Insight Focus
- Wet fields make work challenging.
- Cane crushing should start between 9th and 15th June.
- The crop is in good condition and above average.
In this series, we’re following farmers around the world. We’ll look at what they’re up to on the farm, hear their concerns, and celebrate their triumphs. Here’s the link to the farmers’ bios in case you missed them
What are you up to on the farm at present?
On my farm we are in the final maintenance period before the crush starts. The fields are extremely wet from the last few weeks of rain, but we are doing our final slash and a bit of road work although the wet conditions make it challenging.
Our start to crushing this year is a scattered start from 9th to 15th June. That’s a bit later than in previous years but we’re hopeful that with the current forecast of no rain, and if it doesn’t start raining by the start of crushing, then we should have ample supply.
What stage is your crop at?
The crop is matured and ready to go, I would say it’s an above-average crop this year although we could do with a little bit of cold weather to lift the sugar content.
What are your biggest concerns at present?
My biggest concerns remain fertiliser and fuel costs. Milling reliability is an ever-constant concern although we are hopeful it will be an improvement from last year.
This winter looks to be wet so that will provide some challenges, but we are optimistic, especially when the global sugar price remains positive for Australian growers.
We were concerned about potential labour shortages, but this appears to have been resolved at present. We have noticed that since some of the COVID restrictions have been relaxed the interest in our haul out courses and people coming north for the harvest/winter has increased.
What are you most proud of / doing differently this year?
I am honoured to be an elected grower representative on the CANEGROWERS Policy Council and a member of the new Queensland Cane Growers’ Organisation Board (known as CANEGROWERS). This is a new role for me starting in May and I hope that I can fulfil the expectations on me and remain a strong advocate for our growers.
Other Insights That May Be of Interest…
Africa Eyes Cassava to Plug Wheat Deficit
