Implementation of improved farming systems
Implementation of improved farming systems of sugarcane in the Clare area, Burdekin District North Queensland
Group Name: Mulgrave Integrated Group
Objectives:
- Improved sustainability and profitability for (initially) group members and secondly for the wider industry at a district level.
- Better adoption of BMP from SYDJV and more faith in research.
- Reduced cane loss and dirt at harvest
- To share the burden of trial work amongst a group and then communicate results honestly and openly, including failures as well as successes.
A small group of 6 Burdekin growers has formed the Mulgrave Integrated Group (MIG). MIG is a sub group of the MAFIA group (an existing area wide management group with in kind support from Canegrowers). This group is interested in implementing research results from the Sugar Yield Decline Joint Venture.
Elements include:
- Using preformed beds with soybeans and disc opening planters to reduce tillage, thereby reducing costs and improving soil health. Disc opening planting and soybeans have been shown to be highly effective in achieving these aims. The preformed bed will result in a consistent row profile meaning less cane loss at harvest, less dirt through harvester
• MIG is also interested in carrying out other on farm trials including wider row spacings and controlled traffic. MIG is also applying for funding from SIIF for a GPS system that can be used across the MIG group to further improve this new farming system.