The Mackay Turf Club came alive on Friday 15th March, as Mackay Sugar hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Productivity Awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating sugar cane farming excellence across the region. With a remarkable turnout of more than 250 attendees, this annual event served as a testament to the unwavering commitment and remarkable achievements within the Mackay sugar industry.
The evening commenced with an air of excitement as guests gathered to recognise the outstanding contributions of growers, harvesters, and stakeholders who have significantly impacted the industry's growth and prosperity. The Awards showcased exceptional achievements in key productivity segments, including Innovation and Technology, Sustainability, and Research, highlighting the dedication and innovation prevalent among industry participants.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Brent Casey, Mackay Sugar General Manager Commercial and Agriculture, highlighted the importance of increased productivity in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.
"Following the 2023 Crushing Season, the Productivity Awards was a great way to recognize some of the growers, harvesters, and stakeholders who make a positive impact on the industry," stated Mr. Casey.
"Increasing the volume and quality of cane through improved productivity, higher yields, and maintaining acreage is a pivotal part of ensuring a sustainable future for our business,” he said.
The success of the event was further amplified by the generous support of more than 20 local businesses, who play an integral role in fostering productivity and growth across THE Sugar City.
Ten winners were announced, each recognised for their outstanding contributions and exemplary performance in advancing productivity and excellence in sugar cane farming:
Highest Tonnes Sugar per Hectare
Farleigh Area, sponsored by Mt Ossa Rural – CNJ Townley
Marian Area, sponsored by Crop Wise – Craig Birkett
Racecourse Area, sponsored by Liquaforce – Caneola Holdings Pty Ltd
Brown & Hurley Agriculture, Harvesting Group Award (greater than 40,000t)
Chris Catana
RDO Equipment, Harvesting Group Award (less than 40,000t)
Scriha Brothers
CANEGROWERS, Sustainable Management Practices Award
Stuart and Barry Volker
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Research Excellence Award
Habana Bay Farming
Dowdens, Innovation and Technology Award
Ontrack Harvesting
NQ Farmshed, Promising Contributor Award
Lachlan McLennan
Mackay Sugar, Lifetime Achievement Award
Charlie McLennan
The recipients of Mackay Sugar’s 2024 Productivity Award stand to inspire and motivate a culture of excellence and innovation within the industry, and highlight the ongoing resilience, ingenuity, and collective efforts of all those involved in Mackay’s sugar cane farming community.
