Shows
The Best of Breakfast with Bongani BingwaPre-Budget Address: Are businesses battling or at risk from sin taxes?Guests:Sibani Mngadi is corporate relations director at Diageo South Africa Johnny Moloto Johnny Moloto, Head of Corporate Affairs for British American Tobacco South Africa Sub-Saharan Africa Andrew Russell, the vice-chairman of SA Canegrowers Bongani Bingwa speaks to Sibani Mngadi of Diageo South Africa, Johnny Moloto from British American Tobacco South Africa, and Andrew Russell of SA Canegrowers to unpack the impact of so-called “sin taxes” on business from alcohol and tobacco to sugar and what these levies mean for jobs, investment, and economic sustainability. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702...
2026-02-2514 min
Kaya BizSA Canegrowers again calls on President ramaphosa to commit to South Africa’s sugarcane growersSouth Africa’s sugar industry is at a crossroads. Five years after President Cyril Ramaphosa promised, during the 2021 State of the Nation Address, to support the sector through local procurement, growers are calling for clarity and action.Dr Thomas Funke , CEO of SA Canegrowers gives an update on the state of the industry, the impact of imports and policy gaps, and what the government can do to secure the future of South African sugarcane farmers. Kaya FM
2026-02-1107 minKaya 959SA Canegrowers again calls on President ramaphosa to commit to South Africa’s sugarcane growersSouth Africa’s sugar industry is at a crossroads. Five years after President Cyril Ramaphosa promised, during the 2021 State of the Nation Address, to support the sector through local procurement, growers are calling for clarity and action.Dr Thomas Funke , CEO of SA Canegrowers gives an update on the state of the industry, the impact of imports and policy gaps, and what the government can do to secure the future of South African sugarcane farmers. Kaya FM
2026-02-1107 min
SAfm Market Update with MoneywebSugar tariff review: Industry urges Itac to prioritise local jobsDr Thomas Funke – CEO, SA Canegrowers SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream
2026-01-2708 minKaya BizSouth Africa’s sugar industry faces import pressuresSA Canegrowers will participate constructively in the newly gazetted International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) sugar tariff review process, with the expectation that full and proper regard is given to the risk facing rural jobs and livelihoods. Were there to be a collapse in domestic sugar production as a result of heavily subsidized cheap sugar imports entering South Africa, the country risks job losses and increased poverty. SA Canegrowers Chief Executive Officer Dr Thomas Funke highlights the role of the sugar industry in the economy and in rural communities. Kaya FM
2026-01-2614 min
POWER Business clips ONLYSA Canegrowers urges government to scrap sugar tax amid rise in importsTehillah Niselow speaks to Dr. Thomas Funke, SA Canegrowers CEOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2026-01-1311 min
The POWER Business ShowSA Canegrowers urges government to scrap sugar tax amid rise in importsTehillah Niselow speaks to Dr. Thomas Funke, SA Canegrowers CEOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2026-01-1311 min
CANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTalking Trade: From Surplus to Strategy: Making Sense of a Softer Sugar MarketSend us a text
2025-11-1326 min
CANEGROWERS Around the PaddockStay Ahead: Smart Sugar Pricing Strategies You Can Use TodaySend us a textQueensland sugarcane growers have access to some of the world’s best tools for forward pricing – a system many international producers can only dream of. But having the tools is only part of the picture.How do we use them effectively? What should we be thinking about now to manage price risk in today’s global sugar market?This month’s Marketing Information Service (MIS) update dives into exactly that – giving you the insights and strategies to make the most of your pricing options.Rob Imray at Farmarco Australia...
2025-10-3034 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockA Rapid Rise, Relentless Damage & The Long Road To Recovery - Cairns grower recall shocking Spring floodSend us a textA sudden September flood tore through the Russell River and Babinda Creek, smashing levee banks, blanketing new plant cane with debris, and forcing growers to rethink recovery under a tightening clock. We share first-hand accounts, real costs, policy gaps, and why community support and better forecasting now matter more than ever.• shock rise of the Russell River and Babinda Creek• rapid erosion, topsoil loss, and trash blanketing• plant cane damage and long-term yield impacts• rail line repairs and logistics delays• costs of levee rebuilds and laser-levelling• push for dis...
