Category: Industry Information

Miscellaneous information

SRA Media Release

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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

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AUSTRALIAN EMBLEM

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

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CogCalibratorTM: A new tool to make fertiliser calibrations easier 

Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has developed a new online tool called CogCalibratorTM to 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.

“CogCalibratorTM 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

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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

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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

Farmacist – Nitrogen Run Off Irrigation Trial

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Farmacist – Nitrogen Run Off Irrigation Trial

Jayson Dowie of Farmacist has some funding available via RP161 to undertake a water quality trial to determine nitrogen groundwater runoff in the Burdekin Region. The matter of nutrient runoff in the Delta was the subject of discussion at KCGO’s recent Annual General Meeting and this is an opportunity for members to become involved in a trial at no cost. There are certain parameters that will be need to be met by growers including:

  • The need to be a part of RP161, either in the past or future. The RP161 project is an extension of the RP20 project, which aimed to validate Six-Easy-StepsTMfertiliser rates in the Burdekin. Growers involved in the RP161 project receive:
  1. A whole farm nutrient plan at Six-Easy-StepsTM
  2. All historical soil tests spatially allocated in a Google Earth map.
  3. Their previous fertiliser practices benchmarked.
  4. A soil test.
  5. A G-Dot installed.
  6. On farm and phone support with Farmacist agronomists.
  7. Confidence strips implemented on a block of their choice to compare their current practice to The Six-Easy-StepsTM.

  • Growers must have runoff ie. banded ends will not be acceptable as Farmacist need to investigate dissolved nitrogen runoff leaving farming block.
    • read more

    Regional Variety Committe Meeting Outcome

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    REGIONAL VARIETY COMMITTEE MEETING  – 21ST JUNE

    I refer to my magazine article in our April issue of “What A Sweet Life” of Regional Variety Committee meeting held in April and decisions made in relation to varieties that were considered for either release to productivity board, accelerated to maxprop and clones for possible acceleration. There were two varieties, KQ08-2180 and QA10-1130, whereby decision was delayed pending updated smut rating test which became available this month and was the subject of meeting held on the 21st.

    Outcome of RVC meeting was as follows:

    KQ08-2180

    Recapping this variety had an intermediate-susceptible smut rating in laboratory tests, however minimal evidence in field conditions. Tonnage above and CCS slightly less than the standard varieties. New smut rating of 6 (previous rating was an 8) was released in June 2018 confirming variety remains intermediate-susceptible and within regional thresholds. This variety has been planted in three BPS trials in the Upper Haughton, Iona and Aerodrome area. In the Upper Haughton trial, the TSH for KQ08-2180 was better than Q240, SRA8, and Q183. In the Iona trial, Q232  and Q240 performed better than the KQ08-2180. The Aerodrome trial was variable. No smut was observed in strip trials or BPS propagation plots– this clone was planted next to SRA8 which was heavily infected with smut. There was considerable discussion regarding the difference between observed field expression of smut in the Burdekin and the results of SRA trials. Consistent reports of strip trials and field observations were made with considerable smut infection in some varieties planted directly adjacent to this clone, with KQ08-2180 demonstrating little smut infection.

    Decision: KQ08-2180 limited release with full disclosure on its smut status and the risk of smut. BPS have been requested to ensure at point of release (2020), that full information for this clone be presented to growers including TCH, CCS & TSH, compared against current standards as well as and in particular, the smut history and smut risk of KQ08-2180. read more

    SRA Media Release

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    SRA Media Release – Six Easy Steps

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    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

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    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

    NQ Dry Tropics Project

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    A Recent Article By NQ Dry Tropics

     A project supporting Burdekin cane growers to reduce fertiliser use without affecting yield has so far prevented 116 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from entering waterways and impacting the Great Barrier Reef. A high level of DIN in water has been linked to outbreaks of crown of thorns starfish on the Reef, and also provides ideal conditions for weeds to thrive in rivers and wetlands, which reduces habitat for native fish and migratory birds. The reduction in fertiliser rates was achieved by 16 local growers who signed up to the pilot round of the Burdekin Tender project. The three-year project is funded by the Australian Government’s $225 million Reef Trust.

    Under the project, growers proposed trialling ways to reduce fertiliser use – and put a price on the cost of making the change. Trials included matching fertiliser inputs to crop requirements and using technology to only apply fertiliser precisely where it is needed. The results from years one and two of the project were showcased at an event held at a cane property in Clare last week, attended by more than 30 local growers.

    Grower Heath Salter from Clare who took part in the pilot round said, “We have reduced the amount of nitrogen applied on our farm by 20kg per hectare, whilst maintaining yield and saving money on fertiliser.”

    NQ Dry Tropics’ Sugarcane Team Leader Luke Malan expressed pride at all of the growers’ achievements. “They still have another six months to go so we will see even better results by the end,” Mr Malan said. “What we didn’t expect is that these growers have pushed the limits of what is possible by going beyond their contracted reductions in fertiliser use without reducing their yield.”

    “We now have an additional 25 Burdekin growers signed up to the project across a further two tender rounds that have been running since the pilot round launched in 2016. NQ Dry Tropics has worked closely with growers to develop tender applications and nutrient management plans. Extension partners Farmacist and Burdekin Productivity Services provide support to deliver and monitor the projects”, he said. read more