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.

• Over 150 growers attended the HCPSL Walk & Talk 2022
• 19,250 tissue culture plants ordered and delivered to growers
• 4335 tonnes Approved Clean Seed purchased by Herbert growers
• 40.5 tonnes of cane treated at the Hot Water Treatment Tanks
• RSD Sampling – 1453 qPCR samples collected, 1188 PCM samples and 66 LSB samples.
• Visited multiple local schools to teach students about tissue culture
• Pest Management – Rat Permits & Coordinated Baiting Program, and 1200+ pigs euthanized
• Project CaNE delivered 100 CaNE Plans (Nutrient Management Plan)
• 298 Herbert farms engaged with Project CaNE
• Project Catalyst delivered 26 NMP’s
• 3 Project Catalyst Innovation Trials that were focused on precision agriculture were concluded.
• 150 ha of land EM mapped under Project Catalyst grower support program
• Cultivate Farms Project facilitated 3 Herbert farm matches
• Numerous on-farm trials and demonstrations
• Various Shed Meetings, Back to Basics and grower workshops
• Hosted Work Experience students
• Assisted the Ingham Show Cane Section
• Hosted the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Conference

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.

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.

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.

• Tony McClintock – 46 years with HCPSL and in the Industry
• Sue Beccaris – 28 years with HCPSL – 39 years in the Industry
• Sandra Coco – 16 years with HCPSL – 22 years in the Industry
• Graeme Holzberger – 15 years with HCPSL – 22 years in the Industry
• Lawrence Di Bella – 11 years with HCPSL -32 years in the Industry
• Adam Royle – 10 years with HCPSL – 23 years in the Industry
• Melissa Royle – 10 years with HCPSL – 17 years in the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• It is estimated 95% of our food is directly or indirectly produced in our soil
• There are more living organisms in 1 tablespoon of soil, than there are people on Earth
• Soils are one of our most valuable resources in Australia, supporting our food, fibre and water supplies
• Soil underpins our agricultural production, directly contributing approximately $63 billion AUD per year to Australia’s economy
• Soils can store, form and recycle the nutrients we need to survive

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

HCPSL was notified by CANEGROWERS on the 1^st 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:

• Damage Mitigation Permit (permit number WA0047339)- held by HCPSL for ground baiting applications.
• APVMA permit (PER92695)- held by CANEGROWERS for the use of Ratoff® via helicopter or drone.

Conditions under the APVMA permit:

• Use must be in accordance with conditions of a Damage Mitigation Permit issued by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.
• The Permit Holder (Canegrowers) will need to advise the APVMA each year of the total area of cane crops treated via aerial application methods.
• Accurate records of baiting activities must be recorded in the return of operations form, which HCPSL will compile on behalf of the Herbert industry. Cane farmers will need to notify HCPSL when rat baiting has occurred, estimated cane losses, and estimated number of rats taken. HCPSL will be reporting areas treated to CANEGROWERS to meet the various permit reporting requirements to DES and APVMA accordingly.

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.

Supporting agencies:

Download a copy of the Press Release here: