Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
CANEGROWERS Burdekin Ltd Newsletter Edition 2017/23 Distributed: Tuesday 12 December 2017
Season finish The last bin of cane was tipped at Pioneer Mill about 12.10pm Tuesday 5th
December, bringing the 2017 Burdekin crush to an end.
Wilmar have advised that 8.12 million tonnes of cane across the four mills
and the region's average CCS was 14.0.
Mill totals were:
Invicta - 3.037 million tonnes
Kalamia - 1.600 million tonnes
Inkerman - 1.723 million tonnes
Pioneer - 1.759 million tonnes
End of season information will appear in the next edition of canenews.
STL present at CBL AGM
Sugar Terminals Ltd Chief Executive Officer John Warda was guest
speaker at the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Annual General Meeting in
November.
John informed the meeting of his previous employment experience in
managing grower and corporate owned grain terminals in South Australia
and Victoria highlighting the roles he played in successive mergers and
takeovers. John also gave a comprehensive presentation of the STL 2017
Annual Report and an insight into future plans and initiatives that the
company is considering.
John also informed the meeting that a replacement for previous chair and
board director Stuart Gregory was pending.
STL have since announced that the new director is Leanne Muller. The
STL announcement containing details about Leanne is featured in a
separate article in this edition
CBL Manager Wayne Smith, Chair Phil Marano with STL CEO John Warda
2
QFF ready to work with new ministry team The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) congratulates all Ministers appointed to the
new 18-member State Cabinet and looks forward to working constructively with seven
key portfolios over the next term to deliver a thriving and vibrant agriculture sector in the
interest of farmers, regional communities and the state:
• Dr Anthony Lynham – Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
• Mark Furner – Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
• Leeanne Enoch – Minister for Environment & the Great Barrier Reef, Science and
the Arts
• Mark Bailey – Minister for Transport and Main Roads
• Shannon Fentiman – Minister for Employment & Small Business, Training & Skills
Development
• Stirling Hinchliffe – Minister for Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs
• Jackie Trad – Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait
Islander Partnerships.
President Stuart Armitage said that QFF and its members looked forward to getting
down to business to further Queensland’s $20 billion agricultural sector.
“It is essential that an effective and influential Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council
(AgMac) is quickly established. We must be able to get relevant ministers around an
objective, solutions-focused table to appropriately deal with the multi-dimensional and
cross-portfolio issues that modern agriculture faces,” said Mr. Armitage.
“It is also important that the returned government quickly picks up and progresses issues
such as electricity tariff reforms, a Solar Planning Guideline (and Code) and general
planning reforms, bulk water pricing, Condamine Alluvium groundwater buybacks, Local
Management Arrangements, the statewide water measurement and compliance audit,
and removing stamp duty on agricultural insurance, that were put on hold when the
election was called.”
“Our sector needs a stable, consistent government that can deliver a clear and well-
articulated vision. QFF is ready to work constructively with the new Ministry to help
realise this and will judge each member on the merits of their commitment and results for
our sector, not on their postcode.”
Smartcane BMP Accreditation Incentive Payment now available The incentive payment that was
negotiated by CBL into the
Collective CSA is now available to
those growers who have received
their Accreditation and Certificate
for the first three modules of the
Smartcane BMP program.
The payment is claimable from
Wilmar as per the process outlined
in the brochure circulated earlier in
the year, details can be viewed by
clicking here.
Any assistance required to claim
the incentive payment can be
arranged by contacting the CBL
office for any grower who has the
accreditation in place.
3
STL appoints independent director Experienced Director Leanne Muller has been appointed today as a new independent non-
executive Director of Sugar Terminals Limited (STL, NSX:SUG), replacing Stuart Gregory who
retired from the STL Board in September 2017.
Ms Muller’s appointment was made after an extensive recruitment and selection process. STL
Chairman Mark Gray said “Leanne has strong skills as a company Director with Data#3, QInsure
Limited, Peak Services and Guide Dogs Queensland. She is also a highly experienced executive
with over 30 years’ experience, split evenly between senior corporate financial management roles
in organisations balancing service outcomes with financial sustainability and professional advisory
services.”
