Post on 21-Jul-2020
1
CANEGROWERS Burdekin Ltd Newsletter Edition 2018/1 Distributed: Thursday 25th January 2018
Continues page 3
Olam Pulses Reps visit Burdekin Pulses Division representatives of multinational agribusiness Olam
International visited the Burdekin last week.
After the demise of the Blue Ribbon Group that went into receivership last
year the Olam representatives were undertaking a fact finding visit at the
invitation of SunRice with the intention to offer growers Olam’s specialised
services in contracting and marketing for mainly mung beans and chick peas
grown in the Burdekin.
Although Olam have processing and storage facilities in the Darling Downs
region they intend to utilize the SunRice processing and storage facilities for
pulses located in Brandon. Other parts of the Pulses division include
wholesale and retail of pulse sowing seeds as well as providing marketing
options to growers for other grains such as sorghum and wheat.
Olam’s website quotes that the pulses division has steadily developed into a leading grass-roots accumulator of pulses from the
farmgate to consumer markets on the Sub-Continent and Asia. In addition, they supply to leading Australian based trading
exporters on a delivered container terminal basis.
Any growers interested in finding out about and understanding Olam’s services for pulse crops can contact Procurement Manager
Brett McIntyre on 0417 759 574 or Pulses General Manager Phill Ryan on 0419 778 437.
CBL Manager Wayne Smith met with Olam International
representatives last week, Phill Ryan, Leigh Beutel &
Brett McIntyre
Sugar can sweeten Australia’s trade with UK and Europe
Queensland’s sugarcane farmers are being strongly represented in a
National Farmers’ Federation ‘Team Australian Agriculture’ delegation in
Europe and the United Kingdom this week.
“The planned withdrawal of Britain from the European Union offers the
Australian sugar industry a fantastic opportunity,” CANEGROWERS
CEO Dan Galligan said. “We want to reopen an historic sugar export
market which was lost when the UK joined the European Common
Market and we also want to increase opportunities for EU refiners to
source Australian sugar.
“This NFF-led reconnaissance mission is ahead of formal Australian
Government talks on our trading relationship with the region post-Brexit,
including a future Free Trade Agreement with the EU. It will involve
industry-to-industry talks, finding out exactly what food processors and
manufacturers want from Australia.”
CANEGROWERS Head of Economics Warren Males will travel with representatives from the sheep meat, dairy, grains and
horticulture industries.
“Prior to joining the EU, the United Kingdom was a major buyer of Australian sugar with British refineries taking around 30% of our
raw sugar exports,” Mr Galligan said. “But that trading door was slammed closed in 1973.
CANEGROWERS Head Economic Warren Males (in the Wallabies
scarf) talks with the President of the German farmers organisation DBV
Joachim Rukwied at Green Week, an international food and agriculture
expo with 1200 exhibitors in Berlin
2
Variety Performance & 2018 Planting With the autumn planting window almost upon us Wilmar have released the 2017 season results and supply data for cane variety
and class for each mill area in the Burdekin which may be of benefit to growers in selecting varieties for planting.
PIONEER
% of Fibre Dirt
Variety Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total Supply Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total
Q183 119653.69 110130.25 199439.44 295122.36 724345.74 41.2 14.8 14.98 14.53 13.98 14.42 16.2 4.4
Q240 214533.24 141019.44 38824.27 5034.05 399411 22.7 13.81 14.67 14.52 12.87 14.17 14.3 2.7
Q208 49018.86 37995.55 39407.89 64824.5 191246.8 10.9 14.1 14.54 14.91 14.36 14.44 15.6 3.3
KQ228 51989.67 27602.22 34640.66 64157.26 178389.81 10.1 14.17 13.97 14.27 13.14 13.79 15.2 3.8
Q253 32419 45857.34 8162.47 2318.02 88756.83 5 13.12 13.17 12.71 11.37 13.06 14.8 3.2
Q232 16190.39 18644.83 18041.01 6683.73 59559.96 3.4 13.3 14.78 13.75 13.26 13.9 15.2 3.2
Q252 3227.43 23851.1 18249.06 539.83 45867.42 2.6 14.78 14.35 14.01 13.17 14.23 15.2 3.8
Q247 0 3929.36 3714.5 10280.25 17924.11 1 13.3 15.4 11.83 13.05 13.31 16.7 4.3
Experimental 2070.18 1676.3 1860.92 1062.16 6669.56 0.4 13.36 11.55 13.18 12.37 12.7 15.8 3.6
Q200 0 0 2478.94 4173.01 6651.95 0.4 14.1 14.54 13.96 14.76 14.46 16.4 3.6
