Forum gets growers talkingSixty-five of our seventy-three Project Catalyst cane growers got together with precision planning and economics consultants, WWF, Reef Catchments, NQ Dry Tropics, Terrain Wet Tropics and Coca-Cola for the Project Catalyst Growers Forum held recently in Townsville.

The Forum was a great success with Project Catalyst growers again showing their willingness to openly share experiences and support each other in their endeavours to bring innovative sugarcane farming practices to the fore.

“You can’t beat getting together with other pro-active growers”

The Cutting EdgeProject Catalyst NewsISSUE 3 June 2012

C a t a l y s t

Paul Villis, Burdekin Grower

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this issue2012 Forum highlightsBurdekin new growersWet Tropics new growers Mackay Whitsunday updateWWF Sustainable Ag program Every Bottle Tells a Story

2013 Forum AnnouncementThe 2013 Project Catalyst Forum will be held in Cairns, February 25-27. Details coming soon.Continued Page 2

Forum presentations came from growers and industry experts with highlights including John Hughes (DEEDI) and John Markley (Farmacist) presenting on the Moses Project, grower talks on innovation in variable rate nutrient application from across the three Project Catalyst regions and Phil Deguara’s talk on grub control.

The field trip demonstrated the good work of the Project Catalyst growers in the Burdekin region; such as variable rate herbicide application on Denis Pozzebon’s property, a seven row planter at the Davco property and drip irrigation being used successfully by Paul Villis.

Forum gets farmers talking (continued)

The Forum also included an introduction to the work of the Birchip Cropping Group, a not for profit agricultural research organisation led by farmers from the Mallee-Wimmera region of Victoria by Margaret O’Keefe that got us all thinking.

There was plenty of sharing between growers and project partners alike at the dinner which included an excellent presentation from AIMS Principal Research Scientist Katharina Fabricius on her work with crown of thorns starfish and lots of fun fishing stories from MC Scott Hillier.

Feedback from participants made it clear that, again, the most valuable aspect of the Forum is the opportunity for like-minded growers to get together and share positive, helpful discussion around moving forward with innovative, sustainable and productive farming practices. “Unless we can get together and talk, we just don’t get that stimulation,” explained Mackay grower David Ellwood.

Burdekin grower Paul Villis agreed, “You can’t beat getting together with other pro-active growers, and it was great to see lots of younger growers there too,” he said.

“The Project Catalyst Growers Forum is about sharing information, celebrating our success and confirming our on-going commitment to the project. The event demonstrates best practice and gives local farmers the support they need to make sustainable practices a reality,” said Rob Cocco, CEO of Project Catalyst founding partner Reef Catchments.

Many thanks to our Forum sponsors Coca-Cola, Netafim and Bayer. We look forward to getting the Project Catalyst Growers together again and have already started planning for the next Forum, with our sights set on Cairns and the Wet Tropics with a similar date, most likely the week beginning February 25.

Page 1 image—Project Catalyst Field trip participants with the Davco 7 Row Planter

Grower ForumHappy snaps from the Project Catalyst Growers Forum27-29 February Townsville

Mackay Whitsunday grower Tony Bugeja with DEEDI economist Brook Edwards on the Grower Forum field trip.

Burdekin grower Mark Rossato with Wet Tropics grower Joe Girgenti during the GrowerForum field trip.

Shannon Evans from Davco shows the Davco farm irrigation map with Peter Durand and Jeremy Evans from Netafim.

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Grower ForumHappy snaps from the Project Catalyst Growers Forum27-29 February Townsville

Michelle Allen, Coca-Cola Foundation, with Project Catalyst Growers Paul Hatch and Denis Pozzebon.

Rob Ahern and Neil Walpole enjoying the field trip.

Jo Muscat won’t forget the shielded sprayer at Pozzebon’s. (far left)

Shane Buttler talks the group through his projects at the SISL shed.

Atop the 7 row planter at DAVCO: Brooke Edwards (DEEDI), Tony Bugeja, Chris Blackburn, Madonna Blackburn, Rebecca Gowen, Gerry Deguara and Miriam East.

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Burdekin but also farms an additional 67ha in the upper Haughton district. Due to the distance between farms Russel is looking to fine tune his irrigation schedule by setting up an automatic furrow irrigation system that can be controlled by a laptop computer. Russel aims to increase his water use efficiency at the Upper Haughton farm by having greater control of the volumes and timing of each irrigation event.

