Crush delivers mixed results across the industry
The 2026 crush is shaping up as a very mixed season. While some districts are making solid progress, others have struggled to get going because of persistent rain, lower-than-expected yields and continuing mill disruptions.
The far north has been hardest hit, with growers and harvesting crews from Cairns through to Innisfail barely able to get a clear run. Innisfail had managed less than two weeks of crushing since it was scheduled to start on 16 June - a deeply frustrating situation for everyone involved.
We are also hearing from many districts that the crop is cutting below estimate. Nobody is completely sure why, although an overall lack of sunshine may be part of the story. The encouraging news is that CCS is performing better than expected in many areas, which should help offset some of the lost tonnes.
Mills have had their own problems, including Mackay Sugar’s recovery from the recent cyberattack, the fire at Invicta Mill and ongoing performance and logistics issues.
Hopefully the weather improves and mills can get a reliable run, giving the worst-affected districts a chance to get their seasons back on track.
Celebration of the century
Celebration of the century
I’d love to see as many of you as possible at our Gala Dinner on Thursday 29 October at Brisbane City Hall. It will be a special night bringing together growers, industry leaders and supporters from across Queensland to recognise the people and communities that have shaped our industry over the past 100 years – and to look ahead to what comes next.
Seats are limited and filling up fast, so now is the time to gather a few friends, book a table or secure your individual tickets.
Legends of Cane Country
Legends of Cane Country
Nominations for our Legends of Cane Country awards have now closed, with over 120 worthy nominations received from across the industry.
The selection process is now underway and, with so many deserving people put forward, choosing the Legends will be no easy task. Those selected will be recognised at the Gala Dinner in Brisbane on 29 Otober.
Merchandise
Merchandise
Here’s a shorter, more natural version for Dan:
Our centenary merchandise is a simple way to mark 100 years of CANEGROWERS and the people and communities that have shaped our organisation.
The range includes shirts for men, women and kids, along with hats, hoodies and other practical items designed for everyday wear. It’s also a chance to show your connection to an industry built on generations of cooperation, resilience and shared effort.
Policy Council
CANEGROWERS Policy Council met in Brisbane in July, with the usual committee reports joined by several important presentations – and some very direct questioning from grower representatives.
SRA Chairman Mike Barry spoke about the organisation’s strategic plan and future direction following the departure of its CEO.
STL Chairman Peter Trimble and new CEO Dwayne Freeman also appeared before Council to answer questions about the decision to bring terminal operations in-house.
Growers made it clear that STL must remain firmly focused on the needs of industry and ensure these vital export assets continue to serve the sugar sector as a priority.
The terminals are a major strength for the Australian industry and give us an important advantage over many of our competitors.
The APVMA also faced strong scrutiny over its approach to paraquat. That kind of questioning is exactly what Policy Council is there for.
Bringing together elected representatives from every cane-growing region, it is the sector’s principal decision-making body and one of the most influential grower forums in the Australian sugar industry.
Paraquat Decision
One issue that generated particularly strong discussion at Policy Council was the APVMA’s recent decision on the use of paraquat.
Grower representatives challenged the regulator over its reliance on decades-old studies, the lack of real-world testing under modern Queensland sugarcane conditions, and the practical, financial and environmental consequences for growers.
The exchange was robust but constructive, and APVMA representatives indicated they were willing to keep working with the industry.
That engagement is welcome, but it must lead to a practical outcome.
The issue has become more urgent following Syngenta’s decision to withdraw all paraquat-containing products from Australia and New Zealand.
Syngenta has made clear this is a commercial decision driven by manufacturing, logistics and financial pressures, rather than the APVMA review.
Paraquat will remain available through other registered generic suppliers, but the withdrawal of a major supplier means future availability cannot simply be taken for granted.
Existing products carrying previous labels can continue to be supplied and used until 22 June 2028, subject to availability.
CANEGROWERS and Sugar Research Australia have applied for a one-year emergency permit, and Policy Council has directed us to pursue every available regulatory, scientific and political avenue until growers have access to a practical and affordable solution.
Biofuels still high on the agenda
Chairman Owen Menkens and I recently attended the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Asia Pacific Summit 2026 in Melbourne, which brought together more than 500 representatives from airlines, governments, fuel producers, finance, technology and the wider aviation supply chain.
While the recent flurry of speculation around biofuels has eased as fuel prices and supply concerns have settled, important work is continuing behind the scenes. The goal remains to build a viable domestic biofuels industry, with sugarcane positioned as a key feedstock.
Owen joined a panel discussion on the partnerships needed to bring low-carbon liquid fuel projects to life, including viable feedstock, suitable technology and long-term offtake agreements.
I also took part in an executive roundtable examining the opportunities and constraints involved in co-locating sustainable aviation fuel production with airports across the Asia-Pacific region.
Month of important meetings
It has also been a busy month of meetings on some of the bigger issues shaping the industry.
Owen and I met with the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to discuss the review of the Sugar Code of Conduct and reinforce the importance of retaining the protections growers rely on, including marketing choice, good-faith obligations and access to arbitration.
Our district managers met to consider the findings of the review CANEGROWERS commissioned into local government rates paid by Queensland cane farmers, as well as sharing updates on how the season is progressing across the districts.
I also met with CANEGROWERS Rocky Point and government representatives to discuss the future of cane supply in the district, and with the Director-General of the Department of Environment, Tourism, Sustainability and Innovation on Smartcane BMP and broader environmental policy issues.
Alongside that, we have continued work on an industry roadmap for low-carbon liquid fuels. These discussions are important in making sure growers are part of the opportunities being developed for the future.