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Supply of Cane to Indonesia

Posted by Rod Neilson

HCPSL recently agreed to supply approx. 120-140 tonne of SRA9 into Indonesia. This decision followed several meetings with Indonesian interests and internal discussion between HCPSL management, directors and staff.

Why is HCPSL Supplying SRA9 into Indonesia?

SRA9 is an unapproved variety for the Herbert as it is currently going through SRA variety trials. HCPSL has approx. 120-140 tonne of SRA9 that cannot be distributed to growers. HCPSL was approached by an Indonesian interest seeking to purchase SRA9.

Will HCPSL be Supplying other Varieties?

No – While several varieties were requested, HCPSL has only agreed to supply SRA9. HCPSL is committed to providing approved seed cane to our members. As such, all approved varieties in HCPSL managed distribution plots are dedicated to the local industry.

Is HCPSL the only Organisation Involved in Supplying Cane into Indonesia?

No – Tissue culture plants, quarantine permits and approval to use SRA varieties have been organised and approved by SRA.

Is HCPSL Supplying all of the Cane Required by Indonesia?

No – The plantation in Indonesia is already importing material from a number of other sources, HCPSL will be supplying only a fraction of the material required.

How does this benefit HCPSL and the Herbert Industry?

HCPSL agreed to the sale of SRA9 based on a good financial return, in other words, the current deal makes good business sense. HCPSL is committed to providing the best possible service to our members and all revenue raised will be used to provide services here in the Herbert.

If you’d like further information please contact the HCPSL office on 47761808.

Link to letter here.

EM Mapping Initiave

Posted by Rod Neilson

EM Mapping Initiave Flier

With the support of Project CaNE, funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, HCPSL is offering Herbert growers the opportunity to receive free EM mapping. The Project CaNE EM mapping initiative is open to all Herbert sugarcane growers and will run until January 2025.


The initiative includes access to agronomic advice from Project CaNE Extension Agronomists and drone technology that will assist with the investigation and validation of crop management decisions based on EM mapping, soil testing and crop productivity constraints.


Growers seeking more information or wanting to register their interest in being involved in the EM mapping initiative should contact our HCPSL GIS officer Rod Nielson by calling the HCPSL office on 47761808.

Welcome Alwyn Maree

Posted by Rod Neilson

HCPSL recently welcomed Alwyn (Al) Maree to the team. Al takes on the position of Lead Field Technician after the departure of Jason Caruso and has already hit the ground running, working with fellow HCPSL staff to distribute and plant approved seed plots. Having grown up on a sugarcane farm in South Africa, Al has managed and worked his own farm as well as several other cropping operations before arriving at HCPSL. If you bump into Al in the paddock please welcome him to the Herbert.

Alwyn Maree
Alwyn Maree Lead Field Technician

HCPSL GPS Base Station Network Survey

Posted by Rod Neilson

The HCPSL base station network was established to support Herbert growers in setting up GPS guided systems on farm. We are always looking at ways we can improve the services we provide and are asking growers to fill in a short survey that will help us better understand the level of use of our base station network, and what GPS systems growers are now using.

The survey takes less than 2 mins to complete, and the information gathered is for HCPSL use only.

Please click on the link below or scan the QR code (right) to fill in the survey form before 31st July 2024.

GPS Survey Link – https://arcg.is/408z40

Small Mills / Early CCS Sampling

Posted by Rod Neilson

Please note, the following days will be available for cane to be dropped off for small mill processing for the 2024 season.

The days that drop off will be available are from 12pm Wednesday 19th of June until 9:00am Thursday 20th of June 2024.

Cane to be dropped off no later than 9:00am Thursday (20th June) in the trailer located at the front of the HCPSL/SRA Building on Fairford Road.

Please note the following for your cane to be processed:

Collect 8 stalks representative of the field,

Stalks must be topped and stripped free of trash,

Stalks must be tied off at the butt end of the cane bundle,

Cane must be labeled with the following:

Tissue Culture Orders 2024 (2025 Delivery)

Posted by Rod Neilson

This is a reminder for Tissue Culture orders for Spring 2025 delivery.

If you are wanting the new SRA43 Variety for your farm, this will be the only way of recieving this variety until released in the HCPSL Plots.

Plant costs are currently sitting between $2.00 – $2.60 (GST inc.).

Any other approved planting varieties can be ordered in Tissue Culture for pick up next Spring 2025.

Orders need to be placed by 3rd June 2024.

Please contact Rhiannan Harragon at HCPSL on 0430 905 367, or the Main Office on 4776 1808 to place your orders or for any questions regarding Tissue Culture.

Notice to Growers

Posted by Rod Neilson

Attention Members

As everyone is keenly aware, the district has seen some very trying environmental conditions in the lead up to the 2024 season. HCPSL has not been immune from these conditions playing havoc with the provision of services. With this in mind, we wanted to update members as to how we are currently situated with seed inspections and approved seed plots: –

Seed Inspections

Approved Seed Plots

The start to 2024 has been a very wet one for everyone and HCPSL appreciates your patience and urges growers to plan well ahead and be proactive in booking seed inspections and RSD testing.

FEAT Online: Farm Economic Analysis Tool

Posted by Rod Neilson

The Townsville DAF Economists Team, supported by Project CaNE, will be hosting a free workshop demonstrating FEAT Online at the HCPSL office. It’s a great opportunity to develop skills to examine your profitability and assist with decision making.

See attached a flyer with more information. Contact Zachary Judge – 0461 385 227 for any questions regarding the workshop or FEAT Online.

Spots are limited so please RSVP ASAP to HCPSL to register your interest.

Soil Testing the Key to Improving Productivity and Sustainability

Posted by Rod Neilson

For Herbert cane grower Raymon Jayo, it starts with soil testing. Quite Simply, he says that soil testing is the best first step for ensuring sustainability and productive nutrient management – and a solid crop of cane.

Read the whole article . . .

2024 Herbert Walk & Talk Day

Posted by Rod Neilson

Tuesday 26th March, 2025.

Commencing at 8:15am to 12:00 midday

At Ingham Station, 181 Fairford Road

Bus Transfer from the Soccer Grounds will be available on the day.

Presentations and Displays will include:

The Herbert Sugar Industry Awards will be presented after the displays followed by a BBQ lunch.

Please RSVP for catering purposes by 22nd March to Sandra Coco, HCPSL on 4776 1808

Dowload Flier

HCPSL