Insight Focus
- Recent rains bode well for Australian cane development.
- Soil moisture levels should be ideal for upcoming plantings and ratoon cane.
- Input costs and labour shortages a worry for next season.
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 farmer bios in case you missed them.
What Are You Up to on the Farm at Present, Joseph?
We’ve been fortunate to get some good rain recently. In fact, over the past five days approximately 140mm of rain fell. This was very much needed rain and as there was little run-off; it’s been just what the sugarcane needed.
We’ve been taking advantage of the recent wet weather, working the shed, completing the ongoing (and never-ending) maintenance repairs and, of course, keeping on top of the all-important book work. It’s been too wet to do anything else.
What Stage is Your Crop at?
We’re about four weeks away from the beginning of our harvest and the sugarcane is in its final growth stage. The rain has been beneficial and provided a good moisture profile for future planting and the ratoons.
There have been a few areas where the cane has lodged in some parts of the fields due to the wet, hindering sucrose yields and harvesting, but the impact is so minor that it cannot take away from the positives the recent rains have brought.
What Are Your Biggest Concerns at Present?
I’d say the cost of inputs. Fuel and fertiliser are extremely expensive and, which is worrying as they are a necessary part of the business.
I’m also concerned about the labour shortages for the upcoming harvest. It looks like it may be tough to find enough people with the right skills to drive our harvesters and haul out vehicles. I’m hoping that the recent CANEGROWERS promotions highlighting job opportunities and the chance to work in the warmer Queensland weather may attract some more labour from the southern states to help with any shortages.
What Are You Most Proud of This Year?
I’m very proud of our current crop in the field. It’s looking as good as last year’s crop, which was a favourable one and, with the right weather, we could end up harvesting more tonnage on the year.
What Are You Doing Differently This Year?
We also recently bought a neighbour’s farm and, interestingly, there’s a very unusual dome shape shed on the property. The shape poses some challenges on how to best utilise the space within.
