SRA – Media Release

July 9, 2018 Kalagro

SRA appoints Mr Barry Dun as new Executive Manager

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has announced the appointment of Mr Barry Dun as Executive Manager, Operations.

Mr Dun comes to the role with extensive sugar industry and management experience, including as a former General Manager of Tully Sugar Limited, where he oversaw the processing of large and record crops in the region in recent years.

“He has a Bachelor of Engineering and qualifications in health & safety, and strong IT skills. Barry also brings a strong commercial focus, a deep understanding of the industry, and is respected by our grower and miller members,” SRA CEO Mr Fisher said. Mr Dun is also a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Fisher said that Mr Dun also has a passion for research, development and adoption through his contribution to the SRA Milling Research Advisory Committee (MRAC).

“As the Executive Manager, Operations, Mr Dun will be responsible for SRA’s health, safety and environment, human resources, information technology, and asset management.

“These functions, including our research stations throughout the industry, are vital to seeing SRA continue to provide research, development and adoption activities for Australian sugarcane growers and millers.”

Mr Dun said he was looking forward to joining SRA in a position that supported research and development and that matched his skillset.

“We welcome Barry to the SRA team, and he will commence work on August 6, based at our Tully research station. This is part of a deliberate strategy to have more of our Executive Team based in our regions to not only support our staff, but to have even better linkages with our members,” Mr Fisher said.

Media contact:

Brad Pfeffer | Executive Manager Communications

Tel 07 3331 3340 | Mob 0419 175 815

Email [email protected] | Web sugarresearch.com.au | ABN 16 163 670 068

PO Box 86 | 50 Meiers Road | Indooroopilly Q 4068 Australia

Disclaimer

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SRA Media Release

July 6, 2018 Kalagro

SRA appoints new Chairman of Research Funding Panel (RFP) and members of RFP

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has today announced that Mr Gary Longden is the new Chairman of the SRA Research Funding Panel (RFP), and Dr Phillip Jackson and Mr Jeffrey Snoad have joined as new members of the RFP.

The appointments follow the retirement of previous RFP Chairman, Mr John Pollock, and of Dr Andrew Wood from his role as an RFP member.

SRA Chairman Dr Ron Swindells said that the appointments would continue to ensure the broad depth of knowledge and expertise in the RFP, alongside existing RFP members Dr Jeremy Burdon and Dr Guy Roth (SRA Board Director).

“The RFP has formal terms of reference approved by the Board, and a primary function of their role is to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on new research investment,” Dr Swindells said. “The RFP is a vital component of ensuring that the industry’s research investment is driving Outcomes for Australian sugarcane growers and millers. The RFP ensure that SRA’s investment is managed objectively and without bias.”

Mr Gary Longden has been a member of the RFP since 2015 and has significant expertise in the industry’s milling sector, including numerous technical and management positions. He is a former director of the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC), former president of ASSCT and former Director of the CRC for Sustainable Sugar Production.

Mr Jeffrey Snoad grew up in a cane growing family and is a fourth-generation industry participant.

He has over 25 years of technical, management, and consulting experience in sugar manufacturing and was a member of the ASMC Technical Committee from 2011-2015. He has been the author and co-author of numerous technical papers domestically and in international journals, and was a recipient of the ASSCT President’s Medal in 1997 and 2007.

Dr Phil Jackson was a scientist with CSIRO (1988 to 2017), leading sugarcane breeding programs and research in close partnership with (former Australian sugar industry companies) CSR Ltd and BSES Limited. He has developed international collaborative projects in sugarcane breeding, and was Chairman of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists Standing Committee on Germplasm and Breeding. He retired from a position as Senior Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO in 2017. He is currently an Honorary Fellow with CSIRO, and provides consultancy inputs to projects and breeding programs in China and India. read more

Minister Littleproud Joint Media Release – Have your say on Sugar Code of Conduct

July 5, 2018July 6, 2018 Kalagro

Media Release

The Hon. David Littleproud MP

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources

Michelle Landry MP

Member for Capricornia

George Christensen MP

Member for Dawson

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Have your say on sugar code of conduct

Review of the Sugar Code of Conduct begins today
Sugar cane growers, millers, marketers and the community encouraged to make submissions
The Code was introduced in 2017 to regulate the conduct of growers, millers and marketers.

The sugar industry and community stakeholders are encouraged to have their say as part of the government’s review of the Sugar Code of Conduct from today.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said it was logical to review whether the code of conduct was providing certainty and stability for the sugar industry.

“I understand there are a range of views on the effect the Code has had on the industry,” Minister Littleproud said.

“We want to hear from all players along the supply chain to get a clear picture of how the Code is working.”

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said those interested in making a written submission have six weeks to do so.

“It’s important everyone gets their say on this important reform, so they need to get in and do it before it’s too late.

“Face-to-face meetings will also take place and I really encourage as many cane growers, millers and marketers as possible to have their say,” Ms Landry said.

Member for Dawson George Christensen said the code was put in place in 2017 to regulate the conduct of growers, mill owners and marketers.

“We introduced the code to make sure that our canegrowers would be able to negotiate contracts with mills and marketers in a fair environment and to give growers choice in marketers,” Mr Christensen said.

“The Coalition introduced the code to take a stand for hard-working canegrowers and to make sure they are guarded against the power imbalances in the sugar supply chain.”

The review will examine the Code in accordance with its terms of reference and provide advice to the government before the end of the year. Submissions close 5:00pm (AEST) Wednesday 22 August 2018.

For more information about the Code review visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-of-conduct-review

Fast Facts:

The terms of reference released for public consultation week of 1 July 2018
Submissions open the week of 1 July 2018 and close 22 August 2018
Targeted consultation will be undertaken in September 2018
The final report will be delivered to government by the end of 2018

Media contacts:

For Min Littleproud: Megan Dempsey 0408 072 809 read more

SRA Media Release – A New Tool to make fertiliser calibrations easier

July 5, 2018July 6, 2018 Kalagro

CogCalibrator^TM: A new tool to make fertiliser calibrations easier

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has developed a new online tool called CogCalibrator^TMto make life easier for sugarcane growers when calibrating their cog-driven fertiliser applicators.

SRA Adoption Officer, Mr Gavin Rodman, said calibrating a fertiliser applicator is a necessary component of efficient fertiliser nutrient management, but it can also be a mundane and repetitive task.

“Calibration is an essential activity each year, because even though growers may be using the same fertiliser blend as they did last year, the consistency and size of granules will vary from year to year,” Mr Rodman said. “In addition, different granule sizes and mixtures will flow at different rates, so when changing fertilisers, a calibration should be conducted prior to application.

“It is critical to ensure all nutrients are supplied as per the SIX EASY STEPS® nutrient management guidelines to ensure a balanced nutritional program and to give the crop the best chance of reaching its potential and to minimise any potential impacts on water quality.”

Calibrating a fertiliser applicator ensures that growers know how much fertiliser is being applied, which can assist with fertiliser orders.

With the price of urea currently around $550 ex GST per tonne, a calibration that refines the application of urea by 50 kg/ha could lead to a saving of about $27.50 per hectare, with the possibility of blended products resulting in greater savings due to their higher costs.

“With sugar prices depressed, getting ordering and application of fertilisers correct helps with avoiding unnecessary expenses,” Mr Rodman said.

Another reason to calibrate your fertiliser applicator is to comply with legislation. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD), all Queensland sugarcane growers are required to keep records of soil tests, use of fertilisers and use of agricultural chemicals. This includes calibration results.

“CogCalibrator^TM is a new online tool to help make this task simpler. It doesn’t remove the need to collect fertiliser in a bucket over a specified distance, but it does assist with the rate and cog configuration calculations.” read more

SRA Media Release- New discovery on Chlorotic streak

July 5, 2018July 6, 2018 Kalagro

New discovery on chlorotic streak disease to lead to better management

Scientists at Sugar Research Australia (SRA) have named the organism responsible for chlorotic streak disease (CSD) in sugarcane, as part of a breakthrough that had been a scientific mystery for almost 90 years.

Most importantly, the discovery is being applied to research that will lead to productivity, profitability, and sustainability outcomes for sugarcane growers and millers.

Dr Kathy Braithwaite, SRA Senior Researcher, is leading a new project aimed at developing a variety resistance screening method for CSD and working to incorporate this into the SRA plant breeding program, so that the industry is provided with more useful data on CSD susceptibility as new varieties are considered for approval.

The project is also working on further developing a diagnostic test and service, which could be integrated with SRA’s current diagnostic service for ratoon stunting disease (RSD). The CSD test already exists as a research tool and is hoped to be extended beyond the research phase and used to assist productivity services organisations in delivering clean plant source material.

“Now that techniques are available to visualise, isolate and quantify the CSD organism experimentally, we can begin to address questions such as how the organism infects naturally through the roots, how it lives within the plant and causes disease, how cells are released back into the soil, and how the organism survives for extended periods outside the plant,” SRA Researcher, Dr Chuong Ngo, said.

Tully grower, Mr Tom Harney, welcomed the news.

“Now that SRA has identified the cause of CSD, there should be better management practices for it: how to prevent it, and how not to get it in the first place,” Mr Harney said.

“There is also an information gap with varieties, and I hope that this discovery improves that.”

As part of the new discovery, SRA researchers have just published two papers on CSD and its cause in the journal Phytopathology, which is considered one of the premier international journals for plant diseases. read more

Media Release – Regional Investment Corp launch

July 3, 2018 Kalagro

Joint Media Release

RIC ready to roll on July 1

MC 41/18

Senator the Hon. Mathias Cormann
Minister for Finance
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia

The Hon. David Littleproud MP
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources

1 July 2018

The Regional Investment Corporation launches today, July 1
Major milestone in implementing a key Coalition Government election commitment
Loan guidelines and application forms are available on the RIC website

The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) will open for business from today, as planned.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the launch or the RIC proudly delivers on a key Coalition Government election commitment to deliver nationally consistent loans for our Australian farmers.

“We believe in our farmers and I am pleased that they will now be able to apply for low interest loans directly with a single national body in place,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The RIC will deliver new loan products to farmers which will encourage farmers to diversify their markets and invest back into their business.”

Minister Littleproud said the RIC would also offer drought loans to help farmers prepare for, and manage through, times of drought.

“I fought hard to ensure this legislation got through during my first week of Parliament as Minister because I know how valuable these loans are on the ground,” Minister Littleproud said.

“I encourage farmers to get online and take a look at the loan eligibility and terms on the RIC website.”

Minister for Finance, Mathias Cormann said a pool of $2 billion would be available for the RIC’s farm business loans. Another $2 billion is available through the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility, for state and territory governments to fast track the construction of priority water infrastructure.

“We have issued the RIC with its operating mandate and look forward to seeing it achieve outcomes for rural and regional communities,” Minister Cormann said.

The RIC is a corporate Commonwealth entity established to make farm businesses stronger, more resilient and profitable in the long term.

The RIC is overseen by an independent Board, chaired by David Foster.

For more information visit the www.ric.gov.au (link is external) read more

SRA Media Release

June 26, 2018July 6, 2018 Kalagro

SRA Media Release – Six Easy Steps

New investment to revitalise the nutrient management tool, SIX EASY STEPS

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) is leading a major investment to improve upon the sugarcane industry’s crop nutrient management program, SIX EASY STEPS®, and to also make it more accessible for farmers and advisors.

The SIX EASY STEPS program has been developed to ensure that sugarcane growers across the industry are applying fertiliser and nutrients to optimise their productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

SRA Key Focus Area Leader for Nutrient Management, Dr Barry Salter, said that SIX EASY STEPS is a science-based nutrient management program that enables the adoption of best-practice nutrient management on-farm.

“It is acknowledged as industry best-practice for nutrient management to optimise productivity and profitability without adversely influencing soil fertility or causing off-farm effects,” Dr Salter said.

“SRA recognises the need to further improve the SIX EASY STEPS and to explore opportunities to refine recommendations where there is evidence that the crop has a reduced response to fertiliser nitrogen.

“As part of a new investment by SRA, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and CANEGROWERS, and in collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland and Farmacist, we will develop specific decision support tools which will form part of a broader SIX EASY STEPS TOOLBOX.

“The TOOLBOX will contain practical guidance for growers to refine nutrient management practices based on evidence from industry research projects. These tools fit within steps five and six of the SIX EASY STEPS, and will assist growers and advisors to develop nutrient management plans that are specific to their farms. SRA is also creating a SIX EASY STEPS Advisory Committee to actively manage the SIX EASY STEPS program and specifically the recommendations within it.”

The new investment will deliver upon the following specific objectives: read more

SRA – Media Release

June 25, 2018July 6, 2018 Kalagro

Prevention the best cure: RSD threatening commercial sugarcane crops

More ratoon stunting disease (RSD) is being found in commercial sugarcane crops and in nursery cane in 2018 than in previous years, which is raising concern among industry staff about the impact that this disease is having on the industry, according to Sugar Research Australia (SRA).

The disease causes significant economic losses but has no external symptoms. Because it is spread through diseased planting material and on machinery, this means that growers and contractors are reminded to maintain their vigilance against RSD with planting and harvesting in full swing in many areas.

RSD is one of Australia’s major sugarcane diseases and continues to cost the industry through lost production.

SRA Key Focus Area Leader for Biosecurity, Dr Andrew Ward, said that SRA’s RSD diagnostic lab is detecting more RSD in samples in 2018 than in previous years, including in cane that was to be used as planting material. He urges growers to arrange with their local productivity service organisation to have their planting material tested for RSD.

“Planting represents a significant expense for growers and disease-free planting material lays the foundation for high yielding crops,” Dr Ward said.

“Harvest is also a high-risk time for RSD to hitch a ride on machinery, spreading the disease between blocks, farms, and even districts.

“However, good farm hygiene can greatly reduce the risk. Cane knives, harvesters, plant cutters, planters and stool splitters should all be routinely sterilised between blocks on the same farm and between farms.

“Dirty machinery is risky machinery. If RSD infects a crop, yields will decrease and it can be a long and difficult process to reduce its impact. It is far easier to avoid the problem in the first place.”

Dr Ward added that recent improvements in the RSD test has revealed that the disease is more widespread in the industry than previously thought.

“This reinforces the need for stringent hygiene, as well as ensuring that planting material is being sourced from a clean source. Growers need to maintain close contact with their local productivity services organisation for sourcing RSD-free planting material. read more

Sharing Knowledge to protect the Reef – Media Release

June 20, 2018June 20, 2018 Kalagro

Queensland Government

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Media Release

20 June 2018

Sharing knowledge to protect the Reef

Queensland government staff have held a joint workshop with marine scientists in Townsville to share knowledge and techniques for reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff into North Queensland waterways.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Regional coordinator for cane extension Terri Buono said better communication between extension officers from the Burdekin Cane Extension Group (BCEG), agricultural retailers, and marine scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) was essential if water quality in the Great Barrier Reef was to improve.

“The BCEG works closely with cane farmers to encourage greater adoption of sustainable and profitable farming practices,” Ms Buono said.

“The group meets several times a year to share its findings and skills, and runs activities for the sugar cane industry including farm field walks, field days and training of extension staff.”

AIMS Principal ecotoxicologist Dr Andrew Negri said the recent gathering was an opportunity for AIMS scientists to hear about on-the-ground initiatives to improve water quality.

“Our people in turn presented information on monitoring marine water quality, assessing the effects of pollutants and climate change, marine life, and assessing other threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Negri said.

“AIMS spends a lot of effort measuring the effects of water quality on the health of the reef. Meetings such as this help us to tackle current issues so we can come up with solutions in partnership with the agriculture sector.”

The visit to AIMS was organised through the Queensland Government’s new Enhanced Extension program. The program aims to improve co-ordination, collaboration and communication across different producer and extension networks to increase adoption of agricultural land management practices leading to improved water quality. read more

SRA – Media Release

May 28, 2018 Kalagro

SRA – Media Release

SRA extends thanks to Mr Ron Mullins

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has thanked Mr Ron Mullins for his work with SRA over the last 18 months and for the critical role he has played in helping develop the strategy for industry-led adoption activities.

In his time with SRA, Mr Mullins has been leading the SRA Adoption Group and been a driving force of the development of the new Adoption Strategy along with Mr Sean Kenny (Rural Consulting Group).

SRA CEO Mr Neil Fisher said that Mr Mullins came out of retirement for the role because he believed in SRA, its people, its grower and millers Members, and its purpose.

“Ron is highly regarded throughout the industry, with 47 years of experience before his retirement, working in various roles within CANEGROWERS, including as CEO,” Mr Fisher said.

“We are grateful to have had someone with his knowledge of the industry during this time, and for his work ensuring a smooth transition for the strategy under the leadership of new Executive Manager, Regional Delivery, Mr Ian McBean.

“Ron’s knowledge helped us to identify the adoption gaps and strategies and, more importantly, allowed us to gain our Members’ trust as we engaged with our Members and industry through this process.

“Ron met with over 40 organisations and over 200 individuals not just once, but also followed up with a second visit, which was pivotal in gaining industry support for the strategy.

“His local industry knowledge in each of our regions was invaluable, but never let Ron try and show you a short-cut between districts.

“Thank you to Ron for all his hard work for SRA and our Members.

“The delivery of the Adoption Strategy will now continue under the guidance of Mr McBean and our Regional Coordinators.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Brad Pfeffer | Executive Manager Communications

Tel 07 3331 3340 | Mob 0419 175 815

Email [email protected] | Web sugarresearch.com.au | ABN 16 163 670 068

PO Box 86 | 50 Meiers Road | Indooroopilly Q 4068 Australia