THE last cane of the Burdekin’s 2014 crushing season was crushed on Wednesday, November 25 while the last Herbert region’s crush was completed on Saturday morning, November 23.
Between the two areas a total of 12.212 million tonnes of cane were crushed for the season.
In the Burdekin Pioneer was the last of the Burdekin’s four mills to finish crushing. Invicta finalised its season on Thursday, November 20, followed by Kalamia on Friday, November 21, while Inkerman wrapped up its 100th crushing season on Sunday, November 23.
Wilmar Sugar Operations General Manager Mike McLeod said a total of about 8.06 million tonnes of cane was crushed for the season in the Burdekin.
“The final crop was better than our pre-season estimate and about 770,000 tonnes more cane than last year’s total,” Mr McLeod said.
“Overall, it’s been a good season for the Burdekin,” he said.
“The mills have generally performed well and we had a good run with weather, after some rain stops in the first half of the season.
Mr McLeod said that, based on early estimates, next year’s crop would be bigger again, with more than 8.2 million tonnes expected from the Burdekin.
“It’s good to see Burdekin crops returning to totals of more than eight million tonnes.
The Herbert region’s 2014 crushing season was finalised on Saturday.
Macknade Mill crushed its last cane of the season just after 5am, with Victoria Mill’s A side wrapping up about 10.40am. Victoria’s B side finished crushing earlier in the week on Wednesday, November 19.
Mr McLeod said a total of 4.152 million tonnes of cane was crushed for the season in the Herbert region.
“The final crop fell short of our pre-season estimate of 4.2 million tonnes but was still the region’s best crop since 2008 and 150,000 tonnes more than last year.
“Unfortunately, the dry weather in the back end of the season caused the crop to drop off quite rapidly in the final weeks.
The CCS average of 13.62 was down slightly on last year’s result.
Mr McLeod said an emerging trend of lower bin weights and increased amounts of extraneous matter continued to create challenges this season.
He said while Victoria Mill had a disappointing start, its performance improved as the season progressed.
“The mill had significant issues with its A side milling train in the opening couple of months but crushed reasonably well once those problems were resolved.
“Macknade Mill crushed solidly all season – achieving one of its best results for several years.”
Unfortunately, the season was, once again, marred by a number of safety incidents involving cane trains and members of the public.
“Despite repeated warnings, it is disappointing that a small number of motorists continue to disobey warning signs and signals at cane railway crossings.”
He said the outlook for next year’s season was positive, provided favourable weather was received during the coming months.
“The 2015 crop is currently expected to be about 4.32 million tonnes but desperately needs rain.
“Hopefully showers forecast for the next couple of weeks eventuate to provide some much-needed relief from the dry conditions.”
