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Hinchinbrook organisations collaborate to deliver Haul Out Training course

Posted May 26, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

Together with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism, Farm Safe Queensland, QITE, Happy Days Training, Wilmar and HCPSL worked together to deliver the Cane Haul Out Operators course last week.

The course covered various aspects of harvesting and cane haul out operations. Information delivered in the course included – Workplace Health and Safety, cane siding induction, safe working near powerlines, pest and disease management, cane haul out operation and equipment maintenance, as well as basic harvester operational maintenance. The training also allowed participants to gain valuable hands-on experience and skills in the overall operations of the cane haul out processes. With the commencement of billet planting operations, participants were provided the opportunity to train with harvesters cutting cane, gaining valuable experience in readiness for immediate employment.

Congratulations to the twelve individuals who successfully completed the 5-day course and who are now eager to put these skills to work in the local industry. The training organisation will continue to work with the candidates for a period when they obtain jobs in the agriculture sector.

These graduates are out and abound now looking for jobs in the industry, so give them some consideration.

VARIETY UPDATE: Outcomes from the Herbert Variety Committee (RVC) meeting

Posted May 11, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

HCPSL & SRA Joint PRESS RELEASE

The Herbert Variety Committee meeting was held on the 5th of April 2023. The outcomes from the meeting are as follows:

The industry delegates approved the RELEASE of SRA40 (seedling number- QS07-7049) for Herbert growers. This variety will now be propagated by HCPSL for distribution through their Approved Seed plots in 2025. Growers who wish to order tissue culture cane for delivery in 2024, please contact Rhiannan Harragan (HCPSL Field Officer)- 47761808 or 0400 558 766.
The meeting reviewed the smut data on SRA31, and it was decided to distribute SRA31 from HCPSL Approved Seed plots in 2023.
The industry delegates voted against the release of QN08-2274 based upon smut concerns. Growers who have this seedling planted in HCPSL strip trials and growers who have obtained from other sources are not permitted to plant this clone any further.
The industry delegates voted to put SRA37 on hold based on sugar quality concerns. SRA will continue to undertake research on this variety.
The industry delegates voted to put on hold QS10-8459, QS10-7130 and SRA21 pending more data on smut and mill characteristics.

Governance of the RVC:

The Herbert RVC have established governance procedures in which the meetings are run and managed. Governance procedures that need to be followed:

SRA and HCPSL present variety data to the committee and they do not have a vote on the progression or release of any variety.
Currently, the voting delegates consist of representatives from the following groups- 3 miller representatives and 3 grower representatives (currently 2 delegates from CANEGROWERS Herbert River collective and 1 delegate from the combined ACFA, AgForce and HCQR collectives).
Clones and varieties being considered for HOLDING or MAX PROPAGATION are voted upon by the delegates. The decision from the delegates will be by majority rules.
Clones and varieties being considered for RELEASE to industry will be voted upon by the delegates also. In this situation for a variety to proceed to RELEASE the vote must be unanimous, with all delegates voting in favour.

SRA31- Distribution through HCPSL Approved Seed plots

During 2022, it was decided to hold off on the distribution of SRA31 based upon some observations of smut. Critical review of the situation indicated the unusual smut infection was likely due to the interaction between very high temperatures and herbicide application. During the 2023 Herbert RVC meeting it was decided to proceed with the distribution of the variety to growers from HCPSL Approved Seed plots.

Growers who are wishing to purchase SRA31 from the HCPSL Approved Seed plots are requested to contact the HCPSL office- 47761808, immediately to order planting material.

Rogue clone found in SRA28

HCPSL and SRA staff identified a rogue clone in some HCPSL Approved Seed plots during their routine inspections of the plots for diseases and variety correctness. QN05-1380 has been found to be mixed with SRA28 with some cane supplied to growers in the past 2 years.

QN05-1380 was discarded by the SRA plant breeding program because its poor yield performance.

Variety tracing activities have been undertaken by both HCPSL and SRA staff to identify how the mix up occurred, however there are no clear leads on how QN05-1380 became mixed with SRA28 in the first place.

The HCPSL Approved Seed plots of concern are as follows:

HCPSL Central plot
HCPSL Abergowrie Erkkila plot
HCPSL Fairford Farming plot (Hamleigh)

The impacted growers have been recently contacted. These growers have been asked to obtain new stocks of SRA28 from HCPSL, if they wish to continue growing the variety to ensure variety correctness.

Growers can be reassured that cane purchased from HCPSL Approved Seed plots is RSD free.

HCPSL is requesting all growers to be on the lookout for the rogue clone and report it to HCPSL immediately. Photographs on the next 2 pages will highlight the visual differences between SRA28 and QN05-1380. QN05-1380 has a similar stalk colour appearance to MQ239.

