SUGAR Research Australia (SRA) and Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd (HCPSL) held a joint harvesting forum on Wednesday May 9, 2014 with around 25 growers, harvest operators and millers attended.
Discussions focused on the task for this year - harvesting and crushing the Herbert crop estimated to be in the order of 4.2 million tonnes at 75.0 tonnes to the hectare.
Cam Whiteing, Engineer-Cropping Systems, SRA, presented the results of trials conducted in Tully in 2013 which highlighted the importance of harvesting best practice.
Mike Sefton from HCPSL outlined the results of a spatial analysis of pour rate and ground speed and subsequent productivity data obtained from harvesters in the Herbert. Although many harvesting groups are doing a good job the data showed that high pour rates/speeds have (on average) a negative impact on subsequent yields.
“The Herbert has some unique systems which sets us apart from other regions,” Mr Sefton said.
“The local industry has invested heavily in location and web based technologies with a business improvement focus,” he said.
“The district is now reaping the benefits of this investment.
“Spatial analysis using these systems is now uncovering many previously hidden productivity trends - which will ultimately lead to higher productivity.”
Those attending were also given a presentation by Chris Norris of Norris Energy Crop Technologies regarding his experience with cane cleaning plants overseas and the trial of a prototype cane cleaning plant carried out in Tully last season. Chris also outlined the modelling that was being done at an industry level on the economics of slowing harvesters and the financial impact on harvesters, growers and mills.
Dr Andrew Ward, Executive Manager Professional Extension and Communication Unit, SRA said that the Harvesting Forum was a great success and a great opportunity for growers and the harvesting community to hear about the latest research findings and advice as they gear up for this year’s season.
“The PEC Unit is committed to providing local events and sees them as an ideal opportunity to arm the sugarcane community with new ideas to optimise their farming operations and inform SRA Members and levy payers about our ongoing research investments,” Dr Ward said.
A ready reckoner tool is available on the SRA website www.sugarresearch.com.au to help growers calculate the flow rates at different ground speeds to crop size, based upon their row width.
