chairman’s comment · chairman’s comment continued cane-trends cane-trends was again held in...

The Bundaberg District Canegrower Volume 14, Issue 4

The Bundaberg District Canegrower

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd Newsletter Phone (07) 4151 2555 Fax: (07) 4153 1986

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bdbcanegrowers.com.au

Volume 14, Issue 4

April 2018

E lectricity is a major expense for

irrigating farmers. As a service to

our members, we are now offering a Bill

Checking Service, where we will review

your electricity bills, checking for

billing errors and cost effectiveness of

your current tariff. The aim is to ensure

that grower’s electricity usage is aligned

with the most cost effective tariff to

minimize c/kWh cost.

Interested members will be asked to

provide their previous 12 months of bills

for review along with a short

questionnaire outlining their regular

usage or irrigation practices for each

connection point. Tariff comparison at

this stage will be greatly aided by the

irrigation practices information provided

by growers as peak/ off peak

information is not readily available with

current meters.

This will allow us to determine if the

current tariff is performing adequately

in comparison to alternative tariffs

based on the growers’ current irrigation

practices and to recognize potential

trends or usage requirements that may

benefit from tariff switching.

If a connection point is identified as

having a high c/kWh cost, investigations

can then be made as to why and what

action may be

required to bring

the c/kWh cost down. This may include

looking at what alternative tariff options

are available or looking closely at usage

patterns and time of use so as to

minimise peak costs.

The Electricity Bill Check Service will

be delivered by our Projects Officer,

Courtney Moar and is available to all

m e m b e r s o f B u n d a b e r g

CANEGROWERS.

For further information or to register to

participate in this service, please contact

the office on 4151 2555.

Electricity Bill Check Service

Chairman’s Comment

Outlook April was generally quite dry across the

district. Some were lucky enough to jag

a storm with some worthwhile totals

recorded. We've had enough heat for

continued growth and those who are still

irrigating will see productivity increases.

There's still about seven (7) weeks until

the crush begins so an inch or two

would be most welcome. Some long

range weather forecasts suggest a wet

winter. We will wait and see.

2018 Season We have spoken to Bundaberg Sugar

regarding the 2018 estimate and crush

arrangements. Most estimates are in and

total 1,500,000 tonnes, Millaquin has

832,000 and Bingera 668,000. Both

mills will operate in six (6) day mode.

Suggested start dates are 18 June for

Millaquin and 2 July for Bingera. Finish

dates are 10 November for Millaquin

and 2 November for Bingera. The three

(3) week season length difference is not

ideal. Unfortunately the estimate

dictates season length and the inability

to transfer cane makes it almost

impossible to even up start and finish

dates.

We have renegotiated the cane haulage

allowance for the 2018 season. The

updated table is attached and will

increase by CPI in April each year from

now on.

Advances Schedule The new advances schedule is attached

and it doesn't make very good reading.

With the price hovering under 12 cents

and the dollar in the mid 70s, we're not

covering production costs. The price

recovery isn't going to happen overnight

either with an oversupply of sugar on

the world market.

Soys The soybean harvest is in full swing. So

far the weather has been kind making

heading easier and keeping grain

moisture levels at reasonable levels.

There have been some exceptional

yields in some blocks across the district.

Some have yielded 5 tonne/ha, a few at

4 tonne/ha with the average around 3

tonne/ha. Quality has been quite good

with the majority harvested so far

making food grade. Prices are above

$650 for food grade and with the high

yields you can do the sums. Peanuts are

also a good option for a rotational crop.

Both are cash flow positive and are an

excellent break crop. With the projected

low sugar prices you might like to

consider options to enhance your cash

flow and reduce your fertiliser inputs.

(Continued on page 2)


Chairman’s Comment continued

Cane-Trends Cane-trends was again held in

conjunction with Agro Trend.

Thankyou to those who attended. A

bus trip was again held in the morning.

There was a lot of interest in the new

energy check service that was rolled

out on the day. Thanks to all the staff

who made the day a success and as

always any ideas for improving next

year’s event please contact the office.

ORECO We are negotiating a new trash

contract and it's almost complete. The

payment for the 2017 seasons trash has

again been delayed. We've had all the

excuses you can imagine. We will try

and address the problem in the new

arrangements. The benefits of trash

c o l l e c t i o n a r e m a n y . T h e

administration of the system is not. To

sum all that up it's a pain in the ---- but

we will persevere.