Q133 0 0 4436.04 1941.15 6377.19 0.4 14.32 13.33 14.34 13.32 14.03 15.8 4.6
Tellus 502.16 741.51 1191.2 1635.55 4070.42 0.2 15.29 13.86 14.94 13.19 14.08 15.8 3.5
Mixed 478.52 1412.89 1256.68 792.96 3941.05 0.2 14.32 13.33 13.23 13.11 13.37 15.4 3.6
Q238 0 0 1479.89 1780.62 3260.51 0.2 13.3 14.78 13.17 11.97 12.51 16 4.6
T O N N E S C C S
INVICTA
% of Fibre Dirt
Variety Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total Supply Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total
Q183 147934.42 137429.04 315475.45 451490.3 1052329.21 34.6 14.78 14.44 14.66 14.23 14.46 16.2 4
Q240 420425.59 247133.64 65988.26 2048.28 735595.77 24.2 14.18 14.42 14.35 14.01 14.27 14 2.4
Q208 167505.32 84096.99 144148.55 195504.21 591255.07 19.5 14.26 14.96 14.86 13.58 14.28 15.9 3.5
Q232 118123.66 57317.64 14779.78 450.7 190671.78 6.3 14.24 14.38 14.3 12.82 14.28 14.8 2.7
KQ228 32042.94 22496.58 39302.42 77307.76 171149.7 5.6 14.07 14.09 14.36 14.04 14.13 15.2 3.6
Q252 22921.12 83973.78 35562.68 626.76 143084.34 4.7 14.3 15.05 14.14 13.19 14.69 15 3.3
Q253 16585.92 47463.02 15295.14 206.76 79550.84 2.6 13.68 13.14 13.42 12.73 13.3 14.9 3.1
Mixed 4273.58 2212.52 11855.69 4979.26 23321.05 0.8 13.75 15.08 14.48 13.82 14.26 15.7 3.8
Q247 0 533.96 1775.76 6887.7 9197.42 0.3 14.24 14.46 14.22 14.33 14.32 15.7 3.9
Q200 365.74 1348.76 1950.36 4628.34 8293.2 0.3 13.79 10.97 14.66 13.39 13.32 15.5 4.2
Tellus 0 314.88 0 2267.43 2582.31 0.1 14.78 15.05 14.66 12.42 12.74 17 3.2
Q177 803.12 0 0 704.8 1507.92 0 13.65 15.08 14.48 10.2 12.03 15.2 2
Experimental 232.22 0 0 0 232.22 0 13.21 0 0 0 13.21 14.2 2.7
T O N N E S C C S
INKERMAN
% of Fibre Dirt
Variety Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total Supply Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total
KQ228 199660.77 130278.7 130788.06 139325.43 600052.96 34.8 13.48 13.7 13.67 12.9 13.44 15.7 3.5
Q208 88400.12 70240.17 81519.06 117407.57 357566.92 20.7 13.99 14.69 14.54 13.43 14.07 16.1 3.2
Q240 124147.05 140756.14 72956.83 8662.63 346522.65 20.1 13.66 13.54 13.66 12.99 13.59 15 2.6
Q183 42945.36 32334.48 77418.46 140740.16 293438.46 17 14.88 14.39 14.32 13.23 13.89 16.4 4
Q253 6084.68 24469.52 13030.03 6624.06 50208.29 2.9 13.29 12.56 12.34 12.36 12.57 15.8 3.4
Q252 3323.34 13359.03 13761.86 1320.93 31765.16 1.8 14.71 13.91 13.76 12.96 13.89 15.5 3.4
Q232 4169.91 6060.39 3858.25 401.22 14489.77 0.8 13.84 13.7 13.91 10.98 13.72 15.9 2.7
Mixed 1385.71 915.73 180.52 26.41 2508.37 0.1 14.46 14.05 14.19 12.1 14.27 15.7 2.5
Q238 102.76 147.26 1768.76 337.73 2356.51 0.1 14.8 13.68 14.19 13.3 14.06 15.9 4.6
Q200 0 0 0 1225.81 1225.81 0.1 13.99 14.69 14.54 13.44 13.44 16.7 4.3
Q171 0 0 0 694.46 694.46 0 14.46 15.77 14.19 12.7 12.7 16.7 6.5
Experimental 277.76 0 0 207.15 484.91 0 11.98 0 0 12.26 12.1 15.9 2.1
SRA8 292.33 0 0 0 292.33 0 13.74 13.91 13.76 12.96 13.74 15.7 1.7
Q247 0 0 0 237 237 0 14.8 13.68 14.19 12.56 12.56 17.2 2.7
T O N N E S C C S
KALAMIA
% of Fibre Dirt
Variety Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total Supply Plant 1Rat 2Rat Other Total
KQ228 157078.96 81632.24 88598.22 123024.32 450333.74 28.1 13.6 13.74 13.9 13.46 13.65 15.6 3.8
Q183 57179.48 24872.34 102740.68 196879.57 381672.07 23.8 14.14 13.31 13.86 13.3 13.58 16.8 4.3
Q240 103375.3 138070.09 37532.26 2863.34 281840.99 17.6 13.76 13.62 13.74 13.48 13.69 15.1 3
Q208 54121.64 40895.32 40027.56 85382.12 220426.64 13.8 13.92 13.85 14.06 13.19 13.65 16.3 3.4
Q253 21715.84 33624.92 16551.88 7540.62 79433.26 5 12.69 12.57 12.91 11.44 12.57 16 3.1
Q252 11515.96 26195.42 26671.77 1428.94 65812.09 4.1 14.37 14.21 13.81 12.95 14.05 15.8 3.4
Q232 19055.88 11688.14 11369.5 5586 47699.52 3 13.81 13.94 13.49 11.95 13.55 15.7 3.3
Mixed 2257.6 3824.6 2356.3 5758.24 14196.74 0.9 13.91 13.2 12.66 13.49 13.34 16 3.7
Q247 0 0 593.5 7013.24 7606.74 0.5 13.81 13.94 14.43 12.9 13.01 16.9 3.4
Q200 0 0 953.32 5679.36 6632.68 0.4 13.92 13.85 15.52 13.86 14.1 17.1 3.1
Q171 0 0 1534.76 1014.18 2548.94 0.2 13.91 13.2 15.35 13.3 14.53 16.2 7.4
Q238 0 0 0 2347.28 2347.28 0.1 13.81 13.94 13.49 13.05 13.05 16.4 3
Tellus 0 0 1185.54 0 1185.54 0.1 14.14 13.31 15.12 13.3 15.12 15.3 4.5
Q133 0 0 0 168.58 168.58 0 13.91 13.2 12.66 12.97 12.97 15.5 1
T O N N E S C C S
3
Have you applied for Ergon waived charges & deferred payments It has come to our notice that there are several growers who have not got around to applying for the drought relief on charges
available from Ergon.
