Bioenergy: how to turn sugarcane into jet fuel

24 September 2021 | AFR

An innovative Australian biotech leader has recently entered into a partnership to turn sugarcane waste into jet fuel.

It’s an exciting development for the emerging biofuel sector, which is taking Australia’s considerable agricultural waste resource and turning it into green energy.

Land around the Burdekin River, south of Townsville in north Queensland, is one of the world’s most prolific sugar-growing areas, thanks to an enormous aquifer that sits under the region.

The billet or stalk from the sugarcane goes to the mill, but the cane tops and trash – dead leaves – are byproducts of the harvest that usually go up in smoke, which is an ecological nightmare given the land is so close to the Great Barrier Reef.

Each year, a whopping 5.7 million tonnes of tops and trash is produced in Queensland alone. This material can’t be left in the field because the furrows between the sugarcane rows would get clogged up, preventing water from the aquifer from flowing through them. More...

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Webinar: Screening for disease resistance and SRA's improved disease rating system

7 October 2021 | SRA

Use of resistant varieties is the most effective and cheapest option for managing some important sugarcane diseases, such as smut, pachymetra root rot, Fiji leaf gall, leaf scald, and mosaic diseases. More...

UQ-designed cane toad lure may curb spread thanks to new deal

22 September 2021 | UQ

Australia may soon have the jump on cane toads after a Gold Coast not-for-profit was granted an exclusive licence to market a University of Queensland-designed bait for the invasive pests.

The environmentally friendly lure developed by UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience researcher Professor Rob Capon and Professor Rick Shine from the University of Sydney uses the pheromones of adult cane toads to attract tadpoles, trapping them before they grow and reproduce. More...

Labour supply issues, oversupply of produce leads to 'difficult' economic times for farmers

24 September 2021 | ABC

We all like a bargain but do you ever wonder how much you should be paying for your food so the person producing it is making money?

Recently avocados have been advertised for as little as $1 each, which is great for shoppers but not so great for growers like Russell Delroy. More...

Trial looks at herbicide residue yield penalties

23 September 2021 | Farm Weekly

A trial which aims to compare the potential yield penalty incurred due to herbicide residues in comparison to the yield penalty inherent in growing a herbicide-resistant variety has had some surprising results given the unusual seasonal conditions. More...

Soil probes provide real-time moisture data

24 September 2021 | Farm Weekly

A PROJECT which involves the testing of soil moisture probe technology was one of the key focuses of the Liebe Group's Spring Field Day held at Dalwallinu earlier this month, with the ultimate aim being to increase growers' awareness and knowledge about how the technology could add value to their businesses. More...

First credits sold under state carbon scheme as industry eyes boom

21 September 2021 | ABC

A central Queensland couple has become the first to sell carbon credits under the state government's Land Restoration Fund (LRF).

In the $25 million scheme's first eligible project, Monto graziers Robert and Nadia Campbell will agree to store 165,000 tonnes of carbon on their 7,000-hectare Goondicum Station for 25 years. More...

States and territories revolt over federal government's coal power subsidy plan

24 September 2021 | ABC

The federal government is facing a revolt from states and territories over its plan to allow subsidies for coal and gas-fired power stations as part of reforms to shore up reliability of the electricity grid.

Victoria "will not support" the plan it dubs "CoalKeeper," and the ACT will "adamantly oppose" it at a meeting of federal, state and territory energy ministers being held today. More...

Urgent action needed to tackle hungry plant pest

24 September 2021 | Farm Online

Farmers want speedy access to a new chemical to help combat the rapid spread of fall armyworm in sorghum and millet crops. 

Grains Producers Australia wants urgent action so farmers to have another weapon in their armoury to tackle this new invader. More...

Chunk of Fonterra Australia may hit the market

23 September 2021 | North Queensland Register

Giant NZ dairy cooperative Fonterra has announced it is reviewing its ownership of Fonterra Australia.

In a statement today, Fonterra said one option was an initial public offering, with the intention that the co-op retained a significant stake.

The coop seemed to have two different takes on its strategy. More...

The future of Fonterra in Australia

23 September 2021 | Farm Weekly

Australian milk might be some of the best in the world but, Fonterra Australia's managing director says, it's not New Zealand milk. 

The result is that a chunk of the local business is being put up for sale, with strings attached.

In statements this morning, the giant NZ cooperative announced that it was placing "a greater focus on our New Zealand milk". More...

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Week Ending 24 September 2021