News and Reports
It’s time to test seed cane for planting again
Press release: Monday 30 January 2023 HCPSL will start seed cane inspections for growers tomorrow (Tuesday 31 January) for all Herbert growers. This year things will be done a little differently. HCPSL will be using three different methods of testing this season. SRA’s Molecular Plant Pathologist Dr Chuong Ngo and Translational Research Pathologist Dr Rob Read more…
Grower’s and HCPSL highlight Herbert rat issue in recent ABC Rural article
Earlier this week, ABC Rural reported on rat damage currently occurring in the Herbert. To read the full article, visit the link below. Or for more information concerning the permit, please contact: Lawrence Di Bella – HCPSL Company Manager on 0448084252. ‘Millions’ of native rats invade North Queensland sugar cane fields, decimate crops
Wrapping up 2022
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 Read more…
HCPSL Christmas Closure Period
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.
Recognising staff for their service
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 Read more…
HCPSL Staff undertake Biosecurity Training
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 Read more…
HCPSL hosts the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference
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 Read more…
Celebrating World Soil Day!
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 Read more…
Press Release: PERMIT GRANTED TO USE RATOFF® FROM HELICOPTER OR DRONE
HCPSL was notified by CANEGROWERS on the 1st 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- Read more…
Press release: DEAD LEAVES IN SRA36 – NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN
In the past week you may have noticed dead leaves in your young SRA36 cane crops. Dr. Rob Magarey (SRA Pathologist), HCPSL Company Manager- Lawrence Di Bella, SRA plant breeding team members Dr. Fengduo Hu, Juan Briceno and Linda Di Maggio spent Wednesday the 16th of November in the field inspecting blocks of SRA36 across Read more…
Wanting to know more on mud?
Herbert grower, Andrew Irvin explains how applying mud has been beneficial on his farm. Interested to know if mill by-products have a fit on you farm? Contact HCPSL on (07) 4776 1808 to speak to a Project CaNE Team member. Visual storytelling: Kim Kleidon
Understanding Mill Mud: Sugar Impurity to Soil Ameliorant
As part of the recent focus on mill by-products, HCPSL Project CaNE and Project Catalyst staff toured Victoria Mill to develop a stronger understanding of the mill’s operation and generation of mill by-products. The tour covered the entire process of sugar extraction, highlighting various processes that impact on the quantity and composition of mill mud. Read more…
Press Release: PERMIT GRANTED TO CULL NATIVE RATS
HCPSL has been granted a Damage Mitigation Permit (permit number WA0047339) on the 11/11/2022, for the culling of rats in Herbert sugarcane fields from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES). Under the permit Herbert River canefarmers will be permitted to cull the Grassland melomys (Melomys burtoni) and Cane rat (Rattus sordidus) found in Read more…
Keeping Mud in Mind
Following the informative Mill By-product Analysis presentation in July of last year, the Project CaNE team recently held a Mill By-product infield demonstration with Agro Group showcasing the latest technology and methods for applying mill-by products. Extension Agronomist Graeme Holzberger shared how the workshop was a valuable opportunity for growers to see first-hand how the Read more…
Are you considering applying mill by-products?
Jeff Cantamessa is investigating mill by-products under Project CaNE’s ‘Clear As Mud’ Program. ‘Clear As Mud’ demonstrations aim to gain insight into how new application methods can improve profitability and productivity for growers, as well as improve water quality outcomes in the local area. Want to know more? Contact HCPSL on (07) 4776 1808 to Read more…
HCPSL Board members and Company Manager head south to investigate new technologies.
Last week HCPSL Board members Gino Zatta and Greg Erkilla and HCPSL Company Manager Lawrence Di Bella visited research facilities, machinery manufacturers and other industries to investigate new technologies and equipment that could be used by HCPSL and the Herbert cane industry. The group ventured in cotton and grain country visiting HCPSL Extension Officer- Ellie Read more…
JCU Student, Ethan Waters Receives awards for his innovative work into RSD detection.
