Chair’s Update

It is raining lightly and the mill has had a major break down, not a very good start to my Chair’s update.

On the bright side though the mill got away on preseason cane on 3 June albeit a bit steady which isn’t uncommon after some major works  were carried out on it  during the slack. BSL processed 58,854 tonnes during the preseason including organic cane, then we stepped into the core season on 18 June which was four (4) days later than planned.

The mill has set a target of 380 tonnes/ hour for the season and to this day I don’t think it has achieved that yet, probably due to a myriad of reasons including the cane is still quite green, field conditions have not been optimal due to the SE winds plus showers and contractors yet to hit their targets with training new staff.

The weather has been quite bizarre with only a couple of mornings in early June getting below 10 degrees and consistent S/SE winds with frequent showers, even though there hasn’t been much rain in them, surprisingly CCS has been quite good.

Fuel availability and price has come back closer to the pre Middle East conflict with some serious questions to be raised around the price gouging that went on. Fertiliser prices are still above last year’s price, but it looks like you will be able to get it if you can afford it.

This brings me to the price of sugar, not good with the 2026 price hovering around the $480/t mark with 2027 sitting at $515 1/07/2026 which has rallied in the last few days. Whilst the price is low, I encourage growers to look seriously at forward pricing into one of the many pools that QSL has to offer and to get in touch with Menn Mutton for some help in trying to achieve a better price outcome.

The State Government recently communicated their continued intention of rebuilding Paradise Dam, going against Sunwater’s advice of just stabilising what is left of the dam. Significant challenges remain ahead in ensuring the dam is rebuilt and irrigators have access to a reliable and affordable irrigation supply.

Over recent weeks we met with Federal Member for Hinkler, David Batt and Leader of the Nationals, Senator Matthew Canavan to discuss the challenges of agriculture in the region.

We recently learned of Lisa Devereaux’s departure from SRA and have been working with SRA on a future plan that suits the Southern Region.

Here’s hoping for a successful remainder of the season.

Mark Pressler

Chairman

To read the June edition click here.