Chair’s Update
As I write this the harvesters are still busy harvesting Bundaberg Sugar plantation cane, in saying that the last day for harvesting is today the 16th. As we all know the weather did a dramatic change in early November with the November monthly rainfall sitting around 210mm for most areas.
With the rain came some tremendous growth in the young ratoons and the demise of the CCS. We should finish the relative CCS around 14.02 which is still a very reasonable result. Total tonnes harvested for the year sits at 635,415 of grower cane and 650,887 of plantation cane with a little more to go until final figures are calculated.
I would like to congratulate Bundaberg Sugar on the performance of Millaquin with our initial assessment of mill availability sitting around 95% with an average through put of 290 tonnes/ hour and almost two (2) weeks lost to wet weather. We would also like to thank growers, contractors and Mill Manager Lincoln Williams, Cane Supply Manager Micheal Green and all mill staff on a job well done. Cane transport has been a whole other kettle of fish with some serious changes required across the board to achieve a better result. The Board is working closely with mill management to progress this critical piece of the business.
Sugar price, what can I say, I didn’t think anyone predicted the rapid decline in the world sugar price to happen so quickly, yes it was always going to correct itself, but the speculators further drove the situation. I believe QSL has been caught out in not seeing this coming as quickly as it occurred and have been asleep at the wheel with numerous decisions for whatever reason, and this is what has led us to multiple negative pays. The Board has expressed its disappointment to QSL management. If any growers need help with the QSL Direct app and pricing strategies, please call Glenn Harris on 0409 601 349 and he will help answer any questions.
A reminder that the Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme is now open for applications to receive a 15% rebate to eligible businesses on bills issued by Sunwater, including Burnett Water. Tanya and Matt are available to assist.
Bundaberg’s Sweetest School competition has received many expressions of interest from local primary schools across Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin. With guidance from their Farmer mentors, students will plant, nurture and harvest their very own plot of sugarcane with the crops being judged and winners announced at the 2027 Gin Gin Show.
Bundaberg CANEGROWERS office will be closed from 2:30pm Wednesday 24 December until 8:30am, Monday, 5 January 2026. If you require assistance during this time, please contact myself or Tanya Howard on 0409 485 154.
The Board and I would like to take this opportunity to wish growers and their families a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and prosperous New Year.
Mark Pressler
Chairman
To read the December edition click here.