Mr Gray continued “We are delighted to have someone of Leanne’s calibre join STL. Her skills and
experience will add to the capability of the Board in fulfilling its increased responsibilities under the new business model.”
Ms Muller added “I am looking forward to working with the Board and management team at STL. I have worked in and with
businesses undergoing significant change throughout my career and believe I will be able to add value to STL as it continues its
evolve its operations. As a born and bred Queenslander I am also passionate about Queensland businesses”.
Ms Muller’s appointment maintains the STL Board composition of seven members, with four industry Directors (two grower
elected and two miller elected) and three independent non-executive Directors.
Newly appointed STL
Independent Director
Leanne Muller
Ray Hildebrandt farewelled by Inkerman growers
Burdekin Productivity Services Field Officer Ray Hildebrant was
celebrated at a farewell BBQ held by Inkerman
CANEGROWERS on Wednesday 6th December.
The Inkerman growers showed their appreciation for Ray’s 35
years servicing the growers of Inkerman.
Beginning in 1982 at the CANEGROWERS office in Home Hill,
Ray has seen the different generations of farmers, fathers, then
sons and grandson’s running the family farms.
Ray’s experience and knowledge has been invaluable, with
growers grateful for his tireless work and co-operation; he will
be very hard to replace.
QFF congratulate Labor on State Election victory, now time to deliver The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) congratulates
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on leading the Labor
Government to re-election at the State Election.
QFF President Stuart Armitage welcomed the Premier’s
recognition that agriculture was a ‘key driver’ of jobs in
Queensland and said that with a majority government it was
now time to deliver for the sector.
“On behalf of intensive agriculture, QFF congratulates the
Labor Party on securing government for a second term. QFF
and members look forward to working alongside the
government to deliver the vibrant and thriving agricultural
sector Queensland deserves,” Mr. Armitage said.
“The election result, while in no way emphatic, delivers a
degree of certainty for the state and the agricultural sector in
the coming years. More importantly though, the stability must
be complemented by a clear and well-articulated vision.”
“Central to achieving this will be appointing the right minister
for our sector. Someone who is willing to listen and work with
industry, and is given a strong and influential position in the
Cabinet.”
“QFF will continue to advocate for a thriving and vibrant
agriculture sector in the interest of farmers, regional
communities and the state”.
Inkerman growers farewelled Burdekin Productivity Services Ray
Hildebrandt (middle) after 35 years of service
4
CANEGROWERS Queensland … taking up the fight on all issues affecting cane farmers
Executive Comment
• CANEGROWERS Vice-Chairman represented the organisation at the NFF AGM and members council last week. At the
AGM the membership elected a number of new Directors and voted to change the tenure of Board members. The role of
President was uncontested with Fiona Simson returning for a second term. Victorian Farmers Federation President and
mixed farmer David Jochinke was elected to the position of Vice President. Three new Board Directors were elected:
Agforce Director and cattle producer Robyn Bryant, Dried Fruits President Mark King and NSW Farmers President and mixed
farmer Derek Schoen. Chair of Grain Growers Limited and New South Wales grower John Eastburn and NSW Farmers
Executive Councillor and cattle producer Tony Hegarty were elected for a further term. The newly-elected Directors join
independent Directors David Carr and Andrea Koch, who were appointed to the Board in August 2017. At the AGM,
members also voted in favour of constitutional changes that will see Director terms changed from one year to three, with a
maximum of two terms able to be served. Further comment on the content of the meeting is provided below.
• Responding to enquiries and commentary on election outcomes.
• CANEGROWERS Chairman presented the industry at the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers meeting in London.
A key message from both the WABCG was that the market demand for sustainably produced sugar is increasing, with major
food and beverage companies demanding certification for environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains. The
response has been the development of sustainability programs in many countries and at least three different programs vying
for international dominance: Bonsucro, Vive and Proterra. The Qld industry is well positioned to meet the challenges of this
rapidly changing environment with Smartcane BMP already meeting the core environmental elements.
Smart Farm Grants
• CANEGROWERS have held discussions with DEHP and SRA on partnership opportunities for funding. Proposals are due
on 21 December 2017.