Will Lucas Will manages a 186ha farm at Home Hill and is investigating variable rate fertiliser technology. Will hopes to improve his productivity under the new system by placing the optimum amount of fertiliser in the right places and will also reduce his operational costs by improving fertiliser use efficiency.

Ben Nielson Ben currently farms 350ha of cane land in Kalamia. Ben’s trial consists of looking at alternative fallow crops to improve soil health. Ben is looking to improve the total organic nitrogen available to plant cane and reduce the overall requirement for granular fertiliser inputs.

Dave MacDonald Dave farms 130ha of cane and wants to improve the accuracy of his fertiliser placement. To do this Dave’s trial will involve the construction of a new fertiliser applicator and setup strip trials to test different nutrient rates. Dave’s hope is to improve the efficiency of his fertiliser use and improve production whilst reducing losses to the environment.

Joseph Magatelli Joseph wants to further improve his fertiliser use efficiency by adopting variable rate application within plant cane blocks. Joseph will conduct EM mapping across his farm to identify soil types and will then utilise GPS technology to apply fertiliser according to specific crop requirements.

Mark Rossato Mark has a 250ha farm at Home Hill and is trialling conversion to a green cane trash harvesting system. One of the issues Mark wants to address is the build-up of trash in the furrow which reduces his water use efficiency. Instead of using machinery to overcome this issue Mark will trial spraying microbes on the trash using spray rig to break down the organic matter in a much shorter timeframe.

Project Catalyst natural resource management partner NQ Dry Tropics has introduced ten new Project Catalyst growers to the project in the Burdekin, taking the regions’ total number of growers to 20.

Jeff Brotto Jeff farms 230ha of cane land at Home Hill. Jeff is trialling various nitrogen and potassium combinations on sodic soils across his farm in an effort to reduce his total fertiliser use. Jeff will be setting up strip trials on different soil types to find the right balance between amounts of nitrogen and potassium required to grow an efficient crop. Jeff stands to benefit by reducing total nitrogen inputs on sodic soils whilst maintaining productivity.

Peter Fiamingo Peter’s project investigates precision application of trace elements, such as Zinc, to meet crop requirements. Peter has previously adopted variable rate NPKS application but has noticed that the crops are not responding as they should. Peter thinks that trace elements deficiencies are the limiting factor in crop yields and will be conducting a before-after-control experiment with a trace element treatment of a 20kg/ha. If successful, this trial will allow Peter further refine his macro and micro nutrient application practices and improve his nutrient use efficiency.

Chris Hesp Chris has been trialling a green cane trash blanket system for several years and has converted 200ha of his farm to this system. So far in total cane yield it has performed well but Chris has noticed a drop in sugar content in plant cane and 3rd ratoons. To address this Chris is trialling split nutrient applications with a variety of products to increase sugar content and improve nitrogen use efficiency.

Gavin Jones Gavin is looking to trial different types of weed control methods in plant cane before the out of hand stage. Using his new spray rig, Gavin is going to trial various nozzle types for strategic applications of herbicides which will likely result in a reduction in the total amount of chemical used and a subsequent reduced risk of environmental impacts.

Russel Jordan Russel is trialling an automated furrow irrigation system on one of his farms. Russel’s main farm of 121ha is located in the Barratta region of the

New Burdekin Growers

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New Wet Tropics Growers

Project Catalyst natural resource management partner Terrain NRM (Wet Tropics) has introduced ten new Project Catalyst growers to the project in the Burdekin, taking the regions’ total number of growers to 20.

David Morselli David farms 320 hectares of cane land at Lannercost, north-west of Ingham. David is looking to trial the efficient use of mill mud on his farm. David will be applying mill byproducts to planting zones across his farm. David stands to benefit by improving the strike in heavy clay soils.

Steven Accornero Steven farms 485 hectares of cane land across farms at Foresthome, Abergowrie and Bambaroo. Steven will be trialling the use of corn as a rotation crop to cane. Steven aims to quantify the benefits of 18 month fallow with corn as a rotation crop.

Sergio Fighera Sergio farms 49 hectares of cane on a farm at Helens Hill, just south of Ingham. Sergio is currently trialling treatments for sodic soil. Sergio plans to assess treatments that improve sodic soil through application of ameliorants to beds in a control traffic farming system.

Michael Ottone Michael farms 120 hectares of cane land at Bilyana, north of Cardwell. Michael is interested in evaluating the biological benefits of compost tea in the production of cane. Michael intends to change his current farming practices by replacing planting fungicides and insecticides with compost tea.