2025-10-1729 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTalking Trade - Exploring QSL's Future: Innovation and Industry Insights with Mark HampsonSend us a textMark Hampson, CEO of Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), brings a wealth of insight to this candid conversation about the state of Australia's sugar industry and the unique position Queensland growers hold in the global market.With sugar prices hovering around $530 per tonne and approaching cost of production levels, Hampson reveals why Australian cane farmers should recognize their enviable position compared to global competitors. "The Australian grower is in a unique situation where they're one of the few growers in the world that can price risk management out four and five seasons,"...
2025-09-1141 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTalking Trade - Forward Pricing Strategies Are Reshaping How Growers Manage RiskSend us a textSugar pricing might be the best-kept secret in Australian agriculture, offering growers a level of price certainty that other farming sectors can only dream about. In this revealing conversation with Simon Hood, Manager of Wilmar Grower Marketing, we explore the sophisticated sugar marketing system that allows Queensland cane farmers to lock in prices up to three years forward.Hood takes us behind the scenes of Wilmar's operations across their four Queensland regions, where they service approximately 1,300 growers. What emerges is a picture of an industry with exceptional price transparency, driven by...
2025-08-2432 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTalking Trade - The Sweet Truth About Sustainable SugarSend us a textThis month's sugar market update explores sustainable sugar's value in the global market, with guests Lindsey Perry and Matt Kealley from CANEGROWERS Brisbane sharing their expertise on sustainability certification and market access.Sugar prices currently volatile at around 16.5 cents per pound, with 2025 season at $550 AUD per tonneForward prices showing higher values for 2026-2028 seasons, indicating current selling pressureSmartcane BMP program already delivers value through access to premium markets like Japan and USDeveloped markets use 75% of sugar in industrial food and beverage production, driving sustainability requirementsMajor buyers like Coca-Cola recognise Smartcane...
2025-06-2043 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockUnpacking the Mill Performance Puzzle - Part 2Send us a textMSF Sugar is setting the benchmark for mechanical efficiency in Australia’s sugar industry - hitting 97% at Tableland Mill and 93–94% at South Johnston and Mulgrave - even after four consecutive years of extreme wet weather. South Johnston alone lost 1,100 crushing hours in one season.In this episode, South Johnston Mill Manager Barry O'Brien, Head of Cane Supply Mark Magnanini, and Senior Cane Supply Manager Mick Wood share how MSF has stayed resilient, thanks to over $700 million in investment from Thai owners Mitr Phol. Upgrades to mills and the 800km rail network - in...
2025-06-0629 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockDeep dive into Cost of ProductionSend us a textAs we move into the upcoming season, it’s a great time for cane growers to reflect on business production strategies and assess their bottom line. One key factor influencing profitability is the current sugar price, which has seen recent volatility due to shifts in global supply, weather patterns, and trade dynamics. Staying informed about these trends helps growers make better decisions around planting, harvesting, and marketing. With the market constantly changing, understanding the pricing landscape is crucial for maintaining profitability.Just as important is monitoring the cost of production. Rising in...
2025-05-2321 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockUnpacking the Mill Performance Puzzle - Part 1Send us a textIn this episode, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan, Australian Sugar Milling Council CEO Ash Salardini, and Mackay Sugar CEO Carl Morton tackle the frustrations around mill performance. Dan highlights growers' anger and the need for solutions. The discussion explores foreign ownership, shifting industry expectations, rebuilding trust, and balancing costs and rewards. How can the industry come together to solve these challenges? Tune in to hear insights from key industry leaders.
2025-05-0743 min2025-04-1225 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockChopping and Changing: Harvesting Sector Challenges Pt 1Send us a text
2025-03-3124 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTrump's Tariff TurmoilSend us a textCANEGROWERS' Marketing Update March 2025What's happening on the world sugar market? Well, with Trump's tariff rollercoaster hurtling along at breakneck speed it can be hard to keep up. But CANEGROWERS' resident market experts Dougall Lodge and Doug Morrow will try to get to grips with where we stand in this new format Marketing Information Services podcast update.
