4782 1922Fax: 07 4782 2518


CENTRALProserpine

88 Main Street (PO Box 374)Proserpine QLD 4800Ph: 07 4945 1844Fax: 07 4945 2721

Mackay120 Wood Street (PO Box 117)Mackay QLD 4740Ph: 07 4944 2600Fax: 07 4944 2611

SOUTHERNBundaberg

32 Bourbong Street (PO Box 953)Bundaberg QLD 4670Ph: 07 4151 2555Fax: 07 4153 1986

Isis/Childers48 Churchill Street (PO Box 95)Childers QLD 4660Ph: 07 4126 1444Fax: 07 4126 1902

Maryborough106 Bazaar Street (PO Box 172)Maryborough QLD 4650Ph: 07 4121 4441Fax: 07 4121 6115

Rocky Point1214 Stapylton/Jacobs Well RoadWoongoolba QLD 4207Ph: 07 5546 1481Fax: 07 5546 1481

NSW Canegrowers Association

51 Richmond StreetPO Box 27 Wardell NSW 2477 Ph: 02 6683 4205 Fax: 02 6672 6031

Government bodies

Department of Agriculture

Phone: 02 6272 3933Website: www.agriculture.gov.au

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Phone: 1800 808 095Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries

and Forestry

Phone: 13 25 23 Website: www.daff.qld gov.au

Queensland Department of Energy and Water

Supply

Ph:13 74 68 www.dews.qld.gov.au

Queensland Department of Natural Resources

and Mines

Ph: 13 74 68 Website: www.dnrm.qld.gov.au

Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation

and the Arts

Ph:13 74 68 www.qld.gov.au/dsitia/

Plant biosecurity

Plant Health Australia

Phone: 02 6215 7700 Website:

www.planthealthaustralia. com.au



SECTION 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS

Contact your

Crop Care Sales

Representative

or call

Crop Care

Customer

Service

1800 111 454

07 5445 7151www.mabiotec.com

[email protected]

391–393 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123

Technical Enquries:

1800 804 479

www.bayercropscience.com.au

Tim MurphyTerritory Sales Manager

0408 772 405

Tony FitzgeraldTerritory Sales Manager

0418 226 529

Carmen BrownTerritory Sales Manager

0427 192 614

Lore SaundersTerritory Sales Manager

0400 560 234

Pat EnglishTechnical advisor0417 404 966

Darren WesterhuisSenior development specialist

0438 652 897

Mitchell FaintSenior development specialist

0408 264 539

IPF provides more than 50 per cent of Australia’s agricultural nutrient

needs and plays an essential role in assisting farmers increase

productivity.

IPF sells a range of enhanced efficiency products including ENTEC®

treated fertilisers.

IPF understands that farming is more than just a business for farmers; it’s the essence of their entire lifestyle,

today and into the future.

In all of its activities, IPF takes its environmental and community responsibilities seriously, from the manufacture and transportation of fertilisers to their sustainable use

on the farm. To this end, IPF is fully accredited with Fertilizer Australia’s national training and accreditation program, Fertcare® and owns the

NATA® and ASPAC accredited soil, plant and water testing laboratory,

Nutrient Advantage®.

1800 009 832Incitecpivotfertilisers.com.au



IRRIGATION

IRRIGATION

FINANCIAL PLANNING

LEADERS IN DESIGNAUSTRALIAN MADE

PO Box 1278EAGLE FARM QLD 4007

07 3260 1828

Manufacturing the largest

range of hard and layflat hose

irrigators in Australia

EMPLOYMENT

THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE

IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS

THAT INCREASE YOUR PROFITS

Lindsay is the single-source irrigation manufacturer that can develop the right

system foryour individual needs. We’ve combined

the strengths of all Lindsay companies and products

into one simple yet powerful package: the Plan to Profit Portfolio.

www.lindsay.com

Contact Alex Dundler

Ph: 0412 597 348E: [email protected]

www.refinedrecruitment.com.au


SECTION 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY SECTION 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY

IRRIGATION

MACHINERY

LAND DRAINAGE & IMPROVEMENT

The most advancedtechnologies in the irrigation industry.

THAT’S WHY

VALLEYSTANDS ALONE.

In any soil profile the optimum growing conditions occur when there is a balance

between air and water amongst the soil particles. Sportsfields, orchards, and

broadacre farms all have exactly the same requirements. Sub-surface drainage

using horizontal perforated pipes is an engineering solution employed to control the air/water ratio in a particular soil type.

In coming rainfall or irrigation can be controlled so that the beneficial moisture can flow to the crop and the landholder is protected against the negative effects of

excess water.

With over 25 years of experience, Drain Tech can offer a mud free crop with

services including Sugarcane Drainage & Pipeline Installations.

• Sub-surface Drainage• Irrigation Mains

• High Pressure Drain Jetting• Survey and Design

Richard 0428 528 054

www.draintech.net.au

Drain Tech Pty Ltd

www.bosseng.com.auwww.bossagparts.com.au

ROW CROP &BROADACRE PRODUCTS

02 6721 2677

A division of Boss Engineering Pty Ltd

We also supply an extensive range of aftermarket planter parts to suit John

Deere, Janke etc

Invest in the best

GREAT RATES ONPEACE OF

MIND!www.valleyirrigation.com/au

[email protected]

today!

