Community
20 September, 2024
Cane growers trial other crops
MOSSMAN canegrowers have been trialling grain crops as alternatives to sugar as the future of the industry remains in doubt.
Jack Robertson from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has been working with Mossman canegrowers in recent years trialling various alternative grain crops such as maize, sorghum, mung beans, soybeans which were all proven to grow successfully in the area.
Mr Robertson also ran some trials on pigeon pea and adzuki beans which did not seem to respond as well to the local soils and climate.
Regional agribusiness development north manager Aileen Eccles said she was keen to continue the support for growers by running a practical workshop session to look at realistic, alternative crop options on September 19 in the CWA hall in Mossman from 10am to 3pm.
“The DAF agribusiness team from Townsville and Cairns have invited a variety of industry specialists to have one-on-one and group sessions with growers based on the crops and alternative industries they may be interested in trying,” she said.
“Grain buyers from Peacefield Poultry Farms, Advanced Rural and Top Stock Agencies will give an overview of grains in demand, volumes, prices and seasonal patterns.
“We will then break into groups of interest including alternative grain crops, cattle, niche crops (tropical fruit, cocoa, mushrooms) and forestry/carbon trading.
“In the smaller groups, growers will be able to explore in more detail the best options for alternative incomes for their specific farms.
“If there is a high level of interest, we will be more than happy to run some follow up workshops. The aim is to identify some common projects that we can put forward to the Department of State Development and Infrastructure to request financial support through the Mossman transition plan.”
Growers are asked to contact Evelyn Matthews from Canegrowers, Gerard Puglisi from ACFA or Aileen Eccles from DAF (aileen.eccles@daf.qld.gov.au or 0417 794 929) to attend as the CWA hall is limited to 30 spots.