• CANEGROWERS have fielded a number of enquiries from growers on small grant funding. Proposals are due on 6
December 2017.
Rats
• CANEGROWERS met with SRA and Hebert Cane Productivity Services Board to discuss options for aerial rat baiting. The
best option is to extend the label on Rattoff to include aerial application. This will require working with the manufacturer and
APVMA. SRA will lead the project
Reef Alliance RAP Project
• CANEGROWERS joined a teleconference with QFF and NQ Dry Tropics to discuss three innovation project proposals from
the Wet Tropics. Further information is required and this will be assessed and sent to the Australian Government for any final
approvals.
•
Database Mapping
• CANEGROWERS met with ESRI to discuss requirements for linking the Smartcane BMP database to a spatial mapping
system.
Nitrogen
• CANEGROWERS met with Bernard Schroeder USQ and SRA on nitrogen, SIX EASY STEPS and N roadmap.
Marketing
• We are assisting CANEGROWERS Mackay in their response to Mackay Sugar Limited’s announced termination of its RSSA
with QSL.
Electricity
• The AER has invited CANEGROWERS to join the Consumer Reference Group it has established as part of its review of the
rate of return guideline.
• With the RoR an important determinant of electricity prices, this is an important and useful appointment. It recognises of the
quality of CANEGROWERS contribution to the national electricity debate.
5
CANEGROWERS Queensland … taking up the fight on all issues affecting cane farmers
Trade
• CANEGROWERS represented the Australian sugar industry at WABCG, ISO, Global Sugar Alliance and a number of other
representational and trade related meetings in London. The meetings were attended by sugar industry representatives from
all continents.
The Brazil government is introducing a new structure “Renovabio” to introduce more predictability in its ethanol program
and to promote improved environmental and economic efficiency.
Renovabio is structured around the creation of and trading carbon credits.
Brazil is progressing with the development of GM sugarcane varieties and approvals for the sale of sugar from these
varieties in its key markets.
BT cane varieties have been approved in Brazil and are being multiplied for commercial release.
Approvals are being sought in China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Canada, US and Japan.
A significant Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand has delayed implementation of the proposed regulatory changes that eliminate
Thai production quotas and abolish the country’s fixed domestic prices amongst other things. The Thai sugar industry
expects the new structures to be in place during the first quarter of 2018.
The Global Sugar Alliance is pursuing several topics:
EU – examining the prospect of further WTO action on sugar subsidies
China – monitoring the administration of safeguard measures
Pakistan and India – export subsidies.
The ISO confirmed that Australia will be Deputy Chair in 2019 and Chair in 2020.
Australia will host the ISO’s mid-year meeting in Australia in 2011
• Increased market access for Australian sugar to the EU and UK as part of the forthcoming Australia-EU FTA negotiation and
following Brexit an Australia-UK FTA were the focus of meetings with UK MEP Stephen Timms, the UK Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK Department of International Trade and the Australia-UK Chamber of
Commerce.
While significant uncertainty remains over the likely structure of future arrangements, the UK has strong interest in
supporting both its cane sugar refining and beet sugar production interests. This contrasts with the European
Commission’s support of beet sugar production over cane sugar refining.
• Representing ASA, CANEGROWERS participated in a series of trade meetings with Australia’s Ambassadors in Geneva and
Brussels and senior agricultural trade officials of the US, Canada, Guatemala, Brazil, UK, the WTO, US and EU presenting
the case for the importance of improved trade outcomes to the Australian sugar industry.
In Geneva, the case was put for the market benefits that would flow from worthwhile new restrictions to be placed on
trade distorting domestic supports.
In Brussels, the case was made for the full inclusion of sugar in the forthcoming Australia-EU FTA and the importance of
Brexit arrangements not further limiting Australia’s access to the EU.
• We also met with representative of Tate & Lyle Sugar, the European Sugar Refiners Association and European Sugar Users
to coordinate messages discuss the optimal positioning of sugar in the Australia-EU FTA negotiations.
National Farmers Federation (NFF) Members Council
• CANEGROWERS attended the NFF members council AGM and meeting on 27 and 28 November 2017. The following were
some of the issues raised:
Agtech developments (digital technologies used in agriculture) including the Precision to Decision project and Agtech start
-ups through SproutX.