2025-03-2812 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockSugarcane for Jet Fuel: Visionary Future or Pipe Dream?Send us a textSustainable Aviation Fuel - is it a pipe dream or the future of Queensland's sugarcane industry? In this episode, we explore the potential of SAF, its connection to sugarcane, and how growers might play a pivotal role in transforming aviation into a greener industry. Tune in to uncover whether SAF is the next big opportunity for sugarcane or just another lofty ambition in the race for sustainability. ✈️🌱
2024-12-0328 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockHarvesting Resilience: Mossman's journey through mill closureSend us a textThe closure of Mossman’s iconic mill marks a heartbreaking chapter for its sugarcane growers. In this episode, we delve into the deep uncertainty and emotional toll felt across the community as they fight to save their industry. Hear firsthand accounts of the struggle to adapt, the sleepless nights, and the resilience needed to press on. This is the story of a town facing the painful reality of change and the determined spirit that just might carry it through.
2024-11-1943 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockGetting to grips with load restraintsSend us a textCANEGROWERS is talking to two National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NHVR) representatives, Tim Brown from the Standards and Advice team and Jarrod Wilson from Operations South, Northern Region, along with Alexander Desses the CANEGROWERS Policy Officer about what we can do to maintain transporting sugarcane safely, and what growers can expect at the roadside when intercepted by the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance officers.
2024-08-0218 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockFeral Pig Failure! Has government put feral pigs in the too hard basket?Send us a textFeral pigs are costing cane growers like Innisfail's Joe Marano, Luke Zammit and Donna Campagnolo tens of thousands of dollars each year in lost production. Baiting, trapping, hunting, and even aerial shooting programs have so far been unsuccessful at controlling pig populations, with the feral pests able to roam and breed freely in neighbouring national parks. Frustrated growers are calling on all levels of government to step up control efforts and stop failing Australia on feral pigs.
2024-07-3024 min
Trusted Authority - The Podcast155. Leadership In A Demanding Market: Strengthening Your Professional Toolkit [Brendan Stewart]As the saying goes: things are easy until you get punched in the face. And this is exactly what leadership is in tough times. This week's guest knows this all too well, having navigated through one of the most challenging periods and crisis in Australian history. Brendan Stewart was Chairman of one of the largest organisations, the Australian Wheat Board, the chairman of the Grains Council of Australia and the vice-president of the National Farmers Federation, as well as CEO for Queensland's peak industry for sugar in Queensland, Canegrowers. From boardroom battles to national crises, our guest has faced it...
2024-07-2144 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockGetting a grip on load restraintsCANEGROWERS is talking to two National Heavy Vehicle Regulators (NVHR) representatives, Tim Brown from the Standards and Advice team and Jarrod Wilson from Operations South, Northern Region, along with Alexander Desses the CANEGROWERS Policy Officer about what we can do to maintain transporting sugarcane safely, and what growers can expect at the roadside when intercepted by the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance officers.
2024-07-1918 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Herbert River Young Growers Development Group Featuring Directors Paul Marbelli and Leah RussoThe CANEGROWERS Herbert River Young Growers Development Group recently travelled to Brisbane with CANEGROWERS Herbert River Directors Paul Marbelliand Leah Russo, and Manager Frank Scardamaglia, supported by Sugar Research Australia’s Herbert District Manager Phil Patane. Across the three-day trip,12 young growers from the Herbert District dropped into CANEGROWERS Head Office, travelled to Sugar Research Australia’s Woodford Pathology Research Station, and the Rocky Point District to meet with other young growers.In this podcast Paul Marbelli and Leah Russo join Jason Wolfgram to discuss the group’s experiences and their learnings.This projec...
2024-04-2809 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverThe CANEGROWERS Herbert River Young Growers Development Group Featuring Grower Ray CervellinThe CANEGROWERS Herbert River Young Growers Development Group recently travelled to Brisbane with CANEGROWERS Herbert River Directors Paul Marbelliand Leah Russo, and Manager Frank Scardamaglia, supported by Sugar Research Australia’s Herbert District Manager Phil Patane. Across the three-day trip,12 young growers from the Herbert District dropped into CANEGROWERS Head Office, travelled to Sugar Research Australia’s Woodford Pathology Research Station, and the Rocky Point District to meet with other young growers.In this podcast Grower Ray Cervellin joins Jason Wolfgram to discuss his experiences and the benefits of being part of the CANEGROWERS Herbert Rive...