Congratulations to Ethan Waters the winner of 2022 C.N. Barton Medal for best JCU engineering thesis seminar. He received the award on Thursday evening of the 27th of October at JCU. Additionally, Ethan was the runner-up for the Engineers Australia | Institute of Engineering Technology Student Seminar Competition QLD Finals for Software, Electrical & Electronic Read more…
Shed Meetings October 2022: Rat Management
Recently, HCPSL held a series of Shed Meetings across the district. Due to the number of rats and significant crop damage across the Herbert, rat management was a key focus of these meetings. The HCPSL team discussed developing an Integrated Rat Monitoring Approach to effectively manage the pest in the Herbert. Additionally, Aaron Davis from Read more…
Press Release: IT’S TIME TO RAT BAIT YOUR CANE CROPS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!
High numbers of rats and significant crop damage has been observed across the Herbert cane growing region in the past few weeks. Large areas of devastated cane have been observed in the Abergowrie area, with rat damage now starting to occur across the district. Because of the large crop to harvest this year and the Read more…
Press Release: Closure of HCPSL Approved Clean Seed plots-2022.
HCPSL still has some cane varieties available from the HCPSL Approved Clean Seed Stone River and Macknade farms. If you wish to obtain cane from these plots, please contact: Jason Caruso- 0417 622 129 for cane from the Stone River plot. Tony Mc Clintock- 0447 304 963 for cane from the Macknade plot. The Ingham Read more…
Press Release: HCPSL AGM 2022
INVITATION TO HCPSL MEMBERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC Annual General Meeting Date Claimer When: Monday the 17th of October, commencing at 7am with breakfast and the formal proceedings commencing at 7:30am. Where: HCPSL offices located at Fairford / Abergowrie Road, Ingham. Guest Speakers: Dr. Phil Jackson and Terry Morgan- “The use of molecular markers for Read more…
Project CaNE investigates sub-surface applications of mill mud
As part of Project CaNE’s ‘Clear As Mud’ Demonstration Program, growers across the Herbert have had the opportunity to assess various mill mud application rates and methods on their farms. At one of the sites, the project team is investigating the sub-surface application of mill mud. Sub-surface applications can provide benefits to the grower, as Read more…
Project CaNE Team begins harvesting Demonstration sites
During August, the Project CaNE team began to harvest Demonstration sites. HCPSL staff member, Bailey Kilpatrick captured these photos whist assisting the harvester crew at one of the various demos sites across the Herbert. The team looks forward to sharing results and findings from these demonstrations with growers in the future. This demonstration site is Read more…
EM Mapping – Getting the most out of your map
Last month, the HCPSL Project Catalyst & Project Cane teams hosted two EM Mapping workshops. The workshops aimed at ‘Getting the most out of Your Map’ by providing growers with a better understanding for the EM data collection, map interpretation and how they can utilise maps effectively with guidance from their agronomic advisor. Growers enjoyed Read more…
CRC Soil conference in Adelaide – HCPSL getting action on the ground.
The Soil CRC (for High Performance Soils) was established in 2017 to give farmers the knowledge and tools they need to make decisions on extremely complex soil management issues. It bridges the gap between soil science and farm management, ensuring that soil performance is increased not just in the short term, but in the long Read more…
Key Take Away Messages – Project CaNE Back to Basics Virtual Series
To conclude Project CaNE’s Back to Basics Virtual series, the team has put together some key take away messages from each of the episodes. By creating these videos the Project CaNE team hope growers across the Herbert can access information in an easy-to-understand, convenient format. HCPSL aims to continually improve and adapt the way we Read more…
Back to Basics – Episode 8: The Nitrogen Cycle
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 8: The Nitrogen Cycle In the final episode of the Back to Basics series, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Ellie McVeigh explains the Nitrogen Cycle. Throughout the video, the various stages and forms of nitrogen are discussed. Ellie highlights what processes must occur for nitrogen to be available to your sugarcane Read more…
A Different Perspective on the River: Herbert River Info Session
You’re invited to come and see what the Herbert river looks like and how it changes as it passes through the various parts of the landscape. We’ll be showing drone video and photography from the last five years, from the headwaters to the mouth, and sharing experiences and perspectives of changes in the river and Read more…
DISHING THE DIRT ON MICROBES
HCPSL staff (Company Manager Lawrence Di Bella & Project Catalyst team member Bethany Donker) recently attended a Terrain workshop on ‘Activating your Soil Microbiome’ with Dr. Christine Jones. Dr. Jones is a highly respected ground cover and soil ecologist with global knowledge and experience in supporting landholders to understand soil health, biodiversity, carbon emissions, and Read more…
PRESS RELEASE: It’s time to plant your Approved Seed Cane!
