Category: Industry Information

Miscellaneous information

Wilmar Letter to Growers – Information Release

Kalagro

WILMAR LETTER TO GROWERS – REQUEST FOR AUTHORISATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

We have received a number queries from growers in relation to letter recently received from Wilmar seeking permission in terms of the Privacy Act 1998 for release of information to research organisations, BPS and SRA. KCGOL has sought clarification from these organisations as to the reasons and purpose for this information to be provided. The following additional information is now provided.

BPS have indicated that this is not a new data request, they have had access to this information for a number of years, however it would appear Wilmar has undertaken a review of its privacy obligations and this letter was a recommendation outcome. Data is utilised by both BPS and SRA to assist members and provide data for extension services.

Some specific examples of how BPS uses this data follows:

  • Produce productivity reports for distribution to its members – BPS split variety x soil type x crop class x productivity group and provide this to its members.  Many members also request their position within the group (ie: where they stand in terms of CCS, tonnes cane and tonnes sugar/ha, $returns/ha) – so BPS produce a grower report that has no identification for general distribution to that productivity group.
    • read more

    Upcoming Events of Interest

    Kalagro

    Upcoming Events of Interest

    A number of events are being held within Burdekin/Bowen region in the coming months which may be of interest to our members. Details below.

    Ayr Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop – 14TH JUNE 2018

    Whether you’re a seasoned extension practitioner or new to the field, this one-day training course will take participants on a journey of professional development and show the most important client for their monitoring and evaluation activities is you! The course will provide practical guidance on monitoring and evaluation within an agricultural practice change context. It will identify the current and emerging requirements and expectations of key funders within the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan arena, as well as providing useful protocols, tools and technologies to help you demonstrate the value of extension efforts. Presented by Brian Stockwell, learn more about:

  • Your role in a best practice monitoring and evaluating framework;
  • The tools, templates, technology and protocols of the trade;
  • Building networks and understanding your target audience; and
  • The purpose and practice of Paddock to Reef.
    • read more

    SRA – Media Release

    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

     

    Futures Forum Workshop – Summary

    Kalagro

    Futures Forum Workshop was held in Mackay last month which saw stakeholders from the Australian sugar industry come together to look at what’s in store 20 years and more into the future. Representatives from agribusiness, research organisations, government, and influencers discussed challenges, especially around productivity and profitability and the need for all sectors to lift international competitiveness. SRA Chairman Dr Ron Swindells said the purpose of the forum was be to be thought-provoking, inspirational, and interactive, so that it could deliver possible pathways forward.

    For any growers who may be interested a summary of workshop is attached for your information.

    thumbnail of Attachment – Futures Forum Workshop Summary Document

    Kalamia Members Notice – Drought Declaration Lifted

    Kalagro

    Kalamia Members Notice – Drought Declaration Lifted

    Dear member

    You may have read/heard in the media that yesterday Agricultural Industry Development Minister, Mark Furner, revoked a number of shire drought declarations, of which Burdekin Shire was one. This was based on recommendations put forward by local drought committees. This will have a direct financial impact on members who have taken advantage of Ergon Energy’s Drought Relief Assistance which will now no longer be available. Accordingly growers will now need to reassess the most appropriate tariff that meets their current farming practices. Links to current Agricultural and Small Business Tariffs follow:

    https://www.ergon.com.au/retail/business/tariffs-and-prices/rural-tariffs

    https://www.ergon.com.au/retail/business/tariffs-and-prices/small-business-tariffs

    https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/469045/Energy-Price-Factsheet-Business-1-July-2017-to-30-June-2018.pdf

    Members who decide to make a tariff change, please call Ergon Energy on 13 10 46 (7am – 6.30pm, Mon – Fri). The following prompts will need to be provided.

    • Option 1
    • Quote Ergon Energy account number
    • Advise user type as “business”
    • Option 6
    • Option 1
    • Ergon staff member then will assist with your requirements

    Steve Attard of AgriTech Solutions offers an advisory/consultancy service to assist growers in determining the most suitable tariff based on current farming operations. Aspects AgriTech take into consideration include:

    Tariffs Current and Proposed

    • How this may impact on your business
    • Pump and pumping costs
    • Basics of minimising energy losses
    • Irrigation management
    • How irrigation management impacts upon energy cost

    If anyone is interested in discussing their current power situation with Steve, he may be contacted on mobile 0418 155 844.

    If members require any assistance, as always please do not hesitate to contact this office.

    Les Elphinstone

    Manager / Company Secretary

    Kalamia Cane Growers Organisation Ltd

    Kalagro Ltd

    140 Young Street Ayr Qld 4807

    PO Box 597 Ayr Qld 4807

    Tel:  07 4783 1312 

    Mob: 0447 128 312

    Email: [email protected]

    DISCLAIMER: This e-mail and any attachments to it (the ‘Communication’) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the Communication, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete the Communication, and do not read, copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Communication. We do not guarantee the integrity of the Communication, or that it is free from errors, viruses or interference. read more

    SRA appoints Regional Coordinator for the Burdekin

    Kalagro

     

    SRA appoints Regional Coordinator for Burdekin Region 

    Sugar Research Australia (SRA) has taken major steps forward in the delivery of the industry-led Adoption Strategy for the Australian sugar industry with the appointment of its Regional Coordinator for the Burdekin Region.

    SRA has today announced the appointment of Mr Anthony Curro as Regional Coordinator for the Burdekin. Mr Curro is well-known in the region in particular for his work for SRA as an Adoption Officer and with the Natural Resource Management Group, NQ Dry Tropics.

    The Adoption Strategy has been developed in consultation with the Australian sugarcane industry and SRA’s Government investors and stakeholders over the last 12 months. It aims to provide a more strategic focus to increase the uptake and implementation of new and existing technologies in the sugar industry.

    SRA Executive Manager, Regional Delivery, Mr Ian McBean, said that Mr Curro comes to the role with experience in innovation, soil health, and precision agriculture. He appreciates the importance of understanding the full farming system before improvements can be made to the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the industry.

    “Mr Curro will work closely with the local industry including Burdekin Productivity Services, millers, growers, local CANEGROWERS, the Australian Cane Farmers’ Association, NRM groups and others to deliver strategic outcomes in his region.

    In achieving the SRA Adoption Strategy objectives, Mr Curro will also work with SRA researchers and Regional Coordinators and SRA Adoption Officers in other regions to ensure cross regional linkages are established and maintained.

    ENDS