All of HCPSL Clean Seed Plots will close on Friday the 25th September 2026.

For all growers still wanting to obtain clean seed material from the plots, please contact the respective plot officers ASAP.

Hot Water Treatment Tanks will remain open until further notice. Growers who would like to use this facility please contact HCPSL to make a booking on 47761808.

Join us for an informative day on Sugarcane Tissue Culture and hear from experienced Growers and see in action in the field and learn how it can add value to your crop!!! RSVP – Sandra 47761808 for BBQ Lunch!!!

Venue: HCPSL Macknade Dep Time: Starting at 8.30 am Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Attention All Herbert Growers,

You are invited to HCPSL Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 27th of October 2026 commencing at 8.00 AM

Guest Speaker – SRA Weed Science Leader – Emilie Fillols – “Herbicide Research and Farming with out Paraquat”.

RSVP – HCPSL on 47761808 by the 26th October 2026 for catering purposes.

INDUSTRY PRESENTATION AND GROWER DISCUSSION

Reducing input costs with novel biological technology in Australian Sugarcane Industry

Join Reando Potgieter from Fertikey for a focused discussion on dependable biological farming aids, meaningful nitrogen fixation, and biological options for pest and nematode control.

Herbert Growers will have the opportunity for CCS/Small Mill Testing to be done to help provide growers with insight into which blocks to be harvest earlier in the season.

HCPSL is offering the service of pick-up locations this year, please see flier below for all information.

Guidelines to follow

• Bundles of 6 Stalks together per block
• Growers Name & Contact Number
• Label with Farm Number, Block, Variety & Crop Class

After delays due to persistent wet weather, seed cane has started rolling out of the 2026 Approved seed plots.

Ground conditions still limit access to some plots and growers are encouraged to contact the relevant plot officers for further updates.

Plot Officers
Ingham Line: Richard – 0400544301
Central: Jarrod – 0499034968
Stone River: Alwyn – 0417622129
Abergowrie: Richard – 0400544301
Halifax: Adam – 0417610446

HCPSL members will have access to all Approved seed plots, with the only limiting factor being the availability of specific varieties.

We would also like to recognise and thank our plot hosts for supporting the HCPSL Approved seed program.

If you’d like further information please contact one of our plot officers or the HCPSL office on 47761808.

In January 2026 HCPSL notified growers of our decision to subsidise the cost of RSD testing for those growers who notified HCPSL, prior to the 3rd April, of their intention to test seed cane on their farm in 2026.

Growers were also advised that failing to provide notification prior to the 3rd April would result in a $50 per sample fee to assist with covering the cost of the RSD test.

This incentive was aimed at ensuring HCPSL used member levies to conduct RSD testing in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

On behalf of HCPSL Directors and staff, I’d like to sincerely thank all growers who made the effort to notify HCPSL prior to the 3rd April. Your proactive approach to assisting us in delivering this important service allowed us to utilise your levies in the most effective way possible.

On the 27th May the HCPSL Board and management further discussed this incentive and decided, due primarily to the current pressures facing our members, to extend the subsidised testing of RSD samples for the remainder of 2026.

What does this mean for HCPSL members?

This most recent decision means that for the remainder of 2026 all HCPSL members will receive the same allocation of 1 free sample per 20ha and a fee of $10 per sample once the free allocation has been exhausted, regardless of when HCPSL was notified by the grower.

Important Dates

2027 Autumn delivery deadline – 29th of June 2026

2027 Spring delivery deadline – 12th of November 2026

Contact HCPSL for any further information on 4776 1808, or Rhiannan Harragon (Trainee Field Agronomist) on 0490905367.

You are invited to join a field trip + hands-on workshop to:

✅ See different ways of managing drainage lines 

✅ Get practical tips for managing creek banks & wetlands

✅ Learn how to take a water quality sample

✅ Map farms to identify drainage lines, flow pathways and water-related challenges.

We will take home ideas to sustain production, reduce long-term maintenance, while also improving water quality and habitat.

When: Wednesday 13 May 2026

Please register your interest with Bethany Donker at Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL) on 0490 077 176.

You are invited to the 2026 Herbert Walk & Talk Day on Tuesday 14th April, 2026 at the SRA-HCPSL Building – 181 Fairford Road.

Entry from 8.00 am onwards. Walk & Talk Presentations : 8.45 am – 11.45 am followed by Lunch and Industry Award presentations: 12 M/D – 1 pm.

Due to wet weather we ask attendees to park at the soccer grounds and be bused to the venue.