Research undertaken by HCPSL, and SRA clearly shows that growers who use Approved Clean Seed from HCPSL grow on average 11 tonnes of cane per hectare more cane than those who don’t use clean cane. Using Approved Clean Seed is an easy way to increase farm productivity. This year HCPSL has billet harvesters in Read more…
Back to Basics: Episode 7 – What is Gypsum?
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 7: What is gypsum? In this week’s Back to Basics video, HCPSL Extension Agronomist, Adam Royle covers ‘What is Gypsum?’. Following on from last week’s episode, he explains the difference between gypsum and other ameliorants. Adam also discusses how gypsum works to ameliorate sodic soils. As always, if you Read more…
Back to Basics: Episode 6 – What are soil ameliorants?
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 6: What are soil ameliorants? This week Adam Royle, HCPSL Extension Agronomist, talks about soil ameliorants. He explains what ameliorant options are available and how they differ. Throughout this episode, Adam discusses lime, gypsum, and mill-by products as common forms of ameliorants in the Herbert. Adam touches on some Read more…
PRESS RELEASE: JCU student is working with HCPSL to try identifying RSD using satellite technology
Ethan’s Story: My name is Ethan Waters, I am in my 4th year for a double bachelor’s in electrical engineering and data science. I am currently conducting my honours thesis with the goal of detecting RSD with the satellite sentinel-2. I am in the process of developing a free prototype program that will inform farmers Read more…
Back to Basics: Episode 5 – How to do a pH test in the field
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 5: How to do a pH test in the field Following on from last week’s episode, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Adam Royle demonstrates how to conduct a soil pH test in the field. Adam highlights situations that it may be useful to conduct your own field pH test. Make sure Read more…
Soil Microbiome Workshop with Dr. Christine Jones
Activating your soil microbiome workshop, with Dr Christine Jones About this event Join Dr Christine Jones as she explains the impacts of inorganic NPK on the soil microbiome and discusses the actions farmers can take to reduce their reliance on expensive inputs – while still achieving the productivity and profitability outcomes they are seeking. You’ll Read more…
Back to Basics – Episode 4: What is soil pH?
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 4: What is pH? In this week’s Back to Basics video, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Adam Royle chats about soil pH. Throughout the video Adam unpacks what causes low soil pH, why a low pH is problematic to crop growth and how to improve your soil pH. On a few Read more…
Back to Basics – Episode 3: What is soil CEC? And why is it important?
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 3: What is soil CEC, and why is it important? In this episode, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Adam Royle explains Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). He discusses the importance of being aware of your soils CEC, and what factors determine the CEC. Finally, Adam explains how CEC levels impact your lime Read more…
Press release: Keep an eye out for Rats
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 Read more…
Back to Basics – Episode 2: What is Soil Texture?
