The soybean harvest has begun in the Bundaberg Region with some of the early-planted crops being picked.
Photo: Bundaberg Canegrowers
Bundaberg Canegrowers chairman Allan Dingle says the Grain in Cane Co-op has started receiving grain.
“The soybean price has continued to be strong with prices in the very high $700s for edible soybeans, available on the guaranteed minimum price multi-grade contracts that the GIC Co-op has in place,” Mr Dingle said in the organisation’s latest newsletter.
“There is a lot of competition for edible grade soybeans this year, which is pushing the price up.
“The full fat prices are not moving as much as it is more closely linked to the import parity price of soybean meal from overseas.”
New board of Bundaberg Canegrowers
Also in the newsletter, Mr Dingle confirmed the new board of Bundaberg Canegrowers comprised himself as chairman, Michael Cavallaro, Dean Cayley, Anna Attard, Kelvin Griffin and Mark Pressler.
The results were declared on 15 April and more than half of eligible growers voted.
Regarding the 2019 season, Mr Dingle has invited feedback from growers on the starting date, currently scheduled for 17 June.
“At this stage I wouldn’t like to see us start that early, I think early July would be a better option,” he said.
“The estimate however may change that date. I’m interested in growers’ views on the start date.”
Mr Dingle said Bundaberg Sugar had indicated that Bingera mill will most likely operate in five-day mode and Millaquin six days.
Reef legislation opposed
He reiterated the organisation’s opposition to proposed reef protection legislation.
“We have and will continue to fight against these changes that are being forced onto us,” he said.
“We don’t support any regulation across the state and don’t want the southern region included.
“We don’t believe that there is scientific evidence to support the Government claims that we are impacting the Reef.
“We are hundreds of kilometres from the major reefs of the north, our inshore reefs are amongst the best in the state and the major currents flow to the south.
“Decisions need to based on science and not on some vote catching political agenda.”
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch says the legislation strikes the right balance.