Women in Sugar Woman in Sugar hosted their

Conference in Bundaberg last week. I

attended and gave an overview of the

Bundaberg industry and its future. The

conference was well attended with

most sugar growing areas represented.

Around 70 delegates heard from a long

list of guest speakers presenting topics

of interest. The two-day conference

finished with a bus trip.

Allan Dingle

Chairman

(Continued from page 1)

For every $1,000 in network charges customers pay as part of their electricity bills, the Queensland Government gets $470!!!

For the past eight years, review after review and enquiry after enquiry have clearly identified that Queensland’s electricity

consumers have been gouged and ripped off by the state’s monopoly electricity networks.

ERGON, ENERGEX and POWERLINK are all 100% owned by the Queensland Government.

Energy Minister Anthony Lynham has proudly announced that the Queensland Government is giving back $50 of that $470

profit taken from every householders’ electricity account.

He has not disputed the fact that the 47% profit margin is obscene.

To continue producing food and fibre and support regional jobs, we need the State Government to stop treating the network

companies as cash cows.

I talk to a lot of small business owners in regional Queensland. They are in the same boat as farmers like me and are reducing

staff to pay the Queensland Government’s hidden electricity tax.

If the profits vacuumed out of my area of Bundaberg and regional Queensland generally stayed in the regions, the opportunities

for our youth and general employment would increase no end.

An electricity price with a ceiling of no more than 16c/kWh (8c/kWh for the network and 8c/kWh for the electricity) is both

achievable and sustainable.

The following letter to the editor appeared in a lot of regional papers.

It shows just how much we are being gouged.

Distance

(m)

2018

(cents per tonne)

0 – 1000 0

1000 – 2000 55

2000 – 3000 83

3000 – 4000 110

4000 – 5000 138

5000 – 6000 165

6000 – 7000 193

7000 – 8000 220

8000 – 9000 248

9000 – 10000 275

10000 + 303

13.2 Haulage Allowance. A haulage

allowance will paid to Growers hauling to

cane railway sidings which will be

calculated on the distance from the farm exit

nearest to the siding to the nearest point of

the siding based on the following scale:

Where a haulage allowance agreement exists

with an individual Grower, the higher of the

existing allowance or the above allowance

will apply. No trammage allowance applies.

Prior to the commencement of 2019

crushing season and each year after that the

haulage allowance will be increased by the

percentage change in the “All Groups CPI

Index weighted average of eight capital

cities” for the 12 months to March that

calendar year.


Indicative Advances Program Based on QSL reports 27 April 2018

Advance Dates Uncommitted Pool Advance FPFC Advance

Rates (AUD/tonne IPS)

Payment Increase To

Date

Initial $302.00 $302.00

25-Aug-17 $14.00 $316.00 $316.00

20-Oct-17 $10.00 $326.00 $326.00

15-Dec-17 $25.00 $351.00 $351.00

26-Jan-18 $5.00 $356.00 80.0%

23-Feb-18 $5.00 $361.00 85.0%

23-Mar-18 $11.00 $372.00 87.5%

20-Apr-18 $9.00 $381.00 90.0%

18-May-18 $20.00 $401.00 95.0%

22-Jun-18 $11.00 $412.00 97.5%

Final $11.00 $423.00 100.0%

Notes:

1. The program above represents indicative advances

payable by QSL to Bundaberg Sugar based on estimated

pool returns, the marketing plan and forecast cash flows

at the time. These indicative amounts will be reviewed

on a regular basis and updated for changes in forecasts.

Advances highlighted in bold in the table above have

been approved by the QSL Board.

2. This program is indicative only and should not be taken

as a commitment by Queensland Sugar (or Bundaberg

Sugar) with regard to the estimated pool return, advance

rate or date of increase. The program may change

during the season depending on movements in a number

of factors including the marketing plan, sugar price and

currency movements and timing of cash flows.

3. The advance rates are GST exclusive.

4. The net adjustment, for the estimated US Quota and

QSL premiums & costs, to be added to ICE No.11 and

Foreign Exchange pricing results for the Committed

Pools (e.g. Fixed Price Forward Contract FPFC) is

$6.64.

