Insight Focus
Monsoon rains have drenched the region. Despite the wet conditions, crops continue to grow, with farm maintenance prioritised during dry spells. Key concerns include a harvester shortage and the threat of leaf scald.
What are you up to on the farm at present?
The monsoon season has definitely arrived, drenching the region with a staggering 3,572mm of rain by January 22 — our annual average is 4,500mm.
Earlier this month, there was some concern as Tropical Cyclone Alfred loomed on the horizon. Like much of Queensland and northern NSW, we anxiously tracked its path, wondering where it might strike. Fortunately, TC Alfred veered south, which was good news for us.
That doesn’t mean we’ve been without a soaking! Two significant monsoon events have swept through over the past couple of months, bringing heavy downpours and triggering minor flooding across parts of the district.
With the rain keeping things soggy, there’s no better time to retreat to the sheds for maintenance in preparation for the planting season in May.
Despite the excessive rainfall, the crop continues to actively grow
What stage is your crop at?
The relentless rain and scarce sunshine have taken the edge off the crop, but it’s still shaping up to be an average yield. That’s life in the tropics—you roll with the weather and make the most of every sunny break.
Whenever the sun shines, we’re out in the paddocks, tidying up headlands and tackling any loose ends around the farm. For now, it looks like we’ve sidestepped the worst of the season’s cycle, and with planting on the horizon, everyone’s heads are down, gearing up for what’s next.
What are your biggest concerns at present?
The shortage of harvesting contractors remains a major challenge for our district and the broader industry. Right now, around 800 hectares of cane in the South Johnstone mill area are still without contracted harvesters for the season. It’s a concerning situation, with limited contractor availability becoming an increasingly pressing issue.
Adding to the concern, leaf scald has been detected in the SRA26 variety in a neighbouring district. This is unsettling news for growers who had high hopes for this promising and profitable cane. If the disease has indeed taken hold, many may need to reassess this variety to safeguard their business.
For now, we’re closely monitoring Sugar Research Australia’s investigation, hoping for clarity and solutions.