The Burdekin Shire is still one of the Shires in Queensland that have been drought declared. The declaration has been in place
since November 2015. Ergon offer drought relief in the form of waived charges and deferred payments.
Waived charges
If you are mainly using electricity to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes, Ergon will waive the fixed charges on your
account. These include annual fixed charges under Tariff 66, service fees and minimum payments. They don't include minimum
demand charges. The waiver will continue until the drought declaration has been revoked.
Deferred payments
If you are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the drought, you can defer payments on electricity accounts that are used
for farming purposes. The option to defer will continue until the drought declaration has been revoked. When that happens,
repayment terms will be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
The relief available is a significant saving and can be applied for by completing Ergon’s fairly straight forward application form
which is available by clicking here or calling at the CANEGROWERS Burdekin office for any assistance to complete the
application (please bring all relevant Ergon accounts).
“Australia’s access to the whole EU is now restricted to a small quota of just 9,925 tonnes and EU refiners are forced to source
their sugar elsewhere.
“While Australia has strong markets in the Asia-Pacific, if the economics stack up, there is no reason why European and British
sugar refiners shouldn’t be able to buy our high-quality product.
“We have no interest in jeopardising the future of EU or UK sugar beet growers. There is a strong demand for raw cane sugar in
Europe and in the UK alone there is an 800,000-tonne shortfall between domestic sugar production and consumption. We want
British refiners to be able to source Australian raw sugar to help fill that gap.”
The European Union has recently signed trade agreements which have increased market access to sugar from Panama,
Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and South Africa at zero duty but Australian sugar remains capped at a non-commercial amount subject
to a €98/t CXL duty. Out-of-quota sugar is subject to a prohibitive €339 per tonne duty - so it’s no wonder no further trade occurs!
“The NFF delegation provides an opportunity for CANEGROWERS to strengthen relationships in Europe and the UK and discuss
the opportunities that lie ahead for European and British importers,” Mr Galligan said.
“The big benefit for the Australian sugar industry is stronger demand for our raw sugar.”
The NFF-led delegation is an initiative of and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water
Resources under the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation programme.
Sugar can sweeten Australia’s trade with UK and Europe continued
4
Options for managing limited irrigation water With very limited rainfall so far and the forecasts not overly optimistic it seems timely and a beneficial reminder to reproduce the
following information that was developed for Burdekin cane growers and distributed three years ago.
These options are very general in nature. Every grower’s circumstance, water situation and approach to risk will be different. Feel
free to call BPS extension staff for specific advice for your crop or for more information about irrigation scheduling and what tools
are available to help make decisions.
Growers need to know their water use to make informed decisions for the current season.
Irrigation Management
Prioritise irrigation requirements. Do not sacrifice irrigations on crops with high yield potential during peak growing periods. It is
generally better to get crops growing quickly with optimised irrigation, rather than trying to save water for late in the season for a
crop that has been drought stressed.
Do not over-irrigate young plant and ratoons. There can be a tendency for young plant and ratoon cane to be overwatered. These
crops can handle some stress up to the point of making cane without affecting yield.
Manage irrigation volumes and frequency. On soils that do not crack it may be possible to increase the time between irrigations.
In conjunction, inflow rates and cut-off times will need to be adjusted to ensure that the volume of water being applied does not
increase.
Alternate Row Irrigation. Some soils may be suitable for alternate row irrigation if they soak well.
Minimise losses. Ensure inflow rates are high enough to get water down the field quickly (lateral soakage needs to be maintained)
to minimise drainage losses. Cut-off water before it reaches the end of the field to reduce run-off losses.
