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Mark Hampson, CEO of Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), brings a wealth of insight to this candid conversation about the state of Australia's sugar industry and the unique position Queensland growers hold in the global market.

With sugar prices hovering around $530 per tonne and approaching cost of production levels, Hampson reveals why Australian cane farmers should recognize their enviable position compared to global competitors. "The Australian grower is in a unique situation where they're one of the few growers in the world that can price risk management out four and five seasons," he explains, highlighting capabilities that sugar producers in Thailand and Brazil can only dream about.

The podcast unveils QSL's innovative FlexPay system, set to revolutionize how growers manage cash flow. This customizable payment system will allow farmers to dial up or dial down their advances weekly based on individual business needs—eliminating the one-size-fits-all financing charges that have been the industry standard. This shift to user-pays financing represents a significant evolution in how growers can optimize their financial management.

Perhaps most revealing is the dramatic shift in grower behavior this season. While typically 70% of the crop would be priced by this point in September, Hampson notes only 35-40% has been priced so far. "It's really hard to forward price where they know they're probably not making any money or they're locking in at around a cost of production level," he explains, highlighting the strategic patience growers are exercising in today's challenging market.

Despite current market pressures, Hampson maintains a constructive long-term outlook. With global prices at levels where "no investment case in sugar globally makes any sense," he predicts eventual upward movement will be necessary to stimulate the production needed to meet growing global demand. For Queensland growers, the path forward lies in optimizing their risk management strategies while leveraging the sophisticated tools and services that QSL has developed over its 101-year history.

Discover how your sugar farming operation can navigate today's market challenges while positioning for tomorrow's opportunities by exploring QSL's innovative approaches to pricing, payment systems, and market access.

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Sugar pricing might be the best-kept secret in Australian agriculture, offering growers a level of price certainty that other farming sectors can only dream about. In this revealing conversation with Simon Hood, Manager of Wilmar Grower Marketing, we explore the sophisticated sugar marketing system that allows Queensland cane farmers to lock in prices up to three years forward.

Hood takes us behind the scenes of Wilmar's operations across their four Queensland regions, where they service approximately 1,300 growers. What emerges is a picture of an industry with exceptional price transparency, driven by a deep global futures market that provides unparalleled pricing opportunities for forward-thinking producers.

The discussion reveals fascinating insights into grower behaviour, with Hood noting that while 85% of Wilmar's growers manage their own pricing rather than using pool structures, many haven't fully capitalised on forward pricing opportunities despite recent market highs. "We very much promote a risk management approach," explains Hood, emphasising that successful pricing isn't about hitting market peaks but rather averaging prices over time to ensure sustainability.

We also explore the physical premium market, which has normalised after delivering exceptional returns of $55 per tonne in 2023, and innovative financial tools Wilmar offers including pre-season payments at competitive interest rates, accelerated payment options, and even access to Wilmar's significant purchasing power for inputs like fertiliser.

Looking forward, Hood shares Wilmar's market outlook, noting concerns about Brazilian production exceeding expectations and a large Indian crop potentially capping price upside. With current prices around $575 per tonne, some growers are feeling pressure as margins tighten, making strategic price risk management more important than ever.

Whether you're a cane farmer looking to refine your marketing strategy or simply interested in agricultural commodities, this episode offers valuable insights into one of Australia's most sophisticated agricultural pricing systems.

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This month's sugar market update explores sustainable sugar's value in the global market, with guests Lindsey Perry and Matt Kealley from CANEGROWERS Brisbane sharing their expertise on sustainability certification and market access.

• Sugar prices currently volatile at around 16.5 cents per pound, with 2025 season at $550 AUD per tonne
• Forward prices showing higher values for 2026-2028 seasons, indicating current selling pressure
• Smartcane BMP program already delivers value through access to premium markets like Japan and US
• Developed markets use 75% of sugar in industrial food and beverage production, driving sustainability requirements
• Major buyers like Coca-Cola recognise Smartcane BMP as meeting their sustainability criteria
• Smartcane BMP celebrates 10 years with an impressive 95% grower retention rate
• New ESG reporting regulations beginning January 2025 will impact sugar supply chain
• Module 4 of Smartcane BMP being developed to address greenhouse gas reporting and modern slavery requirements
• Mass balance approach currently used for sustainable sugar, with potential future premiums for certified growers
• Australian sugar industry uniquely positioned with independent growers rather than plantation model

Visit the Smartcane BMP website to learn more about Module 4 self-assessment, which will be available in the coming weeks.

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MSF Sugar is setting the benchmark for mechanical efficiency in Australia’s sugar industry - hitting 97% at Tableland Mill and 93–94% at South Johnston and Mulgrave - even after four consecutive years of extreme wet weather. South Johnston alone lost 1,100 crushing hours in one season.

In this episode, South Johnston Mill Manager Barry O'Brien, Head of Cane Supply Mark Magnanini, and Senior Cane Supply Manager Mick Wood share how MSF has stayed resilient, thanks to over $700 million in investment from Thai owners Mitr Phol. Upgrades to mills and the 800km rail network - including 220 bridges - have kept operations moving despite major disruptions like Cyclone Jasper.

We also explore MSF’s forward-thinking workforce strategy, its strong grower relationships, and its growing focus on green energy through its Tableland cogeneration plant, now powering 28,000 homes.

Despite current shortfalls, MSF’s message is clear: with the right conditions, the industry will bounce back - stronger than ever.

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As we move into the upcoming season, it’s a great time for cane growers to reflect on business production strategies and assess their bottom line. One key factor influencing profitability is the current sugar price, which has seen recent volatility due to shifts in global supply, weather patterns, and trade dynamics. Staying informed about these trends helps growers make better decisions around planting, harvesting, and marketing. With the market constantly changing, understanding the pricing landscape is crucial for maintaining profitability.