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 2: What is Soil Texture? In this video, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Ellie McVeigh discusses soil texture. Ellie provides a basic overview of soil texture, and how texture impacts nutrient & water holding capacity. Finally, the video covers how to conduct a ‘Ribbon Test’ in the field. Links to the Read more…
PRESS RELEASE: HCPSL Warren’s Hill GPS Base Station is operational
PRESS RELEASE HCPSL Warrens Hill GPS base station is operational. Recently HCPSL has made a significant investment, with the installation of a new GPS base station to its community network. The new base station will operate on frequency 466.1000. Like all HCPSL base stations in its network, it has been surveyed in for transferability between Read more…
Back to Basics – Episode 1: Soils of the Herbert with Dr. Andrew Wood
Back to Basics Virtual Series Episode 1: Soils of the Herbert with Dr. Andrew Wood Dr. Andrew Wood has been involved in the Australian Sugar Industry since the early 1980’s, working for CSR in the Herbert district. Andrew initiated a detailed soil mapping and analysis program, eventually covering over 50 000ha of the Herbert. Additionally, Read more…
Project CaNE launches Back to Basics Virtual Series
Over the past few years, HCPSL has offered various Back to Basics Workshops to Herbert Growers. This year, as part of Project CaNE, the team has created a Back to Basics Virtual series. The Back to Basics Virtual series will cover a range of topics, focusing on soil properties, nutrition, and ameliorants. Each topic will Read more…
Press Release: Theft of cane from Approved Seed Plot
Last week cane was stolen from one of the HCPSL Approved Seed plots. The variety stolen was SRA36. If you have any information pertaining to the theft it can be reported confidentially to the HCPSL Manager by phoning 0448 084 252 or emailing ldibella@hcpsl.com.au HCPSL has cameras located at some of its Approved Seed plots Read more…
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WEED? IPOMOEA TUBEROSA
Weeds on the HCPSL watch list: Have you seen this weed? Ipomoea tuberosa has been recently located in the Abergowrie area. About the plant Merremia tuberosa is a climbing vine that is native to Mexico and parts of central America that has become invasive on various Pacific islands and parts of the United States. The vine Read more…
Tissue Culture Plants Dispatched to Growers
Almost 16,000 tissue culture sugarcane plants were received by Herbert growers from HCPSL last week. HCPSL will have ordered over 30,000 tissue cultured plants this year. The next shipment of plants will arrive from the nursery around September this year. This year growers have ordered new varieties like SRA 26, SRA28, SRA31 and SRA36 and Read more…
Project CaNE Electronic Record Keeping Tool and Fertiliser Rate & Price Comparison Tool
This year along with a CaNE Plan, Project CaNE growers will have the opportunity to utilise both an Electronic Record Keeping Tool and a Fertiliser Rate & Price Comparison Tool. The project team hope that by providing an electronic alternative to traditional record keeping, it will allow for convenient, digital recording of applications for Read more…
EARLY CCS SAMPLING AT HCPSL – 2022
Dear Growers, HCPSL is offering growers the opportunity to undertake early CCS sampling of commercial cane fields for 2022. Growers will need to undertake the following: Collect 8 stalks representative of the cane field. Stalks must be topped and stripped free of trash. Stalks must be tied off at the butt end of the cane Read more…
CULTIVATE FARMS – Cultivator Investment Ready Program
Our friends at Cultivate Farms are changing the game for farmers ready to realise their farm ownership dreams. Now open for applications, the Cultivator Investment ready program gets farmers ownership and farm investment-ready. Participants will be resourced and coached to produce a farm pitch, with a financial modelling, a three-minute summary pitch video and the Read more…
Navua Sedge Weed Research
HCPSL is working with the Queensland Government Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries to Estimate the economic cost of Navua sedge to the cane industry. The Herbert cane industry is now seeing first hand the impact of Nauva sedge to sugarcane farming land on the northern side of Ingham. The research team has contacted HCPSL to Read more…
HERBERT REGION RATOON STUNTING DISEASE WORKSHOPS
The RSD workshop is developed for Herbert region growers and planting contractors.The purpose is to provide growers and local industry with information on RSD including: What it is How it is spread What this means for an individual farm and the industry.
SEED INSPECTIONS: Call to arrange your seed inspection now
Think about getting your seed inspections done now and which blocks you may use this year. Inspection of grower seed blocks for planting by HCPSL has commenced again this year. Once again, HCPSL will be using the new qPCR method to check cane for RSD. The qPCR method uses DNA diagnostic technology to diagnose the Read more…
What are Controlled-Release Fertilisers?
