Sugar Cane Farm - Near Bundaberg

2 posts
Thu, 12/17/2015 - 14:47 #1

Member for

8 years 5 months
ccrowther
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 11/12/2015 - 10:15

Sugar Cane Farm - Near Bundaberg

Hi all,

 

I am relatively green to farming but as lifestyle change I am looking at purchasing a 33Ha Sugar cane (29 Ha under cane). 

 

I have checked out the property and have found that it has:

 

- 100ML of water allocation with pump and irrigation equipment

- Sandy Loam soil type

- Currently returning 90-100 tons/Ha

 

I am not sure how profitable it could be or is there anything else that I could do with the land? I have heard that there as the posibility of leasing the land to other growers? How/what rate? Or Buying the equipment needed to run the farm:Tractor, impliments ect.

 

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions

 

Cheers Col

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Fri, 12/18/2015 - 09:41 #2
barb
Last seen: 09/17/2019 - 18:07
Joined: 11/23/2011 - 09:38

Hi Col,

I live in this region. You may have noticed in your travels around the district that there are thousands of hectares of Macadamia trees. The reason is, because the sugar industry has been in a downturn for a few years. However there are still a few sugar mills in the district.

 

We also grow mangos, tomatoes, pawpaws, Avocados, strawberries and many other small crops in the district. Most of these are sent down to the markets in Brisbane or Sydney, but some go to the export market.

Further inland, wher the soil is not quite so good, we graze cattle or sheep,and there are also some dairies. 

 

Regarding equipment, sugar cane is now planted and harvested by contractors. However, the cane farmer has to do the fertilising, irrigating and weed control in the cane. So you will need a small row tractor to spread fertiliser and cart your tools around etc., a water tractor to  water your cane and perhaps a trailer. You will also need chipping tools for weeds (hoes), shovels, mattocks, crow bars etc., 200- 500 lt spray tank for herbicide or liquid fertiliser or to carry water for fire control.

 

Check out all equipment and pumps included in the sale to make sure they are working and ask the seller to demontrate their operation. Pumps in particular can be expensive to repair. You will need to factor in the cost of all the extra equipment needed before you purchase, because it can add up to a substantial amount.

 

I hope some of this info. helps.

 

cheers,

 

Barb

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