Three modified sugarcane harvesters are part of field trials this season to examine improved synchronisation of ground speed and front-end components of the harvester.

While is may not be quite as cute as a beagle, 'e-nose' technolgoy is proving to be effective at sniffing out things that shouldn't be there. In this case it's ratoon stunting disease (RSD) in sugarcane.

Soil health tools of the trade

A keen interest in improving soil health has seen Tully grower Ray Zamora continue with a broad range of trials on farm. By Brad Pfeffer

Local farmers and researchers are using new soil health tactics to help stop the loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas.

Having grown a range of rotational crops in the past, Joe Trimarchi is looking beyond the traditional crops and vegetables that are subject to wild market variations to something he has not tried before.

The Southern Region Group was formed to bring together stakeholders to drive productivity improvements, and has so far focussed on the key issues of optimising harvesting efficiency and improving production on marginal soils

Farmers are using a sophisticated mix of new agronomy and farm practices that are improving the agricultural economy and providing an answer to the environmental risk of nitrogen fertiliser escaping into the atmosphere.

SRA has taken major steps forward in the delivery of the industry-led Adoption Strategy for the Australian sugar industry with the appointment of Regional Coordinators in six regions.

SRA will have a new research farm in the Southern growing region with the purchase of a new property at Welcome Creek, on the northern side of Bundaberg.