Queensland sugarcane crush is set to continue after being interrupted by a breakdown at the Rocky Point sugar mill in December 2025.
CANEGROWERS chairman Owen Menkens said growers have experienced a “mixed season” but noted that the earlier finish compared with recent years has had some positive impacts.
“Finishing earlier has made a real difference on farm, because it’s allowed growers to plant and fertilise in good conditions and gives the 2026 crop a much better start,” Menkens said.
“Importantly, it’s also given growers a chance to reset after several difficult years and spend some quality time with friends and family over the Christmas break.”
More than half of Queensland’s mills concluded crushing within optimal June to November window, a first in several seasons. Although this was partly attributed to the smaller crop size, Menkens said ongoing challenges in the harvesting sector, particularly labour shortages, are an area of continued industry focus.
“Growers, contractors, and mills have worked hard this year, but labour shortages haven’t gone away,” Menkens said.
Menkens said he remains optimistic heading into 2026.
“The early signs of the 2026 crop are encouraging. What we need now is a clean run, reasonable weather, and a sugar price that gets back above the cost of production.”
Full sugarcane crush operations are set to recommence on 5 January 3036, weather permitting.