Annual Report – Burdekin The past year has provided many challenges to cane farming in the Burdekin district. While disease and weather events have been significant issues, the most serious has been the policies and charges imposed by government at every level; local, state and federal government. The unreasonable and unjustifiable rate burden imposed on Burdekin canefarmers has again been increased over and above the CPI. Burdekin canefarmers, who occupy around a quarter of the land area in the shire, are forced to pay around half of the total rate bill for the Burdekin Shire. Comparatively, Burdekin canefarmers pay 3 to 4 times more rates than growers throughout the industry, in other shires. Only the Herbert and Burdekin growers pay such exorbitant rates, with representations to the relevant Minister producing no consideration. Water, electricity and other costs have caused serious financial hardship across the district, again with no considerations from the relevant Minister. Pricing and marketing changes to be introduced in 2017 by Wilmar, have faced joint opposition by ACFA and Canegrowers, with the federal government announcing a senate inquiry to examine the issue. The ACCC are investigating possible ‘anti-competitive’ behaviour by the mills. It’s difficult to imagine how either the government or the ACCC can ignore the anti-competitiveness of Wilmar district growers being refused the option to remain with QSL as their pricing and marketing choice. Competition demands more than one forced option, no need for an inquiry to provide more evidence than that. Currently there is 71,700 hectares under cane in the district, which is 300 ha over the 2013 crop. Interestingly, the land area under cane in the Burdekin was 84,192 ha, disproving the claims that deregulation would improve both the profitability and productivity of the industry, statistic prove the reverse is the case. 1997 2014 2005 Average 2005-2013 Total Crop, 000’s 8334 7980 8435 7816 Yield, T/Ha. 121 111.3 117.9 113.4 With grower numbers declining rapidly after deregulation from over 800 in 1997 to 710 in 2005 and currently at 583 growers for the Burdekin district, the average age of those growers is rising. A combination of the effects of weather on the crop cycle together with YCS outbreaks in various areas of the district, has resulted in a drop in production across the district, over recent years and has been compounded by cost increases, including government charges. Burdekin Productivity Services have increased their list of services to accommodate the changes from BSES to SRA and their achievements this year include the following: • Distribution plots expanded to meet increasing grower demand for seed cane • Increase in number of growers purchasing approved seed cane • BPS continuing involvement with SRA and HCPSL, in the YCS project • Development of a strategic plan to 2017 focussing on o Distribution of approved seed cane o Pest and disease services o Extension and agronomic support • Completion of various district surveys including pachymetra, RSD and YCS • Establishment of variety strip trials to compare performance of newer varieties • Involvement in Smartcane BMP • Hosting the Rural Water Use Efficiency – Irrigation Futures project (additional extension officer, plus incentives for BRIA growers) • Obtained funding from SRA to conduct harvester speed trials to quantify the effect of various speeds in subsequent ratoons • Conducted 2 rounds of grower shed meetings and on farm demonstrations of various practices • Focus on key areas to improve productivity – irrigation, harvesting, soil health and variety management. Regular grower representative meetings with mill staff continued throughout the year and have proven to be of benefit to both growers and milling staff. Thanks are due to both Rob Milla (BPS) and Peter Allen (Wilmar) for information provided for the compilation of this report. I wish all involved in the industry a safe and successful end to the 2014 season and every blessing for the coming Christmas season. Thanks are due to all who have worked together during this season and we look forward to a brighter 2015 for all. Margaret Menzel, Burdekin Director
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 08:05:05 +0000
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