Recent rain not only shut down all four of Mackay-Plane Creek district mills with disrupted cane supply, but also delayed any planting activity underway, as growers get ready for the 2024 crop.
The rain event, which brought up to 70mm in some areas, but for most part dropped in the vicinity of 50mm or less, delivered some needed moisture, restoring the condition of the existing crop. Many paddocks had been getting fairly dry. A continuation of dry weather would have almost definitely led to a reduction in the weight of the crop. Whilst maintaining weight, CCS will now also be sustained.
The Bureau of Meteorology long-range forecasting indicates warmer and drier conditions over August to October. If that forecast is correct, then ultimately the rain – although disruptive – will have offered benefits getting our 2024 crop away to a good start, and supporting the current crop throughout the harvest.
Rain has not been the only gremlin in the works, with Plane Creek Mill continuing to be dogged by mechanical issues into the first half of July, including electrical issues and difficulty processing 2022 standover cane. There have also been some recent issues at Racecourse and Marian impeding crush rates at the end of June into early July, following Farleigh mill’s issues with managing water quality causing a major stoppage in late June.
It’s fair to say that affected growers are heartily tired of mill performance issues as we move into a second year with the golden mix of an abundant crop and high sugar prices. Growers cannot accept a second year of an overrun season length or standover cane in large quantities. As the region’s strongest voice representing over 80% of growers, we need to speak out. It is to be hoped that all mills made good use of the rain stoppage and we see a positive, consistent flow through the rollers for the remainder of the harvest.
As growers, we cannot control the weather or sugar prices, but we are reliant on mills being able to crush our crops in a reasonable time. Poor mill performance is costing industry - growers, harvest sector and millers – and having a major impact on incomes. The three sectors rely on each other to survive, and at this stage mills have a lot to answer for
The crisper, cooler weather is bringing some rise in sugar content of the cane (CCS), with some rakes bringing in a promising CCS of around 16. Season to date mill averages are around the 12 units CCS, and rising as we get some winter cold.
With paddocks now drying out, at the time of writing, growers are able to return to planting. Planting at this time of the year is important for crop size, giving paddocks a full year’s growth before harvesting.
At this time, growers are making careful choices on the right variety for their soil types and condition, and prevailing weather patterns for their farm. Sugar Research Australia runs a strong plant breeding program that involves 13 plus years of research and development, selecting for traits like disease resistance, productivity, and milling suitability.
Productivity translates to profitability in a farming business, but disease resistance traits not only help the balance sheet by reducing inputs costs and crop losses but can also help with grower’s interests in reducing biocide use, which translates to improved water quality outcomes.
Growers typically make use of their productivity services’ Clean Seed programs, which offer whole stick and billet-style disease-free planting stock. Well-monitored, hot/cold water treated planting material is a must for productivity with gains said to be in the vicinity of 10%.
Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) team monitor Clean Seed cane stock, taking billets back to the sampling station, while walking each row to check for Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD). Photo credit: MAPS
Photo credit: CANEGROWERS Mackay
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