features - australian sugarcane issues... · 2013-07-24 · june–july 2013 australian sugarcane...

June–July 2013 Australian Sugarcane — 1

June–July 2013

COVER Australian SugarcanePO Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350. Phone: (07) 4659 3555. Fax: (07) 4638 4520. Email: [email protected] – www.australiansugarcane.com.au DELIVERY ADDRESS: 120 Herries Street, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350

EDITOR: Brian O’Connell PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mick AllanASSOCIATE EDITORS: David Dowling OFFICE MANAGER: Catherine O’Connell

Lloyd O’Connell NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER: Michael Cook (0428 794 801)

ADVERTISING: Phone (07) 4659 3555 Fax (07) 4638 4520 E: [email protected]

CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in Australian Sugarcane are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Copyright 2013.

Published by Berekua Pty. Ltd., 40 Creek Street, Brisbane, Queensland. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. PP100008014. ISSN 1442–5157.

PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER, DECEMBER. AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE ANNUAL

As the harvest gets underway the industry as a whole seems a little

in the dark when it comes to what lies ahead. We have the Yellow

Canopy Syndrome shadow hanging over us and the changes to our research structure are coming at a time when we urgently need

cohesion and confidence.

YCS – yet another wildcard in the pack!

Sinking the boot into smut

Key to healthy sugarcane soilsIN

SID

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Print Post Approved Publication No. PP100008014

JUNE-JULY 2013Volume 17, No. 3 $7.70

FEATURES

4 Yellow Canopy Syndrome – yet another wildcard in the pack!

6 $1 million invested to fight Yellow Canopy Syndrome

9 Active and diverse ‘food web’ key to healthy sugarcane soils

14 Cane grub control delivers good return on investment

17 Sinking the fungicide boot into smut

19 Increasing yields through efficient irrigation solutions

REGULAR SECTIONS

2 Editorial

12 Modern Machinery Matters: Sweet revolution in sugarcane harvesting

21 Marketing: Trends in global sugar to 2021

22 News & New Products

24 Classic Tractor Tales: Oberon revisited

28 District Reports

31 Fishing: Phil ‘feels the water’ – can you?

www.australiansugarcane.com.au

Eight page Next Gen Farmer in the centre of this magazine.

2 — Australian Sugarcane June–July 2013

YCS – another wildcardFarming is certainly like a game of cards: you really don’t know when the ‘wildcards’ will be dealt. unlike smut for which we had made preparations, yCS has played another ‘wildcard’ in the pack.

See article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Healthy sugarcane soils

The challenge facing the sugar industry is to adopt a farming system that sequesters carbon, and over time, increases soil carbon levels further down the soil profile.

See article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Oberon revisitedBack in the 1950s, Oberon was a

jewel known only to a few. Certainly, travellers heading west to Bathurst from Sydney would have perhaps noticed the odd signboard pointing vaguely in the direction of some obscure place called Oberon.

See article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

In this issue...

Editorial...�

I ThOughT our cover shot for this issue was very industry – appropriate on a number of levels. It’s a harvest shot and the harvest is underway. It’s a night shot and the industry

as a whole seems a little in the dark when it comes to what lies ahead!

We have the shadow of the mysterious yellow Canopy Syndrome (yCS) hanging over us and it has come at the most inopportune time – if you can ever have an ‘opportune’ time for the arrival of a mysterious syndrome that threatens your livelihood!

The Sugar Research and Development Services Bill 2013 and companion Bills have been passed and we are now moving to a single industry-owned research company. The new structure involves the closure of the Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) and BSeS limited and the transfer of their assets into Sugar Research Australia (SRA).

These major changes to our research structure are coming at a time when we urgently need cohesion and confidence.

In this issue we report on the response to yCS at the sugarcane industry and Queensland government level. Financial and scientific resources have been pooled in a joint initiative to better understand and manage the threat posed.

The one-year research project Solving the Yellow Canopy Syndrome received a $500,000 commitment from the SRDC, $276,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ) and $200,000 from BSeS limited.

We all hope that the delivery of a timely and adequate solution will not be hampered by the legislated demise of two out of the three ‘emergency response’ bodies.

A delivery of another kind is scheduled for this harvest – a delivery that promises to open the door to unprecedented efficiencies. Case Ih’s variable spacing multi row sugarcane harvester – recently launched in Brazil – will be tested in Australia during 2013.

This is indeed the ‘next generation’ in harvester technology and it was appropriate that Case Ih was a major sponsor of the next gen Conference earlier this year – where indeed they announced the impending arrival of the new machine into Australia.

you will notice that we carry a next gen Farmer supplement in this issue. established in 2012, the next gen program seeks to ensure that the accumulated knowledge and experience of our industry’s more established farmers is transferred to the incoming generation. next gen is about making sure our young farmers are made aware of all

available resources that will help to ensure them – and the Australian cane industry – a viable and sustainable future.

And talking about the future – I note that there are more murmurings about expanding cane production in the north of Queensland. We would all welcome industry expansion – as long as it is accompanied by logistical expansion, and appropriate varietal expansion, and the expansion

of water availability – am I expanding on this just a little too much?

you may also have read here a few issues ago about the impending expansion – or is that re-expansion – of the sugar industry in Western Australia with the ‘doing of a deal’ on the second stage development in the Ord Irrigation Area. Seems we misheard – for ‘sugar’ read ‘sorghum’.

last november the WA government chose a group of Chinese investors to develop a sugarcane project that would see a brand new $450 million sugar mill and more than 13,000 hectares come under sugarcane.

Seems the new investors have decided that it was going to take too much of an investment in time and money to make a return out of sugarcane – surprise, surprise. They’re going with sorghum instead.

Tricky business this sugarcane thing!

by�Brian�O’Connell,�Editor

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DeFInIng events in our industry are often described by small words

or phrases, which belie their impact. The current example is yellow Canopy Syndrome (yCS), a ‘mystery’ phenomenon that is so mysterious that it is rightly tagged ‘syndrome’.

But what is a syndrome? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as ‘a group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms…’

Seems right enough, but as for the mystery; with our scientific community working feverously and the rest of us watching and waiting nervously, farmers are asking:

■ What is it – a disease, a pest, a chemical imbalance or soil-health issue?

■ Where did it come from? ■ Is it here to stay? ■ how is it spreading and will it reach all regions? ■ Will it disappear as quickly and mysteriously as it appeared? ■ What impact will it have on our varieties and breeding program?

■ Most importantly, what impact will it have on our bottom line and bank account?

yCS is often present when an unknown agent attacks the ‘engine room’ of the plant – the root system. It may be that with the root system emaciated, the plant cannot efficiently use the soil, water and nutrient environment; causing the top to yellow and the stalk to become flaccid. In many soils, the stalks can be easily pulled out by hand – let alone by a cane harvester.

As yet our scientists are cautious about any such association.The most worrying issue for the harvest is how the effected

crop will perform; whether the stools will lift out; whether they will ratoon; and whether the crop will achieve a commercial cane sugar (CCS) to merit harvesting.

Issues of viability are a constant concern for our farmers; with rising input costs and falling sugar prices. We need at least five years of reliable crops and prices, yet here we go again!

Farming is certainly like a game of cards: you really don’t know when the ‘wildcards’ will be dealt.

unlike smut for which we had made preparations, yCS has played another ‘wildcard’ in the pack.

With the season getting underway and the crop looking set in most districts for a reasonable harvest, under the standard caveat, ‘Barring any problems’. yCS is that sort of problem leaving farmers wondering ‘whatever next?’

Farmers have been reporting what may have been yCS in years past but the cane grew out of the yellowing. There are also anecdotes of a similar occurrence in the early twentieth century and more recently in other countries. Others are reporting similar symptoms on grasses and palm trees; a phenomenon that was reported in 2000 during the orange rust incursion.

The BSeS which has contributed so much to international sugar research is reaching out and engaging with the international community on this one; and this is of course appropriate.

We are quietly confident that our researchers will solve the problem: it may take longer than we would hope, but nevertheless we cannot rest until it is solved.

Whatever the cause of yCS and whatever the outcomes may be, the phenomenon of yCS illustrates the need to maintain our activities in research development and extension at levels which allow us to respond to the task at hand – mysterious or otherwise.

From the whole of industry perspective, we hope that yCS will be a fleeting phenomenon, exiting as mysteriously as it arrived. To date the best-case scenario is a second rate season for affected farmers, while the worst-case could mean a total replant of affected paddocks after little return from the harvested crop.

Cane supply arrangements must now be flexible: where mills decide that the crop is millable, they will need to assure farmers that in the event of low CCS and purity, and high ash/dirt, that they will pay farmers who will themselves be obligated to pay for harvesting costs.

As we witness how the season unfolds and respond as an industry to this latest challenge; and after so many years of fate playing the ‘wildcard’, farmers are left wondering if the pack is finally empty. n


Yellow Canopy Syndrome – yet another wildcard in the pack!

n By Stephen Ryan – General Manager ACFA

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The Australian sugarcane industry and Queensland government have pooled their financial and scientific resources in a joint initiative to better understand and

manage yellow Canopy Syndrome (yCS).The one-year research project Solving the Yellow Canopy

Syndrome received a $500 000 commitment from the Sugar Research Development Corporation (SRDC), $276 000 from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ) and $200 000 from BSeS limited (BSeS).

The project will be supported by an Industry Stakeholder group, a Scientific Research Panel, productivity service groups and other research organisations.

The Industry Stakeholder group will be represented by the Australian Sugar Milling Council, Canegrowers, Australian Cane Farmers Association, Burdekin Productivity Services limited (BPS), herbert Cane Productivity Services limited (hCPSl) and Plant health Australia. The group will play a key role in monitoring the ongoing progress of the project and communicating outcomes and findings to their organisation and members.

The Scientific Reference Panel will provide supporting scientific opinion about the direction of the project. The Panel will include members with national and international recognition in a range of supporting disciplines including plant physiology and molecular pathology.

BSeS Chairman, Mr Paul Wright, said BSeS is well-placed to lead this project given its expertise in key scientific fields, an existing extension system and networks within the scientific community.

“Reports from pre-crush investigations indicate that cane

which shows symptoms consistent with yCS could have less sugar. This means less profit for growers and millers this season. It is also likely that yCS could impact on ratoonability and future yields,” said Paul.

“The BSeS Board also contributed funds to the project to ensure that it is fully staffed and resourced so that those involved can focus exclusively on understanding this condition.

“It is only through a continued methodical and scientific approach that we will gain an accurate insight into yCS. We can then develop successful approaches to minimise its economic damage and get the industry back on track.”

The project, which has already started, involves large-scale monitoring, sampling programs and data collection activities in the herbert and Burdekin cane-growing districts.

Conclusions to dateThe BSeS Professional extension and Communication unit and

technical experts including entomology, pathology and agronomy researchers have worked steadily since early this year to develop an understanding of yCS.

At the time of going to press their observations – together with initial tests and consultations with industry and research partners – have produced the following conclusions:

■ Some varieties (such as KQ228A, Q200A, Q247A, and MQ239A) are more susceptible to yCS.

■ yCS does not resemble any known systemic viral, bacterial or fungal disease and its distribution within a block and within regions is not characteristic of these types of diseases.


$1 million invested to fight Yellow Canopy Syndrome

Young leaves may show faint general yellowing at the tip. This progresses to a stronger yellowing/chlorosis generally to one side of the leaf and towards the leaf tip.

Lower canopy leaves are more uniformly yellow, showing areas of brown-black necrotic spots.

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■ The symptoms on younger leaves are not typical of any known air-borne or water-borne bacterial or fungal disease.