Primary Industries Education Foundation where resources are made available to teachers and curriculums are influenced
at a Federal level.
Energy/climate change where a NFF policy was agreed.
National agricultural vehicle notice developments and the need to provide the necessary changes at a Federal level to
ensure that the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is effective.
6
Transport
• CANEGROWERS attended an NFF phone hook-up to finalise a project on how to educate other road users about traveling
with agricultural vehicles and to develop a process and strategy to ensure that NHVR is committed to certain issues in the
development of the national agricultural vehicle notice.
• CANEGROWERS held discussion with the Local Government Association of Queensland and they will work with the Gold
Coast, Logan and Hinchinbrook councils to approve permits for harvester movement over the Christmas curfew period.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser Project (EEF60)
• An EEF60 project team meeting was held in Townsville.
• The project is tracking well with 53 of the 60 sites having trial treatments completed, 5 still in progress and two have been
withdrawn. Of the 6 water quality monitoring sites 2 have been completed and are operating and the others are due for
installation in the near future.
• Field visits to sites were made in the Burdekin and it was interesting that the zero N treatments at one site was so clearly
visible at this early stage.
Smartcane BMP
• Meeting with SRA regarding ideas for collaboration.
• Meeting with consultants re progress on the marketing and communication strategy.
• Reviewed progress with improving the registration and business structure components of the BMP platform.
• Deb Telford, the BMP facilitator for Innisfail, was presented with the Reef Extension Officer Award at the recent Reef Alliance
awards dinner. This is in recognition of Deb’s tremendous efforts working with growers through a number of reef related
programs.
• Further refinements to the BMP web platform are underway which will improve the registration process and the management
of assessments. In particular, the current focus on registering individual businesses will be modified so that a grower
managing farms across several businesses can do one registration that covers all relevant businesses, with one nominated
to be the ‘parent’ business. This will avoid growers receiving multiple reminders for annual reviews, with all assessment and
accreditation processes linked to the parent company. This improvement will be applied to existing registrations as a
collection of businesses comes forward for accreditation or annual review.
• Unilever UK has been in touch to learn more about the BMP program. Unilever is investigating options for sourcing materials
to feed into their targets for sustainable sourcing of sugar (and other ingredients). They share our desire to minimise the
paperwork burden on growers who want to demonstrate their sustainability, often for multiple reasons such as water quality,
sustainable sourcing of sugar, biofuel feedstock etc. This means an approach that most efficiently demonstrates
sustainability, regardless of which set of standards or indicators are being promoted by various organisations or special
interest groups.
Smart Farm Funding
• The Australian Government recently announced the Smart
Farms Small Grants which provides funding to the tune of $50
million to agricultural industries. The funding is provided under
the National Landcare Program, and growers can directly apply
for grants between $5,000 and $100,000. The funding is to
develop and extend new tools, methods and technology so
growers can continue to be at the forefront of land management
and increase on-farm productivity.
• Supported projects will improve soils, vegetation and
biodiversity, and support farming communities to increase
awareness, knowledge, skills and capacity to adopt best
management practices. To be eligible, growers will need to
demonstrate how their project will deliver sustainable and
improved outcomes in key areas: on-farm soil, vegetation, and
biodiversity.
• QCGO has been fielding enquiries on the
funding. Applications close at 2pm AEDT, 7 December 2017.
Terry Granshaw 0437 553 149
Contact Terry on 0437 553 149 to attend
the next Smartcane BMP workshop
CANEGROWERS Queensland … taking up the fight on all issues affecting cane farmers
7
1. QFF gained insightful data from its flood recovery
workshops which showed lackluster on-farm disaster
recovery and need for a new approach to help affected
farmers. QFF statement HERE.
2. Have you got your 'Plant Life Balance' right? QFF industry
member Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland
(NGIQ) is encouraging people to increase the number of
plants they have to improve air quality and well being.
Details HERE. Download the free virtual greening
app HERE.