Recently, the Soil Science Society of America Journal published an article on controlled-release fertilisers. If you’re interested in finding out more about controlled-release fertilisers, view the article via the link below.
HCPSL Walk & Talk 2022
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 Read more…
Extension Agronomist Position here at HCPSL
Reports to: The HCPSL Manager, with guidance from the HCPSL Technical Services Team Leader.Position Purpose• The Extension Agronomist delivers training and extension to sugarcane farmers in the Herbert area.• Training and extension delivery focus will be on sugarcane farming systems, crop nutrition, crop agronomy, pest and disease management, farming practices and improvements that address farm Read more…
HCPSL Laser Levelling Contractors Meeting
Invitation to Herbert Laser Levelling Contractors To discuss the future of the HCPSL Laser Levelling service. Date: Wednesday 16th March 2022. Time: 1pm to 2pm. Location: HCPSL Office, 181 Fairford Road Ingham. RSVP: To Lawrence Di Bella via ldibella@hcpsl.com.au For further information, view the invitation below.
HCPSL Walk & Talk 2022
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.
FEAT Online Workshops – March 18th & 21st 2022
Increase your profits by making better decisions using FEAT Online. Attend a free workshop to – compare the profitability of farming system options, develop your own farm scenario and connect with others interested in improving their bottom line.
Cultivate Farms Pitching Event – Queensland
Meet the best Queensland farmers pitching their farm enterprise to investors Date & Time Online event. Thursday 3rd March 2022 9am to 12noon AEST About this event This event is for Queensland farm investors, regional community champions, aspiring farmers and retiring farmers. Hear from aspiring Queensland farmers (recent Cultivator graduates). Each farmer has their farming enterprise ready Read more…
Christmas Holiday Availability
From the team here at The Herbert Cane Productivity Services we would like to wish the growers of The Herbert Region a “Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year for 2022”! Over the Holiday Period (29th – 31st December) it would be advisable to call ahead to ensure one of the HCPSL Staff is in Read more…
The Project CaNE Team brings soil properties Back to Basics.
Last week, Project CaNE and Dr Andrew Wood delivered a series of 3 workshops across the district. The workshops covered key soil properties including – soil texture, soil CEC, pH, liming, Organic Carbon and Nitrogen. The aim of these interactive workshops was to give growers a practical understanding of how these properties influenced their fertiliser Read more…
Project Catalyst: Grower Support Program now OPEN for 2022!
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 Read more…
Press Release – Feral Pig Funding
PRESS RELEASE. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities The Honourable Mark Furner More funding to fight feral pests Local governments and Landcare groups across Queensland will receive grants totalling almost $1 million to support projects that reduce the impact of invasive plants and animals. Minister for Read more…
CLEAR AS MUD™ DEMO SITE INFORMATION SESSIONS
As part of the Clear As Mud™ Program, HCPSL and Project CaNE™ invite you to:
MILL BY-PRODUCT DEMO SITE INFORMATION SESSION
Monday 29th November 2021
Project CaNE™ 2022 Expressions of Interest now OPEN!
Project CaNE™ is offering growers the opportunity to develop a whole farm nutrient CaNE Plan™. Based on Six Easy Steps, CaNE Plan™ is an easy to use, paper-based nutrient management and record keeping tool that is reef regulation compliant and can be used towards BMP accreditation. Free to eligible growers, Project CaNE™ agronomists are looking Read more…
Hot Water Treatment
Watch our latest video to find out all you need to know about the HCPSL Hot Water Treatment Tanks.
HCPSL Projects
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.
Find out more about our services
Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL) is a not-for-profit organization established to provide agricultural technical services and support to the Herbert Sugarcane industry. The key focus of the company is to drive productivity and sustainability outcomes for the local industry. Use the menu above to navigate through our services and get in touch for more Read more…
HCPSL Newsletters
Have you missed an edition of the HCPSL newsletter? With the upgrade of our website, all future HCPSL Newsletters will now be archived online. To view the latest newsletter or visit the archive, simply visit our Newsletter page via the main menu, under NEWS & REPORTS at the top of the page.
