CANEGROWERS Around the Paddock

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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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CANEGROWERS' Marketing Update March 2025

What's happening on the world sugar market? Well, with Trump's tariff rollercoaster hurtling along at breakneck speed it can be hard to keep up. But CANEGROWERS' resident market experts Dougall Lodge and Doug Morrow will try to get to grips with where we stand in this new format Marketing Information Services podcast update. 

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel - is it a pipe dream or the future of Queensland's sugarcane industry? 
In this episode, we explore the potential of SAF, its connection to sugarcane, and how growers might play a pivotal role in transforming aviation into a greener industry. Tune in to uncover whether SAF is the next big opportunity for sugarcane or just another lofty ambition in the race for sustainability. ✈️🌱 

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The closure of Mossman’s iconic mill marks a heartbreaking chapter for its sugarcane growers. In this episode, we delve into the deep uncertainty and emotional toll felt across the community as they fight to save their industry. Hear firsthand accounts of the struggle to adapt, the sleepless nights, and the resilience needed to press on. This is the story of a town facing the painful reality of change and the determined spirit that just might carry it through. 

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CANEGROWERS is talking to two National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NHVR) representatives, Tim Brown from the Standards and Advice team and Jarrod Wilson from Operations South, Northern Region, along with Alexander Desses the CANEGROWERS Policy Officer about what we can do to maintain transporting sugarcane safely, and what growers can expect at the roadside when intercepted by the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance officers. 

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Feral pigs are costing cane growers like Innisfail's Joe Marano, Luke Zammit and Donna Campagnolo tens of thousands of dollars each year in lost production. Baiting, trapping, hunting, and even aerial shooting programs have so far been unsuccessful at controlling pig populations, with the feral pests able to roam and breed freely in neighbouring national parks. Frustrated growers are calling on all levels of government to step up control efforts and stop failing Australia on feral pigs.