We’re seeing a pleasing rise in CCS levels across most milling regions as we approach the halfway mark for the 2025 season.

Earlier this month, we revised our total crop estimate upwards to 14.63M tonnes of cane, with the increase due to the Herbert region’s early-season performance being better than forecast after the major February flood event.

Our eight mills have now processed 6.94M tonnes of sugarcane, or 47 per cent of the total crop.

The proportion of cane processed varies, region to region. The Burdekin has made the strongest headway with more than 50 per cent of the total crop now crushed.

HERBERT

• The recent re-estimate saw the Herbert crop revised upwards from 3.27M to 3.55M tonnes – an increase of 280,000 tonnes.
• The Herbert crop is currently cutting at 74 tonnes per hectare. Average CCS has improved recently, but is still tracking slightly below budget.
• The Long Pocket Bridge upgrade works are progressing well and on schedule.

BURDEKIN

• Overall factory availability for the Burdekin mills is above budget and we’re achieving good weekly throughputs.
• We’re now more than halfway through the total crop and are making strong headway, thanks to continuing improvements in factory performance.
• Average CCS levels are continuing to climb and the regional average is now just under 15 units.

PROSERPINE

• Prevailing dry conditions are contributing to the Proserpine crop cutting below estimate for the first time this season.
• Average CCS is continuing to climb steadily and is tracking slightly above budget.
• Crush rates have been consistently above budget and the factory is meeting weekly throughput targets.

PLANE CREEK

• The Plane Creek crop is currently cutting just below estimate, at 82 tonnes per hectare.
• Cane quality has been good overall, even with the high proportion of standover coming through for processing. About 60 per cent of the standover cane has now been crushed.
• Factory availability has been good overall, underpinned by improved crush rates of 431 tonnes per hour, season-to-date.

DAVE ZELLER
General Manager - Cane Supply and Grower Relations