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.
HCPSL and QCAR recently announced they will be working together as a part of HCPSL’s ongoing commitment to deliver clean seed cane material to our members. Since that announcement there have been concerns that HCPSL may be handing over the management of our approved seed plots to QCAR, or another third party.
As HCPSL manager, I would like to categorically say to all of our members that this is not and will not be the case. HCPSL remains committed to coordinating, managing and delivering the best possible clean seed distribution service we can.
Why is HCPSL partnering with a third party?
HCPSL has always partnered with third parties. The majority of our clean seed distribution plots are delivered through partnerships between HCPSL and host grower. HCPSL sees our partnership with QCAR as being no different.
What has changed for HCPSL? Not that long ago HCPSL managed a handful of small approved seed plots where growers arrive on set days to cut their own seed cane by hand. In a relatively short period of time the demand for large quantities of whole stalk and billet material has grown rapidly. To meet this demand clean seed distribution plots have grown to four times the size they were less than a decade ago. Finding large suitable blocks with access to dedicated billet planters and harvesters has been a big challenge for HCPSL, which is where our arrangement with QCAR has numerous advantages.
Why is HCPSL working with QCAR? QCAR has offered to source and manage the land and machinery for our clean seed distribution plot in the Ingham Line area. In return, HCPSL will do what we have always done by supplying approved seed material from our mother plot as well as coordinating and managing the distribution of clean seed material to growers.
Does this mean some growers will be treated differently? NO! There will be no changes to the way growers can access seed cane material from the Ingham Line clean seed distribution plot, nor will there be different fees charged to different growers. There will be no change to the way HCPSL distributes clean seed material to our growers.
HCPSL’s commitment to our growers HCPSL is always looking at new and novel ways to deliver premium services to our members. In recent times this has included access to tissue culture, as well as providing new and improved methods for on-farm RSD testing. Due to increased demand HCPSL is also searching for new and improved ways to deliver clean seed material to growers. Working with QCAR is just one of a few new concepts HCPSL is exploring.
In summary, HCPSL would like to reassure growers we are committed to continuing to take the lead role in coordinating and managing the distribution of clean seed material while providing the same high level of service to all our members.
If you’d like further information please contact the HCPSL office on 47761808.
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.
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.
HCPSL and SRA are urgently seeking support from all Herbert growers to collect information on the extent of damage, and cost to growers, of the current rat issue.
We urge all growers to complete the attached survey and return to HCPSL office by Friday 10th November 2023.
Hard copies of the surveys are also available from the HCPSL office.
The data collected will assist us in seeking support from government agencies and to develop a strategy to manage rats moving forward.
The HCPSL Board is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Royle as Company Manager. Adam has extensive experience in sugar cane agronomy and variety development and has worked for HCPSL in numerous roles for the past 11 years, including Project Leader of Project CaNE, which has delivered tremendous results for the Herbert sugar cane industry.
The Board encourages members to contact Adam to find out more about the services HCPSL provides including;
supply of approved seed cane, including tissue culture, and hot water treatment of cane.
agronomic advice for variety selection and fallow crop management.
advice on pest management, including the control of rats and feral pigs.
provision of biosecurity, including pest and disease identification and control.
agronomic advice on crop nutrition and soil amendment planning.
identification of productivity issues through electromagnetic (EM) surveys and crop canopy spectral analysis.
If you notice anything different in your paddocks and need some advice please contact Adam so he can organise a staff member to come and assist you.
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