Insight Focus
March farm work continues between weather disruptions. Maintenance and late spraying dominate, while the crop is mixed—average overall but slightly better than last year despite wet conditions. Rising costs and weak sugar prices are squeezing growers, though preparation and resilience keep operations moving.
What’s happening on the farm right now?
March has been about keeping things moving between the weather. We managed to finish all our high-rise spraying, working around showers and putting in a few late nights to get it done. My son Luke handled a fair bit of that—he’s got better eyes than me at night these days.
It’s the usual run of jobs—slashing, keeping the farm tidy, and making sure everything is clean and under control. The main focus now is on maintenance: going through all the machinery and getting everything ready for planting in a couple of months.
Luke and I have been spending a lot of our time working through gear, fixing things up and making sure we’re not held up when the season starts. It’s not glamorous, but it’s important. If you don’t stay on top of it now, it costs you later.
How’s the crop looking?
At the moment, I’d say the crop is average—maybe a bit better if things fall our way. There’s a mix around the district. Some blocks are looking really good, but others are below average. A lot of that comes back to how late we finished last year. We pushed into the last week of November, when we should have been done in early November, and that’s had an impact.
We’ve had a few rain events and not a lot of sunshine, which hasn’t helped. On the positive side, we missed a recent low, so it could’ve been worse.
The farm has been having its share of wet weather in the last month.
All up, the crop is looking better than last year, but we’re hoping it improves from here.
What are the main challenges at the moment?
The biggest challenge right now is the cost of growing the crop—it’s something we’re constantly talking about.
We’re always asking, where can we save? But the reality is, there’s not much room to move. Input costs have jumped sharply. Diesel has gone from about AUD 1.70 to 2.80/litre delivered, and fertiliser has gone through the roof—urea jumped from AUD 900 to AUD 1,450 in a week.
Those are the two biggest costs at the moment, and they’ve both gone up at the same time. On top of that, sugar prices aren’t lifting, so you’re getting squeezed from both sides.
After several tough years with heavy rain and poor seasons, growers are feeling the pinch, with reserves being used up. That’s what makes it harder now. This crop is in the ground, but the real question is: how do we fund the next one?
There’s also the weather in the back of your mind. There’s talk of a cyclone forming offshore at present, and it tends to have everyone a bit on edge.
What are you most proud of?
It’s a tough time at present, so it’s not easy to point to positives.
But working alongside Luke is something I’m proud of. We’re in it together every day—making decisions, solving problems, and trying to make the best of a difficult situation. It’s important to have that next generation involved and committed.
I’ve also just been re-accredited for Smartcane BMP for the third time, which I’m proud of. I was first accredited in 2016. It shows we’re still focused on doing things properly, even when things are tight. Smartcane BMP is the industry-led program that helps growers adopt best management practices to improve productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability.
And recently, I had the chance to reflect on our family history for the CANEGROWERS Centenary book. Looking back at where we started—my grandfather, father, and uncle—and how the farm was built over time reminds you of what you’re working for.
Where it all began! From left – Aldo Calcagno (Stephen’s grandfather), Bruce Calcagno (his uncle) and Alberto Calcagno (his father) with other growers.
At the end of the day, you just keep going. Luke and I are focused on growing the best crop we can, because when things do turn around, you’ve got to be ready to take advantage of it.
Massey Ferguson 515 Cane Harvester owned by the Calcagno family. This was one of the first mechanical harvesters in the Babinda district. Circa early 1960’s.