3. The summer edition of QFF's Energy Savers e-news is
out now. See the latest case studies & upcoming events,
and how farmers can register for an expanded Energy
Savers program HERE.
4. Farmers are urged to get in quick before applications for
the Smart Farms Small Grants Round One close on 7
December 2017. Grants between $5,000 and $100,000
are available. Details HERE.
5. More than eighty women participated in workshops hosted
by QFF across regional Queensland during October to
identify opportunities for business development and
leadership. See a wrap-up HERE.
6. The Queensland Rural Jobs & Skills Alliance
(RJSA) latest e-news including details on the Farm
Business Management course, the Queensland
Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) and Reef
extension workshops can be seen HERE.
7. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) was the hot topic
for a panel of industry leaders at Rural Press Club's
breakfast last week. See what QFF President Stuart
Artimage has to say about its affect on Australian
agriculture HERE. Details HERE.
8. Telstra has released its first Regional and Rural
newsletter designed to keep you updated on activities and
initiatives across regional Australia. Sign up HERE. See
newsletter HERE.
9. Agvet chemical store owners are urged to conduct safety
checks on their premises in preparation for fire and
cyclone season. Agsafe media release HERE.
10. Australia's most exciting innovations are coming out of the
ag sector with advances in agribusiness creating new
opportunities for food production and technology. Details
HERE.
8
Pricing information
Growers can monitor QSL pool performance via the Price Pool Matrices
published on the QSL website (www.qsl.com.au). This information is updated
regularly and provides a sense of how the QSL-managed pools are performing
over the current season.
Crop Year Indicative Price Movement
2017 Season 394.11 -4.81
2018 Season 419.00 -5.09
2019 Season 438.29 -5.10
2020 Season 440.31 -5.40
Calculation using ICE Closing Prices or equivalent Bank Swap Rates and
prevailing AUD/USD exchange rates
Refer to https://www.wilmarsugarmills.com.au for additional Pricing
Information and trends
$/Tonne IPS
GROSS 2017
QSL Harvest Pool $443
QSL Actively Managed Pool $425
QSL Guaranteed Floor Pool $372
QSL US Quota Pool $726
QSL 2-season Forward Pool $490
Advance Rates are based on a grower's individual estimated final sugar price.
For more information growers can access Wimar's monthly Pool Reports,
Allocation Account Amount Reports, their applicable Advance Finance Charge
via the reporting page of the Pricing and Payments
section of the GrowerWeb. The cashflow forecast tool is also available in the
Pricing & Payments section.
Default Default
Advances
Cash on delivery
Advances
Jun -17 65% 90%
Jul -17 65% 90%
Aug -17 65% 90%
Sep - 17 67.5% 90%
Oct -17 70% 90%
Nov - 17 72.5% 90%
Dec -17 75% 90%
Jan - 18 80% 90%
Feb - 18 85% 90%
Mar - 18 90% 90%
Apr -18 92.50% 92.5%
May -18 95% 95%
Jun -18 97.5% 97.5%
Jul -18 100% 100%
Wilmar Indicative Future Sugar Prices
as at 12 December 2017
2017 Season Advances Schedule
As at 11 December 2017
QSL Indicative ICE 11 prices
The figures quoted above are indicative of available ICE 11 prices as at the
current date and reflect the weighted average AUD/mt price. The prices have
been adjusted to include Over-the-Counter (OTC) margin fees charged by
banking institutions and, therefore, may differ from daily prices quoted by the
ICE #11 Exchange and/or other Marketers of Growers’ Economic Interest in
Sugar (GEI Sugar). Values also do not account for any adjustments resulting
from local grower-miller pricing arrangements. For more information, view the
latest QSL Market Snapshot here.
Estimated QSL Pool Prices
As at 24 November 2017
2017 Season Advances
Schedule
As at 31 August 2017
Applicable
from
Forward
Pricing
Default
Pools %
Rate
Default
Pricing
Indicative
price
Initial 60% 60% 252.08
24 Aug 17 70% 70% 305.64
19 Oct 17 72.5% 72.5% 309.12
14 Dec 17 90% 75% 336.99
25 Jan 18 90% 80% 359.45
22 Feb 18 90% 82.5% 370.69
22 Mar 18 90% 87.5% 393.15
19 Apr 18 90% 90% 404.38
17 May 18 92.5% 92.5% 415.62
21 Jun 18 95% 95% 426.85
July 18 100% 100% 449.32
Percentage rate approved by QSL Board
The program above is indicative only in its entirety and should not be taken as a
commitment by QSL with regard to either the advance rate or date of increase.
