Fears for cane-farming families as 2026 crushing season gets underway
The Queensland industry body warns this crushing season could be “one of the most financially and emotionally stressful” for cane-farming families. Estimates are now released.
Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) are forecasting the 2026 sugarcane crushing season will crush 30 million tonnes of sugarcane across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
And Canegrowers Queensland said Tableland’s seven-month crushing harvest started this week on Monday, May 18, at MSF’s Arriga mill, followed by Tully Sugar which will kick off the crush three weeks earlier than usual on May 26 due to a larger crop.
The remaining regions from Cairns to the Gold Coast were expected to begin crushing throughout June.
Though growing conditions have been favourable this season, Canegrowers Queensland chairman Owen Menkens said 2026 could be one of the most financially and emotionally stressful years for Queensland’s cane-farming families.
“It’s not too often that the stars align and we get the holy trinity – good crop, good weather and a good price. Sadly, this year is no different,” Menkens said.
He added that crops are looking promising and paddock conditions have been favourable, but it was the sugar price that is really dragging growers down.
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“Australian producers are one of the few sugar industries in the world fully exposed to the global sugar price,” Menkens said. “We’re directly impacted by supply and demand fluctuations and soaring input costs.”
On top of sugar costs, Queensland cane growers are also feeling the pressure of fuel supply uncertainty, with many growers struggling to source enough diesel to harvest their cane.
Almost 100 million litres of diesel will be required between now and the end of the year for harvesting and planting operations and transporting cane to mills, according to Canegrowers Queensland estimations.
A Canegrowers member survey conducted in April found growers statewide had less than four million litres of fuel on hand, while one in ten tried unsuccessfully to source fuel in recent weeks.
Fertiliser availability was also cause for concern, with around 130,000 tonnes of urea needed between now and December.
“It’s an anxious time for growers,” Menkens said. “Canegrowers has been working directly with the fuel and fertiliser sectors, who have assured us supply is on the way – still, the high diesel price alone is expected to blow a massive $150 million hole in grower profitability.”
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Starting in late May and early June, the annual crushing season will see mills commence operation across Mackay, the Burdekin, Herbert, Tableland, Mulgrave, Isis, Bundaberg and Proserpine.
Current industry estimates indicate Queensland will contribute 28.7 million tonnes of the national projection of 30 million tonnes.
ASM predicts Far North Queensland’s harvesting preparation and crop conditions to be impacted by the consistent rainfall experienced during the off-season.
Burdekin, Herbert and Mackay regions are tracking towards a successful season with strong growing conditions, improved crop yields and favourable weather during the last twelve months.
ASM industry spokesperson Josip Vidakovic said the commencement of the crushing season marked a critical point for regional economies and Australia’s manufacturing sector.
“From North Queensland to northern New South Wales, mills are now coming online and preparing for months of around the clock operations which support thousands of jobs,” Vidakovic said.
He added that in decades past, Australia has pushed closer to 40 million tonnes of crushing, but more state and federal investment and support was needed to reach those numbers again.
“The sugar manufacturing sector continues to play a vital role in Australia’s economy supporting biofuels opportunities, regional manufacturing capability, and producing high-quality sugar for domestic and international markets,” Vidakovic said.
He also said strong coordination between growers and millers would be essential to ensuring an efficient and productive season.
“The success of the crushing season depends on the collaboration and resilience of the entire industry,” he said. “Australian Sugar Manufacturers looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders throughout the season.”
“The challenges we have faced this year are unprecedented, but the industry has pulled together to get ready for harvest. That level of cooperation will be critical to getting us through the season.”
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