■ The symptoms and field distribution are also not characteristic of root diseases. Poor root growth in some affected crops could be associated with yCS but is unlikely to be the cause of the yellowing.

■ The widespread distribution of the condition on many soil types in three regions would make it extremely unlikely to be a nutritional or chemical problem.

■ Some of the symptoms and field observations may be consistent with damage caused by an insect – possibly the linear bug.

■ Some of the symptoms may be associated with environmental stress.

YCS symptomsBSeS urges growers to continue to look out for the yCS

symptoms in their crops and report any findings to their local cane productivity service group.

■ young leaves may show faint general yellowing at the tip. This progresses to a stronger yellowing/chlorosis generally to one side of the leaf and towards the leaf tip.

■ leaves five or six show uneven course mottling, with areas of uneven green and yellow tissue developing. This symptom is uneven, and looks more like a stress condition or herbicide effect. It extends right down the leaf blade.

■ The lower canopy leaves are more uniformly yellow, showing areas of brown-black necrotic spots. leaf tips and some margins begin to die.

■ Older leaves senesce early. ■ There are no internal stalk symptoms or discolouration in the growing point area.

■ The overall crop looks quite yellow, and this yellowing extends into the youngest leaves in the worst affected crops.

This material has been drawn from the Yellow Cane Syndrome Newsletter, May 13, 2013 available on www.bses.com.au n


Sugar reSearch and development ServiceS Bill paSSed By Senate

The Sugar Research and Development Services Bill 2013 and companion Bills were passed by the Senate at 2.20pm on June 28.

The Bills outline the new sugar research and development levy and how these funds will be administered by an Industry Owned Corporation in the future.

The new structure involves the closure of the Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) and BSES Limited and transfer of their assets into an Industry Owned Corporation known as Sugar Research Australia (SRA).

SRDC Executive Director, Annette Sugden said we are committed to keeping our stakeholders informed and ensuring a smooth transition of SRDC activities to SRA.

“SRDC will be meeting with SRA to establish a schedule for transition activities,” Annette said. “Once this occurs, we will provide our research providers, funding recipients and suppliers with more information about the transition process.”

To access more information about the Sugar Research and Development Services Bill 2013 visit the Australian Parliament House website www.aph.gov.auSRDC Communications Manager, Carolyn Martin: Email [email protected]

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The term ‘soil food web’ describes the community of organisms that performs many important functions in soil: decomposition of organic matter; storage, mineralisation

and recycling of nutrients; maintenance of soil structure; detoxification of pollutants; and suppression of soilborne pests and diseases. This article shows that this web of interacting organisms plays a central role in maintaining the health of soils used to grow sugarcane.

Composition of the soil food webMillions of organisms are found in a healthy soil, but as the

figure below indicates, they are broadly categorised into four major groups (Figure 1):

■ Microflora: Bacteria and fungi are responsible for most of the biological activity in soil. They decompose organic matter; are the principal agents for cycling nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur; and are responsible for the formation of stable aggregates.

■ Microfauna: Protozoa and nematodes are the crucial link between the microflora and the larger soil fauna. They regulate populations of bacteria and fungi, and play a major role in mineralising nutrients.

■ Mesofuana: Mites and Collembola feed on fungi and nematodes, and therefore help regulate their populations.

■ Macrofauna: earthworms, enchytraeid worms and various arthropods fragment organic residues and therefore hasten the decomposition. They also influence soil structure through their role in soil pore formation.

What is the role of organic matter?Organic inputs from crop residues and roots are the food

source that fuels the soil food web. Initially, organic matter is utilised by fungi and bacteria, but because they are then consumed by predators, and predators are then eaten by other predators, the energy from organic matter flows through the system to support the whole food web. If organic inputs are removed, this interacting network of organisms will not function as it should.

Healthy soils have a fully-functional food webWhen the soil food web is fully functional, nutrients are being

recycled, soil structure is being improved, pollutants are being degraded, and root diseases are being suppressed. All these processes are biological, and they result in a soil that is capable of sustaining agricultural production over the long-term.


Active and diverse ‘food web’ key to healthy sugarcane soils

n By Dr Graham Stirling and Dr Mike Bell – Sugar Yield Decline Joint Venture Team

FIguRE 1: The four major soil organism groups

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Perennial grasslands – the gold standard from a soil health perspective

The properties of soils under undisturbed perennial grasslands are indicative of a healthy soil. After many years of organic inputs from residues and roots, these soils will be well structured and have relatively high carbon levels. Roots growing in such soils will be healthy because organisms in the food web will be suppressing root pathogens and mineralising nutrients required by the plants. Soils under perennial grasslands therefore provide an indication of what is achievable from a soil health perspective in a given soil type and environment.

How do sugarcane soils compare with soils under perennial grass?

Australia’s sugarcane soils are badly degraded, and compare unfavourably with soils under grass pasture. Rainfall infiltration rates are low; valuable topsoil is being lost due to erosion; nutrient retention is poor; water-holding capacity is low; the soil is usually highly acidic; surface crusting problems are common; root diseases are widespread, and crop yields are static or declining.

A survey of undertaken by the Sugar yield Decline Joint Venture in 2007 at 11 sites between Cairns and Maryborough showed that the average carbon level in sugarcane soils was about half that of adjacent soils under grass pasture (14 g C/kg soil under sugarcane compared to 27 g C/kg soil under pasture). At several of the sites sampled, carbon levels under grass were more than three times higher than in sugarcane. Since biological measurements mirrored the carbon measurements, this suggests that soil health problems in the sugar industry are the result of low soil carbon levels.

Why are carbon levels so low in sugarcane soils? ■ Removal of crop residues. historically, crop residues were burnt, a practice that continues in some areas today. Valuable organic matter is also transported off-site to generate electricity, mulch gardens, and provide food and bedding for livestock.

■ Excessive tillage. Tillage increases rates of organic matter decomposition, hastens mineralisation of carbon to CO2, and therefore depletes the food source on which many soil organisms depend. Although significant amounts of carbon can be sequestered by five years of green cane trash blanketing, the carbon gains are completely lost if the soil is cultivated to plant the next crop (see Table 1). This detrimental impact of tillage has been reinforced by data collected in 2010 by the national Soil Carbon Research Project (SCaRP). A long term trash trial at Mackay had been cultivated conventionally between crop cycles, and total C stocks in the top 10cm or the top 30 cm of the soil profile did not differ

significantly between trash blanketed and burnt treatments. ■ Soil compaction. When soil is compacted by farm machinery, the tillage required to correct the problem further depletes soil carbon levels

■ Low root/shoot ratio. Modern sugarcane varieties have relatively sparse root systems because they allocate a much smaller proportion of total biomass below ground than other perennial grass species. Thus, sugarcane differs from pasture grasses in that roots play a relatively small role in building soil carbon reserves

TABLE 1: The impact of tillage and gCTB on soil carbon levels (g C/kg soil) in two soil types at BundabergManagement system Red ferrosol Yellow podsolicBurnt cane 16.7 15.3Trash blanket for 5 years 22.5 18.9Trash blanket (after plough-out and trash incorporation)

17.0 13.1

What is the biological impact of these practices?In addition to depleting the food source on which the soil

food web depends, tillage destroys the hyphae of fungi that aggregate soil particles, and disrupts the trapping devices that some fungi use to prey on nematodes. It also kills large soil organisms, which tend to be the predatory component of the soil food web. Compaction eliminates the well-aerated pore spaces that are inhabited by the soil microfauna.

How can the health of sugarcane soils be improved?

The first step is to adopt a farming system that prevents compaction of the growing zone (through controlled traffic with gPS guidance). This then allows the grower to eliminate tillage and maintain a permanent residue cover on the soil surface. The next step is to introduce other crops (e.g. legumes) into the rotation to produce biologically-fixed nitrogen, reduce populations of sugarcane-specific pests, and provide more diverse carbon sources for the soil food web. Scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits from this farming system were obtained by the Sugar yield Decline Joint Venture, but unfortunately, the results have largely been ignored by the Australian sugar industry.

The key take-home messageSugarcane has a relatively poor root system, and is therefore

vulnerable to stresses caused by high temperatures and dry conditions, or to damage caused by root pests and pathogens.


The main reasons for poor soil health in sugarcane: burning of crop residues, excessive tillage, and compaction of most of the field with machinery.

healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable sugar production, and they can only be obtained by integrating all of the following practices into the farming system:

■ Controlled traffic; ■ Minimum tillage; ■ Residue retention; and, ■ Crop rotation.

A significant ‘bottom-line’ benefit of healthy soils

Improved soil carbon levels can deliver enhanced biological suppressiveness to plant-parasitic nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes are found in every sugarcane field in Australia and are estimated to cost the sugar industry more than $80 million per annum. Recent research has shown that naturally-occurring parasites and predators will keep these pests under control, provided there is enough labile carbon in the soil to support an active and diverse soil food web.

Root health on three farms in BundabergThe photograph below shows the root systems from three

farms in Bundaberg. The farms are on different soil types, but all root systems were much healthier just under the trash blanket than 15 cm further down the profile. Roots near the soil surface (depth 0–2 cm) had many fine roots and showed no signs of the lesions and root rotting observed on roots from 15–17 cm. Roots from site B were particularly healthy.

Soil carbon and nematode community measurements

Data collected from the three sites (see Table 2) show that: ■ The soils near the surface had much higher carbon levels than soils from 15–17 cm.

■ The nematode community in the surface soils, where the roots were healthy, was dominated by beneficial free-living

nematodes (Fln), and there were relatively few plant-parasitic nematodes (PPn).

■ In contrast, the soil from 15–17 cm, where root health was poor, was dominated by PPn.

■ The clay loam soil from site B was in excellent health. The surface soil had high carbon levels and there were 60 times more beneficial nematodes than plant parasites.The surface soil from site

B was highly suppressive to nematodes. When additional nematodes were added to this soil in a laboratory test, only 15 per cent were recovered after 10 days. The other 85 per cent were killed by parasites or eaten by predators. In contrast, almost all the nematodes added to site C (15–17 cm) were recovered, indicating that this soil had very few natural enemies.

ConclusionThis result suggests that once the labile carbon content of

a soil reaches a certain level (which will vary with soil type and climate), biological control agents in the soil food web suppress populations of plant-parasitic nematodes to levels that cause little damage to roots. In sugarcane soils, these high carbon levels only occur just under the trash blanket. The challenge facing the sugar industry is to adopt a farming system that sequesters carbon, and over time, increases soil carbon levels further down the soil profile.

This article was prepared by Dr Graham Stirling and Dr Mike Bell, members of the SYDJV team. The more recent work was funded by SRDC and GRDC in project UQ00053/DAQ00129. If you would like a list of scientific references on the role of organic matter and the soil food web in enhancing sustainability and improving soil health, please contact the senior author [email protected]


TABLE 2: Impact of depth in the profile on soil carbon levels and the nematode community in three sugarcane soils from Bundaberg

Site B (clay loam) Site H (sandy loam) Site C (sandy clay loam)0–2 cm 15–17 cm 0–2 cm 15–17 cm 0–2 cm 15–17 cm

Total C (g/kg soil) 38.2 17.2 11.3 7.8 12.1 8.9labile C (g/kg soil) 3.6 1.2 1.1 0.5 1.1 0.7Fln/200 ml soil 9920 1129 2293 672 2550 324PPn/200 ml soil 592 2052 177 717 651 3080 per cent suppression* 85 41 54 36 38 2*Percentage of added nematodes that were consumed by natural enemies in 10 days

Natural enemies – Fungi that produce specialised traps to capture nematodes are common in soils with high levels of organic carbon.

