Insight Focus
The sun is finally out after weeks of rain. The crop is exceeding expectations despite weather challenges, and mills will start crushing soon. Few challenges remain aside from flood gate installation, and the family farm legacy continues strong.
What are you up to on the farm at present?
The sun is finally shining after several weeks of constant rain, giving us the perfect window to get back out into the paddocks. While the wet weather delayed some fieldwork, it gave us the chance to finalise all our maintenance schedules—so all the planting and harvesting equipment is now prepped and ready to go.
Over the next week or two, we’ll begin preparing the ground for planting. To support the fallow crop, we have deliveries of calcium and lime arriving next week. This will kick off the groundwork for next year’s crop cycle. All in all, our farming methods and schedule are tracking well.
What stage is your crop at?
I’m quietly confident that this year’s crop is going to outperform our initial expectations—especially considering the challenges brought on by this year’s weather and the lasting effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in early 2024. In fact, the crop is looking better than we originally thought. There hasn’t been a lot of flowering, which is actually a positive sign— as it allows the cane to put more energy into growth.
Crop continues to grow partly due to a lower-than-average flowering year.
On the factory side, everything is tracking well. Mulgrave Mill is scheduled to commence crushing on June 10, with South Johnstone set to follow on June 19. By the end of next week, steam trials should be underway, so if all goes to plan, all the action will be in full swing by next month.
What are your biggest concerns?
At the moment, there aren’t many major challenges on-farm—we seem to have our ducks in a row, which is a great position to be in. That said, we did have an interesting experience recently while installing new flood gates on one of our farms that’s prone to tidal inundation.
Installation of a new floodgate on a farm prone to tidal inundation.
Working near the water’s edge meant keeping a close eye out for crocodiles. Let’s just say it wasn’t the easiest job with one eye always looking over your shoulder! But we got it done safely, and the new flood gates are now in place and doing their job.
The biggest challenge was to make sure a giant lizard (crocodile) didn’t take us by surprise.
What are you most proud of?
I’m genuinely proud of the work we’ve done to ensure everything is coming together so well. We’re currently well ahead of schedule, and the farms are looking clean, tidy and ready for the start of the crush.
What makes it even more rewarding is working alongside my son and seeing the next generation—my grandson—taking an interest in the family farm.
Proud to be working with my family
It’s a great feeling knowing the legacy is continuing, and I’m proud of the path we’re paving for the future.
