Growing sugarcane in Queensland
Rats in sugarcane crops
We are aware of higher-than-normal numbers of canefield (ground) rats and climbing rats in some sugarcane regions. While both species are native animals, you may control them if you follow the conditions of an industry-wide permit.
Contact your local productivity services company for more information.
Smartcane BMP is the voluntary best management practice (BMP) program for the sugarcane industry.
The program has 8 modules that cover:
- soil health and nutrient management
- irrigation and drainage management
- weed, pest and disease management
- planting and harvesting
- farm business management
- natural systems management
- workplace health and safety
- pathway to sustainable sugar.
It links with the Six Easy Steps program, and can help you to meet the Reef protection regulation requirements.
You can receive industry accreditation after:
- completing modules 1, 2 and 3
- undergoing an independent audit to verify that your practices meet industry best practice.
Smartcane BMP is managed by Canegrowers and is supported by the Queensland Government.
Economics and business management
- FEAT Online is a free tool to assist sugarcane growers measure farm profit and evaluate different farming system changes. Using FEAT allows you to test different farming options before making a financial commitment.
- Harvest Mate is a free web-based portal and app to help sugarcane growers and harvesting contractors record cane and sugar yield from the paddock. The decision-support tool uses data:
- collected by Sugar Research Australia (SRA) from trials across the sugar industry
- supported by detailed economic data collected and analysed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
- Read about sugarcane economics, including the results of sustainable sugarcane production, to help you assess the costs and benefits of different management practices. The collection can also be accessed via these categories:
- The sugarcane industry roadmap to 2040 outlines actions in the near, medium, and longer term, to strengthen and build the industry.
Biosecurity
- There are 6 sugarcane biosecurity zones in place in Queensland.
- The Biosecurity Plan for the Sugar Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans.
- Create your on-farm biosecurity management plan to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading an infectious disease, pest or weed.
- Encourage visitors to use the Farm Check-In app when entering your agricultural property to minimise the spread of pests and diseases.
- Find out if you need to be registered as a biosecurity entity.
Technology
- Learn how to use current and emerging technologies on your farm.
- Search the AgTech product directory
- Read the Precision Agriculture for the Sugarcane Industry guide (PDF, 1.06MB) to understand how you can apply these farm management techniques.
- Watch the showcase videos to see how cane growers apply precision agriculture methods.
Stay informed
- Learn how rotating crops with grain legumes improves the productivity and profitability of sugarcane production.
- Read about Queensland research trial case studies and results from the last 10 years.
- Learn how Project Catalyst trials have validated new farm management practices and improved environmental outcomes.
- Explore the CSIRO research library.