WALK & TALK EVENTS
Walk & Talk 2026 – Annual Industry Awards 2025
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 Sugar Australia) – Robert Lyon
Young Grower of the Year (Sponsored by CANEGROWERS Herbert River) – Dan Giorcelli
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Ian Kemp
Harvesting Efficiency Award (Sponsored by Sugar Research Australia) – Nicole Chiesa
Innovation Award (Sponsored by rabobankaustralia) – Mark & Toni Zatta
R&D On-Farm Co-operation (Sponsored by QSL) – Angelo Rivellini
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Peter Larsen
HCPSL Herbert Walk & Talk Day 2026 was a success!!
Herbert Growers as well as a contingent from NextGen participated in the Walk & Talk Day held at the HCPSL/SRA Office along with the Industry Awards.
Highlighting development opportunities within the industry such as presentations from
- Variety Development – What’s new (Garry Rosewarne, SRA)
- Weeds – Latest research & what’s happening with paraquat (Emile Fillols, SRA)
- Using AI & tech to drive agriculture (Prof Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi, JCU)
- Drone tech driving your business (Trav Van Dooren, TravEarth Drone Service)
- Chemical Safety and Product Development (Allan Blair, Axichem)
- Feral Pigs – working together to manage feral pigs (Matt Buckman, HSC)
HCPSL would like to thank all who contributed to the day to make it a success!
Sugar Research AustraliaWilmar Sugar and RenewablesTravEarth Drone Services Axichem Hinchinbrook Shire CouncilJCU: James Cook University, AustraliaCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverQueensland Sugar LimitedRabobank Herbert River Catchment Group
#herbertgrowers#education#sugarcane#supportlocal#success#development#variety#drone#ChemicalSafety#bluecollarlife#primaryproducers#backboneofeconomy
Walk & Talk Day 2024 – Annual Industry Awards
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 Sugar Australia) – CM Investments (Charles Girgenti)
Young Grower of the Year (Sponsored byWilmar Sugar Australia) – Alex Pisano
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Three Sugars Farming (Ramon Jayo)
Harvesting Efficiency Award (Sponsored by Sugar Research Australia) – Medway Farming Pty Ltd (Daryl Larsen)
Innovation Award (Sponsored by rabobankaustralia) – Peter Sheahan
R&D On-Farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Chiesa Farming
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Geoff Low
Walk & Talk Day 2023 – Annual Industry Awards
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 Sugar Australia) – Chris Butler
Young Grower of the Year (Sponsored by Wilmar Sugar Australia) – Anthony Marino
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Remo Pietrobon
Harvesting Efficiency Award (Sponsored by Sugar Research Australia) – GNC Harvesting (Greg & Nicole Chiesa)
Innovation Award (Sponsored by rabobankaustralia) – Agro Group
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombes Sales & Service) – A & S Castorina
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by CANEGROWERS Herbert River) – Robert Bonassi (Roblea Investments)
R&D On-Farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Geoff Low, Pace Farming, Paul Cantamessa, and Jeff Cantamessa
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Dr. Rob Magarey, Steve Guazzo, and Tony McClintock
Last week over 90 growers attended HCPSL’s annual Walk and Talk. Growers had the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding on a range of topics including – variety development & new varieties, mill mud & ash benefits, managing diseases, the soil biome, micronutrients, as well as reef & carbon credits.
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 2023 Walk & Talk Day – Great Barrier Reef Foundation , Australian Government Reef Trust, Agro Group, GreenCollar, Project CaNE, Project Catalyst , Soil CRC, Sugar Research Australia, Stoller Australia and Wilmar Sugar Australia.
Walk & Talk Day 2022
On the 9th 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 broader 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.
