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Archive for December, 2022

Wrapping up 2022

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

As 2022 draws to a close, HCPSL reflects on some of the highlights from the year. With the support and backing of growers, Wilmar and the community, the HCPSL team is proud of the many triumphs made for the Herbert industry throughout 2022.

HCPSL would like to take this opportunity to thank growers in the Herbert. Thank you for assisting with trials, attending workshops, coming along to meetings and providing feedback on the services HCPSL provides.

The HCPSL team looks forward to continuing to service and work with Herbert growers in 2023.

HCPSL Christmas Closure Period

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

Wishing Herbert growers and our community a Merry Christmas and a Safe & Happy New Year.

Please note the HCPSL Office will be closed from the 24th December 2022 and reopen on the 3rd January 2023.

Please contact Adam Royle on 0417 610 446 for any urgent enquires during this period.

Recognising staff for their service

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

Throughout the year, many of the HCPSL staff team reached remarkable milestones in terms of years of service.

With many staff serving the local industry for the past decade and beyond, the team would like to recognize the following individuals for their valuable work in the Herbert and broader sugar industry.

To acknowledge the past and ongoing efforts of HCPSL staff members, the team has compiled some images from the archives! Through the work of committed staff and passionate Herbert growers HCPSL is proud of the many advances made by our local industry.

HCPSL Staff undertake Biosecurity Training

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

Prior to the conference staff from a number of the Productivity boards including HCPSL attended a biosecurity training workshop to become qualified Authorised Inspection Persons (AIP). The training covered the latest in biosecurity legislation and current regulations as well as the General Biosecurity Obligation held by all Queenslanders to ensure they do not spread a pest, disease, or contaminant. The training familiarized staff with their role and responsibilities as inspectors and covered off on biosecurity processes including the inspection of machinery in sugarcane production and the issuing of biosecurity certificates.

HCPSL would like to take this opportunity to remind growers and contractors who work in the sugarcane industry of their General Biosecurity Obligation. If you have machinery or equipment requiring an inspection, please contact the HPCSL office on (07) 4776 1808.

HCPSL hosts the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

Last week, HCPSL and Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) hosted productivity services groups from across the industry at the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference. Productivity groups from Mossman to Isis were in attendance. Over 60 industry agronomists and advisors visited the Herbert to explore news ideas, discuss issues, and share findings.

Conference attendees visiting the Macknade site.

Over 2 days the groups focused on a range of topics, including – diseases, varieties, pests, technology, weeds, and nutrition. Throughout the conference, the groups discussed industry and district specific issues they faced.

Alike to the Herbert, delivering clean seed was a key triumph and core focus for many productivity groups. While RSD, pigs and rats were highlighted as common issues across various districts.

Initial presentations became the catalyst for extensive group discussion around methods for managing RSD and the effective delivery of clean seed. Conference participants then visited the Macknade site, where varieties were spotlighted. Presenters from across the industry explored the use of genomic selection, molecular markers and tissue culture.

During Day 2 the management of 2,4-D drift, weeds and feral pigs was discussed by the groups. Finally, the benefits of nutrient management, soil sampling and soil health were explored in detail by presenters. Presentations highlighted the need for soil health in sustaining productivity. To conclude the conference, interested participants were invited to visit the HCPSL hot water tanks at Victoria Mill.

Presentations and discussions from across the 2 days proved widely beneficial for all in attendance. HCPSL thanks all productivity groups and industry professionals who attended the conference and shared knowledge, contributed ideas and engaged in robust discussions.

HCPSL would like to acknowledge the following Sponsors of the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference – Wilmar, Nufarm, SRA and Burdekin Productivity Services.

Celebrating World Soil Day!

Posted by Ellie McVeigh

Today is World Soil Day!

World Soil Day aims to highlight the value of healthy soil and sustainable soil management. Here’s a few reasons why soil is so important:

Below are a range of soil information resources (Sourced from Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations).

Press Release: PERMIT GRANTED TO USE RATOFF® FROM HELICOPTER OR DRONE

Posted by Ellie McVeigh
Photo above: Rat baiting of sugarcane with a drone in the Herbert 2022.

HCPSL was notified by CANEGROWERS on the 1st of December 2022 that the Permit to Allow minor use of a registered Agvet Chemical Product for the control of Australian Native Ground rats in lodged sugarcane crops has been granted (permit number PER92695) on the 30/11/2022. The permit is valid for the period 30 November 2022- 30 November 2027. It allows aerial application of RATOFF sachets into lodged cane from a helicopter or drone.

There are now 2 permits in place for rat management that have been approved in the last 2 months:

Conditions under the APVMA permit:

The HCPSL Company Manager would like to thank Mick Quirk (CANEGROWERS) who coordinated the permit submission documentation and meeting with key governmental staff concerning this matter.

For more information concerning the permit, please contact: Lawrence Di Bella- HCPSL Company Manager on 0448084252.

Photo above: Helicopter rat baiting in the Herbert region 2022.

Supporting agencies:

Download a copy of the Press Release here:

HCPSL