Richard and Robert Gherardi Richard and Robert have a 110 hectare cane farm at Lily Pond, north-east of Ingham. Richard and Robert are trialling preformed mounds. The idea for Richard and Robert is that they will compare conventional planting against preformed mounds that were planted in a single row with a double disc opener.

Ray Zamora Ray farms 100 hectares of cane land west of Euramo. Ray is interested in trialling Bactivate, a natural tumbled coal dust coated with billions of bacteria. By using Bactivate, Ray is hoping to improve soil health and reduce his fertiliser use.

Robert Bonassi Robert farms 175 hectares of cane at Bambaroo. Robert will be looking into the effect of harvester speed in dual row on yield and cane loss. Robert intends to assess the reduction of harvester speed by 20% in 1.9m dual row, while maintaining a pour rate equal to 1.6m rows. Robert is interested to see whether this will reduce stool damage, improve yield and reduce cane loss through the harvester.

Ken Clark Ken manages 330 hectares of cane land located near Miriwinni. Nestled close to Queensland’s highest mountain, Ken’s farm is reputed to be one of the wettest in Australia. It is no surprise therefore that he is keen to evaluate farming systems such as mounding, min-till planting and novel drainage systems to profitably grow cane in wet environments. Another farming challenge is crocodiles from the nearby Russell River.

Mark Savina Mark farms his own property of 80 hectares at Freshwater near Cairns. Together with his business partner who farms an additional 110 hectares, they lease an additional 360 hectares, making a total of 550 hectares. Mark is interested in the on-farm use of municipal compost to reduce artificial fertiliser use. He is also experimenting with variable fertiliser rates within fields based on EM38 soil and yield mapping.

Caption: Rob Cairns (WWF), David Morselli (Wet Tropics grower), Michelle Allen (Coca-Cola Foundation), Michael Waring (Wet Tropics Precision Planner) and John Reghenzani (Terrain).

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Mackay Whitsunday Growers

The Project Catalyst growers in Mackay Whitsunday have been working hard and are looking forward to a good harvest with the 2011-12 season a lot more promising than the previous two years.

As we have already been working with more than 30 growers we have not actively been seeking new participants for the coming season. However, we are pleased to announce that there are some new changes with some of the original family-based grower groups now wanting to look at their own individual innovation ideas.

Gerry, Barbara, Sam and Joe Deguara, Sandy Creek

Originally the boys, Sam and Joe, were participating with Gerry and Barbara through the work being done on the family farm.

Now, both boys are confident enough to experience managing their own farm and are taking on a neighbouring property.

Gerry and Barbara while still using the spreader want to investigate implementing an extended 2 year fallow with rotations of crops such as sugar beet and soybeans (soybeans in December Yr 1, sugar beet in June and soybeans again in December Yr 2).

Sam and Joe will continue looking at the site specific and variable rate ash and mill mud application and want to trial alternates to using artificial fertiliser such as composted cow manure.

David and Phil Blackburn, Sandy Creek

The brothers where originally teamed up with their cousins, Lee and Chris Blackburn looking at a double skip row farming system.

Phil and Dave are now keen to look at alternate projects including use of a high clearance spray rig and shielded sprayer for precision application of herbicide and a comparison of different A class irrigation practices including a centre pivot and lateral move taking into account the various soil types on their properties.

Project Catalyst Award NominationsProject Catalyst has recently been named as a finalist in three environmental awards including:

• Enviro Innovation in Sustainability Award

• Premier’s Sustainability Awards: Minister’s Award for Leadership, Rural Award and Partnership Award (top three nominees)

We have also had good news following our submission to the prestigious Australian River Prize. We have made it through to stage two of judging and are working hard on the required follow up submission with hopes of making it through to the finals once again, recognising the hard work of the Project Catalyst partners and most importantly, the growers.

Joe, Gerry and Sam Deguara, Reef Catchments has welcomed Sam and Joe as Project Catalyst members in their own right.

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WWF ‘s Sustainable Agriculture ProgramWWF Australia is committing resources and

efforts into partnering with agriculture to promote practices that are not only good for farmers but have an environmental benefit as well. So why does WWF see this as important for our future? 

Firstly, much of Australia’s landmass is utilised for agriculture. And while there is absolutely no doubt that the sector contributes greatly to the Australian economy this land is just as important for our native animals, plants and surrounding ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.