AuSTRAlIAn sugarcane growers are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of Case Ih’s revolutionary variable spacing sugarcane harvester which will be tested in

Australia during 2013.Designed to meet the growing demand for reduced operating

costs, the new Multi Row features a unique patented crop divider system which offers the flexibility of harvesting in different row spacings and can be adjusted to suit the needs of the producer.

According to Dale Chapple, Case Ih Product Manager for Sugarcane harvesters, Australia, the crop divider system is set up to work in various types of sugarcane plantations.

The innovative new system: ■ Caters for both reduced spacing and combined spacing, and will also enable the harvesting of 1.5 metre adjacent rows, totalling three metres in mechanised cutting width.

■ Includes two cutting blades, one on each crop divider at the front where the cane is cut, without needing to knock cane down to perform cutting.

■ Directs the cut cane toward the feed rollers with the basecutter serving as a sugarcane gathering component, facilitating machine feeding.

■ Does not require knocking down the cane before cutting and all basecutters are controlled independently. As per Case Ih standard, the harvesters cut at a height that

does not damage ratoons, resulting in low rates of loss and mineral impurities.

“This increases the longevity of plantations and the quality of raw material,” says Dale.

new features on the Austoft 8800 Multi Row Series: ■ Increased operating capacity ■ new hydraulic technology on cutting platform

■ Revolutionary independent cutting adjustment system

■ Case Ih FPT Industrial (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) engine with Smart Cruise software standard

The increase in operating capacity, aligned with efficiency in fuel consumption and excellence in cleaning, will make this harvester model unique on the market.

“Customers can put it to use without needing to adjust the field to the machine,” says Dale.

The ‘open and close’ system on the harvester’s cutting platform features new hydraulic system technologies to harness available engine power without interfering


Sweet revolution in sugarcane harvesting

The Case IH Austoft 8800 Multi Row Series shown here at work in Brazil, features technology to harvest more

than one row of sugarcane at a time.

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in the operation of other harvester attachments or increasing fuel consumption.

The Austoft 8800 Multi Row Series harvester comes with a revolutionary independent cutting adjustment system which can adjust cutting heights according to the irregularities of ground contours, minimising losses.

The Austoft 8800 Multi Row Series sugarcane harvesters use Tier III Case Ih FPT Industrial engines with a rated/maximum power of 358 horsepower.

“Improved engine components provide greater strength and durability, ensuring more robustness and a longer service life,” says Dale.

Smart Cruise software, developed by Case Ih to improve fuel consumption in lower load situations, will be standard on the new model.

The software is designed to automatically adjust the harvester’s work speed based on the load required for operation. The system also controls fuel consumption in situations where the machine is at idle.

“If the harvester is stationary for more than 15 seconds, at work speed, Smart Cruise automatically reduces engine speed, helping to improve fuel economy,” says Dale.

“unlike other fuel saving solutions on the market, Case Ih Smart Cruise will not present any operating losses, because there is less demand on the hydraulic system.

“The primary extractor reaches work speed, even with the system activated, and there is a reduction in the engine speed adjustment by the operator.”

While the Case Ih Austoft 8800 Multi Row Series harvester is already commercially available in Brazil, the unit needs to be tested under Australian conditions before farmers here can buy one of their own.

“Case Ih prides itself on a thorough test program,” explains Dale.

“We know cane growers are keen to access this technology but before we release it here we need to make sure it will stand up to Australian conditions and that it will deliver the productivity improvements growers expect.

“And once it’s been proven we’ll be making it available for Australian farmers as soon as possible.”

growers wishing to see the test machine in Australia should contact their local Case Ih sugarcane harvester dealer to register their interest. n


guilherme Belardo, global Product Marketing Manager for Case IH’s sugarcane harvesters, seen here talking with young Australian cane farmers delivered the keynote address at the recent Next gen Conference. guilherme worked with the Case IH team that developed the ‘next gen’ Multi Row cane harvester.

The Case IH Austoft Multi Row Cane Harvester A8800 had its official launch in Brazil in May.

An extra 65.7 tonnes per hectare is the potential difference in return between applying the sustained-release cane grub control suSCon Maxi and not applying it to plant cane.

This has been the average yield increase achieved by years of trials run collaboratively by the BSeS and Crop Care.

The net economic benefit of treating with suSCon Maxi is between $1692 and $2294 per hectare, depending on sugar price. The cost of the product is $6.85 per tonne for the additional cane grown. These figures are based on the average increase in cane yield over three crop cycles (plant, first and second ratoon), compared with untreated cane infested with greyback cane grub.

Net return per hectare from suSCon MaxiCane qualityand price*

Value of extra 65.7 tonnes of cane

Net benefit per ha#

12.5ccs $32.60/tonne suSCon Maxi $2,142 $1,69214ccs $38.42/tonnesuSCon Maxi $2,524 $2,07415ccs $41.76/tonnesuSCon Maxi $2,744 $2,294*Based on forecast income for IPS sugar of A$426 per tonne on 2013 forward pool season.#Based on cost per hectare, including application, of $450 for suSCon Maxi (15kg box).

Crop Care business manager for suSCon products Kerrie Mackay said the figures speak for themselves.

“suSCon Maxi – with its net returns per hectare, its long-term protection, its ease of application and savings on labour – provides canegrowers with the most efficient and economic means of controlling cane grubs. The product protects sugarcane for two years against greyback cane grub; for 3 years against negatoria and Southern-one-year cane grub; and for four years against Childers cane-grub damage.”

As growers push for higher productivity and returns per hectare from their crop inputs, Crop Care is continuing to work with the industry on even longer-term cane grub control from a single application to plant cane.

“On the basis of the results of continued trials, Crop Care will submit an application to the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority for three-year control of greyback cane grubs with an advanced new product suSCon Maxi Intel.

“As more trial data comes to hand, canegrowers can expect to lengthen grub control even more from this new product, new actives and new suSCon formulations.”

Stick to the label – save money and help avoid resistance development

Kerrie said she was concerned about the reported use of liquid imidacloprid products within the first year of application of suSCon Maxi to the plant crop.

“This is contrary to label directions and increases the risk of failure due to accelerated biodegradation of the granules, plus potential runoff into the environment. It also puts this valuable insecticide, imidacloprid, at risk of resistance development and subsequent poorer grub control in the future.

“using a liquid imidacloprid in blocks with low or non-existent grub risk potentially adds to these risks. As well as the risks, growers are spending money unnecessarily.”

Crop Care recommends applying suSCon Maxi in plant cane, followed up by an application of Senator 700Wg three to four years later if necessary, according to the label.

“suSCon Maxi provides excellent grub control and yield increases in its own right. A follow-up application of a liquid imidacloprid less than two years after suSCon Maxi is not likely to return any benefit in yield.”

Contact: Kerrie Mackay, suSCon National Business Manager, 07 3909 2008, 0413 458 069, [email protected] n


Cane grub control delivers good return on investment

Cane farmers can expect to deliver significantly increased tonnage over the crop life by using longer-term cane grub control on their plant cane.

*suSCon Maxi is now registered for 4 year control of childers cane grub. suSCon Maxi is a registered trademark of Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd. ABN 80 061 362 347

Maximum long term protection.

Secure greater protection of your investment by incorporating suSCon Maxi into your grub control program.

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*suSCon Maxi is now registered for 4 year control of childers cane grub. suSCon Maxi is a registered trademark of Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd. ABN 80 061 362 347

Maximum long term protection.

Secure greater protection of your investment by incorporating suSCon Maxi into your grub control program.

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2 to 4 year grub control* depending on the species

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Control of childers

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9

NextGen Farmer 1

2 NextGen Farmer

Editorial

By Stephen Ryan

The Next Gen program is in full swing and we are pleased to say that enthusiasm and participation are at an all time high.

The Next Gen Reps have started hosting their regional meetings, and have been taking part in local agricultural events. The Reps gathered in Brisbane in June to meet industry professionals and to further discuss the future of the sugar industry and to finalise the Next Gen Industry Action plan.

Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, said the consistent interest in the Next Gen program from cane farmers from across all sugar regions was overwhelming.

“Young cane farmers in particular are crying out for industry knowledge and advice that will help them run profitable businesses into the future,”

As always, all young farmers and industry professionals are encouraged to join the program. We hope you enjoy the second issue of Next Gen Farmer.

Remember to keep up to date with all that is going on via our website, nextgenfarmer.com, our Facebook page ‘Next Gen’ or follow us on Twitter: @nextgenfarmer. To receive the monthly Next Gen Farmer E-Newsletter, please email [email protected]. n

ContentsEditorial� 2

Next�Gen�farmer�spotlight�–�Phil�Deguara� 3

Next�Gen�Reps�meet�in�Brisbane� 4

Next�Gen�industry�action�plan� 5

On�the�road�with�Gerard�Puglisi� 6

Great�Land�unlocks�your�soil’s�true�potential� 6

Next�Gen�QSL�updates� 7

Future�Farmer�network�director��leads�from�the�front� 7

Thank you to our partners

Next Gen FarmerGPO�Box�608,�Brisbane�QLD�4001�Tel:�(07)�3839�1900;�Fax:�(07)�3839�1911�E:�[email protected]

Delivery address: Level�3,�447�Upper�Edward�Street�Spring�Hill,�Brisbane�QLD�4000

Editor:�Stephen�RyanAdministration:�Amanda�SheppardNext Gen Officer:Gerard�Puglisi�–�Mob:�0412�417�717;�E:�[email protected]

Next�Gen�Farmer,�Issue�2�Published�July�2013�ISN�2201-7240The�Australian�Cane�Famers�Association�(ACFA)�produces�Next�Gen�Farmer.�Views�expressed�within�are�not�necessarily�those�of�the�ACFA.

FRONT COVER:Next�Gen�Regional�Rep�Phil�Deguara�seen�here�seeking�water�use�efficiency�advice�from�a�finny�friend�during�the�Next�Gen�Step�Up!�Conference�at�Sea�World�on�the�Gold�Coast.

NextGen Farmer 3

For Phil Deguara, cane farming is in the blood. A fourth generation cane farmer, Phil runs a 300 hectare cane farm together with his father, John, in the Mackay region.

At the recent Case IH Step UP! Conference on the Gold Coast, Phil was announced as a regional Next Gen Representative. With an already established young farmer group in Mackay, Phil will continue his work to encourage and support young people in the sugar industry.

“There are 20 members in our group and we meet about four times a year. So far we have completed study trips to Brisbane to meet industry organisation representatives from Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) and BSES. Our group also attended the 2012 Grower Innovative Virtual Expo (GIVE) in Yamba, NSW.” Deguara said.

In talking about the ‘Next Gen’ program Phil explains, “The program should increase knowledge, expand networks and give young growers more confidence to get involved in industry matters. We want to show the industry and government that there is a next generation that wants to continue in the sugar industry.”

Husband to Frances, and father of two (Ricky 5, Lucy 2), Phil enjoys nothing more than spending rare ‘down-time’ with his family.

“Although I do not get much spare time normally, when I do I love waterskiing and spending time with my family”

Phil’s enthusiasm for ensuring a viable and sustainable future for the sugar industry is clear. As well as being heavily

involved with numerous Reef Catchments case studies, Phil is always looking out for ways to improve farm practice.

“We have recently installed three soil moisture probes on the farm which will allow us to determine the high and low limits of moisture and in turn establish when to irrigate and how much to apply.”

Phil’s passion for farming and eagerness to ensure a promising future for the sugar industry is obvious.

“Being a farmer to me means understanding the land, being inventive and being able to adapt to change.” n

Next Gen farmer spotlight –Phil Deguara

Phil’s own ‘next gen’ – daughter Lucy and son Ricky.

Phil is a member of the Mackay young farmer group which meets about four times a year. Some of the 20 strong group are pictured here on a recent study trip.