Recycling. Use recycle pit water first to ensure the pit is empty most of the time to catch any run-off.
Groundwater. If you have access to underground and surface water, use both sources and ensure mixing rations are appropriate.
However, over extraction of groundwater could lead to a deterioration in water quality and an increase in salinity levels.
Farming Practices
Fallows. Consider extra fallow area this season, depending on your water and cropping situation. It is more beneficial to grow
70% of your area to its potential, rather than growing 80% of your area with a significantly reduced yield.
Trash blanketing. A green cane trash blanket on appropriate soils will reduce surface evaporation. This might be an option for late
cut ratoons.
Cultivation. Avoid deep ripping and excessive cultivation; on most soils deep drainage is increased with deep ripping.
Banked ends. Banked ends may be necessary to ensure the ends of rows get sufficient water especially when water is cut-off
early.
Furrow shape. V-shaped furrows can assist with getting water
through quickly while still getting lateral soakage into the side of
the bed.
Record keeping. Monitoring and recording irrigation applications
and the volumes applied will assist with decision making and
managing reduced allocations.
These options have been developed by BPS extension staff, and
Farmacist and Agritech consultants.
For more information contact BPS extension staff.
BPS Office 4783 1101
Rob Milla 0490 036 329
Marian Davis 0428 927 079
Terry Granshaw 0437 553 149
tgranshaw@bps.net.au
Contact Terry on 0437 553 149 to attend
the next Smartcane BMP workshop on
Tuesday 30th January, 9am @ BPS office
5
Round three of Reef Trust Tender funding package to support cane farmers and the Great Barrier Reef Burdekin and Wet Tropics sugarcane farmers can bid for funding of up to $500,000 to improve the efficiency of their nitrogen
fertiliser use and reduce nitrogen runoff leaving their farms and entering the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The Australian
Government has made up to $11.8 million of funding available in the Burdekin and Wet Tropics regions. Delivered as part of the
Government’s $225 million Reef Trust, this investment will support sugarcane farmers to reduce nitrogen runoff by better
matching fertiliser application to crop requirements.
Round three of the repeated tenders will build on the success of previous tenders in the Wet Tropics and Burdekin regions, where
early outcomes have shown success. In 2017, the Burdekin repeated tenders saw farmers successfully bid for a total of $4.7
million for round one and $4.46 million for round two. Once again NQ Dry Tropics will support Burdekin farmers through the
bidding process.
NQ Dry Tropics Sugarcane Team Leader, Luke Malan, said that this was a great opportunity for farmers to build upon the success
of the previous year’s Reef Trust tender programs. “This third round of the reef tender will support the Burdekin sugarcane
industry to further improve nitrogen use efficiency and the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
“Sugarcane farmers will have the chance to implement on-farm nitrogen reduction or irrigation improvements that they may have
been thinking about for some time, which enhance water quality entering the reef whilst at the same time reducing fertiliser costs
and maintaining yields,” he said.
The Reef Trust competitive tender is an innovative way to encourage sugarcane farmers to put a price on the cost of improving
their nitrogen and irrigation management practices. Farmers design their own projects and, if successful, are offered grant funding
for the total cost of their project. Interested farmers are invited to bid for funding through competitive reverse tenders. Funds will
be allocated to successful bidders offering the best value-for-money projects.
Applications for round three of the repeat tenders will be open for submission between 29 January and 5 March 2018. Mr Malan
said that NQ Dry Tropics would ensure that farmers hear about the opportunity and have the information they need to make a
decision to submit a tender bid.
“NQ Dry Tropics is committed to making this project a success. We have been working closely with the Australian Government
Department of the Environment and Energy to provide information and tools farmers will need to develop an informed bid for their
proposed project,” he said.
NQ Dry Tropics will host a workshop at 9am on 5 February 2018 at PCYC, 164 MacMillan Street, Ayr. The event will show
farmers how to submit a tender application. Interested growers are invited to attend. For information about the tender and how to
register for the workshop, go to NQ Dry Tropics website at www.nqdrytropics.com.au email burdekintender@nqdrytropics.com.au
or phone 07 4799 3500.
6
North Queensland farmers committed to improving reef health Queensland’s new Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch today (Wednesday) met with farmers in Innisfail to see
firsthand the industry-led innovations helping to protect the reef while strengthening the state’s agricultural industry.
In support of the Queensland Government’s five-year $247 million investment into improving reef water quality, farmers in Far
North Queensland are leading from the front through the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (Wet Tropics MIP) and Cane
Changer project.
Ms Enoch said these two projects highlighted positive partnerships made between government, industry and farmers, and
demonstrated the commitment and stewardship of farmers in the region.
“Wet Tropics MIP and Cane Changer are breaking new ground in how they’re helping farmers manage the sustainability of their
enterprises, industry, and achieve accelerated water quality improvements for the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Wet Tropics MIP is using farmer-led ideas to test and trial fresh ideas, with a view to roll out these solutions to other reef
catchments.”
