One-on-one extension with growers on their own farms, is at the heart of a project which will continue over the next 12 months in a partnership between Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL).

Titled Targeting balanced nutrition and productivity constraints in the Herbert, the project this month featured Manager Translation Research, Barry Salter, presenting a SIX EASY STEPS™ workshop in the Herbert for the project participants supported by Translation Research Agronomists Nancy Rincon and Erin Headon.

Growers who completed the training program are considered Appropriate Persons under the definition of the Queensland Government’s Reef protection regulations to develop and verify their own farm’s nitrogen and phosphorus budget (N&P budget) without needing to seek outside agronomic assistance.

“The project is a great opportunity for a grower to get down to the nitty-gritty with a researcher and extension officer about what could be impacting yield,” said SRA District Manager Northern Jessica Portch.

“A group of growers committed to being involved in the project last year and have paid an initial upfront fee of $500, redeemable for customised soil, leaf and disease assays and EM soil surveys,” Jess said.

One-on-one tailored agronomic extension services are provided to participating growers to improve cane and sugar yields while ensuring optimal inputs and environmental benefits on their farms.

The projects are part of the $4.38 million Sugarcane Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

For more information about this project contact:

• SRA District Manager Northern Jessica Portch – T 0431 818 482 E jportch@sugarresearch.com.au
• HCPSL Extension Agronomist Bethany Donker – T 4776 1808 E bdonker@hcpsl.com.au

(Above left) Dr Barry Salter and (right) Nancy Rincon with participants at the workshop.

Targeting balanced nutrition and productivity constraints in the Herbert is delivered by Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited (HCPSL), as part of the $4.38 million Sugarcane Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.