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Prices are soft, tanks are full, and the sugar market is asking a hard question: how do you protect margin when the prompt is at life‑of‑contract lows but the future looks better? We dig into the turn from a multi‑year deficit to a sizeable surplus and show why the forward curve is your best signal right now. You’ll hear a clear breakdown of Brazil’s production mix, why mills kept maximising sugar over ethanol, and when that balance might finally shift. We also unpack Thailand’s rebound, India’s fixed cane pricing and likely export subsidies, and what those flows mean for raw premiums and shared pool values across Asia.

Zooming out, we connect the macro dots that matter: cheaper oil, policy‑driven trade volatility, and the tug‑of‑war in currencies with the Aussie dollar and Brazilian real. Then we bring it back to the paddock with practical steps to manage price risk. If you’ve been waiting for certainty before locking prices, this conversation makes the case for a different approach: anchor decisions to your cost of production, use layered targets, and treat the forward curve as a tool to move profit out of a noisy present and into a steadier future.

We close with a simple framework you can apply this week. Map volumes by season, set trigger levels that clear your margin needs, and pre‑commit to execution so you’re not forced to price at the worst time. The prompt may sting, but deferred seasons still offer room to build resilience. If this helped clarify your plan, follow the show, share it with a grower who needs a pricing reset, and leave a review with your top takeaway so we can dig deeper next time.

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Queensland sugarcane growers have access to some of the world’s best tools for forward pricing – a system many international producers can only dream of. But having the tools is only part of the picture.

How do we use them effectively? What should we be thinking about now to manage price risk in today’s global sugar market?

This month’s Marketing Information Service (MIS) update dives into exactly that – giving you the insights and strategies to make the most of your pricing options.

• Rob Imray at Farmarco Australia joins Dougall Lodge on the latest podcast to discuss how to use price risk management tools to make the most of the sugar market’s volatility and cyclical nature. 
• Rob is a licensed financial advisor to many growers in the QLD industry and is also an experienced pool manager. 
• the prompt global sugar prices have come under pressure over the last month and hit levels not seen for the last 2.5 years. But there are higher prices in forward markets. 

🎧 Tune in now and make sure you're one step ahead when it comes to securing the best return for your cane.

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A sudden September flood tore through the Russell River and Babinda Creek, smashing levee banks, blanketing new plant cane with debris, and forcing growers to rethink recovery under a tightening clock. We share first-hand accounts, real costs, policy gaps, and why community support and better forecasting now matter more than ever.

• shock rise of the Russell River and Babinda Creek
• rapid erosion, topsoil loss, and trash blanketing
• plant cane damage and long-term yield impacts
• rail line repairs and logistics delays
• costs of levee rebuilds and laser-levelling
• push for disaster declaration and grants
• red tape on using own machinery and materials
• mental health strain after four wet years
• unreliable forecasts and risky input timing
• practical recovery priorities before the wet

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Mark Hampson, CEO of Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), brings a wealth of insight to this candid conversation about the state of Australia's sugar industry and the unique position Queensland growers hold in the global market.

With sugar prices hovering around $530 per tonne and approaching cost of production levels, Hampson reveals why Australian cane farmers should recognize their enviable position compared to global competitors. "The Australian grower is in a unique situation where they're one of the few growers in the world that can price risk management out four and five seasons," he explains, highlighting capabilities that sugar producers in Thailand and Brazil can only dream about.

The podcast unveils QSL's innovative FlexPay system, set to revolutionize how growers manage cash flow. This customizable payment system will allow farmers to dial up or dial down their advances weekly based on individual business needs—eliminating the one-size-fits-all financing charges that have been the industry standard. This shift to user-pays financing represents a significant evolution in how growers can optimize their financial management.

Perhaps most revealing is the dramatic shift in grower behavior this season. While typically 70% of the crop would be priced by this point in September, Hampson notes only 35-40% has been priced so far. "It's really hard to forward price where they know they're probably not making any money or they're locking in at around a cost of production level," he explains, highlighting the strategic patience growers are exercising in today's challenging market.

Despite current market pressures, Hampson maintains a constructive long-term outlook. With global prices at levels where "no investment case in sugar globally makes any sense," he predicts eventual upward movement will be necessary to stimulate the production needed to meet growing global demand. For Queensland growers, the path forward lies in optimizing their risk management strategies while leveraging the sophisticated tools and services that QSL has developed over its 101-year history.

Discover how your sugar farming operation can navigate today's market challenges while positioning for tomorrow's opportunities by exploring QSL's innovative approaches to pricing, payment systems, and market access.

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Sugar pricing might be the best-kept secret in Australian agriculture, offering growers a level of price certainty that other farming sectors can only dream about. In this revealing conversation with Simon Hood, Manager of Wilmar Grower Marketing, we explore the sophisticated sugar marketing system that allows Queensland cane farmers to lock in prices up to three years forward.