“Some innovative approaches include the opportunity for landholders to trial the Reef Credits scheme, which allows those who
have implemented projects that reduce nitrogen, sediment or pesticide losses to earn and then sell Reef Credits to buyers,
including government, industry and not-for-profit organisations.
“Meanwhile, Cane Changer is coming up with transformative ways to better understand and recognise the factors that influence
the adoption of best management practices in the cane industry, and how these practices can bolster the resilience of the cane
industry.
“Using the expertise of behavioural scientists, Cane Changer involves the wider cane community to drive change within the cane
industry.”
Innisfail cane farmer and CANEGROWERS Queensland Director Joe Marano has been involved in both projects and says the
reason behind their success is their positive approach to working with farmers.
“They’ve listened to cane growers and recognise the positive changes we’re making on our farms, so we’ve been able to work
collaboratively towards better outcomes for all,” Mr Marano said.
“The previous Environment Minister, Dr Steven Miles, and the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Science Taskforce should be
commended for recommending and implementing these new initiatives, and we look forward to these working partnerships
continuing.”
Terrain NRM is coordinating the Wet Tropics MIP. Chief Executive Officer Carole Sweatman said the banana and cane industries
have a long history of innovation.
“The project combines actions ranging from known solutions to things that are new or untested, like bioreactors. It’s drawing on
the best local knowledge and available science to deliver solutions that are good for farmers and the reef,” she said.
“Cane and banana farmers have said for a long time that water quality is not just a farmer issue, and the Wet Tropics MIP works
with all parts of the community to drive catchment-wide change.
“The project builds on the many water quality improvements already happening in the region. Significant work has also been
undertaken in delivering a range of catchment repair improvements and tailored extension services.”
Doctor John Pickering, chief behavioural scientist at Behaviour Innovation, said Cane Changer is about recognising the hard work
that cane growers are already doing on their farms.
“From speaking with over 400 cane growers over the past 18 months, it is very clear that cane growers want the best for the
environment, and they want the best possible future for their families,” Dr Pickering said.
“Cane Changer is about working towards a better future for the industry and building on the history of successes to drive further
innovation and change.”
7
Farm Business Analysis Assistance now available
Queensland farmers experiencing financial distress can
now access no-cost expert financial analysis and advice,
with Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and
Fisheries, the Hon. Mark Furner MP today announcing the
launch of the Farm Debt Restructure Office.
The Office provides eligible primary producers with a no-
fee, no-obligation assessment of their business and
financial position, to help them make informed decisions
on the future of their agricultural enterprise. Once
approved, an independent service provider seeks to
review and analyse past, present and future business
operations. The analysis will provide the enterprise with a
set of options aimed at repairing, reducing and
rationalising the impacts of current financing issues that
they may be facing.
This Farm Business Analysis Assistance package doesn’t
replace a producer’s existing financial providers or
advisors, but complements them by offering an alternate
opinion.
The Office and all consultations undertaken are overseen
by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development
Authority (QRIDA). If you'd like more information on the
Office, Farm Business Analysis Assistance and how it
could help your clients please contact QRIDA’s Daniel
Elder who is based in Roma.
Daniel Elder - Manager, Farm Debt Restructure Office
Email: daniel.elder@qrida.qld.gov.au
Phone: 0400 228 677
In addition to the Farm Business Analysis Assistance,
QRIDA as the Queensland government’s specialists in
rural finance, also provides other farm debt services
including Farm Business Debt Mediation and conduct the
Queensland Rural Debt Survey.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply for
Farm Business Analysis Assistance, primary producers
can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au/fdro or Freecall 1800 623
946 and ask to speak to the Farm Debt Restructure
Office.
Changed Harvest Grouping Applications for 2018 Season Completed forms must arrive at Wilmar’s Burdekin CS&T
office located at Inkerman Mill before Wednesday 28th
February, 2018.
A copy of the Grouping Guidelines and Application Forms
is available on the Grower Web or by clicking here.
QSL Grower information sessions QSL will be holding grower information sessions in February on
marketing and QSL payments.
Tuesday 6 February
3.30pm to 5.00pm – GST/ Growers Home accountants
Golf Club, Ayr
Have you accessed your QSL Payment Statement yet ? Need
help understanding leading up to the next BAS deadline ? Got a
general question about your Statement?
QSL will be running this session for Growers/ Home accountants
5.30pm to 7.00pm – 2018 QSL Marketing
Golf Club, Ayr
Ginette Barrett, Treasury Manager will be providing a market
update along with overview of 2018-Season QSL Pricing Options
and pricing declaration date details.
Wednesday 7 February
9.00am to 10.30am – 2018 QSL Marketing
Canegrowers Hall, Home Hill
Ginette Barrett, Treasury Manager will be providing a market
update along with overview of 2018-Season QSL Pricing Options
and pricing declaration date details.
11.30am to 1.00pm – GST/ Growers Home accountants
Canegrowers Hall, Home Hill
Have you accessed your QSL Payment Statement yet ? Need
help understanding leading up to the next BAS deadline ? Got a
general question about your Statement?
