Four Generations Of Biggs’ Sugar

Farming is nothing new for born and bred Proserpine local Russell Biggs.

Fourth generation on the family farm, Russell has been a solid driving force in the sugar industry and local farming.

His great-grandfather, William, initially begun the family farm, once relocating from Richmond River in northern New South Wales.

Since 1968, Russell has been operating the family farm ‘Ernestholme’, following the tragic loss of his father in an accident.

He has since expanded the farm, now holding 360 hectares across Proserpine for sugar cane, and having about 20 head of cattle.

During his career, Russell has been influential to the industry, including being Director of the Proserpine Co-Operative Sugar Milling Association from 1994 to 2011, with a time as Deputy Chairman in 2010.

Three generations of Biggs’ has been on the Board of Directors of the Proserpine Sugar Mill, with grandfather William, father Harry, and then Russell himself.

Russell is also heavily involved within the local community, serving on the finance committee for the Proserpine Ex-Servicemen’s Club, president of the Proserpine Junior Cricket Club, from 1990 to 1995, where he helped fund the $45,000 irrigation of the grounds.

This must be a family trait, as his great-grandfather, William being elected into the first Proserpine Shire Council in 1910 and serving as the Shire Chairman from 1927 to 1930, and Russell’s great-grandmother, Annie, switched the electricity on for the town in 1929.

In 2016, Russell was named Proserpine Sugar Producer of the Year, and has been a partner of Crystalbrook Harvesting Company since 1996.

Each year, Russell and the family farm produces and cuts about 90,000 tons of sugar cane each year

“I remember the days where you’d be burning most nights during the crush, whereas these days evening work is required only for occasional problematic irrigation from time to time,” Russell explained.

“These improvements have meant that growers can have more time to enjoy other areas of their life and with their families.”

Now, Russell is welcoming the fifth generation of Biggs’ onto the farm with his son Kent, returning to the area to help Russell on the farm, finishing up his own career in the mines in Townsville.

His daughter, Michelle, lives in the Gold Coast, the lead teacher of pedagogy and curriculum at Helensville State High School.

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Russell Biggs gives everything a go, now being the fourth generation of Biggs on his 360-hectare farm. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge