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
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.
Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd (HCPSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of two Grower
Directors for the coming Board term. As nominations for the Board did not exceed the available board
positions, the new Grower Directors were appointed unopposed.
Returning Director Greg Erkkila will be joined by Anthony Girgenti and two returning Wilmar nominated
Directors to form the new HCPSL Board. Their combined experience will support HCPSL’s commitment to
delivering high quality agronomic services to our members and the Herbert sugarcane industry.
HCPSL wishes to thank outgoing Directors Gino Zatta, Michael Pisano and Cameron Barber for their valued
contribution to the company and the important role they played in guiding the strategic direction of HCPSL
over the last 3 years.
The new Board of Directors reinforced their shared commitment to the future of the Herbert sugar industry
during the final meeting of the outgoing Board of Directors and will sit in an official capacity for the first time in
April.
HCPSL Manager Adam Royle welcomed the appointments, highlighting the Board’s role in guiding strategic
direction in an everchanging landscape. Having strong governance and a clear strategic vision ensures HCPSL
will continue to provide the services and support our members rely on.
With a new Board in place, HCPSL remains firmly committed to delivering practical, on ground support for
growers and the Herbert region’s sugar industry. The organisation looks forward to the leadership and
direction the new Board will bring.
Adam Royle
Manager
07 47761808
aroyle@hcpsl.com.au
HERBERT WALK & TALK DAY – 14th APRIL 2026
More information over the coming weeks!
Herbert Growers are encouraged to attend a Shed Meeting in their area with topics for discussion and information on the following:
Breakfast, Lunch or Smoko will be provided at each of the Shed Meetings – RSVP Sandra 47761808
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181 Fairford Road, |
| Ingham Queensland 4850 | |
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07 4776 1808 |
 |
admin@hcpsl.com.au |
| Monday to Friday: | 7.00am - 3.00pm |
| Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays | |
