BPS – SMUT UPDATE

There have been some concerns regarding ongoing smut issues with SRA8 in the district.  Following the discovery of smut in SRA8 in some plots last year, there has been some misinformation regarding the management and spread of the disease.  SRA pathologists have advised that SRA8 grown commercially with minimal stress is unlikely to contract smut in high levels early in the crop cycle.  Growers who have planted SRA8 should ensure it is well irrigated with appropriate nutrition and weed control.  Anyone planting SRA8 or other intermediate rated varieties, should plant with the fungicide Sinker to assist in control of the disease and minimise stress.  General farm biosecurity such as cleaning and sterlisiation of equipment should also occur.  Growers should also be aware that other varieties in the region are rated as intermediate for smut. Q252 is rated intermediate-susceptible, and Q208 and Q183 are rated as intermediate-resistant.

SRA 8 has been planted on the P&K farm and there is some smut in SRA 8 1^st ratoons.  This is the commercial cane that is sold to the mill, not growers.  Smut has not been detected in any of the cane in the distribution plots that is sold as approved seed cane.  BPS will be regularly inspecting and monitoring the approved seed cane and should any smut be detected in the approved seed cane it will not be sold to growers.  Please contact your field officer if you have any questions.

KCGOL endorses the need for growers to remain vigilant at all times especially during heightened level of smut activity in the district due to favourable climatic conditions.

New farm technology trialled to protect the Great Barrier Reef

Media Statements

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Queensland Farm Debt Restructure Office opens

The Palaszczuk Government has established a dedicated office to assist Queensland primary producers experiencing financial distress access free expert financial analysis and advice.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Farm Debt Restructure Office was the Government’s latest initiative in the ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector and the issue of rural debt delivering a number of protections for Queensland farmers.

“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,” she said.

“The Office will be overseen by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and it will work with the Authority’s network of nine offices, including the office here in Roma.”

“My Government is working to grow our primary industries sector.  It’s a vital contributor to our economy and the backbone for rural and regional Queensland.  I welcome the recent AgTrends forecast for the total value of Queensland’s primary industry commodities for 2017-18 to be almost $20 billion -$19.87 billion.”

Agricultural Industry Development Minister Mark Furner said the assistance doesn’t replace a producer’s existing financial providers or advisors, but complements them by offering an alternate opinion.

“Farm Business Analysis Assistance offers eligible farmers with detailed, expert options from an approved rural finance professionals at a level that the producer may not be able to afford at their time of distress,” he said.

“The report which follows an on-farm visit will give realistic options and ideas on how to repair, reduce or rationalise farming activities within the available resources, for the best possible outcome for the farmer and their family.”

The initiatives were part of the Farm Business Debt Mediation Act 2017 passed by the Queensland Parliament last year and include the now mandatory Farm Business Debt Mediation introduced to prevent foreclosure on farm debt without a fair and equitable mediation process. read more