Proserpine cane growers lead the way on precision agriculture

Better for the hip pocket and for the environment, cutting edge techniques are helping Whitsunday cane growers work smarter, not harder.

Once the drone is programmed to do its mapping, there's not a whole lot of work for Frank and Todd of Sugar Services Proserpine to do out in the field – "We just stand there and make sure it doesn't crash!" said Frank. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Proserpine cane growers are embracing cutting edge technology to crush financial and environmental costs.

Grower-funded not-for-profit organisation Sugar Services Proserpine is pioneering techniques in precision agriculture in the Whitsunday region, sharing with its 180 members the benefits of remote controlled airborne camera drones in mapping areas of weakness in their paddocks.

Purchased last year with a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries grant, SSP’s compact ‘Mavic 2’ drone can capture high resolution aerial photographs which enable farmers to detect, diagnose, and treat issues such as nutrient deficiencies or weeds in a targeted manner, with the aim of maximising yield and minimising waste.

Recent James Cook University geomorphology and spatial science honours graduate Todd McNeill is leading the project, with trials up and running on several local farms.

The results this harvest season are expected to reflect visual improvements already observed.

SSP manager Frank Millar said it was a more efficient and cost-effective way to farm by minimising the amount of ‘ameliorants’ applied, such as fertiliser, which also minimised impacts on the surrounding environment, including run-off to the Great Barrier Reef.

“We can apply the right product, to the right place, at the right time, and if we’re not applying unnecessary amounts of fertiliser, that results in a significant reduction of the wrong stuff getting into our waterways,” Mr Millar said.

“If you find weeds, you don’t need to spray the whole paddock – the chemicals are restricted only to where they’re needed.”

Other potential applications for drones included assessing damage from extreme weather events, such as cyclones, Mr Millar said.

“It’s a great visual means of showing farmers what’s happening, because when you drive around in a ute, there’s only so much you can see,” he said.

Sugar Services Proserpine has taken samples from across the Whitsunday region to study differences in soil health. Picture: Kirra Grimes.

Mr Millar said he was aware of a lot of “negative press” about farmers “destroying the reef” but was eager to draw attention to Whitsunday farmers’ sustainability efforts.

SSP emphasises environmentally safe agronomic practices in its advice to sugar cane farmers, and regularly runs workshops for its members on soil management such as one this Thursday at Proserpine Tennis Club, in collaboration with Farmacist.

“We’re all about trying to minimise agricultural chemicals and fertilisers and only apply what is necessary to apply – that’s it,” he said.

“No one’s going to willingly waste product because it’s expensive, so we want to show farmers how they can minimise those costs without sacrificing productivity.”