Disclaimer: This report has been prepared for general information

only. It does not have regard to the specific circumstances of any

individual or group who may read it. It is not intended as an offer to

buy or sell commodities, futures or options, nor is the accuracy of

the report content guaranteed. However, as market circumstances

can change quickly, Queensland Sugar Limited and Bundaberg

Sugar Ltd disclaim any responsibility or liability for decisions or

actions of any individual relying in whole or in part on information

contained herein. Individuals contemplating decisions relating to any

material discussed in this publication should take appropriate

financial advice.

Bundaberg Christian College Careers Farm Visit

O n Monday 30 April a group of

students from Bundaberg Christian

College were invited to visit Dean

Cayley’s farm at Alloway. The purpose

of the field day was to identify how

industry can work with the region’s

youth to develop an agricultural career

pathway. Students first received

information from staff at Bundaberg

CANEGROWERS and Bundaberg

Sugar Services on their involvement in

agriculture, how they came to be

working in the agricultural industry and

an overview of their role. Allan Dingle

and Dean Cayley spoke on their roles as

farmers and as grower representatives.

Students were taken on a field walk to

see a pump shed and gain an overview

of Cayley’s irrigation systems. They

were provided the opportunity to see

and taste a peanut crop and a stick of

sugarcane whilst learning how the crop

grows. GPS farming systems and

sugarcane harvesting were also

explained to students.

The farm visit allowed students the

opportunity to understand how they

could become involved in the industry

and the diverse range of employment

opportunities available, whether it be

working in the field or working in an

office.


Rural Minds is a comprehensive program designed for

people living and working in rural Australia by people

living and working in rural Australia.

Anyone who is connected to the land or living in a rural area – through farming, rural work,

a rural business or a ‘tree change’. Teachers, publicans, pharmacists – anyone with an

interest in strengthening and giving back to their community!

This half-day workshop is a great opportunity to learn about mental health and well-being

as it affects farming and agricultural communities. Rural Minds is just solid information

workshop without the bull... dust.

Topics covered will be:

Stigma

Risks to Mental health

Anxiety and Depression

Destructive Thinking

Acute Stress and Posttraumatic Stress (PTSD)

Dementia

Suicide

Alcohol, drugs and mental health

Relationships

Financial Stress and Succession

Strategies to build and maintain mental health

Mental health supports

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS

Monday, 25 June 2018

10am - 2pm

RSVP: [email protected] or 07 4151 2555

WORKSHOP

This workshop will:

Improve your awareness and understanding

of mental health issues

Make the connection between mental health

and personal safety

Give you the confidence, strategies and

pathways supports to help you preserve your

mental health and that of your family and

friends

http://www.facebook.com/rrmhruralminds


Follow us

@BundyIrrigators

E nergy prices continue to be a hot

topic in the Bundaberg sugar

industry. Whether it is the current cost

or the tariff changes planned for 2020

and which tariffs will be best suited to

Bundaberg farms when the change

occurs.

Bundaberg CANEROWERS Ltd,

Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group

and Bundaberg Sugar Services Ltd have

for many years worked as a team on

behalf of grower members to find

options that contain the energy cost

problem, always with an eye to

enhancing productivity to help off- set

the cost of change.

For some time now farm irrigation

efficiency and energy audits have been

available to members and several

members have been able to make

significant changes to their irrigation

systems with funding sources or

assistance grants identified by the

working group.

In 2015 the working group first

approached the Australian Renewable

Energy Agency for funding to

implement a plan to set up a trial solar

pumping system at Bundaberg.

After three (3) years of planning, and

negotiating with both government

agencies and the renewable energy

industry the solar trial is now in place at

Rodney Killers farm at Sharon.

A new pump and motor were installed

with a Variable Speed Drive which

ensures that energy demand is limited to

exactly that required to operate the

irrigation system. This has reduced the

energy bill at this site by 35%.

The is a very promising outcome as this

pump site is on the SunWater surface

supply and like many other similar

situations in Bundaberg there is

fluctuating incoming pressure.

This drive also has the capability to

blend solar and grid energy, which then

enables the option to add solar panels to

the system and depending on the

number of panels attached this further

reduces the daily cost of energy.

The objective of the project is to provide

a template for developing best cost

benefit options to assist with future

decision making.

The trial system is now being used to

monitor the solar input and establish

better understanding of how a system

that maximises its value in the daylight

hours may be effectively utilised to

lower the cost of sugarcane irrigation at

Bundaberg.

Adapting Renewable Energy Concepts to Irrigated

Sugarcane Production at Bundaberg Update


The new irrigation pumping system with solar irrigation trial was installed at Killers

Farm near Sharon in January 2018 and has completed 263 hrs of trials during

January and February of 2018.