The program may change during the season depending on movements in the
marketing and shipping plans, sugar price and currency movements and timing
of cash flows. Suppliers’ positions in relation to any pricing elections may also
impact the timing and size of advance payments.
Confirmed
$/Tonne IPS
GROSS 2017
Wilmar Production Risk Pool $384
Wilmar Managed Pool $409
Wilmar US Quota Pool $638
Estimated Wilmar Pool Prices
As at 29 September 2017
As of the 29th September Wilmar does not currently have a component which is required to be
sold or priced in order to manage storage constraints in the sugar terminals and, at this stage,
remains unpriced until tonnage in this pool begins being delivered into sugar terminals. This
means the Gross Pool Price is currently a marked-to-market price reflecting the March 2018
and May 2018 ICE #11 futures positions, which is consistent with the expected sales program.
If you would like to know more about Wilmar's Production Risk Pool and our pricing approach,
please contact a member of the Grower Pricing Team.
Gross Pool Prices are an estimate based on the tonnes hedged and current market price (as at
the last business day of the month) for unhedged tonnage. Allocation Account Amounts begin
the season as estimates and are reviewed and updated on a monthly basis as actual
premiums and costs are known.
The monthly pool price report is available on the Wilmar grower web
Contact Us
HEAD OFFICE
141 Young Street, Ayr
Office Hours Mon - Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 3pm
4790 3600
CANEGROWERS Hall
68 Tenth Street, Home Hill
Wayne Smith General Manager 0428 834 802
4790 3604
Michelle Andrews
Manager: Finance & Admin 4790 3602
Tiffany Giardina Payroll & Administration 4790 3601
Racheal Olsen Solaris Insurance Brokers
Manager [email protected]
4790 3606
0408 638 518
Email address: [email protected]
DIRECTORS
Phil Marano
Chair
[email protected] 0404 004 371
Owen Menkens
Deputy Chair
[email protected] 0409 480 179
Steven Pilla [email protected] 0417 071 861
Roger Piva [email protected] 0429 483 815
Sib Torrisi [email protected] 0429 827 196
Greg Rossato [email protected] 0418 713 563
canenews is read by the majority of Burdekin cane
farmers and their families in the Burdekin. Copies
are also circulated to all CANEGROWERS Offices,
businesses, industry, politicians, Government
Agencies and members of the community.
Published Fortnightly by:
CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited
ABN: 43 114 632 325
Postal Address: PO Box 933, AYR QLD 4807
Telephone: (07) 4790 3600
Facsimile: (07) 4783 4914
Email: [email protected]
Please direct all advertising enquiries and materials
to the above.
Disclaimer
In this disclaimer a reference to “CBL ”, “we”, “us” or “our”
means CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited and our
directors, officers, agents and employees. This newsletter
has been compiled in good faith by CBL . Although we do
our very best to present information that is correct and
accurate, we make no warranties, guarantees or
representations about the suitability, reliability, currency or
accuracy of the information we present in this newsletter,
for any purposes.
Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be
excluded, we accept no responsibility for any loss,
damage, cost or expense incurred by you as a result of
the use of, or reliance on, any materials and information
appearing in this newsletter. You, the user, accept sole
responsibility and risk associated with the use and results
of the information appearing in this newsletter, and you
agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage
whatsoever (including through negligence) arising out of,
or in connection with the use of this newsletter. We
recommend that you contact CBL before acting on any
information provided in this newsletter.
Burdekin Cane Auditors—Workplace Coordinators
Site Name Email Phone
Invicta Ray Collinson [email protected] 4782 9153
Kalamia Vicki Lewis [email protected] 4783 0319
Pioneer Geraldine Cantarella [email protected] 4782 5346
Inkerman Mark Saunders [email protected] 4782 1020
11