HCPSL and SRA apologise for any inconvenience caused. HCPSL will ensure that growers who wish to obtain new SRA28 planting material in 2023, will be able to do so.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

HCPSL & SRA Press Release: Variety Update May 2023 Download

Soil to Food Conference, Atherton – 3rd & 4th June

Posted May 10, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

Interest in soil health has been gathering momentum within the Wet Tropics farming community for the past decade. This event is an opportunity for farmers and the agricultural industry to connect with each other and share ideas and innovations that support healthy soil leading to healthy people and profits.

Speakers include:

Dr Christine Jones – internationally renowned soil scientist
Dr Andre Leu – International Director of Regeneration International
Grant Sims – 2015 Coles Weekly Times Farmer of the Year and President of the Victorian No Till Farmers Association
Niels Olsen – inventor of the SoilKee renovator and first Australian farmer to receive ACCU’s
Gillian Sanbrook – ecological beef producer from Bibbaringa in NSW
A range of local producers.

Topics on the agenda include:

Multi-functional benefits of soil health
Transitioning to lower inputs
Cover cropping
Integrating animal systems for pasture restoration and broadacre cropping
High value produce – farmers as price makers, not price takers
Ingredients for success – farmers sharing stories
Emerging opportunities

DETAILS

Dates: 3-4 June 2023
Venue: The Sunflower Farm, 6 Dawson Rd, Atherton
Tickets: $110
Fully catered including a ‘spit roast dinner under the stars’ using locally produced ingredients

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER THROUGH EVENTBRITE

The event is delivered by Terrain NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. It is also supported by Wet Tropics SoilCare, TNQ Drought Hub, Sustainable Table, Regeneration International, Lower Wet Tropics SoilCare, Tropical Pasture Seeds, Cairns Micro Greens, Eco Bananas, Skybury and Mungalli Biodynamics.

REMINDER GROWERS: Wilmar Data Consent Changes

Posted May 8, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

If you wish to do so, please take the time to actively Opt IN to provide HCPSL with your mill data.

What are some of the activities that HCPSL uses grower data for?

Enable farm productivity analysis studies.
Access grower farm maps to enable HCPSL to undertake activities like RSD testing.
Access grower farm maps to enable biosecurity activities to occur during pest and disease incursions.
Allow HCPSL to maintain permits for industry to rat bait.
Attract funding to maintain the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program.
Support the industry in times of natural disasters.
Attract funding to maintain and operate extension services required by industry.
Defend the industries right to farm.

The Opt In is voluntary and at any time you can Opt Out if you wish to do so.

To allow HCPSL access to your data, visit the Wilmar grower portal and ‘TICK’ the HCPSL option under ‘Consent Given’.

If you require assistance using the online portal, visit the HCPSL office. Further information can be found via the HCPSL website: https://hcpsl.com/wilmar-data-consent-change-to-opt-in-notice-and-information-sheet/

USING SOIL TESTING TO MATCH CROP NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS

Posted May 5, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

With current fertiliser prices, it is essential, now more than ever, that your fertiliser blend and rate is matched to crop requirements.

Taking a soil sample ensures you are not over or under applying specific crop nutrients. By taking a soil sample, a HCPSL agronomist can provide you with tailored nutrition advice, ensuring adequate crop nutrition and minimising unnecessary input application.

To make sampling easier, visit the HCPSL Office to borrow a soil auger.

If you’d like more information or advice on soil sampling, please contact HCPSL on (07) 4776 1808.

Project CaNE™ is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Grower grants help improve nutrient runoff and water quality in the Herbert catchment

Posted May 4, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

Grower Incentive Grants made it possible for Herbert growers to invest in new machinery by receiving financial support to better improve water quality associated with on-farm nitrogen management practice changes and the results in Nitrogen run-off are evident.

Results from a trial in the Abergowrie area conducted by the Queensland Government, HCPSL, James Cook University and Terrain NRM in 2013 revealed sub-surface fertiliser application reduced runoff losses of Nitrogen, phosphorus and Sulphate-S from recent applications when compared to surface applications in the Herbert Catchment.

The application of fertiliser provides essential nutrients to enhance sugarcane growth and yield. The rate of application and where fertiliser is placed in the soil profile influences plant uptake and the loss through runoff and deep drainage.

HCPSL Company Manager Lawrence Di Bella, who participated in the study stated, “The findings from this study clearly shows sub-surface applications of both liquid and granular fertilisers had a positive impact on reducing nitrogen runoff from cane farms. The study also looked at cane yields from the various practices to find that broadcast applications of fertiliser on the soil surface had lower yields when compared to other methods. These results are a win-win for the environment and growers’ hip pocket.”