The irrigation method is a soft hose big gun system (water winch).


A t the end of March, 115 growers

and industry professionals from the

Bundaberg/Isis/Maryborough region

participated in a field trip organised by

the Department of Agriculture and

Fisheries (DAF).

The field trip provided growers with

current information on regionally

focussed research and innovation, and

demonstrated to growers where their

levy money goes.

DAF’s Principal Agronomist and

Coastal Farming Systems Team Leader

Neil Halpin spoke about the benefits of

planting legume rotation crops in

sugarcane farming systems to obtain

nitrogen for free.

Gro wers were also given the

opportunity to learn about:

applying nitrogen fertiliser more

efficiently, to reduce impacts on reef

water quality

new legume varieties

reduced till options to improve

farming systems.

At the end of the day participants were

asked to complete a survey. Sixty-four

percent of survey respondents’

identified as growers, with over 50% of

those attending reporting as being under

the age of 50.

Participants came from Bundaberg,

Childers and as far as Maryborough,

over an hours’ drive away.

For the Department and partner

organisations, the results of the day

were also very positive with 93% of

those attending the field day reporting

increased knowledge about these

technologies and trials.

One of the main outcomes of the day

was to provide information about best

management practice so that growers

would be in the best position to

implement practice change.

DAF was pleased to find that growers

reported that there were over 25 changes

that they would consider implementing

in their businesses as a result of

attending the field day.

The event was a great success and

thanks are also due to Grains Research

Development Corporation, Sugar

Research Australia, Peanut Company of

Australia and Reef Trust III for their

support of the day.

Queensland farmers growing knowledge in the field

W ith the removal of the mandatory

UD licence for haulout and

harvester drivers, employers are now

responsible for ensuring that their

employees are trained and competent to

operate the agricultural machinery that

they operate.

For agricultural machinery and

equipment, including tractor driven

haulout equipment, and specialised

agricultural equipment such as

Powerhauls, a “C” class licence is all

that is required to drive on the road.

However, if the vehicle has a truck

chassis, the operator requires the

appropriate truck licence (most likely a

minimum of a HR licence) which is

issued by Department of Transport.

To demonstrate the employees’

competency in operating the agricultural

vehicles, training will need to be

conducted and records of this training

signed by the owner and the employee

and kept by the owner. If the employee

has completed formal training and has

received certificates of completion, the

owner should take copies of these

certificates as proof of competency,

however training still should occur with

the owners specific haulout equipment

with that training recorded.

If the employee has not received any

prior training there should be a formal

training induction as well as in field

practical instruction in which all

information is recorded. During these

training sessions consideration should

be given to using any communication

methods used during the harvesting

season.

If the operator requires their “P” plates

to drive a car they need to display them

when driving the farm equipment.

There are still organisations providing

training for haulout operators. One such

organisation is the Queensland

Agricultural Training Colleges which

can conduct this specialised training.

There is a fee for attending this course

which varies depending on your

individual circumstances. For more

information about the haulout operators

course you can contact the college

1800 888 710.

Ensuring the Haulout driver is competent to operate harvest

equipment

Page 5


Cane-Trends at AgroTrend 2018

Session 1 -

Soybeans in cane rotation

Session 2 -

Bundaberg Sugar Services

Cane Plant Project

Session 3 -

Adapting Renewable Energy

Concepts to Irrigated

Sugarcane Production at

Bundaberg

Cane-Trends at

AgroTrend

Page 6


JOBS BOARD

LOOKING FOR WORK Cane Production/Tractor Work Holds a MR Drivers Licence. Experienced grazier and timber cutter. Has worked in dry land farming. Experience growing soybeans, grain sorghum, barley, pumpkins and cucumbers. Able to rake hay and maintain machinery. Has driven all types of tractors, articulated loaders and willing to learn to operate any other machinery. Please call Greg on 0484 866 277. Haulage Three months experience driving side tipper. Also has experience driving power hauls and Case Carters/Elevators. Holds UD, C and RE licences. Please call David on 0402 999 469. Haulage Holds HR and UD Licence. Has experience with winch on trucks, tippers and 13t elevator bins. Please call Alan on 0421 026 388.

