Far North
Progress update
| Project | What we’re doing | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvester Sterilisation Unit Assessment |
Validate the effectiveness of a prototype harvester sterilisation unit through pathological testing to assess its ability to reduce the spread of RSD during harvesting operations. Disease testing will check whether the unit reduces the spread of ratoon stunting disease during harvesting and whether it is practical for contractors to use. |
In progress |
Agreement with the harvester contractor / grower for a trial to be conducted. Trial will involve cutting a known infected paddock then entering a block that has tested negative for RSD and assessing the status of the crop once it is mature enough. Find a known infected and clean block managed by the harvester contractor / grower |
| South Johnstone Soil Health Project | This project will conduct a district-wide soil sampling and pathogen screening program across South Johnstone to determine which soil-borne diseases are present and how they are distributed. SRA Plant Pathology will assess potential links between these pathogens and the district’s ongoing productivity decline, using the findings to guide further testing and management recommendations. |
In progress |
Soil sampling strategy finalised, sampling commenced as weather has permitted. Sample collection to continue through until December / January with results analysed as they become available. |
| South Johnstone Project | Paired demonstration blocks will compare current farming practices with agreed changes to crop management. SRA, MSF and CANEGROWERS Innisfail plan to measure differences in crop performance and costs so growers can judge which changes are worth trying on their own farms. |
In progress |
Sites selected, management issues identified, required sampling commenced. Update pending due to change of staffing at collaborator organisation. |
| Sugar Plus Trial (waterlogged soil) - comparing varieties under local farming conditions |
Local variety demonstration to compare promising early stage (unreleased) varieties with established standards, including establishment, maturity and disease observations. |
In progress |
Trial planted. Awaiting germination to begin assessments. |
| Practical workshops on local farming questions | SRA researchers will provide practical training on topics chosen to meet local farming needs. Workshops or shed meetings will give growers and industry advisers a chance to discuss the evidence, ask questions and take useful guidance back to farms. |
On track |
Two weed management workshops delivered in 2026. Next workshops to be decided as per industry requirements and delivered in first half of 2027. |
| Project | What we’re doing | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunn Hemp / Pachymetra trial |
A field trial is proposed to test whether sunn hemp can reduce spores of Pachymetra, a root disease that restricts cane growth and variety choice. SRA Plant Pathology and a grower collaborator will compare soil samples under commercial farming conditions. |
On track |
Trial plan develop, grower and site selected and pachymetra test taken. Sample returned a lower than desired current pachymetra spore count. |
| Sugar Plus Trial (waterlogged soil) - comparing varieties under local farming conditions |
Local variety demonstration to compare promising early stage (unreleased) varieties with established standards, including establishment, maturity and disease observations. |
On track |
Trial planted |
| Practical workshops on local farming questions |
SRA researchers will provide practical training on topics chosen to meet local farming needs. Workshops or shed meetings will give growers and industry advisers a chance to discuss the evidence, ask questions and take useful guidance back to farms. |
On track |
Workshops not intended to be delivered during 2026 harvest period. Workshops to be decided as per industry requirements and delivere in first half of 2027. |
| Tableland Pachymetra Survey |
Tableland Pachymetra Survey – re-sampling of outlier blocks that have shown higher Pachymetra levels than have historically been detected in the Tableland. |
On track |
45 of targeted 50 samples taken. Collect remaining 5 samples, re-sample high spore count blocks post harvest and share conclusions with industry. |
Far North overview
The above Activities for the Far North district are part of the action plan from the SRA Strategic Plan (2026- 2031). Priorities contained within the Strategic Plan have an Action Plan outlining the delivery roadmap to achieve its outcomes. Progress updates for action in your district can be viewed in the tables above on this page.
For more information contact Paul Calcino, SRA District Manager, Far North
Pictured: Meringa planting September 2026
