The NSW Sugar Industry has just passed the half-way point for the 2021 cane crush, having enjoyed favourable weather conditions, reliable transport and factory operations and a positive sugar price outlook.
To date, the three North Coast mills have processed some 850,000 tonnes of locally grown cane.
A relatively warm winter allowed for some additional growth in both one and 2-year-old cane and coming into Spring there has been an uplift in CCS, with sugar content performing well above average.
Image: contributed
Another load of cane makes its way to the mill
Crushed can on a conveyor
Condong sugar mill has crushed just under 50% of its forecast 480,000 tonne crop, with the northernmost cane ground having experienced some winter rain showers.
Broadwater sugar mill is running at just over 50% of its 640,000 tonne crop crushed so far and is on track to finish the season in mid to late November.
Harwood sugar mill is at 50% of its forecast 600,000 tonne crop despite experiencing some power outages and other operating challenges over the past month.
Sunshine Sugar CEO, Mr Chris Connors said; “Ultimately we’re having a tremendous season so far, which is encouraging for our growers and the industry.”
Despite the many challenges the local sugar industry has faced it appears that the 150-year-old industry isn’t going away.
“The local sugar industry continues to prove that it’s a reliable and consistent agricultural business here in the Northern Rivers region. This season we’re in a position to offer a record cane price to our NSW growers off the back of a solid world market and new varieties that are performing well above historical CCS averages, which is in stark contrast to many other industries.”