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AGM and Policy Council
CANEGROWERS held its AGM and Policy Council in Proserpine this month, with a strong turnout from grower representatives across the regions. With the 2025 season almost behind us, the meetings were a valuable chance to take stock of the year, discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, and keep shaping the work we do on your behalf.
At the AGM, elected grower reps and local growers were given a clear recap of the 2024–25 season, as well as an early look at what we’ve got planned for the 2026 Centenary.
Over the next two days, Policy Council members got down to the hard work, digging into the thorny issues of mill performance, harvesting pressures, marketing and workforce issues, as well as season-length challenges and WHS.
They also received an in-depth update on CANEGROWERS’ education strategy, and even got a little light-hearted moment with George the Farmer’s latest smash hit – Sugarcane Train.
These grower-led sessions are vital to CANEGROWERS’ operations across the industry. They sharpen our priorities and help ensure grower concerns stay front and centre in our planning.
George the Farmer + CANEGROWERS = helping kids grow curious minds
Speaking of George the Farmer, the new Sugarcane Train video has taken off in a big way. In just a few days it clocked tens of thousands of views across YouTube and social media, with teachers, parents and young learners jumping onboard.
It’s fun, it’s catchy and, most importantly, it shows kids exactly what goes into growing and milling sugarcane.
This early response is a great sign as we prepare to roll out a full suite of George the Farmer classroom resources ahead of the 2026 school year, helping the next generation understand and appreciate the work growers do.
QSL reform blocked
Last month I flagged grower concerns about fairness in QSL’s governance – particularly the fact that mills no longer marketing through QSL can still influence how it’s run.
The AGM on 22 October really brought that into focus. Growers unanimously backed a simple, common-sense change to QSL’s constitution that would have ensured only those who actually use QSL’s marketing services get a say in its governance.
A few millers agreed and supported the proposal, which was encouraging. But in the end, Wilmar and MSF had the numbers to block the reform, despite not marketing a single tonne through QSL themselves.
It’s a clear conflict of interest. While they may be legally entitled to vote under an outdated technicality, it doesn’t make it fair, and it’s not something that would be tolerated in any other commercial setting.
It’s not the result we wanted, but it does make the path ahead clearer. We’ll keep pushing for a system where growers have a fair, proportional voice in how their sugar is marketed.
STL in-sourcing questions remain
AGM season continues on 19 November with Sugar Terminals Limited, where the big focus remains on STL’s plan to bring terminal operations in-house from July 2026.
While STL has assured industry stakeholders that the transition will be smooth, there are still important questions to be answered around cost, efficiency and risk, especially for growers who rely on a reliable, well-run supply chain.
CANEGROWERS is keeping a close eye on the process and pushing for clarity, transparency and safeguards to ensure growers aren’t left carrying the consequences of any operational or commercial missteps.
CANEGROWERS Centenary – Save the Dates
In 2026, CANEGROWERS will reach a major milestone as we celebrate 100 years of representing Queensland’s sugarcane growers. Many people may not realise how close this is, but our Centenary year is fast approaching and we’re putting together a statewide program that reflects the history, pride and hard work of growers across every region. It’s a chance to recognise the generations who built the industry and the growers who continue to carry it forward.
To mark the occasion, we’ll be hosting two major events … and you’re all invited:
- 12 March 2026 – Mackay Centenary Gala
- 29 October 2026 – Brisbane Centenary Gala
These dates are for everyone connected to the industry. Bring your families, friends, colleagues and anyone who has been part of the CANEGROWERS story.
Districts will also be organising and holding their own local Centenary events throughout the year, supported by QCGO. These celebrations will reflect the unique history and character of each region and give communities another way to take part.
Alongside the events, a full Centenary program will run throughout 2026. This includes:
- A social media storytelling series highlighting the people, places and moments that shaped a century of cane growing
- Centenary features in the Australian Canegrower magazine
- A high-quality coffee table book capturing photos, stories and local history
- Community engagement activities and district support
We’ll share more details as the year unfolds, including updates on tickets, event details and local celebrations. Stay tuned through our social media channels, the magazine and this email.
How can you get involved right now?
One simple way to be part of the Centenary right now is to nominate a Legend of Cane Country. Every district has people whose contribution to the sugarcane industry deserves to be recognised. They might be a grower who has led from the front for decades, someone doing great things in the industry today, or an emerging leader who represents the future of cane country.
If someone comes to mind, I’d encourage you to take a few minutes to put their name forward at canegrowers.com.au/legend. Selected Legends will be acknowledged and honoured at our Mackay Centenary Gala on 12 March 2026.
Making Sense of a Softer Sugar Market
In the next Talking Trade episode of the CANEGROWERS Around the Paddock podcast, we unpack what’s really driving today’s soft sugar prices and what it means for growers heading into 2025. We walk through the global shift from deficit to surplus, Brazil’s production mix, Thailand’s rebound and the policy moves in India that could reshape exports and premiums across Asia.
We also connect the broader macro signals - oil, currencies and trade volatility - before bringing it right back to the farm with clear, practical steps to protect margin. If you’re weighing up your next pricing decision, this episode offers a sharp, no-nonsense guide to using the forward curve with confidence.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or at the link below.
Centenary merchandise is on the way
And before you rush out to sort Christmas presents, a quick heads-up that CANEGROWERS will be launching its Centenary merchandise store next week. We’ll have shirts, T-shirts, hats, hoodies and a range of memorabilia to help mark the 100-year milestone.
Keep an eye on your emails for more information and some early offers once the store goes live later this month.
Calls for historic photos to mark centenary
As preparations build for the CANEGROWERS Centenary Celebrations (1926–2026), the organisation is calling on members, families and the wider community to share their historic photos of Queensland’s sugarcane industry.
The centenary will celebrate 100 years of CANEGROWERS and the people who have shaped the industry. To help capture the story, we are keen to gather a diverse range of images that showcase life on the cane farms, the changing practices of cane growing, and the communities built around sugar
Photos can be emailed to info@canegrowers.com.au.
