A number of growers in the Herbert have recently reported locust swarms occurring on their farms. To date these swarms have been in the nymph or ‘hopper’ (immature) stage. Locusts have the potential to cause significant losses in a wide variety of crops.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries monitors locust populations and responds to large outbreaks by implementing control programs where needed.
Growers should immediately report sightings of locust swarms to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries through the following methods,
FARMSAFE Chemical (formally ChemCert) Course on offer!
Attention Herbert Growers
Next round of FARMSAFE Chemical Accreditation Course is on offer to you!
DATE: Wednesday 29th October or Thursday 30th October – 1 day only refresher
TIME: Start 7.45 am to 4.00pm
Cost: $400 pp (GST inclusive) Contact Sandra at HCPSL 47761808 to reserve your spot!
Annual General Meeting
Invitation to All Members
When: Tuesday 21st of October 2025, commencing at 8am Where: HCPSL Office, 181 Fairford Road Ingham 4850 Guest Speaker: Sugar Research Australia Research into Alternatives to Imidacloprid for Canegrub Control
Proxy forms and copies of the financials will be available to members from the HCPSL front office prior to the AGM.
Morning tea will be provided after the meeting.
Please RSVP for catering purposes by the 20th of October – 47761808.
Herbert Growers please be aware of the closure of the Seed Plots – final day 3rd of October.
Growers still wanting to obtain clean seed from the HCPSL plots, contact the respective HCPSL Plot Officers ASAP.
The HCPSL Hot Water Treatment Tanks will remain open until further notice, however growers wanting to make bookings should contact HCPSL Office on 47761808.
Approved Seed PlotsRemaining Material & Plot Closures
Due to order cancellations and change of estimates several HCPSL distribution plots still have approved seed cane available to growers. Growers wanting any of the remaining seed cane material should contact the respective plot officers as soon as possible. Plots will remain open until at least the end of September with an official closure date yet to be decided.
Remaining approved seed availability as of the 18th of September 2025 – see PDF attached
HCPSL invites all grower members who are considering nominating themselves or a fellow grower for the HCPSL director elections in February 2026 to attend an information evening with the current HCPSL grower directors and chair.
This is your chance to;
Learn how to nominate for a director’s position on the HCPSL board.
Understand what it takes to fulfil the role of a HCPSL director.
Ask current HCPSL grower directors about their experience as a director.
Date: Date: Tuesday 14th October 2025 Time: 5pm Location: HCPSL Office (downstairs meeting room) RSVP: For catering purposes please call HCPSL on 47761808 to RSVP by Friday 10th October.