For the first time since being announced as representatives (Reps) at the successful Case IH Step UP! Conference in March, the regional Reps from young cane farmer group,

Next Gen, met in Brisbane recently.Established in 2012, the Next Gen program focuses on

the importance of ensuring the more established farmer is encouraged to transfer the wealth of their knowledge to the incoming generation and that they are exposed to all available resources to ensure a viable and sustainable cane industry.

Discussions for the day focused around current sugar industry issues, including Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS), increased production costs and forecasts for this years crush.

Also on the agenda was a discussion around the future of the program, including potential projects for 2013–14, along with finalising an industry action plan.

Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, said “We have some exciting projects in the pipeline for the program which we feel will be highly beneficial to young cane farmers industry-wide.”

The Next Gen Reps also had the opportunity whilst in Brisbane to meet with Queensland Sugar (QSL) Managing Director and CEO, Greg Beashel and Sales and Development Manager, Brent Casey for a highly informative discussion on the global sugar market.

The group also took part in a tour of the BSES laboratories and Glasshouses where they witnessed first hand the research going into GM cane, foreign cane varieties and biosecurity.

The knowledge and understanding gained by the Next Gen Reps from these meetings will now be taken back to their own specific regions and shared with their local Next Gen groups.For more information please contact Amanda Sheppard on 07 3839 1900. n

4 NextGen Farmer

Next Gen Reps meet in Brisbane

The Regional Reps, seen here with a famous performing seal – and Slammin’ Sam Kekovitch – were introduced at the very successful Case IH Step UP! Conference in March.

The Reps recently toured the BSES Brisbane laboratories and glasshouses where research into GM cane, foreign cane varieties and biosecurity is conducted.

At the Case IH Step UP! Conference in March, delegates were asked to fill out a survey to help build an industry action plan for the Next Gen program.

Delegates took part in the survey which asked them to rank a number of industry issues in order of importance as well as answer questions about farm ownership, size and plans for purchasing farms in the future.

It became clear that the top three issues as seen by the participants as items of significance in the sugar industry were:• Increased cane varieties;• Soil health and nutrition; and,• Cost of production – water, electricity, irrigation and fuel –

see Table 1.With the average age of participant of 33, the survey gave a valuable insight into what the next generation of sugarcane farmers feel is important in their industry.

In June, the Next Gen Representatives, along with Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, met in Brisbane to work together to form an industry action plan based on the produced results. The Reps consolidated the top ten points identified by the survey into three categories:• Finance;• Farming; and,• RD&E. n

NextGen Farmer 5

Next Gen industry action planTABLE 1: Issues ranked in order of ImportanceItem Overall rank

Increased�cane�varieties 1

Soil�health�and�nutrition 2

Cost�production�–�water,�elec,�irrigation,�fuel�etc 3

Finance 4

Lack�of�support�for�farming/farmers 5

Access�to�extension�and�advisory�services 6

Eduction�and�farm�management�skills 7

Knowledge�sharing 8

Precision�farming 9

Ownership�incentive�programs 10

Farming�technology 11

Asset�costs 12

Price�risk�management 13

Weather�and�climate�issues 14

Chemical�registration 15

Single�desk�marketing 16

Supply�contract�issues 17

Consumer�perception�of�sugar 18

Off�farm�income 19

Other 20

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‘Cane-Trends’ Bundaberg, May 16, 2013Next Gen was pleased to have a stall at the recent

Canegrowers ‘Cane-Trends 2013’. Bundaberg Next Gen Reps, Josh Buchbach and Gavin Lerch, along with Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, were happy to see a good turnout at the event.

Cane-Trends this year focused on ‘Weed Management’. During the day, growers got the chance to speak with experts in weed and pest management as well as view demonstrations by BSES on the newly developed ‘Weed Seeker’ technology.

After ‘Cane-Trends’, the Next Gen Bundaberg team hosted a relaxed industry meeting. Over a professionally cooked BBQ and a cold drink, growers young and old gathered together to network with not only other growers, but also QSL Industry

Relationship Manager, Cathy Kelly, and NAB Agribusiness representatives, Mitch Voss, Wayne and Krystal Golchert.

Thank you to all who attended the Next Gen Bundaberg meeting, it was great to see you all!Rotary FNQ Field Days, May 29–30, 2013

Next Gen was pleased to take part in the recent Rotary FNQ Field Days that took place this week at Kerribee Park, Mareeba.

With the FNQ Rotary Field Days being the largest, most comprehensive showcase of agricultural equipment, products and services in Far North Queensland, Next Gen Reps Erik D’Urso and Gerard Padovan, along with Next Gen Officer, Gerard Puglisi, were happy to take part in the event.

We would like to thank Carla Keith from QSL for sharing her stall with us and also thank all of those who visited us at the stall.Innisfail Meeting, June 1, 2013

On Saturday, June 1, Next Gen Rep, Erik D’Urso, hosted his first Next Gen meeting in Wangan in Far North Queensland.

The purpose of this meeting was for Erik and Next Gen Officer Gerard Puglisi to talk to the local young farmers about the program and gauge interest.

Both Erik and Gerard were very pleased with a turnout of around 30 young farmers at the event. n

6 NextGen Farmer

Great Land is a new biotechnology product that’s not justproven in research, it's proven where it counts – in canefields across Queensland. So if you’re interested in a productthat unlocks your soil’s true potential, and is better for yourground’s natural balance – get some Great Land.Growing tomorrow.

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Photo taken at Great Land test site in Tully, Queensland

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Great Land unlocks your soil’s true potential!

Great�Land�is�an�innovative�biological�fertiliser�that�was�introduced�into�Queensland�cane�fields�in�2011.�Great�Land�is�a�patented�liquid�product�that�contains�a�group�of�naturally�occurring�bacteria�that�interact�with�plants�to�accelerate�the�efficient�use�of�nutrients�in�the�soil.

Great�Land�has�been�used�in�North�Queensland�to�good�effect,�resulting�in�significant�increases�in�the�rate�of�establishment,�above�ground�growth�and�numbers�of�cane�tillers.�But�the�major�differences�being�observed�are�in�root�growth,�which�should�translate�to�an�increase�in�yield�and�enhanced�profitability.

Use�of�Great�Land�led�to�improved�phosphorus�utilisation,�which�has�significant�implications�for�the�current�reef�regulations.�Supporting�soil�work�conducted�at�Environmental�Analysis�Laboratories�(EAL)�also�demonstrated�increases�in�available�nitrogen,�phosphorus,�potassium�and�calcium�in�the�Great�Land�treated�soil.For more information on Great Land please contact Tom Colrain on 0488 101 742 or go to www.greatland.net.au

Cane plants from Tully showing difference in root growth (Great Land treated on the left).

On the road with Gerard PuglisiGerard Puglisi about to hit the road in the Cane Captiva.

2013 QSL Pool PerformanceGrowers can monitor the performance of all of QSL-

managed pools across the season via the Pool Price Matrices published on the QSL website (www.qsl.com.au). Growers are also able to track how much of the pools have been sold and priced by QSL. The prices are shown in Gross $A /mt IPS, and are indicative only.

The Net Price reflects the Gross Price +/– an allocation from the QSL Shared Pool. The prices shown below for the soon to be finalised 2012 season and the current 2013 season are current as at 31/05/13. The 2013 rounded prices do not reflect the allocation from the QSL Shared Pool.

2013 Season Market UpdateBy�QSL�Treasurer�Stephen�Stone

After a long downtrend, we have seen signs of a potential recovery in raw sugar prices. As the Brazilian crush progresses

we are seeing more support from ethanol production. After making new contract lows at 16.17 c/lb, in mid June, the July 13 contract rallied to 17 c/lb, as we approach expiry. QSL’s short term view is that we may see a further strengthening in raw sugar prices, but any

lift in prices may be modest due to:• The Brazilian currency depreciating by 10% during the past

month. This allows the Brazilian producers to accept lower global prices, bringing their hedging forward;

• Large Brazilian and Thai producers are underweight price hedging for the current season; and,

• As sugar prices rally, the diversion to ethanol quickly becomes less attractive. Ethanol will now behave like a price ceiling during the crush, capping price gains in sugar prices.For these reasons, we are reluctant to suggest prices will

rally significantly. Stronger prices should be taken advantage of, and should provide more attractive hedging levels for the latter part of the Australian raw sugar crush.

Last year we sold approximately 2.7 million tonnes of Queensland sugar to 19 customers in Asia (90%), New Zealand (7%) and North America/EU (3. The sales outlook for the 2013 season is similar and we are already well sold for the season to Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. Our traditionally-lucrative US Quota sales are still looking uncertain, with a strong season in the US and their trading partner Mexico seeing a drop in US returns that currently makes it uneconomical to take on the additional transportation costs associated with selling into the USA. At present we are under no obligation to use our US Quota allocation and we will continue to monitor the situation, but at the present time the best returns come from selling into Asia and so that’s what we’re doing. n

NextGen Farmer 7

We’re here to stay, how about you?The Future Farmers Network (FFN) is Australia's only national youth agricultural organisation. We connect, inform and support the next generation as they peruse a career in agriculture.

Future Farmers network director leads from the front

Trans-Tasman�rivalry�takes�an�unexpected�turn�this�June�as�three�Australian�young�farmers�venture�across�the�ditch�in�pursuit�of�the�prestigious�Fieldays�2013�Rural�Bachelor�of�the�Year�title.

Future�Farmers�Network�(FFN)�Board�Director�Dan�Korff�leads�the�team�of�NSW�horticulturalist,�Andrew�Blake�and�Victorian�third�generation�mixed�farmer,�Sam�Trethewey.

�“While�it�would�be�an�honour�to�bring�the�title�back�to�Australia,�the�real�motivation�for�participating�is�the�sharing�of�knowledge,�skills�and�information�between�countries,”�Dan�said.

On�another�venture�FFN�recently�sponsored�young�cane�farmers�Joe�and�Sam�Deguara�to�attend�the�ACFA�NextGen�StepUp�Conference�at�SeaWorld�on�the�Gold�Coast.�FFN�also�provides�its�members�with�travel�bursary�opportunities�as�one�of�the�many�values�of�being�an�FFN�member.

As�the�only�national�youth�agricultural�network�in�Australia,�FFN�is�committed�to�providing�a�national�platform�that�supports�those�aged�18–35�pursuing�a�career�in�the�agricultural�industry.

For more information visit our website www.futurefarmers.com.au or contact our Executive Officer, Annabelle Woods Email: [email protected]

2012 net 2013 gross

QSL�Harvest�Pool $427.52 $386

QSL�Discretionary�Pool $436.63 $391

QSL�Actively�Managed�Pool $452.90 $395

QSL�Guaranteed�Floor�Pool $480.47 $390

QSL�US�Quota�Pool $467.05 $439�($351�AUD�per�tonne�IPS�net)

QSL�2�Season�Forward�Pool $423.15 $424�AUD�per�tonne��IPS�gross

Next Gen QSL updates…June/July 2013By Carla Keith, QSL Industry Relationship Manager

Carla Keith.

8 NextGen Farmer

Whether you’re preparing your land for flood irrigation, cultivating, planting, spraying, harvesting or hauling, Case IH has the machines to keep you going. With the power you need for peak efficiency and fuel economy, and cabs designed with operator comfort in mind, Case IH tractors, sprayers and cane harvesters will keep up with your demands while keeping you comfortable through long working hours. Talk to your local Case IH dealer today about technology to boost your productivity.

Visit caseih.com or call 1800 CASE IH (1800 227 344).

