Adoption of an optimal season length for increased profitability; findings from the 2004 industry survey : Final report

Abstract

There is a large potential to increase total sugar production, individual grower and district CCS through better management of harvesting scheduling. Change management will be best implemented through active participation and involvement of all industry sectors. BSS264 Adoption of an optimal season length for increased profitability aims to maximise CCS, sugar yields and industry profitability in the Herbert region by exploiting regional variation in CCS, soil moisture and trafficability. This report presents the findings from the baseline survey results conducted within BSS264. The survey establishes a baseline on industry participants' views and opinions pertaining to harvest season length, crop management issues associated with an extended season length ( and the 2004 early harvest trial), industry infrastructure utilisation, community impacts, development of alternative income streams, industry viability and cash flows. A similar survey will be conducted at the end of the project to assess changes in industry viewpoints and opinions.