2020 HCPSL Walk and Talk Day
Grower of the Year (Sponsored by Wilmar) – Pace Farming
Young Grower of the Year (Sponsored by Wilmar) – Chris Butler
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – HWQMP
Harvesting Efficiency Award (Sponsored by SRA) – Roveda Harvesting
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Carta Engineering
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – Roblea Investments P/L
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – Rodney Robino
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Celotto A & A Family Trust, ASM Earthmoving, Zatta G & AJ, Boscato R & J, Finlayson J & Mrs V, Russo Farming Pty Ltd
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Motti E Dis Trust, Morellini P, Rivellini A & S, Accornero Family Trust,
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Robert Quabba, Joe Girgenti, Orazio Marino & Frank White
2019 HCPSL WALK AND TALK DAY
Grower of the Year – Tony Crisafulli
Young Grower of the Year – Alan Accornero
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Sam Di Bella
Harvesting Efficiency Award – JSP Sartor Harvesting (Patrick Healy)
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Vince Castellani
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – R, C & P Quabba
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – Wilmar Sugar
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Abergowrie Celotto B & SE, Central Torrisi SO Mrs KA GC & Mrs EM, Wet Belt Zatta G & AJ, Stone River Gosney ST Williams NJ & Mrs JM, Lower Herbert Torrisi GG & SA Morellini, Ingham Line Russo Farming Pty Ltd Beeva Nominees
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – RFC Agri Services Pty Ltd, Wilmar Sugar, Motti Enzo Discretionary Trust, GRC Nominees, Russo Farming Pty Ltd
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Bino Chiesa
2018 HCPSL WALK AND TALK DAY
Grower of the Year – Morselli Family Farming
Young Grower of the Year – Lyle Glenwright
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Len & Carl Girgenti
Harvesting Efficiency Award – Gangemi Harvesting
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Dan & Leanne Cordner
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – Tony Crisafulli
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – Matthew Ingegneri
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Abergowrie Vella Enterprises, Central Pedruzzi TP, Wet Belt Manenti Mrs L, Stone River Gosney ST, Lower Herbert CBF Nominees, Ingham Line Rinaldo L & JE
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Steve Fortini, Paul Cantamessa, Warren & John Russo, Vince Russo
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – John Mahony & Roger Celotto
2017 HCPSL WALK AND TALK DAY
Grower of the Year – Paul Mizzi
Young Grower of the Year – Glen Irlam
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Burnside Farming
Harvesting Efficiency Award – MPF Harvesting
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Stephen & Brendan Accornero
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – TJ & GP Low
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – JSP Sartor Farming
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Abergowrie Hobbs AE & W – Celotto B, D & SE, Central Motti Enzo Discretionary Trust Farming, Wet Belt Zatta G AJ RA & JP, Stone River Russo Farming Pty Ltd, Lower Herbert Torrisi SO & KA & GC & EM, Ingham Line Zatta RV & Mrs G – Zatta G AJ RA & JP
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Quabba R & P, Russo F, Accornero S & B, Girgenti J E & M, Robino AL
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Renzo Di Bella
2016 WALK & TALK DAY
Grower of the Year – Alan Lynn
Young Grower of the Year – Adrian Covell
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Sam & Santo Lamari – Lamari Farming
Harvesting Efficiency Award – Greg Chiesa
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Remo & Gino Zatta
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – Chris Bosworth
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – JMAK Farming (Jason Aili & Michelle La Rosa & Andrew La Rosa)
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Abergowrie JM DB JD Mahony, Central J & C & M & K Pedruzzi, Wet Belt Ergican Enterprises Pty Ltd – Errol Cantamessa, Stone River Mrs R VA Russo & The Russo A Family Trust, Lower Herbert Castorina Farming, Ingham Line GP & JK Minato
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Accornero S & B, Robino A, Cantamessa E, Reinaudo Farming
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Josie Vecchio, Ash Benson and Bert Bonassi
2015 WALK & TALK DAY – INDUSTRY AWARDS
Grower of the Year – Burnside Pty Ltd – M. Porta
Young Grower of the Year – Mark Girgenti
Mangrove Jack Award (Sponsored by Herbert River Catchment Group) – Lawrence Di Bella
Harvesting Efficiency Award – Chiesa Bros.
Innovation Award (Sponsored by Rabobank) – Len Mancinelli
Farm Presentation for Harvesting Award (Sponsored by Honeycombs) – JSP Sartor (Sartor Bros.)
Improved Farm Layout Award (Sponsored by Canegrowers Herbert River) – Walter Giordani
Consistent High Productivity (Sponsored by QSL) – Abergowrie Celotto Investments P/L, Central Russell Kirkwood, Wet Belt Elio Tua, Stone River Bruno Nowark, Lower Herbert Paul Mizzi, Ingham Line Spano Bros
R&D On-farm Co-operation (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Russo V, Robino A, Pappin M, Accornero K
Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by HCPSL) – Peter & Rex Carr