2024-04-2811 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverWomen in Sugar Herbert (WISH)Learn more about Women in Sugar Herbert (WISH), a group of like-minded women who meet to share knowledge and gain updates on industry matters. Jason Wolfgram speaks to Zenan Reinaudo and Leah Russo about the group and the upcoming annual conference to be held in Ingham.Zenan ReinaudoZenan was the first woman on the CANEGROWERS Herbert River board in 2021 and has a Bachelor of Social Work previously working in aged care. Zenan’s family have been farming in the Herbert region for over 100 years with numerous family members having previously served on the CAN...
2024-04-1812 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockTrade - Working behind the scenes to keep growers profitableSend us a textWhat work does CANEGROWERS do in the field of international trade? And how important is it to growers and the industry?
2024-03-1630 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockImpacts of rural crime on growersSend us a textThe CANEGROWERS podcast delves into the rise of rural crime and its profound effects on growers, both in terms of their physical and emotional well-being. In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Chris Cooper, the legal counsel for CANEGROWERS, to gain insights into the nature of crime and unlawful activities. Additionally, Kevin Borg, the Chair of CANEGROWERS Mackay, shares his personal experience of how theft has impacted his business. Lastly, Helle Cook, the CANEGROWERS Insurance Regional Manager - Southern, sheds light on the available support for growers from an insurance perspective.
2023-10-1328 min
Mornings with John MackenzieJohn MacKenzie chats with Dan Galligan, CEO of Queensland Canegrowers, about the first shipment of sugar to the United Kingdom under a new free trade agreement.John MacKenzie chats with Dan Galligan, CEO of Queensland Canegrowers, about the first shipment of raw sugar to the United Kingdom under a new free trade agreement.
Australia has not had any significant exports of sugar to the UK since the 1970s, and none at all since 2017, due to the protectionist attitude of the European Union, which saw some tariffs as high as 98 euros per tonne.
The free trade agreement should see Australia bring in around $74 million per annum from raw sugar exports.
2023-07-1105 minCANEGROWERS Around the Paddock40 years fighting for growersSend us a textChris Cooper, legal counsel for CANEGROWERS looks back on 40 years of fighting for growers' legal rights.
2023-06-2831 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockRampaging rats wreak havocSend us a textIn this episode Herbert River growers discuss what's driving an explosion in the rat population, the costs to local growers and the wider industry, and what is being done to address the problem.
2023-06-1613 min2023-04-1414 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockBudget, risk and price: CANEGROWERS essentials for a cane farmSend us a textUniquely in the world, Queensland sugarcane growers can price their sugar up to several years ahead. CANEGROWERS members fought hard for grower choice so the organisation provides tools, education and information so they can do the best they can in this environment. This podcast explains the important link between farm budgeting, risk analysis and sugar pricing and outlines CANEGROWERS' programs and services including Business Essentials, professional workshops supported by the government Farm Business Resilience Program (jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adapta...
2022-07-2920 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockFour decades of change: CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri retiresSend us a textAfter 39 years representing his fellow sugarcane growers, most recently as CANEGROWERS Chairman, Paul Schembri is retiring to spend more time on his Mackay farm. In this podcast he reflects on four decades of significant change in the Australian sugar industry, surviving a practical joke at his first ever meeting, robust gatherings of growers and the advice of mentors who helped him along the way (including Bill Benson and Malcolm Pratt who join in for a chat). CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation for sugarcane growers in Australia.
2022-04-2224 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockCommitment and Vision: Perspectives from the CANEGROWERS Policy CouncilSend us a textIn May 2022, eight members of the CANEGROWERS Policy Council are retiring from representing their fellow Queensland sugarcane growers. This podcast is a parting word from seven of them. They talk about the big changes and issues, the pressures, rewards and their focus on a positive future for the industry. Listen to Phil Marano (Burdekin), Jeff Atkinson (Maryborough), Tony Ross (Mackay), Allan Dingle (Bundaberg), Roger Piva (Burdekin), Michael Pisano (Herbert River) and Glen Fasano (Mossman). CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia.
