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Old farming family learns new tricks
During a lifetime of farming, Norm Anderson has experienced many changes in the
sugar industry.
However, he and his family are still looking for new ways to improve the efficiency
of their 400-hectare red volcanic soil farm while also helping to protect the
environment.
The South Isis canegrower is one of 240 farmers in the Burnett Mary region of
Queensland to receive funds under the Australian Government’s Reef Rescue program. The program aims to improve water quality by changing land management practices.
“We like to be involved in these kinds of initiatives,” he said.
“It’s more than just “warm and fuzzy” stuff - it does end up helping the environment.”
Norm and his two sons, Graeme and Justin used Reef Rescue incentives to purchase
and fit a Dickey-john Land Manager Granular Control System and HydraDrive hydraulic
drive to his existing fertiliser applicator.
“It uses a GPS device to apply fertiliser at a precise rate by adjusting the
speed of the hydraulic motor.”
“The operator programs the width of the row and the machine will distribute exactly
the right amount. We normally use 200 tonnes per year of urea based fertilizer,
and with the price going up, we expect to see a big saving.”
Mr Anderson said the Reef Rescue program made it easier to decide to purchase
the new equipment. “It would be hard to justify the upfront expense,” he said.
While the farm produces mostly sugar cane, some soy and canola is also grown. As the soy plants put nitrogen back into the soil, less fertiliser is needed
for the following cane crop.
“This is another big benefit of the new machine – we can easily change the application
rate.”
The Anderson family has a long history in the Isis area, which surrounds the
town of Childers in South East Queensland.
“With good prices, more people are growing sugar and there seems to be a positive
attitude.”
“My great-grandfather came here from England as a teacher and then the family
went into farming.”
“We have 4 generations still attached to this property.”
Mr Anderson recently became the Chairman of Directors at Isis Central Sugar Mill,
where cane from the district is crushed and processed into raw sugar. He believes the industry has a strong future.
In the Burnett Mary region, the Reef Rescue program is worth $3M and is managed
by the Burnett Mary Regional Group in conjunction with sugar, horticulture, dairy
and grazing bodies.
Chairman of the Group, Russell Stewart, said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm
of local landowners for the program.
“It shows just how important it is to work in partnerships and get good environmental
improvements for the land, rivers and ultimately, the sea,” he said
In the Burnett Mary region, the Reef Rescue program is worth $3M and is managed
by the Burnett Mary Regional Group in conjunction with sugar, horticulture, dairy
and grazing bodies.
Chairman of the Group, Russell Stewart, said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm
of local landowners for the program.
“It shows just how important it is to work in partnerships and get good environmental
improvements for the land, rivers and ultimately, the sea,” he said.
“I congratulate the hundreds of farmers like Norm Anderson for their important
contribution and hope to see many more Reef Rescue projects in the future.”
Norm with sons Graeme and Justin (right) on their 400-hectare farm
Norm Anderson – a 4th generation cane famer helping protect the
environment
Reef Rescue funds helped to modify the fertiliser distributor
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