CANE COUNTRY DEMANDS REAL IRON

Case IH Australia

A neWly released fungicide has proven effective in controlling both sugarcane smut and pineapple disease. This will provide a measure of sugarcane smut protection whilst we

await the development of additional resistant cane varieties.Smut was first detected near Childers in Queensland in

2006 and has since spread on the wind to all commercial cane production regions in Queensland and new South Wales. It remains the most significant disease of the cane industry, causing yield losses in the order of 20 to 30 per cent.

Crop Care has worked closely with BSeS over a number of years, to develop effective treatment options which reduce production losses in sugarcane.

The result is Sinker fungicide which contains flutriafol, a highly soluble and systemic active ingredient, which has proven to be highly effective in controlling both sugarcane smut and pineapple disease while protecting yields.

Pineapple disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus, common in all sugarcane regions throughout the world. The fungus rots the setts used as plant cane and prevents germination which in turn reduces the plant stand and resulting yield potential.

Both primary and secondary infection controlRob Walker, Business Manager for Crop Care’s fungicide

range, said Sinker was a breakthrough for cane growers,

preventing primary infections of these diseases and reducing their yield impact on the cane industry.

“Our research and development work with BSeS limited over the past seven years has shown that Sinker provides robust control of primary infections of sugarcane smut and pineapple disease,” says Rob.

“Trials have also consistently demonstrated that Sinker significantly reduces secondary infection of sugarcane smut, which normally occurs around five months after planting, as the active ingredient is highly systemic.

“The trials have shown that when applied to setts at planting, Sinker provides at least 130 days’ protection from sugarcane smut infection.”

While the industry is developing new sugarcane varieties that are resistant to sugarcane smut, this will take several years to


Sinking the fungicide boot into smut?

Rob Walker, Business Manager, Crop Care.


achieve. In the meantime, Sinker provides a management tool to reduce yield losses in cane varieties with only partial resistance to sugarcane smut, while also providing highly effective protection against pineapple disease. n

FIguRE 1: The Sinker treatment led to significant yield increases compared with diseased plant material (untreated, inoculated) and disease-free (untreated, un-inoculated) plant material

FIguRE 2: In this trial fungicides were put to severe test as conditions were cold and wet after a late winter planting. Sinker at 500mL/ha (250g ai/ha) out-performed other commercially available fungicides for pineapple disease control with a significant increase in bud germination. The untreated inoculated treatment clearly shows the detrimental impact pineapple disease can have on bud germination.

Sinker fungicide will assist farmers to tackle diseases such as sugarcane smut (pictured) and pineapple disease. (Source BSES Woodford, Qld)

GeTTIng the correct amount of water on your sugarcane crop is essential for producing high yields. Overhead irrigation systems bring a cost-effective solution,

alleviating risk when the weather isn’t cooperating. It also gives growers more flexibility when it comes to planting, because your timeline is not as affected by nature.

Above all, proper irrigation has a direct, significant impact on crop and sucrose yield. And that’s what it’s all about.

Irrigation impacts every stage of growth!From establishment to ripening, proper irrigation is important

at each stage of sugarcane growth. Irrigation suppliers should take into account many factors, such as local microclimate, soil type and elevation when designing irrigation systems to meet your particular needs.

One key relationship in determining sugarcane’s water requirement is its crop coefficient (Kc) in relation to its evapotranspiration (eT). The Kc value changes over the growing period for all crops because of changes in the crop characteristics such as ground cover, crop height, and leaf area.

As the sugarcane Kc changes so does the crop’s water requirement (Water requirement = eT x Kc).

Why pivots/laterals?

Pivot/lateral irrigation systems – right amount, right time and right place

Applying the correct amount of water at the right time is crucial to getting a good yield, but it’s also important to apply it uniformly. Surface irrigation systems fall short in this area, but pivot systems apply water evenly throughout the cane field (Figure 2).

Pivots/laterals versus flood irrigation

Less wasteThe most obvious benefit to irrigating with a pivot or lateral

system is that it produces less waste (Figure 3).you get even, precise water application across the rows (A),

rather than having too much water at the upper end, and not enough water at the other end of the field (B). you won’t lose as much water to evaporation and you can control the timing and amount of water that is applied. There’s also less runoff, helping prevent contamination of the water table and nearby streams.

Lower labour costsModern irrigation systems are automated, so no one has

to move pipes or open and close floodgates – and there are no ditches to maintain for pivots. Plus, remote control and monitoring options are generally available.

Higher return on investmentThe long life of a pivot or lateral system will save you money

year after year. you’ll use less water, reducing your energy costs.

A pivot or lateral system can also be used to apply chemicals and fertilisers evenly, accurately and inexpensively. All this adds up to consistently higher yields.


I recently received a sugarcane profitability brochure from the US based Lindsay Corporation, makers of pivot and lateral irrigation systems. Not surprisingly the brochure makes the case for overhead sprays but in doing so it succinctly addresses the fundamentals of irrigation efficiency – these appear below…

Increasing yields through efficient irrigation solutions

Overhead sprays deliver irrigation efficiencies in sugarcane.


Pivots/laterals versus drip

Better return on investment ■ A pivot or lateral system costs less per hectare to install. For example, a Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) system can cost over 200 per cent more than a pivot system to install on 50 hectares.

■ On larger fields, the cost difference is even greater. The irrigation efficiency is similar with use of drops and lePA nozzles (95 versus 97 per cent).

■ And if you ever want to sell, there’s a higher resale value on a pivot/lateral system, too.

Fewer maintenance hassles and labour costsCompared to an SDI system, maintenance is extremely simple

for pivot and lateral systems. There is no emitter clogging, and no filter maintenance – it requires only a screened intake.

Rodents, roots and cultivation equipment won’t damage your system. even algae and chemicals aren’t issues.

More benefits for you and your environmentyou can monitor and control your pivot/lateral irrigation

system remotely. you can quickly apply water after seeding and as often as needed after that. It’s also easier on your field. When you want to remove your equipment, you won’t have to remove and replace damaged or deteriorated SDI tape. not to mention the fact that pivot systems are nearly 95 per cent recyclable.

For a free copy of the Lindsay sugarcane profitability brochure visit http://www.zimmatic.com/sugar-cane n

FIguRE 2: The relationship between uniformity and sugarcane yield

FIguRE 3: A – Pivot/lateral irrigation; B – Flood irrigation

FIguRE 1: Four stages of growth in sugarcane

The Australian sugar industry is well placed to capitalise on its geographical proximity to the growing consumption markets throughout east Asia, according to a recently-

released Rabobank report.In the report, ‘global sugar to 2021 – long-term prospects for

production, consumption and trade in key markets’ Rabobank sugar analyst Tracey Allen says the Australian cane industry is currently experiencing a period of ‘rejuvenation’ with an injection of offshore investment and consolidation across milling assets and cane supply.

“looking ahead, the increasing integration of east Asian sugar companies in the Australian milling industry provides opportunities to build on the current strength of Australia as a supplier to the region,” Tracey says.

“The challenges for the Australian industry will be to maintain the status of being a high quality, reliable sugar exporter to the east Asian region and to ensure that export volumes grow to match the rising demand.”

Tracey says that despite the Australian sugar industry commencing the 2013 cut and crush in challenging circumstances, it is important to remember the long-term opportunities for the sector.

Outlook for Australian sugar production and consumptionAccording to the report Australian cane area is in the midst

of a rebound, reversing the downward trend set over the past 10 years and returning to normal planting levels of above 0.40 million hectares.

The area of cane harvested in Australia peaked in the 2002–03 season at the 0.45 million hectares and declined for the remainder of the decade, falling 17 per cent in 2000–01 to 2010–11.

But elevated sugar prices over the past couple of seasons and a wave of foreign investment have provided incentives to lift and maintain Australian cane area at ‘normal’ levels.

Australian milling capacity has been under-utilised over the past 10 years, the report says. In an effort to maximise cane throughput and reduce idle capacity, millers have provided growers with a range of incentives to replant cane and bring ‘new’ area into cane.

“Cane produced on miller-owned land currently constitutes only a small proportion of overall cane supply, but we expect miller-owned and leased farms to be more of a prominent feature in the future,” Tracey says.

looking to 2020–21, Rabobank expects Australian cane area to grow by around 25 per cent from current levels of 0.4 million hectares. Cane area is expected to be reclaimed in all growing regions, but particularly in the Burdekin, one of the most productive growing regions in the country.

A number of cane projects are also under discussion outside of the traditional cane-growing areas of the country, including near the Ord River of Western Australia.

“In our view, any additional growth beyond the 0.46 million hectares would require substantial public and private sector investment to develop new growing areas, extend existing water infrastructure and bring additional crushing capacity online,” says Tracey.

“This possibility should not be ruled out, but would require a robust price outlook and is in any case a longer-term play.”

Over the next 10 years, Rabobank expects Australian domestic

sugar consumption to rise to an estimated 1.7 million tonnes raw value in 2020–21. Most of the additional growth in production projected for the coming 10 years is expected to contribute to the expansion of Australia’s exportable sugar surplus. This is because domestic consumption growth is likely to be limited by flat population growth and the health conscious consumer.

global outlookThe report identifies 10 countries or regions that are

considered major players in sugar – Brazil, India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Africa, the european union, Russia and nAFTA (united States and Mexico).

Brazil, Thailand and Australia are ranked as the world’s first, second and third largest sugar exporters, respectively. The development of the industry in all three countries is likely to have a material impact on the evolution of global sugar export availability.

Asia is expected to remain the ‘powerhouse’ of global consumption and imports, but local production in all key countries (China, Indonesia, Thailand and India) is projected to rise strongly.

Asia is projected to maintain its dominant share in global imports, while South America’s share of global imports is also expected to rise, driven by continued growth in key countries where local production growth is not expected to be as robust, such as in Chile and Venezuela.

“Of particular concern is whether Brazil will continue to exhibit vigorous growth in global sugar exports over the next 10 years or grow at a pace that is more in line with the overall growth in international trade,” says Tracey.

The report says China and India are the ‘giants’ of the sugar industry – both have enormous sugar markets with considerable potential for future growth.

“Both countries also boast large domestic sugar industries, but it is far from clear whether Indian and Chinese production will keep pace with domestic consumption in the future, or whether gains in productivity can to some extent offset the limited availability of domestic agricultural land,” says Tracey.

“looking ahead, there are significant regional changes in the projected evolution of global sugar imports over the forecast period.”

For more information: Denise Shaw; Rabobank Australia & New Zealand, Email: [email protected] n

Trends in global sugar to 2021

Tracey Allen, Rabobank sugar analyst.


marketing


BSES and Bayer ‘up-skill’ sugar advisors

SugAR advisor master-classes arranged by BSeS limited (BSeS), the principal research, development and extension provider to the Australian sugar industry and Bayer

CropScience have been held in cane production areas in Queensland.

The meetings were held in the style of master-classes for sugar advisors with a range of technical experts speaking on the latest trends and developments in the industry.

Frikke Botha, Manager of Variety Improvement at BSeS, highlighted the dilemma growers face when trying to increase the sugar or fibre content of their sugarcane.

“In Australia the high or low sugar to fibre content is often blamed on the genetic makeup of the sugarcane, but the agricultural practice used by growers is equally important,” Frikke said.

Tim Murphy from the Bayer CropScience Sales team who presented a session on Balance herbicide said, “The master-classes were successful because they allowed us to give an in depth technical understanding of the properties and behavior of the product to industry advisors.”

evan Shannon, Principal Agronomist with Agricultural Consultancy business Farmacist in the Burdekin, said “The master-classes were unique because herbicide products such as Balance were discussed in great detail. learning exactly how these herbicides operate means we can provide the best possible advice to growers.” n

People – the foundation of any enterprise

IT seems like yesterday we were at Sea World for ACFA’s next gen conference and meeting the future of the sugar industry. now we are in the midst of the harvest and planting. To be

done well, these jobs need the right people doing them, and the right people are the foundation of any farming enterprise.

