Recently, Rod Nielson from the HCPSL team captured these great photos of a spray drone in action!
The spray drone was used in fallow at the HCPSL Stone River seed plot to target volunteer cane. The seed plot site received over 1000mm since the beginning of January, hence the HCPSL team have been unable to access the block with a tractor to carrying out spraying.
Spray Drone being used at the Stone River seed plot.
Due to the paddock conditions, size of the fallow area (<6ha) and the proximity to buildings, using a spray drone was a warranted management decision. The spray application was carried out by contractor, TravEarth Drone Services with a DJIAgras T20 with a 20Lt tank.
Utilizing this technology under appropriate circumstances, is a way Herbert growers can add another management tool to their ‘toolkit’.
If you’d like to learn more about drones or how they could assist management your farm, contact the team at HCPSL on (07) 4776 1808.
Last week, the Project Catalyst Forum was held in Cairns. Project Catalyst aims to support innovative growers in the Wet Tropics, Burdekin, and Mackay Whitsundays regions. The project has a partnership with over 150 growers who are leading the way in cutting-edge management practices.
After a 1 year hiatus, the Forum returned in 2023 with a focus on growing ideas and advancing best practice. The forum featured grower guest speakers, as well as speakers from GBRF, the Reef Restoration Foundation, QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Cultivate Farms, Coca-Cola, and Evolution Industries. While, other presentations delivered by on-ground service providers, like HCPSL, highlighted Catalyst grower trials and projects.
HCPSL Extension Agronomists, Megan Zahmel and Bethany Donker lead Project Catalyst in the Herbert. Megan and Bethany along will Herbert Catalyst growers delivered an insightful presentation on current innovation trials in the Herbert. These Herbert trials have key focus on precision agriculture. Megan and Bethany discussed zonal imidacloprid, variable rate phosphorus and drone technology for mapping and monitoring weeds.
Above: HCPSL Extension Agronomists Bethany Bonker and Megan Zahmel
Above: Bethany Bonker and Megan Zahmel present at the 2023 Project Catalyst Forum in Cairns.
Ellie McVeigh, HCPSL Extension Agronomist and grower Hayden Di Bella discussed the Cultivate Farms project. Ellie presented on the project’s activities, challenges, barriers, and successes. While Hayden gave growers a unique insight into his experience in the project.
Above: HCPSL Extension Agronomist Ellie McVeigh, Herbert grower Hayden Di Bella and Cultivate Farms founder Sam Marwood.
Day 2 of the Forum involved a field trip to the FNQ Food Incubator, Mt Uncle Distillery and Agave plantation, as well as North Qld Tropical Seeds.
The Project Catalyst Forum proved valuable for both growers and industry. The forum provided attendees with the opportunity to learn more about innovative practices, discuss industry issues, share ideas, and ask questions of their peers and industry experts.
If you are a Cane Farmer or work in the industry then come along to this exciting event of networking and sharing of practical information.
Learn from farmers who are innovating and making changes to their farming system as they share their experience in the paddock.
The forum will include small group visits to 4 farms in the Ingham district over 2 days along with a fantastic social night of networking and a chance to meet innovative companies supporting cane farmers who are sponsoring the event.
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
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.
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.
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