2022-04-0427 min
Breakfast with Murray JonesPaul Schembri on sugar industry 'renewing' opportunitiesMurray Jones from 4CA chats with the Chairman of Canegrowers Paul Schembri about new technologies adding value to the sugar crop
2021-11-1708 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockSustainable sugar: CANEGROWERS building for the futureSend us a textConsumers are increasingly demanding sustainable food and Australian sugarcane growers are proud of the way they farm and their product. This podcast looks at what defines sustainable sugar and how CANEGROWERS is working to make sure Queensland farmers can show the world that they fit the bill using accreditation programs and blockchain technology.CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia. This podcast series examines key issues and challenges and celebrates successes.
2021-11-1114 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Herbert River Update - 22 October 2021The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Update, by either the Chair Michael Pisano or Deputy Chair Chris Bosworth, is an update highlighting key issues for Herbert growers and sugar industry participants.
2021-10-2205 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Herbert River Fortnightly Update - 4 August 2021The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Update, by either the Chair Michael Pisano or Deputy Chair Chris Bosworth, is a fortnightly update highlighting key issues for Herbert growers and sugar industry participants.
2021-08-0402 min
2021-07-2100 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Herbert River Fortnightly Update - 13 July 2021The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Update, by either the Chair Michael Pisano or Deputy Chair Chris Bosworth, is a fortnightly update highlighting key issues for Herbert growers and sugar industry participants.
2021-07-1503 minCANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Herbert River Fortnightly Update - 22 June 2021The CANEGROWERS Herbert River Update, by either the Chair Michael Pisano or Deputy Chair Chris Bosworth, is a fortnightly update highlighting key issues for Herbert growers and sugar industry participants.
2021-06-2405 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dan GalliganIn this podcast you'll hear from CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan discussing some of the achievements he's been involved in that have shaped the Australian sugar industry, the key benefits of cane farmers being a member of CANEGROWERS Queensland and how to continue to be more profitable and sustainable into the future.
2021-06-1811 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCANEGROWERS Queensland Chairman Paul SchembriFor members, CANEGROWERS Queensland is a not-for-profit public company providing a professional and cohesive voice for the grower members of 13 district CANEGROWERS companies which includes CANEGROWERS Herbert River. Paul Schembri is the Chairman of CANEGROWERS Queensland, a role he has held since 2013. He is a member of the CANEGROWERS Policy Council and a Director of CANEGROWERS Mackay. In this podcast you will learn about his role and some of the achievements that have shaped the Australian sugar industry and right here in the Herbert River.
2021-06-0308 minCANEGROWERS Around the PaddockReef regs campaign for a better approachSend us a text An explanation of what’s wrong with modelling water quality, regulating agriculture, and relying on report cards in Australia's Great Barrier Reef management and the CANEGROWERS way forward for a sustainable future for the environment and sugarcane farms.CANEGROWERS is a membership organisation advocating on behalf of sugarcane growers in Australia. This podcast series examines some key issues and challenges and celebrates the successes.
2021-05-0417 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCanegrowers Herbert River - Doctor Bianka Vidonja BalanzateguiDoctor Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui is an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University, historian and historical consultant. In this podcast Bianka explains how studying for her phd came about and the historic findings of the Herbert River sugarcane industry.
2021-05-0318 min
Wet Tropics WaterwaysSeason 3 Episode 2: Aaron Davis on Working with Canegrowers on Project 25Paddock-scale water quality monitoring provides practical and locally relevant information to farmers about water quality running off their farms and gives them something to base their land management decisions on.
The post Season 3 Episode 2: Aaron Davis on Working with Canegrowers on Project 25 appeared first on Wet Tropics Water Ways.
2021-03-2400 min
2021-03-2315 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCanegrowers Herbert River - Smartcane BMPIn this series you'll hear from Herbert growers and their experiences with Smartcane BMP accreditation. Sam Torrisi shares the challenges he faced and the benefits of being Smartcane BMP accredited.
2021-03-0806 min
CANEGROWERS Herbert RiverCanegrowers Herbert River - Smartcane BMPIn this series you'll hear from Herbert growers and their experiences with Smartcane BMP accreditation. Michael Pisano shares the challenges he faced and the benefits of being Smartcane BMP accredited.
2021-01-1512 min