While sugar cane farming is not what Lindsay Altmann had in mind for his career, neither is it something he looks back on and regrets.
Lindsay is a third-generation farmer, and second generation on his sugar cane farm in Strathdickie, with the farm likely to stay in the family, as two of his three sons are closely tied to cane industry.
As is happens, he didn’t grow up with the expectations of working on dad’s farm.
Rather, he became a diesel fitter by trade and spent upwards of 10 years in the mines, before coming back to the family farm and settling down.
Lindsay explained, “I enjoy it more than most farmers. Yeah, I had a great career in the mines, but I find a sense of purpose in this.”
It was a lot of learning on the job, about the different cane varieties, about soil and climate, about machinery and best practices for best yield.
On his 140-hectare sugar cane farm, Lindsay is often out in the paddocks, seven days a week, sun up to sun down, tending to the crops.
“It’s very seasonal; we have about four or five months that we’re really busy, which kicks off around February,” he explained.
In recent times, he has signed up to being a Director with Canegrowers Australia.
“We advocate for the industry and for the growers,” he explains.
“It works for the benefit of the members. We talk about the price of electricity and fuel, and the cost of fertilizer.”
As part of Canegrowers, Lindsay also works on legal disputes, including boundaries and fences, as well as the weekly audit of the sugar mill.
“Anyone who’s got a problem, they can come and see the directors or speak to the manager,” he said.
It is clear that Lindsay is proud of his work and of his farm.
“It’s a long investment and that’s what people don’t understand.
“This farm is better than it has even been.”
Now, Lindsay often works side by side with his brother, tending to the crop.
“Up until last year, we ran a contracting business. We’ve split that up now, and he’s taken the contract side, but we still work together.”
Two of his three sons often work alongside Lindsay in the industry, with one being a diesel fitter by trade and the other a cane carter.
Cane farmer Lindsay Altmann has done many things in life, and being a farmer is definitely the most rewarding. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge
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