CLASSIFIED & JOB ADVERTISEMENTS

As a free service to financial members, small suitable classified and employment advertisements of up to 30 words only will be printed. Advertisements will be accepted from non-members, charged at $11 per 7-word line or part thereof. Contact: Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Office on telephone 4151 2555 or fax 4153 1986.

Articles appearing in The Bundaberg District Canegrower do not necessarily represent the policies and views of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS.

The Chairman, Elected Members and Staff of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS represented cane growers on a number of occasions.

Executive members also attended many Branch meetings and other engagements in their own time.

DATE MEETING PURPOSE FOR MORE

INFORMATION

CONTACT:

04.04.18 SRA Annual Variety Committee meeting To review varieties Matt Leighton

05.04.18 SRA Harvesting forum To review findings Matt Leighton

05.04.18 Energy Q working group regulatory proposal To represent growers Dale Holliss

10.04.18 National Irrigators Council teleconference To represent growers Dale Holliss

11.04.18 Landcare meeting To represent growers Dale Holliss

13.04.18 Energy Consumers Australia teleconference To represent growers Dale Holliss

17.04.18 Japanese Consulate visit To showcase industry Allan Dingle

17.04.18 EcoBiz coaching session To review electricity, waste and water management within the office Tanya Howard

17.04.18 Chain of Responsibility webinar To understand requirements Veronica Timm Matthew Leighton

20.04.18 BMRG Reef Trust III meeting To represent growers Dale Holliss

30.04.18 Bundaberg Christian College Careers Field

Day To understand training requirements

Allan Dingle

Dale Holliss

Representation on Your Behalf

SmartCane BMP - call in to Bundaberg CANEGROWERS on Thursday mornings for assistance with:

Registration Module completion and assessment Preparing for accreditation

No appointment necessary.

Contact your local SmartCane BMP Facilitator - Veronica Timm Ph: Bundaberg CANEGROWERS on (07) 4151 2555

www.smartcane.com.au

Page 7


If undeliverable return to:

PO Box 953

BUNDABERG QLD 4670

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS

32 Bourbong Street (PO Box 953) Bundaberg Qld 4670

Phone: (07) 4151 2555 Fax: (07) 4153 1986

Email: [email protected] Website: www.bdbcanegrowers.com.au

ABN: 66 110 868 801

PRINT

POST 100001222

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

PRIORITY

The Bundaberg District Canegrower

S DS may be requested from the

manufacturer or supplier of a

hazardous chemical and many

manufacturers make electronic copies of

SDS available on their websites.

SDS must be supplied to a workplace:

when the hazardous chemical is first

supplied to the workplace

the first time a hazardous chemical is

supplied after an SDS has been

amended.

A hazardous chemical is taken to be

first supplied to a workplace if the

supply is the first time in five (5) years.

Keeping copies of safety data

sheets Businesses must keep copies of SDS for

chemicals they use and they must be

readily accessible for all workers

involved in using, handling or storing

the chemical at the workplace,

emergency service workers, and anyone

else who may be exposed to the

chemical.

The model WHS Regulations do not

require businesses to obtain and give

access to SDS when:

Hazardous chemicals are in transit.

The business is a retailer and the

hazardous chemical is a consumer

product and intended for supply and

not to be opened on the premises.

The hazardous chemical product is a

consumer product used in quantities

and a manner that is consistent with

household use.

However, in these circumstances

businesses must still make sure that

sufficient information and instruction is

provided to workers and this may

involve having accessible SDS.

More information about keeping SDS

and a register of hazardous chemicals at

a workplace is available under the

hazardous chemical registers page:

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/

topics/hazardous-chemical-registers.

Paper versus electronic Whether as a manufacturer or importer

you opt to prepare and make available a

paper or electronic version of SDS will

depend on the requirements of the

business using the hazardous chemical.

If a business indicates they need an

electronic version, then that is enough to

comply with any obligations to supply

SDS. Manufacturers or suppliers will

need to provide a paper version on

request.

Obtaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

For further pricing information please visit www.qsl.com.au

QSL Pool Gross Price AUD/T IPS

2017 Harvest Pool $416

2017 Actively Managed Pool $446

2017 Guaranteed Floor Pool $517

2017 US Quota Pool $717

2017 2-Season Forward Pool $506

2018 2-Season Forward Pool $398

2018 Early Start Actively Managed Pool

$350

Current as of 27 April 2018

Indicative QSL Pool Prices (AUD per tonne)

chairman’s comment · chairman’s comment continued cane-trends cane-trends was again held in...

Documents