Chair’s Update

How much drier can it get, with no real useful rain since April it is almost as dry as it gets. 

Ratoon cane is all in need of moisture if you haven’t already watered it twice, some growers have even opted to irrigate standing cane forfeiting some CCS but giving the next crop a good start. Planting has been somewhat fragmented with most blocks needing to be pre-watered before planting to achieve an acceptable seed bed. 

All is not lost though with CCS going through the roof. CCS for week 16 was at 16.07. Looking at the past 4 seasons still suggests some upside yet before we see the peak. The Base CCS has been increased to 14.00. 

Mill performance in the past month or two has been quite erratic with three weeks at 51,000+ tonnes, then a dismal 28,000 tonne week. We all agree that this is the time to be really getting into it with who knows what the weather gods have in store for us and the old saying “everyday is a day closer to rain”.

Growers are reminded that any crushing-related issues, including siding problems, derailments, Delivery Advice discrepancies or CCS queries, can be referred to Bundaberg CANEGROWERS for investigation and support.

Planting of one-eye setts is underway. It has been a different growing season for them with the early planted seedlings struggling somewhat with the cool weather, onwards and upwards now though with the weather warming up and the days getting longer.
Sugar prices have moved in the right direction with some much more acceptable prices on offer for those looking at pricing themselves. The harvest pool has also seen some good increases in the last month. 

The restrictions on fire permits has been lifted for the time being, however I think we will see them being applied again in the not-so-distant future. Only some widespread rainfall will help to alleviate the fire risk. Rural Fire Service Queensland has passed on their thanks to growers for their understanding and assistance, in particular with navigating recent permit suspensions.

Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd and Bundaberg Sugar Services Limited AGMs will be held at The Railway from 6pm on Wednesday 14 October.

Congratulations to Matt Leighton, President of Bundaberg Netball Association on receiving the Bundaberg Netball Association Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mark Pressler

Chairman

To read the September edition click here.