Secondly WWF recognises that agriculture is vital for us as human beings.  By 2050 there will be 10 billion people on the face of the planet.  In the same period of time we will only have access to 1% more agricultural land than we do today.

So how can we produce more food and fibre from the natural resources available?  Doing this, and protecting those places and species we care most about will be a massive task.

WWF realises we can’t solve these problems on our own.  That’s why we are working with farmers, industry groups, government and businesses to develop solutions that address some of the key causes for the declining health of our agricultural and natural landscapes.

Project Catalyst is a pioneering partnership aimed at reducing the environmental impact of sugar production on the Great Barrier Reef through innovative farming practices.

Dermot O’Gorman, WWF Australia CEO said the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism and is currently facing two key threats to its long term survival: climate change and land-based pollution.

“The initial phase of Project Catalyst has already shown it is possible to dramatically reduce the impact from land-based pollution while maintaining a viable agricultural sector. These practices have significant potential to increase the Reef’s resilience in the future,” Mr O’Gorman said.

Improving water quality from agricultural catchments is vital to improving the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

Project Catalyst is trialing innovative practices in sugarcane production.  This means less sediment, nutrients and chemicals getting into the catchments and finding their way onto the Reef.

Project Catalyst farmers are improving the quality of the rivers that flow into the Reef.  More importantly they have shown how industry and conservation can work together towards increased sustainability, water quality and achieving better social and environmental outcomes.

Project Catalyst farmers are leading the way and leading the world.  WWF are looking to scale the Project up not only domestically but in other parts of the world such as Fiji.

Increased productivity and a cleaner safer environment:  Project Catalyst is an example for other global sugar growing areas to pursue more innovative and sustainable practices for the good of both their natural environments and their industries.

We are extremely proud of Project Catalyst and all the partners deserve our support and continued encouragement.  We look forward to working together in the future and the continued success of this fantastic project.

Rob CairnsProgram Manager – Sustainable Agriculture - WWF

Rob Cairns WWF Sustainable Agriculture manager with John and Phil Deguara

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In November 2011 an international film crew hired by Coca-Cola, descended on Gerry and Barbara Deguara’s Eton farm for a four day film shoot.

The crew which included two Canadians,  an American, an Iranian, a Japanese, a bunch of Aussie film veterans and a truck load of equipment, were there to showcase Project Catalyst as part of a global series of short films called Every Bottle Tells a Story, which details The Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability projects.

Coca-Cola supports more than 3,000 sustainability projects helping local communities and environmental causes all over the globe. The company is documenting some of these projects in a short film series and Catalyst was chosen as one of 5 projects in Asia to be highlighted. Other projects chosen included Coca-Cola emergency relief efforts after the Fukushima disaster in Japan and its Little Red School House project in The Philippines.

Gerry Deguara and sons Joe and Sam allowed the film crew to follow them around as they went about their daily chores on the farm. Some of the more

memorable moments for the crew included a visit to Gerry’s shed, Barb’s smoko and an encounter with a swarm of flying insects which completely covered crew and equipment during a shoot in the field on dusk.

It was very much a two-way exchange during the shoot, with Gerry entertaining the crew with his larrikin sense of humour and the crew delighting the Deguaras’ with some amazing tales of their travels around the globe and work with famous film stars.

Michelle Allen from Coca-Cola  said, “The film will be shown to all growers and will be used by the Catalyst communications team as another way of bringing to life the great work being done by the Catalyst growers and support staff. Not everyone can visit a Catalyst farm on a field trip, but films like this one can help bring the achievements of Catalyst to a wider audience.”  The film will be shown both in Australia and globally.

The final word goes to Rob Cairns from WWF who says of Catalyst in the film, “WWF can’t do this by ourselves, cane farmers can’t do this by themselves and Coca-Cola can’t do this be themselves. But as a Group, when we work together, that’s just so powerful.”  

Every Bottle Tells a StoryIt’s not every day you see a film crew in a cane field. But that was the scene that caused quite a stir among locals near Mackay late last year.

Gerry Deguara getting the star treatment during filming.

Mackay WhitsundayBelinda BillingReef Catchments(07) 4968 4208 0488 730 021belinda.billing@reefcatchments.com.au

BurdekinPaul DuncansonNQ Dry Tropics(07) 4722 57200488 433 310paul.duncanson@nqdrytropics.com.au

Wet TropicsJohn ReghenzaniTerrain Natural Resource Management(07) 4095 71010439 670 893johnr@terrain.org.au

Project Catalyst Contacts

www.projectcatalyst.net.au