QSL will be running this session for Growers/ Home accountants
Email rebecca.love@qsl.com.au to register your interest.
8
CANEGROWERS Queensland … taking up the fight on all issues affecting cane farmers
Executive Comment
• QCGO met with Energy Queensland stakeholder engagement staff to discuss the year ahead with respect to the
consultations on tariff structures and the regulated revenue reset.
• Finalisation of QCA submission.
• Meeting with CGU to discuss how to improve service delivery and strategic relationships in our insurance business.
• Meeting with advisors and internal team around specific project proposals for industry leadership development and
negotiation training.
• Further development of industry good engagement processes and the constitution of the Australian Sugar Alliance.
• Meeting with ASMC to discuss development of strategy for industry policy development on trade and market access.
Legal
• Making arrangements for district negotiation training options.
• Ongoing assistance regarding the harbour dues question in the Tully area.
• Discussions with growers regarding liability for contribution by neighbours to dividing fences issues.
• Advising in relation to district office commercial leasing matters.
Trade
• Preparations for participation in the National Farmers’ Federation ‘Team Australian Agriculture’ delegation travelling to
Europe and the United Kingdom preparing the ground for Australia’s forthcoming FTA negotiations with Europe and our
future trading relationship with the UK following Brexit.
• CANEGROWERS participated in a teleconference with T&L Sugars about future arrangements following Brexit.
• Met with ASMC to discuss the development of a strategic plan for the industry’s approach to trade policy and market access.
• Following Brazil’s complaint in the WTO and discussions between the Thai, Brazil and Australian industries, Thailand’s sugar
policies changed on 16 January, the day after its Prime Minister issued an order to eliminate domestic sugar price control and
restructure the country’s sugar system to be in line with WTO requirements. At the same time the Thai Cane and Sugar
Board issued regulations that abolish the Thai sugar production quota system; require Thai mills to carry one month of sugar
in reserve and change the cane pricing calculation.
Electricity
• CANEGROWERS met senior executives from Energy Queensland to agree a process to share information and work together
to develop new tariff structures that will meet the needs of irrigators following the abolition of transitional tariffs in 2020.
• CANEGROWERS lodged a submission to the QCA review of Ergon’s retail electricity prices for 2018-19.
Economics and Trade Committee (ETC)
• Arrangements are being made for CANEGROWERS ETC to meet in Bundaberg on 21 February to coincide with a
Bundaberg Irrigators Group field day
Marketing
• CANEGROWERS is assisting the Mackay Area Committee in its preparations for negotiations with Mackay Sugar, following
its decision to withdraw from QSL, for the introduction of Grower Choice in the Mackay area.
Smartcane BMP
• Discussions with EHP regarding implementation of the new marketing and communication strategy, and finalising the
agreement for the next phase of BMP delivery. The aim is to have the new agreement (June 2018 to June 2022) finalised
and signed-off by the end of March.
• Revised registration and business linking procedures are undergoing further testing, and these will lead to easier use and to a
more streamlined communication with growers who have more than one accredited farming business.
Bonsucro
• CANEGROWERS attended and presented at Bonsucro week in Nicaragua. The five-day conference included a member’s
day session, conference with workshops and visits to San Antonio mill and the Monte Rosa mill.
• Over 150 people attended the event. Attendees were mainly from Central and Southern America with representatives also
coming from South Africa, the US, Australia, Thailand, and the UK.
• Attendees represented mills, growers, Non-Government Organisations, traders, certification bodies, and end-users including
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Mars and Shell.
• CANEGROWERS presented on Smartcane BMP, the work with Bonsucro on alignment and cross-certification, mechanised
9
CANEGROWERS Queensland … taking up the fight on all issues affecting cane farmers
farming practices and sustainability. There was great interest in Smartcane BMP and the practices and equipment used in
Australia to improve our production and efficiency.
• CANEGROWERS also spoke in a panel session about labour needs and conditions. The discussion focused on the working
conditions and health issues of cane cutters in the Central American and South American cane growing regions. The
mechanisation and working conditions of the Australian industry is of great interest to many cane growing countries.
• CANEGROWERS met with Bonsucro staff throughout the week. Discussion was on Smartcane BMP cross-accreditation and
the practical steps to achieve this in the next six months. Bonsucro are also keen to improve communication and
engagement in the region.
• Nicaraguan Mills are working on increasing production, improving working conditions, efficiency and to provide sustainably
produced sugar. The Monte Rosa mill is Bonsucro certified.
• Mills in this region and across Central America are wanting Bonsucro verification / certification and are continually striving for
increased mill efficiency and increased cane production.
• There is increased mechanisation, moving away from cane cutting by hand with the Monte Rosa and San Antonio mills
looking to get to 100% in the next few years. There is also expansion of assets, area and markets by these mills including
alcohol, ethanol, mill capacity and electricity.
• End users are focusing on sustainably sourced sugar for 2020 either through certification or credits. They are also looking at
ways to demonstrate change and impact by supporting workers’ rights and health. NGOs support developing regions to
improve civil needs and health issues.