Hood takes us behind the scenes of Wilmar's operations across their four Queensland regions, where they service approximately 1,300 growers. What emerges is a picture of an industry with exceptional price transparency, driven by a deep global futures market that provides unparalleled pricing opportunities for forward-thinking producers.

The discussion reveals fascinating insights into grower behaviour, with Hood noting that while 85% of Wilmar's growers manage their own pricing rather than using pool structures, many haven't fully capitalised on forward pricing opportunities despite recent market highs. "We very much promote a risk management approach," explains Hood, emphasising that successful pricing isn't about hitting market peaks but rather averaging prices over time to ensure sustainability.

We also explore the physical premium market, which has normalised after delivering exceptional returns of $55 per tonne in 2023, and innovative financial tools Wilmar offers including pre-season payments at competitive interest rates, accelerated payment options, and even access to Wilmar's significant purchasing power for inputs like fertiliser.

Looking forward, Hood shares Wilmar's market outlook, noting concerns about Brazilian production exceeding expectations and a large Indian crop potentially capping price upside. With current prices around $575 per tonne, some growers are feeling pressure as margins tighten, making strategic price risk management more important than ever.

Whether you're a cane farmer looking to refine your marketing strategy or simply interested in agricultural commodities, this episode offers valuable insights into one of Australia's most sophisticated agricultural pricing systems.

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This month's sugar market update explores sustainable sugar's value in the global market, with guests Lindsey Perry and Matt Kealley from CANEGROWERS Brisbane sharing their expertise on sustainability certification and market access.

• Sugar prices currently volatile at around 16.5 cents per pound, with 2025 season at $550 AUD per tonne
• Forward prices showing higher values for 2026-2028 seasons, indicating current selling pressure
• Smartcane BMP program already delivers value through access to premium markets like Japan and US
• Developed markets use 75% of sugar in industrial food and beverage production, driving sustainability requirements
• Major buyers like Coca-Cola recognise Smartcane BMP as meeting their sustainability criteria
• Smartcane BMP celebrates 10 years with an impressive 95% grower retention rate
• New ESG reporting regulations beginning January 2025 will impact sugar supply chain
• Module 4 of Smartcane BMP being developed to address greenhouse gas reporting and modern slavery requirements
• Mass balance approach currently used for sustainable sugar, with potential future premiums for certified growers
• Australian sugar industry uniquely positioned with independent growers rather than plantation model

Visit the Smartcane BMP website to learn more about Module 4 self-assessment, which will be available in the coming weeks.

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MSF Sugar is setting the benchmark for mechanical efficiency in Australia’s sugar industry - hitting 97% at Tableland Mill and 93–94% at South Johnston and Mulgrave - even after four consecutive years of extreme wet weather. South Johnston alone lost 1,100 crushing hours in one season.

In this episode, South Johnston Mill Manager Barry O'Brien, Head of Cane Supply Mark Magnanini, and Senior Cane Supply Manager Mick Wood share how MSF has stayed resilient, thanks to over $700 million in investment from Thai owners Mitr Phol. Upgrades to mills and the 800km rail network - including 220 bridges - have kept operations moving despite major disruptions like Cyclone Jasper.

We also explore MSF’s forward-thinking workforce strategy, its strong grower relationships, and its growing focus on green energy through its Tableland cogeneration plant, now powering 28,000 homes.

Despite current shortfalls, MSF’s message is clear: with the right conditions, the industry will bounce back - stronger than ever.

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As we move into the upcoming season, it’s a great time for cane growers to reflect on business production strategies and assess their bottom line. One key factor influencing profitability is the current sugar price, which has seen recent volatility due to shifts in global supply, weather patterns, and trade dynamics. Staying informed about these trends helps growers make better decisions around planting, harvesting, and marketing. With the market constantly changing, understanding the pricing landscape is crucial for maintaining profitability.

Just as important is monitoring the cost of production. Rising input costs like fuel, fertiliser, and labour force challenges continue to challenge margins. This is where the cost of production tool proves valuable. By tracking and analyzing expenses, growers can find efficiencies, reduce waste, and benchmark performance. These insights support smarter budgeting and strategic choices throughout the season. Using this tool helps clarify a farm’s financial position and strengthens long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the market. 

Take a listen to Dougall Morrow and Chris Gillitt discuss the tools and support available for growers as CANEGROWERS members. 

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In this episode, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan, Australian Sugar Milling Council CEO Ash Salardini, and Mackay Sugar CEO Carl Morton tackle the frustrations around mill performance. Dan highlights growers' anger and the need for solutions. The discussion explores foreign ownership, shifting industry expectations, rebuilding trust, and balancing costs and rewards. How can the industry come together to solve these challenges? Tune in to hear insights from key industry leaders. 

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