Completed projects and reports

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Sugar Research Australia, Sugar Research Development Corporation and BSES reports from completed research projects and papers.

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Enhancing grower groups in the Australian sugar industry : final report BSS287
(2007) Allsopp, PG
Self-directed and self-funded grower groups in other Australian agricultural industries have demonstrated that participative R&D and action-learning processes can deliver knowledge, attitude and practice change at faster rates than conventional extension methods. Australian sugar-industry productivity groups have been slow to adopt these processes and concepts. The project aimed to establish and assist a pilot grower group that could demonstrate and communicate to the broader industry the issues and benefits of participative R&D, action learning, and group incorporation and self-funding.
Increased adoption of efficient sustainable irrigation practices by Australian canegrowers : SRDC Final report BS127S
(1997) Holden, JR; Hussey, B; Shannon, EL
SRDC funded the three-year project 'Increased Adoption of Efficient, Sustainable Irrigation Practices by Australian Canegrowers in July 1994. The broad objectives of the project were to; Determine perceived limits to adoption of more efficient irrigation practices; Increase grower awareness of the benefits of more efficient water use; Research and develop a technical package for more efficient irrigation techniques; Demonstrate and promote best irrigation practice for irrigation of sugarcane. The overall aim was to: 'improve productivity, profitability and sustainability of canegrowing through increased adoption of efficient irrigation techniques by Australian canegrowers."
Sugar farming systems development and demonstration on the wet tropical coast : Final report DPI014
(SRDC, 2002) Sing, NC; Sparkes, DR; Charleston, C
The QDPI Sugar Solutions Project was an extension project focussing on group activities and on-farm demonstrations. Objectives of the project included the development and testing of alternative farming practices to improve the viability of cane production on the Wet Tropical coast from Ingham to Mossman. The alternative farming practices included the use of legume fallows and minimum tillage.
Towards long-term sustainability of sugarcane farming in the Johnstone River catchment
(2001) Stewart, RL
Cane farmers are important stakeholders in the Johnstone River Catchment. Their engagement in the sustainability debate is essential, however, at times they appear to be isolated from it. The Johnstone River Catchment Management Association (JRCMA) saw the need for their engagement and applied to The Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) for a grant to do an action research project to achieve that end. Growers meeting in small groups discussed all aspects of cane growing with the aim of producing a booklet of guidelines for best management practices for the catchment. Growers were invited to speak freely but challenged to be certain that the practices they nominated were sustainable and demonstrable on their own farms. More than 100 growers participated in the discussions over two years and a booklet entitled “Growers perspective of best management for sustainable cane farming (Documenting practices in the Johnstone, Moresby and Liverpool Creek Catchments)” was published in best management practice format. The project received wide acclaim and The Honourable Rod Welford; Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage launched the booklet in April 2000. Demonstration of best practices for sustainable farming from a grower’s perspective were achieved through a major field day organised by the JRCMA and through a series of video clips of many practices throughout the catchment. “The Most Significant Change Approach” also known as “The Story Method” was used to determine changes growers perceived were occurring in the farming, agency and general communities as a result of this project. Focus group technique was also used to gauge the effect of the project on the general community and agency groups.