• Australia is held in high regard for its practices, mechanisation and innovation which means other cane growing regions are
following our lead and striving to improve. Observed technology and practices in Nicaragua were similar to those used in
Queensland. The mills are extracting all the available value from the cane and the desire to improve productivity, efficiency
and sustainability is strong.
Transport
• CANEGROWERRS met with Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to
discuss options to assist growers to fully understand the current regulations for access to public roads by oversize agricultural
vehicles. It was agreed that the following would be covered in a series of workshops if there was interest from growers.
Form 14 and the details in this for zone 1 - 2.5m to 3.5m. If the venue allows we could demonstrate the correct measuring
of vehicle dimensions and flags etc.
The various gazetted notices
Coastal notice 3.5m to 4.0m
Northern notice 3.5m to 5.0m north of Rockhampton for major and minor roads
Bundaberg notice 3.5m to 5.0m for Bundaberg regional council roads (minor) only for 3.5m to 5.0m
The new permit application system with NHVR. The delegation of issuing permits will be taken back from TMR by NHVR
and there will be a new online portal for permit applications. Growers and CANEGROWERS staff (if your office wants to
be able to offer a service and/or provide advice to members) will need to be introduced to this portal and have some
training.
Chain of Responsibility and what it means for growers.
Transport and Main Roads have also been requested to revise the current list of flotation tyres in the Queensland
Agricultural Machines and Cane Bins Flotation Tyres Mass Exemption Notice 2017 (No. 1).
EEF60 Project - Support of Cane Farmer Trials of Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser in the Catchments
of the Great Barrier Reef
• A milestone report is due at the end of January 2018 and the process of collecting and collating information is underway. A
total of 55 sites have been successfully completed by SRA.
• SRA have subcontracted Behaviour Innovations (John Pickering) to complete a study on enhancing understanding of
attitudes and behaviours towards Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEF). This is designed to monitor any change in growers ’
attitude and behaviour before and after the project.
• SRA have also contracted Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mark Poggio’s team) to complete the
economics associated with the results of the project.
Department of Environment and Science (DES) meeting
• QCGO and ASMC (Jim Crane) met with DES to discuss reef regulations and other reef related matters.
• The Reef Regulation RIS will be reissued for a further 4-week consultation. The expected date is 22 January 2018.
• QCGO will be finalising the draft submission it was working on before the 2017 election. If Districts have any further
comments, please send them through to QCGO.
• The new environment Minister Leanne Enoch is starting in the role this week. QCGO has been advised she will be visiting
the Cairns region during the week of 22 January 2018 and we have been liaising with the district to arrange a farm visit.
10
11
Pricing information
Growers can monitor QSL pool performance via the Price Pool Matrices
published on the QSL website (www.qsl.com.au). This information is updated
regularly and provides a sense of how the QSL-managed pools are performing
over the current season.
Crop Year Indicative Price Movement
2017 Season 348.47 -2.67
2018 Season 385.82 -4.66
2019 Season 406.76 -7.17
2020 Season 414.49 -7.77
Calculation using ICE Closing Prices or equivalent Bank Swap Rates and
prevailing AUD/USD exchange rates
Refer to https://www.wilmarsugarmills.com.au for additional Pricing
Information and trends
Net pool price
($/Tonne IPS)
QSL Harvest Pool $433
QSL Actively Managed Pool $416
QSL Guaranteed Floor Pool $370
QSL US Quota Pool $575
QSL 2-season Forward Pool $497
Advance Rates are based on a grower's individual estimated final sugar price.
For more information growers can access Wimar's monthly Pool Reports,
Allocation Account Amount Reports, their applicable Advance Finance Charge
via the reporting page of the Pricing and Payments
section of the GrowerWeb. The cashflow forecast tool is also available in the
Pricing & Payments section.
Default Default
Advances
Cash on delivery
Advances
Jun -17 65% 90%
Jul -17 65% 90%
Aug -17 65% 90%
Sep - 17 67.5% 90%
Oct -17 70% 90%
Nov - 17 72.5% 90%
Dec -17 75% 90%
Jan - 18 80% 90%
Feb - 18 85% 90%
Mar - 18 90% 90%
Apr -18 92.50% 92.5%
May -18 95% 95%
Jun -18 97.5% 97.5%
Jul -18 100% 100%
Wilmar Indicative Future Sugar Prices
as at 25 January 2018
2017 Season Advances Schedule
As at 12 January 2018
QSL Indicative ICE 11 prices
The figures quoted above are indicative of available ICE 11 prices as at the
current date and reflect the weighted average AUD/mt price. The prices have
been adjusted to include Over-the-Counter (OTC) margin fees charged by
banking institutions and, therefore, may differ from daily prices quoted by the
ICE #11 Exchange and/or other Marketers of Growers’ Economic Interest in
Sugar (GEI Sugar). Values also do not account for any adjustments resulting
from local grower-miller pricing arrangements. For more information, view the
latest QSL Market Snapshot here.