Just as important is monitoring the cost of production. Rising input costs like fuel, fertiliser, and labour force challenges continue to challenge margins. This is where the cost of production tool proves valuable. By tracking and analyzing expenses, growers can find efficiencies, reduce waste, and benchmark performance. These insights support smarter budgeting and strategic choices throughout the season. Using this tool helps clarify a farm’s financial position and strengthens long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the market. 

Take a listen to Dougall Morrow and Chris Gillitt discuss the tools and support available for growers as CANEGROWERS members. 

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In this episode, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan, Australian Sugar Milling Council CEO Ash Salardini, and Mackay Sugar CEO Carl Morton tackle the frustrations around mill performance. Dan highlights growers' anger and the need for solutions. The discussion explores foreign ownership, shifting industry expectations, rebuilding trust, and balancing costs and rewards. How can the industry come together to solve these challenges? Tune in to hear insights from key industry leaders. 

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CANEGROWERS' Marketing Update March 2025

What's happening on the world sugar market? Well, with Trump's tariff rollercoaster hurtling along at breakneck speed it can be hard to keep up. But CANEGROWERS' resident market experts Dougall Lodge and Doug Morrow will try to get to grips with where we stand in this new format Marketing Information Services podcast update. 

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel - is it a pipe dream or the future of Queensland's sugarcane industry? 
In this episode, we explore the potential of SAF, its connection to sugarcane, and how growers might play a pivotal role in transforming aviation into a greener industry. Tune in to uncover whether SAF is the next big opportunity for sugarcane or just another lofty ambition in the race for sustainability. ✈️🌱 

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The closure of Mossman’s iconic mill marks a heartbreaking chapter for its sugarcane growers. In this episode, we delve into the deep uncertainty and emotional toll felt across the community as they fight to save their industry. Hear firsthand accounts of the struggle to adapt, the sleepless nights, and the resilience needed to press on. This is the story of a town facing the painful reality of change and the determined spirit that just might carry it through. 

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CANEGROWERS is talking to two National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NHVR) representatives, Tim Brown from the Standards and Advice team and Jarrod Wilson from Operations South, Northern Region, along with Alexander Desses the CANEGROWERS Policy Officer about what we can do to maintain transporting sugarcane safely, and what growers can expect at the roadside when intercepted by the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance officers. 

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Feral pigs are costing cane growers like Innisfail's Joe Marano, Luke Zammit and Donna Campagnolo tens of thousands of dollars each year in lost production. Baiting, trapping, hunting, and even aerial shooting programs have so far been unsuccessful at controlling pig populations, with the feral pests able to roam and breed freely in neighbouring national parks. Frustrated growers are calling on all levels of government to step up control efforts and stop failing Australia on feral pigs.

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What work does CANEGROWERS do in the field of international trade? And how important is it to growers and the industry? 

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The CANEGROWERS podcast delves into the rise of rural crime and its profound effects on growers, both in terms of their physical and emotional well-being. In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Chris Cooper, the legal counsel for CANEGROWERS, to gain insights into the nature of crime and unlawful activities. Additionally, Kevin Borg, the Chair of CANEGROWERS Mackay, shares his personal experience of how theft has impacted his business. Lastly, Helle Cook, the CANEGROWERS Insurance Regional Manager - Southern, sheds light on the available support for growers from an insurance perspective.

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Chris Cooper, legal counsel for CANEGROWERS looks back on 40 years of fighting for growers' legal rights.

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In this episode Herbert River growers discuss what's driving an explosion in the rat population, the costs to local growers and the wider industry, and what is being done to address the problem.

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Uniquely in the world, Queensland sugarcane growers can price their sugar up to several years ahead. CANEGROWERS members fought hard for grower choice so the organisation provides  tools, education and information so they can do the best they can in this environment. This podcast  explains the important link between farm budgeting, risk analysis and sugar pricing and outlines CANEGROWERS' programs and services including Business Essentials, professional workshops supported by the government Farm Business Resilience Program (jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program).

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After 39 years representing his fellow sugarcane growers, most recently as CANEGROWERS Chairman, Paul Schembri is retiring to spend more time on his Mackay farm. 
In this podcast he reflects on four decades of significant change in the Australian sugar industry, surviving a practical joke at his first ever meeting, robust gatherings of growers and the advice of mentors who helped him along the way (including Bill Benson and Malcolm Pratt who join in for a chat). 
 CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation for sugarcane growers in Australia. 

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In May 2022, eight members of the CANEGROWERS Policy Council are retiring from representing their fellow Queensland sugarcane growers. This podcast is a parting word from seven of them. 
They talk about the big changes and issues, the pressures, rewards and their focus on a positive future for the industry. 
Listen to Phil Marano (Burdekin), Jeff Atkinson (Maryborough), Tony Ross (Mackay), Allan Dingle (Bundaberg), Roger Piva (Burdekin), Michael Pisano (Herbert River) and Glen Fasano (Mossman).
 CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia. 

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Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable food and Australian sugarcane growers are proud of the way they farm and their product. This podcast looks at what defines sustainable sugar and how CANEGROWERS is working to make sure Queensland farmers can show the world that they fit the bill using accreditation programs and blockchain technology.

CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia. This podcast series examines key issues and challenges and celebrates successes.

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 An explanation of what’s wrong with modelling water quality,  regulating agriculture, and relying on report cards in Australia's Great Barrier Reef management and the CANEGROWERS way forward for a sustainable future for the environment and sugarcane farms.
CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia. This podcast series examines some key issues and challenges and celebrates the successes.