Many cane farmers use an accountant, lawyer or agronomist for specialist skills and knowledge within their industry, as well as to save time and minimise costly errors. A similar service is available for farmers wanting to recruit quality staff.

OBI Recruitment Director, Peter Martin comments that “Most farmers don’t realise the time, money and effort they spend – trying to attract people; backgrounding people; assessing people’s ability; and, fixing damaged gear broken through incompetence.”

using a professional recruitment company can reduce these costs and increase productivity. If you develop a close relationship with your recruiter, they get to know exactly what type of people work well for your operation. Close relationships with professional recruiters can only benefit the farmer.

A company like OBI provides services to rural and regional clients that include full payroll and super administration; arranging training and accommodation for workers; and taking over all employee obligations for clients (no more worries about termination, workers comp or wage queries)

They have consultants finding the right candidates to send to clients and keeping tabs on good operators to get them back for you each season. They find jobs for good workers in the off-season and know who they are and when they are looking for work again.

OBI has cane harvest workers ready to go – contact them and they will do the rest.

Phone: (07) 3720 8504; Email: www.obirecruitment.com.au n

TACKLE • BAIT • ICE

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2013Farm StudyToursFor more than 20 years Greenmount Travellers have criss-crossed the globe visiting amazing agricultural, geographical and cultural destinations in China, Russia, South & North Americas, Canada, India, Tibet, Africa, Eastern & Western Europe, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, SE Asia, Japan, The Kimberleys and Nuigini.

We know where to go – and have established excellent farming and agribusiness contacts. We also have valuable experience in dealing with the unique challenges ‘out of the square’ travel presents. This ensures our tours are well organised and are expertly guided by local, trusted operators and our own experienced Greenmount Travel tour leaders.

Express your interest by giving us a call on 07 4659 3555 or email [email protected] or visit www.greenmounttravel.com.au

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UK/Ireland (departs July 9 for 22 days)

Cast off those BAS Blues in early July and head to Old Blighty and the Emerald Isle for three fantastic weeks. We’ll visit some of the best farming operators in the UK. There will be plenty of time to sample all the beauty and cultural attractions of the cities and the countryside. Visit southern and northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. This tour also coincides with the Ashes and Wimbledon.

South America (departs Aug 5 for 24 days)

From the beautiful lakes of Chile to rug-ged Patagonia, the Argentine Pampas, Iguassu Falls, incredible farm develop-ments in Brazil and Rio. Then Peru – think Macchu Pichu. Plus options to the Amazon, Galapagos, Easter Islands etc.

Turkey/Ukraine/Poland (departs Aug 21 for 23 days)

Turkey is one of the most fascinating coun-tries to visit in the world with its mix of cul-tures – east and west; Europe and Asia. We will visit Gallipoli, and then travel through western and central Turkey visiting some extremely productive agricultural regions. A quick flight across the Black Sea to the Ukraine with its huge areas of highly fertile soil. We will drive right through to Poland visiting amazing new agricultural develop-ments and onto southern Germany.

under way

BE quick

BE quick

1956Back in the 1950s, Oberon was a jewel known only to a

few. Certainly, travellers heading west to Bathurst from Sydney would have perhaps noticed the odd signboard pointing vaguely in the direction of some obscure place called Oberon. But only adventurous souls were prepared to negotiate the punishing gravel roads, liberally laced with worrying creek crossings, that led eventually to this small isolated township.

Accordingly, this oasis of tranquillity set high among the fertile hills and dales of the nSW Central Tablelands, remained relatively unknown, except of course to the locals, plus an annual small influx of Boy Scouts with tents, fly fishermen encapsulated in rubber waders and long haired artists arriving in battered VW Kombies.

My first encounter with Oberon occurred in 1956, during the halcyon years I was employed by lanz Australia Pty. ltd. as the nSW factory representative. A new range of small-farm Bulldog tractors had been added to complement their heavyweight broad-acre brothers. Retaining the single cylinder two stroke semi-diesel principle, the new lightweights quickly earned a reputation for frugal economy coupled to their ability to outpull any other make of tractor of similar dimensions. (My apologies to vintage Massey Ferguson, Fiat, Fordson, etc enthusiasts – but such is the fact)!

Johnny McCusker, who was the proprietor of McCusker’s garage, Oberon, attended a lanz Bulldog field day staged in a paddock near Bathurst. he immediately saw a potential market for the new tractors with his farmer customers. As a result he applied for and received the lanz franchise for the expansive Oberon district.

unlike some of my lanz dealers, who were content to let me do the selling and then receive their unearned commission, Johnny McCusker became an inspired lanz salesman. Within a

short space of time, as a result of his efforts, the staccato note of the single cylinder Bulldogs became a familiar sound in the valleys and on the hillsides of the Oberon district.

each month I would telephone Johnny and arrange to pick him up in my car and off we would go calling on his prospects, invariably arriving back in town with a batch of completed order forms.

The closing of the 1950s coincided with the demise of the Bulldogs. The german lanz organisation had been acquired by Deere and Co of Moline uSA. The Mannheim factory now produced green and gold John Deere tractors. My close alliance with Johnny McCusker sadly drifted to an end.

An interval of 53 years would elapse before I was to resume my association with Oberon.

OBERON TODAY late in 2012 I received a phone call from a chap named Jim

hawkes, who introduced himself as being the chief organiser of The highland Steam and Vintage Fair to be held in Oberon the following February (2013). his committee had requested he approach me to seek my services as commentator and guest speaker at the official dinner. Well – this did all sorts of things for my ego, which my wife Margery insists is not inconsiderable!

But truth to tell, I have been more inclined to adopt a lower profile over recent years (something to do with the calendar no doubt) following several decades of inflicting my commentary upon tolerant enthusiasts at tractor events around the country. But the lure of returning to Oberon after all these years, proved irresistible. So I said “yes.”

The excellent bitumen road from Bathurst to Oberon winds gracefully through the panoramic hills and valleys, passing flocks of impressive cross-breed sheep and quietly grazing beef cattle.

not surprisingly the town has grown considerably since my lanz days but, apart from the imposing and predictable presence of a large timber mill, the town has thankfully retained


A 1957 photo showing Ian, standing alongside a Lanz Bulldog Model H, discussing its features with a group of Oberon farmers. To the right of the photo is Johnny McCusker with his young son John. (Photo L. Simon)

A 1910 MacLaren steam traction engine quietly proceeding along Oberon’s main street. (Photo IMJ)

Oberon revisited n By Ian M. Johnston

CLASSIC TRACTOR TALES

its delightful rustic rural character. The main street, with its historic structures, has little changed. Certainly there is now a small supermarket but the absence of a Coles or Woolies has protected the village-like ambience.

upon entering the main street I pulled the car into the kerb, enabling Margery and me to just sit and absorb the harmony of the place. The official commencement of The Fair was not until the following day, but already the scene was being set.

A veteran steam traction engine unobtrusively meandered past the pub. Another squatted on the opposite side of the road to where we were parked, with the alluring aroma of wood-smoke gently coiling from its tall chimney. In front of the church a steam organ rendered typical old english fair-ground melodies. Two (no less) Rolls Royce Phantom One open roadsters unpretentiously glided past. Three old tractors, creating a seemingly unbecoming clatter to the scene, headed down the street in procession. It was manifestly apparent, that the morrow’s Fair was going to be something special!

THE FAIRFollowing a superb Chinese evening meal in the Big Trout

Motel dining room with a couple of our haven’t-seen-for-ages tractor friends, the next morning we drove round to the venue of The Fair.

We introduced ourselves to Jim hawkes and some of the other volunteer officials. Jim informed me he had enlisted Pam as my official runner! Well, I was mightily impressed – I have never had a runner! I associated runners with young army types hastening with despatches between trenches in Flanders. And I visualised Pam as being a healthy sporty damsel attired in miniscule cross country gear. In actual fact Pam turned out to

With commanding views, privacy and tranquillity, this classic timber and brick hinterland home offers you an enjoyable lifestyle. You’ll feel worlds away, but in reality only minutes from civilisation – 2km to Preston Peak Winery and just 10km to Toowoomba Plaza.

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A Rare Opportunity To Purchase Tightly Held Eastern Escarpment Location!

A view of a group of tractors on display at the 2013 Highland Steam and Vintage Fair. (Photo IMJ)

A superbly restored Chamberlain Champion 9g. (Photo IMJ)

be a charming mature lady with an engaging smile. She was anxious to er run, but neither of us knew why or to where!

It was 10 am, spectators were in abundance and lines of old tractors plus vintage cars were arriving through the gate, following their parade through town. My microphone was thankfully of the wireless type and my utterances were bellowed forth from speakers strategically placed around the ground. Being left to my own devices (the way I like things) I decided it would be a good idea to give a brief technical run down of each vehicle as it proceeded towards the display area.

This went well and the paying public appeared to be interested in my rhetoric. I then paused the vehicles individually and invited the drivers to also offer a few comments. Again, this was well received, but after around 20 minutes an official came running up and breathlessly told me that the police had been on the phone complaining that the town was gridlocked by a procession of old vehicles that didn’t appear to be going anywhere! Margery

took the initiative and waved the cars and tractors to urgently get a move on and hasten to the display area.

Apart from the superb displays of classic cars, tractors and steamers, there was a sort of Dad’s Army of military aficionados, attired in the uniforms of soldiers dating back two centuries. They also were equipped with the various weaponry of the periods. But they were somewhat glum of countenance as they were having difficulty in attracting the crowds to their display, away from the fascinations of the tractors and cars.

“Fear not,” I said. “Just get your black powder into the breech or wherever it goes, and I guarantee you will be the centre of attraction!”

In order to broadcast my message loud and clear, I held the microphone right up to my mouth – any closer and I would have swallowed the thing resulting no doubt in an urgent enema at the local hospital.

“ladies and gentlemen, this is an emergency announcement,” I bellowed. “World War Three is about to commence. Make your way urgently to where the good guys are, up near the front gate. They are heavily armed and will protect you.”

Obviously no one believed me, but curiosity drew them like a parade of reinforcements making their way to the front line, until they arrived at where the military guys awaited. In no time the alleged soldiers were doing their thing. Muzzle loaded long barrelled muskets were firing blanks, creating a crescendo of sound. One old guy with a flowing beard claimed to be a direct descendant of ned Kelly and gleefully banged away with a dangerous blunderbuss.

A police car slowed as it passed the gate and with Margery egging me on I stepped in front of it with my palm raised, indicating it should stop. I poked the microphone through the police car window and requested the constable’s name. he gave me a withering look and eased the seat belt off his shoulder to reveal three stripes. I gulped and apologised and explained what was going on in relation to the gunfire. Thankfully he exhibited a good sense of humour, and made some comical remarks into the mike – and sped off. no – I was not arrested.

On returning to the World War Three battlefield, by a sneaky prior arrangement one of the Redcoats pointed his musket at me and pulled the trigger. Also by a sneaky prior arrangement, I collapsed in a heap on the ground. The crowd laughed at our antics. But one old lady had to sit down and was quite overcome. unfortunately smelling salts, used to revive swooning


World War Three (firing blanks – of course). (Photo IMJ)

A rare and technically interesting late 1950s Brockhouse President. ‘Interesting’ because of its design inadequacies. The Morris 10 hp engine rendered the little tractor under powered for any meaningful work and the 3 point linkage did not conform with any other tractor. The seating arrangement was hazardous and the throttle control protruded through the centre of the steering wheel. This could result in a sudden dangerous change of engine revolutions, whilst the operator negotiated a tight turn. (Photo IMJ)

This excellent example of a Ford 6000 attracted a great deal of attention, as this model is fairly rare in Australia. (Photo IMJ)

ladies, disappeared at around the same time as crinoline and high wing collars. The dear old thing quickly regained her composure, but I regretted the foolishness of my prank.