Estimated QSL Pool Prices
As at 12 January 2018
2017 Season Advances
Schedule
As at 29 December 2017
Applicable
from
Forward
Pricing
Default
Pools %
Rate
Default
Pricing
Indicative
price
Initial 60% 60% 252.08
24 Aug 17 70% 70% 305.64
19 Oct 17 72.5% 72.5% 309.12
14 Dec 17 90% 75% 336.99
25 Jan 18 90% 80% 350.55
22 Feb 18 90% 82.5% 361.50
22 Mar 18 90% 87.5% 383.41
19 Apr 18 90% 90% 394.36
17 May 18 92.5% 92.5% 405.32
21 Jun 18 95% 95% 416.27
July 18 100% 100% 438.18
Percentage rate approved by QSL Board
The program above is indicative only in its entirety and should not be taken as a
commitment by QSL with regard to either the advance rate or date of increase.
The program may change during the season depending on movements in the
marketing and shipping plans, sugar price and currency movements and timing
of cash flows. Suppliers’ positions in relation to any pricing elections may also
impact the timing and size of advance payments.
Confirmed
Net pool price
($/Tonne IPS)
Wilmar Production Risk Pool $418
Wilmar Managed Pool $424
Wilmar US Quota Pool $638
Estimated Wilmar Pool Prices
As at 29 December 2017
Wilmar has contributed economic interest sugar from its farms to this pool, to provide added
tonnage to the pool and also to align the interests of growers and Wilmar to maximise the pool
price outcome. Wilmar economic interest sugar in this pool will receive the same price as
growers. The pool is priced on a 1:2:2:1 basis
As of the 29 December Wilmar has sufficient tonnage delivered to the Bulk Sugar Terminals to
cover all previously priced and physically sold tonnage and has now begun pricing the
Production Risk Pool.
Gross Pool Prices are an estimate based on the tonnes hedged and current market price (as
at the last business day of the month) for unhedged tonnage.Allocation Account Amounts
begin the season as estimates and are reviewed and updated on a monthly basis as actual
premiums and costs are known.
The monthly pool price report is available on the Wilmar grower web
Contact Us
HEAD OFFICE
141 Young Street, Ayr
bdk@canegrowers.com.au
Office Hours Mon - Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 3pm
4790 3600
bdk@canegrowers.com.au
CANEGROWERS Hall
68 Tenth Street, Home Hill
Wayne Smith General Manager 0428 834 802
4790 3604
Michelle Andrews
Manager: Finance & Admin 4790 3602
Tiffany Giardina Payroll & Administration 4790 3601
Racheal Olsen Solaris Insurance Brokers
Manager racheal_olsen@solarisinsurance.com.au
4790 3606
0408 638 518
Email address: firstname_lastname@canegrowers.com.au
DIRECTORS
Phil Marano
Chair
marano@bigpond.com 0404 004 371
Owen Menkens
Deputy Chair
owen_menkens@hotmail.com 0409 480 179
Steven Pilla spilla8@bigpond.com.au 0417 071 861
Roger Piva rogerdpiva@gmail.com 0429 483 815
Sib Torrisi sibbyt58@bigpond.com 0429 827 196
Greg Rossato greg_rossato@outlook.com 0418 713 563
canenews is read by the majority of Burdekin cane
farmers and their families in the Burdekin. Copies
are also circulated to all CANEGROWERS Offices,
businesses, industry, politicians, Government
Agencies and members of the community.
Published Fortnightly by:
CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited
ABN: 43 114 632 325
Postal Address: PO Box 933, AYR QLD 4807
Telephone: (07) 4790 3600
Facsimile: (07) 4783 4914
Email: bdk@canegrowers.com.au
Please direct all advertising enquiries and materials
to the above.
Disclaimer
In this disclaimer a reference to “CBL ”, “we”, “us” or “our”
means CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited and our
directors, officers, agents and employees. This newsletter
has been compiled in good faith by CBL . Although we do
our very best to present information that is correct and
accurate, we make no warranties, guarantees or
representations about the suitability, reliability, currency or
accuracy of the information we present in this newsletter,
for any purposes.
Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be
excluded, we accept no responsibility for any loss,
damage, cost or expense incurred by you as a result of
the use of, or reliance on, any materials and information
appearing in this newsletter. You, the user, accept sole
responsibility and risk associated with the use and results
of the information appearing in this newsletter, and you
agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage
whatsoever (including through negligence) arising out of,
or in connection with the use of this newsletter. We
recommend that you contact CBL before acting on any
information provided in this newsletter.
Burdekin Cane Auditors—Workplace Coordinators
Site Name Email Phone
Invicta Ray Collinson ray@burdekincaneaudit.com.au 4782 9153
Kalamia Vicki Lewis vicki@burdekincaneaudit.com.au 4783 0319
Pioneer Geraldine Cantarella geraldine@burdekincaneaudit.com.au 4782 5346
Inkerman Mark Saunders mark@burdekincaneaudit.com.au 4782 1020