Grower Incentive Grants are part of the Major Grants Project and the Lower Herbert Water Quality Program (LHWQP). Funded by the Reef Trust Partnership the aim is to improve the quality of water flowing from the Herbert River catchment to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon while at the same time improving productivity and profitability of the Herbert sugar industry.

The Lower Herbert Water Quality Program aims to prevent 140 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from the Herbert River catchment each year. Under the Reef 2050 plan to reduce runoff of dissolved inorganic nitrogen the Herbert River is one of the highest priority river catchments. The $16.2 million program is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with coordination support provided by CANEGROWERS Herbert River.

More information and interviews: Jason Wolfgram | Communications Manager – Lower Herbert Water Quality Program | 0436 469 018

Media Release: Grower grants help improve nutrient runoff and water quality in the Herbert catchment Download

Grain harvesting commences in the Herbert

Posted April 26, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

It is a strange sight to see a grain header operating in cane country in the Herbert district. Gino and Remo Zatta commenced harvesting soybean crops this week in the Bambaroo area. The soybean crop was grown over the cane fallow period and the block will be planted back to sugarcane within the next few weeks. Rotational crops and fallow cover crops are becoming the norm as apart of the sugarcane farming system.

If you’re looking at growing rotational crops and you need some assistance in the Herbert, please contact DAF and HCPSL staff.

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POSTPONED: Herbert SRA Smut Workshop – this Friday!

Posted April 24, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

SRA apologise for the postponement – Due to unforeseen circumstances, the below workshop is postponed.

Sugar Research Australia is hosting a Smut Workshop this Friday! Come along to gain a better understanding of the disease and the importance of an integrated disease management program.

Date: Friday 28th April 2023 (This Friday)

Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm

Where: SRA/HCPSL Station, 181 Fairford Road Ingham

Wilmar Data Consent Change to Opt In – Notice and Information Sheet

Posted April 5, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

HCPSL PRESS RELEASE

05/04/2023

Dear Herbert canefarmers,

HCPSL is seeking access to grower farm data at allow our company to provide services to your business now and into the future. Below is a Wilmar information sheet, why data consent is being sought and the management of your data in relation to privacy and confidentiality.

Please take the time to read through the Wilmar document. Each grower will be required to actively Opt In to provide HCPSL data.

What are some of the activities that HCPSL uses grower data for?

Enable farm productivity analysis studies.
Access grower farm maps to enable HCPSL to undertake activities like RSD testing.
Access grower farm maps to enable biosecurity activities to occur during pest and disease incursions.
Allow HCPSL to maintain permits for industry to rat bait.
Attract funding to maintain the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program.
Support the industry in times of natural disasters.
Attract funding to maintain and operate extension services required by industry.
Defend the industries right to farm.

The Opt In is voluntary and at any time you can Opt Out if you wish to do so.

HCPSL takes data management seriously, to ensure that your confidentiality and privacy is not compromised in anyway. HCPSL is required to manage your data appropriately under the Privacy Act (1998) and has its own systems in place to protect your data.

Please follow the directions provided on the Wilmar information sheet on how to actively Opt In to provide HCPSL and other industry providers your consent to access your farm data and maps.

If you are not sure how to actively Opt In via the Wilmar website, HCPSL administration staff will be able to assist you by coming into the HCPSL office between 7am-3pm Monday to Friday. Remember you will need to bring with you your username and password to the Wilmar website, so that the HCPSL staff can assist you navigate the website to allow you to actively Opt In.

If you have any further questions pertaining to HCPSL accessing your data or data protection, please contact:

Lawrence Di Bella

HCPSL Company Manager on:

Mobile- 0448084252

Office- 47761808

Email- ldibella@hcpsl.com.au

HERBERT HOSTS CANE REGEN FORUM 2023

Posted April 3, 2023 by Ellie McVeigh

Earlier this week, the annual Regenerative Cane Farming Forum was held in Ingham. The forum attracted over 85 growers, from various districts, from the Far North to the Burdekin. The event had a practical focus, allowing forum attendees to learn and gain knowledge from farmers who have successfully changed their farming system.

As always, grower innovation was also a key theme throughout the forum. Attendees had the opportunity to visit farms and see cover crops, controlled traffic, permanent beds, soil health, compost and new machinery in action.

The forum was greatly beneficial for both growers and industry professionals. The event allowed attendees to build on existing knowledge, share ideas, discuss limitations and connect with other like-minded growers.

Thank you to the forum organisers, Soil Land and Food and the Regen Cane Network, who put together a valuable event for cane farmers in the Herbert and throughout North Queensland.