Sugarcane science forum showcases farmers ’ achievements
The 2022 Burdekin Sugar Science Forum in Ayr attracted the sugarcane industry ’ s finest , from growers through to extension officers , scientists and researchers .
Irrigation and nutrient efficiency were major topics of discussion at the NQ Dry Tropics event , with a particular focus on projects being delivered under the four-year Lower Burdekin Water Quality Program .
One of these is the Burdekin Irrigation Project led by Sugar Research Australia , which aims to transition cane growers to world class , technologically-advanced irrigation practices , benefiting their bottom line and reef water quality .
Farmacist Extension Agronomist Mika Rowston demonstrating how to choose the correct spray nozzle , and spray technique for each task .
Following a morning of presentations , a bus took attendees to a demonstration site at the SISL farm managed by Ryan Matthews on Callaghan Road . The visit sparked lively discussions , particularly about irrigation efficiency and the importance of farmers being seen to be keeping water on the farm .
Richelle Kelly and Jayson Dowie from Farmacist delivered one of the presentations in the morning .
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