Insight Focus
Rain has slowed farming in Australia’s Wet Tropics. Most planting is underway, and sugar levels (CCS) are improving. The farm is rebuilding with clean seed and diversifying cane varieties while facing rising land prices.
What are you up to on the farm at present?
The past few weeks have been a stop–start affair for growers, millers, and contractors alike, thanks to pesky rain. South Johnstone Mill has been hardest hit, with only 30% of the crush completed so far, while Mulgrave Mill has managed around 40%.
The wet weather delays everything – planting, harvesting, and mill operations. It’s frustrating, but that’s farming in the Wet Tropics.
Planting remains the focus of farming operations
How is the crop looking?
On the upside, CCS is climbing in the Mulgrave area thanks to a cold snap, and sugar levels in South Johnstone cane are also lifting. That’s encouraging, even if it won’t do much to boost the overall crop estimate.
Early plant cane is established and actively growing
What challenges are on your mind?
The main challenge is getting the planting done between showers. As soon as there’s a break in the weather, it’s full steam ahead. We’ve worked hard and managed to complete about 75% of our own planting, setting next year’s crop in motion. Now, we’re out in the paddocks doing contract planting for neighbours.
Wet Tropics can be a harsh environment for farmers, but it is a beautiful part of the country
Another concern is the growing number of cane farms hitting the market. The big question is whether those paddocks will remain under cane. Prices are being inflated by out-of-towners, as well as banana growers moving into the South Johnstone area and overvaluing land. The result? It’s becoming unaffordable for farmers who simply can’t compete.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that we’re rebuilding with clean seed after a tough couple of years to strengthen our production. We’re also cleaning up older cane varieties that have performed well in our harsh Wet Tropics environment. That diversity makes our business stronger and less dependent on just a few varieties.
And, of course, I’m always grateful for time spent on the farm, surrounded by the incredible wildlife in our region. Just the other day, a kookaburra hopped off its “gum tree” and onto the backhoe hose to supervise what I was up to!
Kookaburras are just one of the many wildlife of the region
