Sugarcane Practice Change program for the Burnett Mary region – The Burnett Mary Agronomy Project (BMAP)

Summary

The Sugarcane Practice Change Program works directly with growers and aims to boost farm productivity while reducing nutrient and sediment loss to waterways that flow to the Great Barrier Reef. A new project, BMAP, is working with sugarcane growers in the Isis and Maryborough regions to develop solutions to productivity constraints they have identified on their farms, using the SIX EASY STEPS principles and working hand in hand with local agronomists.

Objectives

  • Farm Plans: 40 cane growers will each get a personalised nutrient management plan to help guide fertiliser use.
  • New Grower Support: 20 growers new to these programs will get extra help to start their plans.
  • Better Practices: Work with growers to adopt Smartcane BMP sustainable farming practices that protect soil and water.
  • Boost Productivity: Identify and fix issues on farms, with tailored advice to improve Farm crop health and yields.
  • Local Jobs: Employ and train a local agronomist to support growers with expert advice.
  • Smarter Records: Help growers set up modern, easy record-keeping systems.
  • Measuring Progress: Track fertiliser use and efficiency on each farm to monitor improvements.

Expected Outputs

  • Farm Reports & Assessments: Each grower receives a detailed farm report highlighting productivity challenges and tailored recommendations, reviewed by SRA experts.
  • One-on-One Support: 40 growers supported through farm visits, technical advice, and nutrient management planning.
  • Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs): All growers receive tailored NMPs in 2024/25, with 20 growers receiving revised plans in 2025/26.
  • High Grower Engagement: Strong participation achieved through targeted marketing campaigns and Expressions of Interest.
  • Local Agronomist Role: A new agronomist recruited and mentored, building local skills and technical expertise.
  • Smarter Records: Successful adoption of modern record-keeping systems by participating growers.
  • Data & Reporting: Collection of practice change and grower feedback data for the Paddock to Reef Monitoring and Reporting Program (P2R).

Expected Outcomes

  • New Grower Involvement: Engage growers who haven’t previously taken part in nutrient management programs.
  • Healthier Environment: Reduce fertiliser runoff (DIN) to improve soil, water quality, and reef health.
  • Stronger Farms: Support growers with tailored advice to boost crop health, yields, and long-term sustainability.
  • Raising the Bar: Increase the number of growers achieving beyond the minimum Smartcane BMP standards.
  • Local Jobs & Skills: Create employment and build local agronomy expertise.
  • Smarter Records: Encourage modern record-keeping to support better decisions, accountability, and efficient farm management.
SRA PROJECT CONTACT: Lisa Devereaux
RESEARCH AGENCY: Sugar Research Australia

CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: Lisa Devereaux

PROJECT NUMBER: 2022/802

END DATE: 31/08/2026

Acknowledgements

The Burnett Mary Agronomy Project (BMAP) delivered by Sugar Research Australia (SRA) is part of the $4.38 million Sugarcane Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.