Rat numbers are on the increase across the Herbert cane growing region. Growers are urged to monitor crops for rat infestations over the next few months and take the necessary action to manage this pest before significant crop damage occurs.

Lodged and open crops, since the recent rains have allowed for weeds to emerge within the crop and for rats to easily forage on laying down cane stalks. Significant crop damage due to rats was observed late last year and will continue again this season, due to ideal conditions being experienced.

HCPSL and Project Catalyst, recently conducted a workshop on “Rats, Pigs and Soils”, where Travis Van Dooren from Travearth Drone Services (mobile: 0423 638 628) showcased his drone mounted rat bait dispensing device. The device can drop industry approved rat baits from a drone precisely and accurately into large standing and lodged crops of cane. This service will allow farmers to target smaller blocks and blocks where larger aircraft cannot service.

Local aerial operators Liddles and Travearth are available to undertake rat baiting activities of large or small cane blocks in the local area.

As a part of an integrated rat management program farmers are also urged to manage weed infestations within crop and along riparian areas. Weed seed is a source of protein for rats and allows them to reproduce into significant numbers, if left unmanaged.

Growers should consider rat baiting problematic blocks as a part of their integrated rat management program before significant crop losses occur this year.

For more information about implementing an integrated rat management program, please contact a HCPSL Extension Agronomist.

On the 9th of March, HCPSL held the annual Walk & Talk Day for 2022. Over 120 growers from across the Herbert district attended the event. Growers had the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding on a range of topics including – fallow crops, new varieties, tissue culture, chemicals, and harvester management.

The HCPSL Team would like to say thank you to all growers who attended, asked questions, shared experiences, and participated in open discussions throughout the day.

HCPSL would also like to extend our thanks to the sponsors and supporting organisations of the 2022 Walk & Talk Day – Sugar Research Australia, Stoller, Nufarm, Project CaNE, Project Catalyst, The Australian Government Reef Trust, GBRF, John Deere and Norris.

Following the Walk & Talk, HCPSL held the annual Industry Awards. The awards recognise grower’s commitment to productivity, innovation, research, and the boarder industry. HCPSL is proud to announce the award recipients below.

• Grower of the Year (Sponsored by Wilmar) – Ian Kemp
• Young Grower of the Year (Sponsored by Wilmar) – Jeffery, Briannan and Rebekah Pace
• Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – John Pavetto
• Harvesting Efficiency Award (Sponsored by SRA) – Celotto Harvesting
• Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Mizzi Farming
• Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – Walter Giordani
• Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – Remo & Gino Zatta
• Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Glen Irlam, Beeva Nominees Pty Ltd, Pace Farming, Russo Farming and Glen Cristaudo.
• R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Abergowrie Sugar, Beeva Nominees Pty Ltd, P Dametto, G & T Erkkila and Wilmar Sugar.
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Jo Stringer, Joe & Gerry Girgenti, Ian Kemp and Lex Mackee.

Walk and Talk 2022

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Herbert Industry Awards

HCPSL invite you to the 2022 Herbert Walk & Talk Day.

Date: Wednesday 9th March 2022.

Time: 8:30am to 2pm.

Location: HCPSL Macknade Farm, River Road Macknade.

For further information, view the flyer below.

Herbert growers are invited to express their interest in Project Catalyst’s Practice Change and Grower Support Program in 2022.

This program offers growers a chance to be involved with innovative practices, agronomic advice, demonstration trials and grower information sessions. Participating growers will receive agronomic support to evaluate their current farming system and identify and adopt two farming practice changes.

As part of the program eligible growers will receive, free of charge, a full-scale nutrient management plan. They will also have access to a number of tools, services and opportunities over the course of the program.

Growers interested in participating should contact HCPSL on 47761808, Megan Zahmel 0447 317 102 mzahmel@hcpsl.com.au or Bethany Donker 0490 077 176 bdonker@hcpsl.com.au.

Our past and current project pages detail a range of works, research and other projects underway throughout the region in conjunction with some of Australia’s leading agricultural agencies. If you find a project that you’re interested in, please contact the HCPSL team – visit our team page for more information.