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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.