Chair’s Update

After good rain and growing conditions in January the weather turned dry during February and three-quarters of March. To top it off a cyclone went passed us and the following super dry westerlies it created didn’t do the crop any good although last week has seen some good soaking rain with a few storms embedded in it. I think most people have received close to 150mm over the weekend plus more during the week.      

This, with the current warm weather, will see the crop keep growing and fill out. There was obviously quite a blow associated with the rain resulting in a fair amount of lodging occurring.

Season start date has been set for crushing of preseason cane to kick off on 19 May with Bundaberg Sugar’s cane, including one (1) week of organic, then proceed into the core season start on either 9 or 16 June with a final decision yet to be made. The estimate currently sits at 1.315million tonnes and with the maintenance and improvement projects over the slack, we hope to see our crop crushed in a timely manner.

Harvesting groups should be all but sorted with a 21 April deadline for group changes. Estimate letters have been sent to growers and are due on 11 April.

The Federal Election has been called for Saturday 3 May. We have met with LNP Candidate for Hinkler, David Batt and will meet with other candidates as requested to hear their political party promises and hope that agriculture hasn’t been forgotten again. Politicians say they want Australians to eat local and that they support our farmers, well it is long past time for them to put their money where their mouths are. It’s hard to understand why agriculture is consistently taken for granted, but I think it has to do with our history of remarkable adaptability. Somehow, we just keep on producing, albeit with shrinking returns and despite the multiple barriers thrown in the way by more red and green tape and regulations.

We welcome the preliminary view of the Attorney-General that the Fox Resources MDL3040 application is not in the public interest. We continue to monitor this situation and provide feedback to Government where required.

24 March saw the CANEGROWERS election nominations close and we have been informed that there will be no election required with current Directors all willing to put their hand up for another three (3) year term.

The awards night was held on Friday 21 March at The Waves with another great turn out and I would like to congratulate all our award winners on their achievements for the 2024 Season. A big thank you also to the many businesses who sponsor the event. Further details can be found on page 8.

Sugar Services will be holding a Harvest Breakfast on 1 May at The Waves, members of Sugar Services will receive an invite in the mail shortly and I encourage you all to attend.

At the time of writing, Oreco payments remain unpaid and we are actively following this up on behalf of growers.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Easter.

Mark Pressler

Chairman

To read the April edition click here.