THE TRACTOR PuLLAfter lunch I took up my allotted place, under the shade of

a small marquee alongside the tractor pull track. Old tractors of various types lined up ready to be put to the test.

A tractor pull sled, to which each tractor is hitched, has a type of grader blade at the front which scrapes the surface of the allotted track. But as the sled is pulled by the tractor along the track, a heavy weight (usually blocks of concrete) is automatically winched forward along the chassis of the sled. This has the effect of increasing the draught required, as the sled is pulled forward. The tractor which hauls the sled the greatest distance is declared the winner.

The Oberon tractor pull departed from convention. This was to be merely a friendly informal affair, with no prizes or accolades. So instead of the tractors being segregated into horse power classes, it was a case of whichever unit was next in line. Thus a grey Fergy might be preceded by a Chamberlain Champion, and then perhaps followed by an International B250.

I delivered my commentary, describing each tractor and explaining what was taking place. I remarked that a deal of skill is required by the operator to coax the maximum effort from his mount. The gear selected, the location of any counterweights, the water ballasting of tyres and the pressure in the tyres, all contributed to achieving the maximum drawbar pull.

Then I heard it! The thumping of a Bulldog! But not just any Bulldog. This was my old mate young Steve Muskat, a legend at tractor pull competitions. I had no idea he was in the ground. he came careering round the corner and attached his belching Bulldog to the end of the tractor line.

I should explain that Steve’s single cylinder 2 stroke semi-diesel Bulldog is one of the earlier types, which has to be started with the aid of a fearsome blow lamp that is attached to the cylinder head. The tractor has no electrics, no valves and only three moving parts.

Once the cylinder head is heated, the steering wheel and column is removed from its rightful place and the column is inserted into the end of the crankshaft. The steering wheel is gripped and the flywheel rotated back and forth in a pendulum manner. With luck there will be an almighty explosion and the big engine will burst into life. With even more luck it will run in a forward direction, for there is nothing to stop it running in

reverse. If it starts in reverse cycle then it has to be stopped, by cutting off the fuel supply and restarted.

Steve’s 40 hp Bulldog out-pulled tractors of double its horsepower rating. And the crowd loved it! The spectacle of the flames belching from its vast exhaust stack, was both spectacular and a trifle scary. Plus, the massive thumping and vibrations from its 11 litre single cylinder engine (fuelled with sump oil drained from a ‘lesser’ tractor) tended to send hearing aids into meltdown.

In my opinion the highland Steam Fair was one of the best and most lay-back events of its type I have experienced for many a year. Full marks to the organisers.

There was no hesitation on my behalf to accept an invitation to return for the 2014 event, being held on Saturday, February 8.

I invite my readers to – as we used to say – paste it in your hat. n


The steam organ entertained the crowd, as it rendered typical fairground music. (Photo IMJ)

ian’S myStery tractor QuiZQuestion: Can you identify this strange looking little tricycle

tractor?

Clue: It is not a grey Fergy!

Degree of difficulty: Damn hard!

Answer: Page 32.

A vintage steam traction engine attached to the tractor-pull sled. The viewing crowd could not help but be impressed with the tremendous torque exhibited by the steamer, which had a nominal rating of 8 hp. (Photo IMJ)

MOSSMANThe cyclone season has drawn to an end for another year,

but not without a last minute effort from cyclone Zane which crossed over the tip of Cape york in early May. The northern cane farming regions were relatively untouched; but we did receive a few days of wet weather which is unlikely to affect the crop in the northern areas.

The Mossman region’s chances of a reasonable crop appears very likely and I feel that a crop estimate of around 560,000 tonnes is very achievable.

To date there has not been any early planting carried out but most of our fallow blocks have been sprayed out and are awaiting cultivation. growers are reminded to contact their local Productivity Board for a plant source inspection before planting.

Mackay Sugar has entered into an agreement with the Tableland growers to crush around 700000 tonnes through the Mossman Mill in 2014. Although at the time of writing we are awaiting more detail the news has been welcomed by Mossman Farmers.

This arrangement will only make the Mossman Mill more viable long term. It will reduce the daily quotas of all coastal harvesters and increase employment in the local area. The mill will also receive some much-needed capital and repairs, to be in a position to handle the extra cane to be processed.

The one drawback that I can see is that our season length will now increase, with the potential for the crush running into the start of the wet season in late november. Only time will tell if this will affect the region’s productivity.

In May Sugarcane industry stakeholders were invited to an interactive demonstration of some of the Sugar Research and Development Corporation’s (SRDC) project highlights at their regional expo held in Mossman – the theme was your farm…a new perspective.

The expo was well attended and it was a great opportunity to find out how SRDC has invested our levies and to network with other industry members. During the expo, top researchers highlight some of the work that is being carried out across the industry to collect important information and enable industry to use that information for smarter on-farm decision-making.

I would like to thank SRDC for running this expo – farmers who attended hope that it wil continue in the future.

Gerard Puglisi Northern Region Director

July 2, 2013

HERBERTCrushing is to start about the second week in June this year.

estimates are for a little over four million tonnes, similar to last year – hopefully they are conservative.

yellow Cane Syndrome (yCS) is of enormous concern in the district. It is still not known what the cause is or what the solution will be – only time will tell. It is an extremely worrying time for farmers whose very livelihood depends on the industry finding a quick solution.

A few farmers have started to plant with some saying they are only going to plant half their usual amount until the problem is solved.

There are still feral pig issues around the district and as always farmers are ever vigilant when it comes to the damage that pigs cause by eating cane and wallowing in drills.

grub treatment with Confidor seems to be able to control grubs to a certain extent. Where Confidor has not been used, there is a grub problem in some areas.

ACFA held a forum on improving soil after the AgM held in Townsville just recently. There were some excellent presentations. It was encouraging to see other growers from outside our own areas doing different things to improve their soil and productivity.

We intend to carry the soil improving information forum to the next level with areas north and south of the Burdekin meeting in Ayr, so that we can hear firsthand what others are doing in their districts, and perhaps trying these methods on our farms.

Carol Mackee ACFA Herbert Director

July 2, 2013


Districtreports...

Brisbane ●

● CairnsAtherton TablelandMossman–Mulgrave

Innisfail–TullyHerbert

BurdekinProserpine

Mackay–Sarina

Bundaberg

Maryborough

New South Wales

Rocky Point

BURdEkINWith almost no rainfall during the early wet season, the

Burdekin district has had intermittent and patchy rainfall since, interrupting planting to varying degrees. Predictions are for above average rainfall for the first months of the season.

grower representatives met with Sucrogen staff to determine the start of crush at each of the Burdekin mills and estimates for the 2013 season.

2013 SEASON START Mill Crop Start DateInvicta 2,814,616 4/06/2013Pioneer 1,579,649 4/06/2013Kalamia 1,396,336 4/06/2013Inkerman 1,649,399 4/06/2013Total 7,440,000

Due to the late season finishes and the yellow Canopy Syndrome these estimates may fall still further. The district crushed 7.48 million tonnes of cane overall in 2012, a huge drop on average production, and 2013 looks like providing little if any relief for growers.

Second year gPS data will be collected again in the same Invicta and Kalamia harvesting groups as last year. Wet weather trials will commence in Inkerman and regular meetings will be held to report on activities and results.

All blocks that in any way could affect visibility for contractors or traffic, should be harvested early, to ensure safety of all traffic. All harvester/haul-out operators and anyone working at sidings during the course of the season must attend a siding induction course before commencing work for the season – phone 07 4782 1922 to register.

Capital works and maintenance in the mills is said to be on target and preparations for the season should be ready for the proposed start date.

A member of the grower pricing team will be at Pioneer Mill every Thursday, for any grower who has any queries or concerns relating to their forward pricing or for any growers needing help with setting up their forward pricing profiles and creating orders for future seasons.

SRDC held a regional expo which demonstrated the Research and development being funded in the industry. During the expo, researchers highlighted some of the work being carried out in collecting data and utilising it to assist better farm management decisions.

The ASSCT conference was held at the Townsville entertainment centre in April and was well attended and informative. SRDC held a presentation dinner for scholarship recipients prior to ASSCT and it gave an excellent overview of the research grants being funded and their purpose for the industry.

The ACFA AgM and Soil health conference was also held, immediately prior to the conference and proved to be an excellent forum for discussion on alternative nutrition products available to the industry.

Reorganisation of research – a conflict of interest?

The dismantling of BSeS and morphing both it and SRDC into one new organisation seems to me a serious conflict of interest – one organisation in control of both the funding source and the funding recipient.

It was of serious concern to me to hear that CSIRO have

already been advised that they will not have access to the facilities at BSeS, in order to engage in industry research. how does this exclusion of research bodies present as anything but ‘uncompetitive’ and favouring the ‘in house’ researchers. The appalling lack of attention to these concerns is something that the government and industry bodies involved, must be held accountable for. These issues have serious implications for the industry.

The issue of ‘yellow canopy syndrome’ demands all the attention it can get. Suggestions that it’s a lack of irrigation or fertiliser appear unsubstantiated, considering the previously high producing farmers that are affected along the coast. The problem may have affected crops along the far north coast for at least a year or two, according to anecdotal advice in the industry. That appears to be backed up by evidence of high dirt and stools being transferred to bins during those seasons as the syndrome damages root systems.

I would like to commend the local BPS staff – they have been very involved in examination of root systems, leaf and soil analysis and consultation with growers. It’s unfortunate that the uncertainty surrounding the future of BSeS staff seems to have resulted in a lack of cohesion along the coast when it comes to addressing or even providing an accurate picture of the problem.

Margaret Menzel ACFA Burdekin Director

July 2, 2013

CENTRAL REGIONMackay mills started harvesting in mid-June with the crop size

at this stage estimated at a disappointing five million tonnes. There is hope that the crop can grow out some more with favourable weather conditions.

The Ag Trade life Show two day event was held in May after been postponed due to very wet weather conditions in April. The event – which was well attended – replaces the BSeS field day which was traditionally held about the third week in May.

Mackay Sugar and the Tableland Canegrowers have entered into a supply agreement which will see approximately 700,000 tonnes of cane from the Atherton Tablelands ending up at the Mossman Mill from 2014. The sugar produced from this cane will be marketed through QSl.

The additional tonnage to be delivered to the Mossman Mill will require the mill to move from a five day week crushing program to a continuous crushing program over a longer season. Mackay Sugar will upgrade Mossman Mill as part of its overall milling operations capital and maintenance program in 2013 and 2014, delivering increased plant reliability and the capacity to handle the additional tonnage. This will require capital expenditure of approximately $4 million on the mill and transport infrastructure.

The Mackay region’s farming excellence was showcased at the annual Mackay Sugar Productivity Awards. About 400 people attended the event, with more than 30 awards presented to farmers from within the Mackay Sugar cane supply network. landline’s Pip Courtney gave an address on Farm Succession from her experiences visiting family farms while working for the program.

Mackay Sugar has supported the awards for over 25 years and, according to Mackay Sugar Chairman Andrew Cappello, they remain a significant corporate activity for the company.

Steve Fordyce Southern Qld

July 2, 2013


SOUTHERN REGIONhow long is a piece of… pipe? And the shortest distance

between two points is a straight line! The second one is well known, the first one is all about irrigation. local Management of Irrigation systems would have to be one of the most under exposed issues in the State of Queensland. even our family doctor has a better handle on it than a few of our farmers.

his question the other day when he was examining my tractor clutch knee was “Will they just give it to the farmers or do you have to buy it?” My reply was “Well, that’s what due diligence is all about.”

