Insight Focus
We are breathing a sigh of relief as the weather turns dry and sunny. Cane planting is in full force but the crop tonnage looks like it’ll be below average due to impacts from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
What are you up to on the farm at present?
Finally, after months and months of wet weather, the sun is out and it’s full steam ahead with growers out in the paddocks working on ground preparation.
A welcome sight — the sun has been hiding since February – Mount Bellenden Ker
Currently we are starting to plant. With the beautiful weather back, the fields are buzzing with the hum of tractors complete with planters in tow.
With dryer conditions, planting is underway
The weather predictions remain positive for more sunshine and drier weather, which is good news for the district.
What stage is your crop at?
At this stage the cane tonnage looks like it will be below average, thanks to the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the following excessive wet weather that has been pounding the district over the last few months.
But there is plenty of arrowing on the cane, meaning that the crop has matured and should be an indicator of a positive sugar content. We remain hopeful for a good CCS.
With dryer conditions, planting is underway
Both the Mulgrave and South Johnstone Mills are due to start on Tuesday, June 18 and all signs are that MSF and Canegrowers Cairns Region growers are ready for the start of this year’s crush – weather permitting.
MSF has been working diligently on the rail network and the new bridge over the Russell River has been completed. This is the main arterial rail network to South Johnstone and a vital piece of infrastructure.
What are your biggest concerns at present?
Feral pigs are the main challenge for us currently. Unfortunately, the National Parks are favourable breeding areas for the pigs and without any effective pest management program from National Parks Association of Queensland, it falls on growers’ shoulders to deal with the pigs in the paddocks.
Before you can bait pigs, the pigs need to get used to feeding in the area, as they get wary of taking the bait otherwise. We are currently in the process of encouraging them to feed so they will take the baits effectively and we can rid the paddocks of them and reduce the damage that they do amongst the cane. This is expensive and time consuming.
Feral pig control is an ongoing focus
What are you most proud of?
Overall, the confidence of the growers in the district is on the rise — seeing the sun in the sky again will do that. Everyone is out in the paddocks trying to get their farms ready for next year, before the harvest starts.