MACHINERY

DRIVING HARDER FOR

LONGER

www.bonfiglioli.com.au

Branches Australia Wide Ph 1300 656 757

Bonfi glioli's advanced design and quality gearmotors deliver outstanding

performance, effi ciencies and overall

cost savings. As a world wide leader in Industrial

Power Transmission Gearboxes, Bonfi glioli is committed

to enduring quality and excellence.

Bonfiglioli’s extensive range of Planetary, Helical, Bevel and

Worm gearmotors and their modular combinations provides unprecedented choice. Our compact gearmotor range has been engineered to deliver real savings and

is backed by a 2 year warranty*

All is supported by a dedicated Drive Service Centre, extensive local

warehoused stock and a team of highly qualifi ed technicians, safe-guarding product selection, CNC assembly

and quality control.*Subject to selection verification by BTA



MACHINERY

AUSTOFT DEALERSAYR

AgNorth07 4783 3000

BUNDABERGMcDonald Murphy Machinery

07 4153 6933

CAIRNSQMAC Machinery

07 4044 4440

HARWOOD ISLANDShannon Brothers

02 6646 4202

INGHAMSNG Machinery Sales

07 4776 1066

INNISFAILC2T

07 4061 2033

MACKAYMcDonald Murphy Machinery

07 4952 4550

MURWILLUMBAHNoel Graham Farm Machinery

02 6672 2555

PROSERPINEMcDonald Murphy Machinery

07 4945 3590

TOLGAQMAC Machinery

07 4095 4011

TULLYQMAC Machinery

07 4068 1311

Milne Industries have had significant input into the sugarcane industry with the use of their single

disc openers, toolbars and air seeder units for direct drilling into sugar cane stubble on beds, either adding urea or planting soybean

direct into stubble.

Improvement in farm profitability begins with more frequent soil

tests to determine optimum fertiliser input. Just released this

trailer mounted fully hydraulic self contained unit does not need a

specialised vehicle – all you need is a vehicle with a towbar.

SINGLE DISC OPENERS,

TOOLBARS & AIR SEEDER UNITS

FOR DIRECT DRILLING

NEW SOIL TESTING PACKAGE

Contact Ross Murray on 0427 360 325 or

Milne Industries Dalby 07 4662 1374


SECTION 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY SECTION 9 – TRADE DIRECTORY

MACHINERY PARTS & MACHINERY

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Get your

GEARBOXES OVERHAULED

by the peoplewho know gears

07 3277 5822www.sueng.com.au

www.caseih.com

Be Redand

Readyfor the details and address of your

nearest Cash IH dealer

GENUINE PARTS & EXPERT SERVICE

CountrycoTraining Pty LtdGeoff Paton

76 Russell Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350Tel: (07) 4639 4919, Fax: (07) 4639 4920Mob: 0428 667 939, Email: [email protected]

TRAINER: Ag Chem Accreditation Vet Chem Accreditation Supervision SkillsQUALITY ASSURANCE AUDITS & TRAINING: LPA QA & Graincare

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Sugarcane Annual 2014ACFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 74, IBCAon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Bayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC, 69Bonfigliolo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48, 71Boss Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Case IH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC, 2, 72Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18, 39CNH Parts and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57, 73Countryco Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 73Crop Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Dinner Plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 45Drain Tech Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 71Gessner Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73Incitec Pivot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27, 29, 69John Deere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 72Lindsay Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23, 70MACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Maven Agri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Nufarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5PFG Australia (Deutz Fahr) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73Refined Recruitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33, 70Ross Murray Rural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19, 72Serafin Machinery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 73Shute Upton Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 73The Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Trailco Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51, 70Twin N/Mapleton Agri Biotec. . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 69Valmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31, 71

Gessner Industries20 Molloy St,

TOOWOOMBA QLD

07 4615 0100

[email protected]

www.gessner.com.au

The Proven Choice

1300 737 [email protected]

www.serafinmachinery.com.au

BALDAN OFFSET AND TANDEM DISCSSERAFIN ULTISOW

SINGLE AND DOUBLE DISC

SEEDERSAGRATOR

MULCHERS AND ROTARY HOES

DEUTZ-FAHR tractors are the epitome of technological research

incorporated into pioneering products – machines that

anticipate trends in modern farming and are adaptable to all kinds of operating conditions, in

the name of total quality.

DEUTZ-FAHR has always been at the forefront of the development

of high quality tractors.

+61 3 8353 3600www.pfgaustralia.com

German Engineering

at its best

1800 872 2867www.deutztractors.com.au

he Australian Cane Farmers Association (Australian CaneFarmers) has provided more than 90 years of service to the sugar industry.

What services will you receive?

● A minimum levy that provides everything a cane farmer needs from arepresentative body

● The Australian CaneFarmer – the Australian CaneFarmers’ publication thatincludes news, views, markets and politics

● Free subscription to Australian Sugarcane, the Australian sugar industry’s leadingresearch and development magazine

● Branch network and local representation

● Crop insurance, general insurance, life insurance and financial advice

✔ Australian CaneFarmers embraces the grass roots structure

✔ Cane farmers receive value for money

✔ Australian CaneFarmers is your organisation and all cane farmers areeligible to apply for individual membership

✔ Australian CaneFarmers has a proven record of fighting for growerswhere others have either given up or not begun

Be part of sugar’s future...become a member of Australian CaneFarmers

Freecall 1800 500 025 or visit our website at www.acfa.com.au

T

for your local ACFA board member

acfa fpc a/m02 22/5/02 5:43 PM Page 1

Australian CaneFarmers would like to thank their partners:

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