News

The quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef from river catchments in the Wet Tropics has improved according to the latest Wet Tropics Report Card. Nearly 90% of fresh water rivers and estuaries are graded 'Good' or 'Very Good' for the 2016-17 reporting period. While continuing below average rainfall is a significant factor in…

14 cane growers involved in trials of new farming practices have collectively reduced their use of urea fertiliser by the equivalent of 19 semi-trailer loads as part of a three-year Australian Government program aimed at reducing nitrogen runoff to the Great Barrier Reef.  Nitrogen fertiliser, usually applied as urea, has been identified as a source…

Four new Extension Officers have been appointed by WTSIP as we continue to ramp up delivery on our reef water quality program while helping growers to achieve greater productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Jordan Villaruz, previously team leader at Tully Cane Productivity Services, is taking on the role of Regional Extension Officer based in Cairns Canegrowers in Gordonvale…

New cane fertilising technology manufactured in the Wet Tropics is fine-tuning nutrient management and helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Ingham fertiliser company Liquaforce secured Australian Government funding to team up with agronomists and farmers – and the result is a computer-controlled fertiliser applicator that can vary the type and rate of fertiliser to…