We don’t know what, in plain english it costs to run our systems. Well not from anything that was heard at the Queensland Competition Authority enquiry into price paths for the water.

Apparently Sunwater figures are too complicated for us ordinary folks. I would expect that local management would be lost in the recent vast debate on R&D, but it is equally important to our region.

As well as disease, we have drought. A 60 per cent reduction in the cane crop in a drought year was always a possibility. efficiency and better problem solving should be what is gained from local Management.

Productivity Services and, in some areas, milling is run by local Boards. We are being given the chance to do the same with irrigation water delivery systems. The fact that ‘we’ have to run the thing as well as do our own work is just the price we pay.

And our family doctor knows funding issues from his side and that competition for the State government dollar is only going to get more competitive. Trust him, he’s a doctor – seriously.

I love to go a rovingRoving Field Days have been the highlight of the cane farming

community in the ISIS district. This year’s was run under a new flag – ISIS Productivity limited. It went well.

But it was surprising that on the day not so many turned up. Some didn’t seem to get the message. Relying on all on-line communication may not be as successful as a lot of technophiles would have us believe!

Farmers are mostly people who get out of bed and get to work. Only some of us get out of bed and fire up the PC and logon. After all, where did online variety selection end up? Who doesn’t ask someone like the Prod Board Officers what might be best for their particular circumstances? When did a website know if your particular farm has a bit of wet country or a patch of gravelly stuff along the flat?

Still, we applaud the gains made. And that brings me to the worst surprise of our Field Tour. The BSeS station for our area. A tin shed! To go from the Ashfield Road establishment to a tin shed on a side road!

At least now farmers realise what they voted for. no Southern breeding station; all leased premises; and plant breeders who have to admit to losing a whole year of breeding due to the ‘necessary’ upheaval in R&D.

Full credit to the ‘Prod Board’ team, but I feel they sure are struggling with the learning curve of going from field ‘techos’ to extension professionals.

At least there have been some better growing conditions in the Wide Bay. It appears the dry/wet/dry has delayed the maturity of the cane crop. It certainly has delayed the soybean harvest. ISIS Mill looks like a late June start.

I was unable to make it but I understand the Tegege Field Days were well attended in the Bundy Sugar area.

By the time you read this I may have some idea if I am looking at a position on the Interim Board for local Management for Irrigation Water Supply. Don’t necessarily need another job but this our big chance to make water work. Remember – whisky’s fur drinking and water’s fur fight’in over.

Mike Hetherington ACFA Southern Region Director

July 2, 2013

NEw SOUTH wALESThe nSW sugarcane industry has once again suffered from

January flooding. In some areas of the Tweed this was up to 8m in depth.

Our benchmark flood occurred in 1954. The January flood in 2013 was only marginally lower and in some areas, only 20cm lower than the 1954 flood.

The Richmond River flooding, while extremely bad in some areas, generally was not as severe as the Clarence and Tweed.

The Clarence industry suffered by far the worst flooding in nSW with two major floods and in some areas of the valley, three.

The losses in all districts were very heavy for many individual farms and districts. While not all growers have been declared for category C funding, the $15,000 for infrastructure repairs will be welcomed by those who have been. Category C allows for the repair of things likes floodgates, levies and sand erosion.

The industry in nSW has adopted a holistic approach to ensuring all growers who have suffered damage can get the category C funding.

The positives that have come out of the floods are. ■ The nSW industry has an estimated crop of 1.42 million tonnes of cane available for harvest and while we are still awaiting the last few grower estimates to come in, this estimate is looking achievable.

■ There are a few varieties that have survived the flooding much better than any others. Q208 is the standout variety along with Q183. Q240 in the month after the flood looked for all intents lost but now 4 months on it appears that its recovery may be as good as any other variety and while it is only just starting to make cane, it looks like every stool survived and will make a two year old of sorts. The other variety to show flood resistance is Q232.There will be a major planting once again this year in nSW

with the above varieties in demand. One of the major varieties in the Tweed – Q211 (over 30 per cent) – was almost a total wipe out and while it may make a come-back in the future, the planting of it will be limited this year.

The industry in nSW is surveying the growers to assess the ways in which the flood egress may be improved in each district. This will be a comprehensive assessment and will be used to encourage government at all levels to address this on-going problem.

All state members of Parliament in the cane growing areas of nSW, along with senior bureaucrats have already met with local farmer groups to assess how this may be facilitated.

nSW cane farmers have once again taken a hit but in true farmer fashion they are saying ‘next year will be better’.

Robert Quirk ACFA New South Wales Director

July 2, 2013


“The size of the boat is inversely proportionate to the size of the sea”. A chuckle ran through the 15 or so men on the dock but the crusty old Warrant Officer

running the lesson just stared us down and went on with his job.That was the beginning of my formal education in all things

nautical and eventually my Coxswains ticket.My real education had begun about 15 years earlier in my

grandfather’s bond-wood rowing boat on the nerang River and the sand bars of the Southport Broadwater. My childhood fishing haunts are all canal developments, high rises and marinas now but once upon a time they were the best class-room any small boy could imagine.

later in life teaching got me involved with the process of learning.

I came to realise that not only does everyone learn differently but they learn different elements of the same subject differently. It all depends on the complexity of the subject and their personal level of interest in the subject.

But there is only one way to learn how to feel and that’s by doing. I took a long time to realise that the lessons I’d learnt at the oars had become second nature. The tug of the current, the ebb and flow of the tide or the subtle turn of the bow with a shift in the breeze had become ingrained in my senses.

The old Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) who ran the small ships course often talked about the ‘shape of the water’ and ‘the direction of the sea’ – I thought this was all perfectly obvious and I was surprised when other guys couldn’t see how the tide turned on itself when it passed over a snag or how the colour and shape of the surface water changed as it became deeper.

good fishermen read the waterWhat is generally termed ‘reading the water’ is probably one

of, if not the most important piece of the jigsaw puzzle that goes to make up a good fisherman.

Deciding where to anchor is very different from knowing where to position the boat to drift fish the exact same area. Positioning the boat in the current bow on, side on, or any subtle angle in between can not only make the difference to your fishing success but to how comfortably you fish. Anyone who’s spent even a short time, or ever slept, on a boat will tell you how quickly you become attuned to every subtlety of the sea.

Reading the water is a bit like reading the moods of you partner, although the water is probably easier! Both take time and intimacy.

It was my personal ‘groucho Marx’ experience that changed both my life and my love of the sea. groucho once said “I have nothing against dying – I just don’t want to be there when it happens”.

Almost drowning can be a character building experience and I figured learning to dive was the best way to face my demons. This time it was the 2nd Commandos and another crusty old WO2.

The life of a clearance diver is interesting to say the least but

I soon realised that life subsurface was the only life to have – getting a breath of fresh air meant strapping on a scuba tank.

Environmental intimacyBeing part of any environment – be it ocean, desert or jungle

– is the only way to move from gaining knowledge to being familiar to becoming intimate.

My life beneath the waves opened up opportunities to experiences that aren’t possible anywhere else. In the early 70s it was another case of right place, right time.

The Commonwealth War graves Commission decided it was time to replace the White ensign on the Prince of Wales and Repulse – the two huge British war ships lost off Malaya in WW2. As long as the ensign flies over the hulls they are declared war graves and safe from salvage.

The event was documented by the BBC and I had my introduction to diving on a mixture of gas and air but best of all, underwater photography. The huge 35 mm Arriflex movie cameras in their even more ‘huger’ high pressure underwater housings were reasonably easy to handle once they were submerged and I revelled in every second.

When the job was ‘in the can’ we were stood down and given leave. What does a diver do in the South China Sea when he has nothing to do? he goes diving!

Kaua-i is a tropical island paradise and was the obvious choice if you wanted to make a motion picture classic called South Pacific.

The jungle clad Kaua-i protruded majestically from the horizon as we settled onto our personal paradise of choice – Pulau Babi Kichil or ‘Island of the little Pig’. We hired local fishermen to take us diving and they kept us supplied with painted crays and every imaginable species of fresh fish.

It was on our regular foraging trips that I became intrigued by the apparent random way they ran out their long lines and it was a quandary that only made sense many decades later.

enter the age of space travel, exploration and exploitation and a satellite mapping system called land Stat. land Stat was


FISHING

Phil ‘feels the water’ – can you?

n By Phil Jackson — Fly, Tye and Tackle

a brilliant concept and eventually became the forerunner of google earth.

It was while I was working on land Stat’s ‘Interpretative Manual’ and saw the now familiar image of our planet, that another piece of the old puzzle was added.

The way water movesJump forward a couple more decades to my laptop, google

earth, marine sciences and an epiphany. let’s talk about the way water moves – not just in the bath or on the beach (although they are all related) – but on a global scale!

We all know that the water in the oceans of our planet is influenced by our celestial neighbours – particularly the moon. Their push and pull causes it all to slop around and move. We also know that water finds its own level and as it moves around in currents to find its own level it creates the up and down movement called tidal flow – or simply ‘The Tide’.

This tidal flow is evident, to some extent, in every body of water exposed to the atmosphere. But there is an influence of

scale – so the bigger the body of water the bigger the influence.This movement is not only horizontal but vertical and

the whole process has become the basis for predicting the ‘Oscillation Index’ in each hemisphere.

So, I hear you ask, how does this involve hard smoking, leather skinned Malaysian boatmen with bad teeth and all the other trivia you’ve just waded through?

Just as what goes up must comes down, what goes out must come back – the oceans of the planet do both as they search relentlessly for their own level.

The old Malaysian boat men and the environmental rapists that string miles of long lines across the oceans of the world understand, appreciate and can predict the global movement of vast amounts of water. The old boatman’s apparently random choice of where to run out his long line was actually based on a precise calculation of where the line would be when he wanted to pick it up.

They understand how the currents concentrate the vital elements for life in areas when the submarine topography creates the environment that fish need to survive.

I’m not suggesting you live in a Kampong and take up long lining but identifying how water moves in the areas you fish will literally take you to the fish.

Moving water carries oxygen, food and migrating marine life, both predator and prey. every underwater outcrop, reef, rock, ridge, ledge and drop-off influences the movement of the waters you fish.

Just as a rock in a river creates a pressure wave in front and a vortex behind so does every object in the ocean. The fish you’re targeting will ride these pressure waves as they hunt and rest in the vortex while they scavenge. All you need to do is tune into the elements, be observant and learn to read the water.

let your boat drift with the elements and it will find fish for you just as the pillaging long lines do.

your homework for today is to get yourself some good marine charts and check out your fishing territory on google earth. When you identify these sacred sites keep them to yourself – but do go and check them out.

If you don’t want to learn to dive buy a bathyscope or make one from a plastic bucket – you’ll be amazed by what you can learn. Then you can begin to think like a fish.

next issue well talk about how to fish these secret places when you find them. n


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anSwer to ian’S myStery tractor QuiZThe wee tractor is a 1948 Gunsmith, manufactured by Farm Facilities Ltd. of Twickenham, UK and sold in New South Wales by Norton Tootill and Co, of King Street, Sydney. Designed for market gardens, the unit was powered by a J.A. Prestwick (JAP) single cylinder air cooled four stroke engine of 395 cc capacity which developed 5 hp. Drive to the gearbox was by a 4 inch diameter leather belt. This example restored by IMJ.

The way water moves on a global scale.

FISHING

features - australian sugarcane issues... · 2013-07-24 · june–july 2013 australian sugarcane...

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