Attributes of small-scale sugarcane contractors that influence their service quality in KwaZulu-Natal

The productivity of small-scale sugarcane contractors affects not only their own profitability and sustainability, but that of other stakeholders as well, such as the small-scale sugarcane farmers they contract to and the sugar mills they supply with sugarcane. This study examines the attributes of small-scale sugarcane contractors that affect their quality of service as perceived by small-scale sugarcane growers (SSGs). Information was obtained through interviews conducted with 114 contractors sampled in ten mill group areas in KwaZulu-Natal between September 2002 and July 2003. Further interviews were conducted in the same time period with SSGs for information on contractor service quality (transport and general service timeliness, meeting of daily rateable delivery requirements, low downtimes, good staff management, and minimal disagreements on service terms). Results show that factors affecting a contractor's perceived service quality include gender, training, the quality of information used (industry focused information sources such as the South African Sugar Association Experiment Station (SASEX) and the Ingede magazine, or general sources such as the radio), and sugarcane tonnage transported (size of business). Being a male contractor and having a larger business positively influence service rating as perceived by SSGs. The importance of the quality of information used and increased training levels highlights the need for the continual provision of relevant information and training for sugarcane contractors by extension services (government, SASEX and milling companies).Crop Production/Industries,

Understanding the economics of horticultural management practices and systems for improving water quality runoff in the Great Barrier Reef catchment areas

The main objective of this report is to identify available studies and prioritise future economic research on dominant horticultural cropping systems in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment. Due to the wide array of horticultural crops and production systems, available databases have been utilised to identify the major crops by area that pose the highest potential risk to reef water quality (RWQ)1 impact and decline. However, it is anticipated based on preliminary agronomic research that different horticultural production systems are likely to have different effects on both runoff and sub-surface leachate. Crops are therefore grouped according to common production system attributes. This allows for possible transfer extension of research findings to other horticultural crops within each group. Of the 150 different horticultural crops grown in the GBR catchment, thirteen major horticultural crops have been identified for this report. Only crops exceeding 1,000 hectares (ha) in total within the catchment are considered (excluding banana plantations and intensive horticulture, sometimes referred to as protected cropping)2 . These include six perennial crops (macadamias, mangoes, avocados, citrus, pineapples and grapes), six vegetable crops (beans, sweetcorn, potatoes, capsicums, tomatoes and pumpkins) and one seasonal fruit crop (melons). A literature review was conducted on each of these crops to identify published studies that evaluated the economic costbenefit of RWQ decline risk reduction practices. The report and findings align with practices listed in the Horticulture Water Quality Risk Framework (2017-2022) as developed by the Paddock to Reef (P2R) Team and Growcom. Despite a relatively small land use area, horticulture is acknowledged in general to involve some of the most intensive farming practices in agriculture. This has implications for risk of RWQ decline. The Soil Catchment and Riverine Processes Group (2022) has compiled much of the background research investigating horticultural crops in the GBR catchment, and where applicable, their potential impact on the Reef (RP240 ‘Improving knowledge and research for horticulture and cropping activities’). In complement to their body of work this literature review focusses on practices that reduce the risk of excess sediment, nitrogen and chemical residues reaching the GBR and identify any economic related horticulture specific findings. The findings conclude there is limited publications available that assess RWQ risks from the horticulture industry, and none that thoroughly demonstrate an economically viable improved management practice for the industry. Positively, horticultural practices are generally progressive due to market requirements (e.g., food safety requirements) and constraining production factors (e.g., nutrient and produce quality linkages). Because of these factors, horticulture leads the agricultural industry in several alternative fields in terms of innovation and demonstration of best practice. Strategic investment in research, industry development and extension which utilises such innovation and momentum for practice change may well deliver more rapid outcomes for improved RWQ from the horticultural sector. Future research priorities incorporating economic analysis include those crops with the highest potential RWQ impact. These may include new macadamia plantations, avocados and pineapples. Others for considerations could be mulched crops (due to environmental management requirements of micro-plastic pollution) and the intensive cycling of continuous supply root crops such as sweetpotatoes which pose persistent risks of RWQ decline regardless of season

A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of denitrifying bioreactors in the Lower Burdekin

A cost-effectiveness (CE) analysis was undertaken to assess the cost per kilogram of nitrate-nitrogen ($/kg N) removed by denitrifying bioreactor beds in a sugarcane production system in Queensland. The preliminary analysis evaluates the CE of a 34m3 bioreactor bed trialled on a sugarcane farm in the lower Burdekin delta district, conducted as part of the Bioreactors for GBR Project, funded through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. The aim of the project was to investigate the nitrate removal performance of bioreactor beds receiving run-off from sugarcane farms in the lower Burdekin. In addition, the CE of a hypothetical 100m3 bioreactor scenario is also explored. The project trialled and monitored three bioreactor beds in the lower Burdekin. Of the three trials, one produced a more comprehensive dataset compared to the others that had experienced significant blockages during the trial period. Data from this trial was therefore utilised in the CE analysis. High-frequency water quality monitoring was undertaken over 12 months (May 2019 - April 2020) with nitrate concentration, woodchip saturation and water flow analysed to enable calculation of the nitrogen removal rate (NRR)

Institutional and resource constraints that inhibit contractor performance in the small-scale sugarcane industry in KwaZulu-Natal

This study focuses on identifying constraints that inhibit sugarcane contractor performance in the small-scale sugar industry in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Information is drawn from a sample survey, conducted with 124 randomly selected contractors from 11 mill group areas of KZN between September 2002 and July 2003 and case studies of contractors, sub-committee members and development officers conducted in eight mill group areas. Results show that contractors face institutional constraints (work allocation limitations, lack of performance incentives and high transaction costs, such as negotiation costs, the risk of a loss in work and contract default risk), cash flow problems, poor physical infrastructure and a lack of labour. It is expected that the promotion of a more competitive small-scale sugarcane contractor sector will alleviate many problems (such as work allocation limitations) faced by small-scale contractors, while providing incentives for their provision of higher quality and cheaper services to small-scale sugarcane growers (SSGs). Government also has a role in strategising the creation of land markets while providing improved rural infrastructure (district roads). Government also needs to ensure unbiased tribal court rulings, review the impacts of minimum wage legislation on contractors sourcing labour, and provide protection for those competing for work. Keywords: institutions; small-scale contractor performance; sugar industry South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 34(1) 2005: 55-8

A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of denitrifying bioreactors in the Lower Burdekin

A cost-effectiveness (CE) analysis was undertaken to assess the cost per kilogram of nitrate-nitrogen ($/kg N) removed by denitrifying bioreactor beds in a sugarcane production system in Queensland. The preliminary analysis evaluates the CE of a 34m3 bioreactor bed trialled on a sugarcane farm in the lower Burdekin delta district, conducted as part of the Bioreactors for GBR Project, funded through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. The aim of the project was to investigate the nitrate removal performance of bioreactor beds receiving run-off from sugarcane farms in the lower Burdekin. In addition, the CE of a hypothetical 100m3 bioreactor scenario is also explored. The project trialled and monitored three bioreactor beds in the lower Burdekin. Of the three trials, one produced a more comprehensive dataset compared to the others that had experienced significant blockages during the trial period. Data from this trial was therefore utilised in the CE analysis. High-frequency water quality monitoring was undertaken over 12 months (May 2019 - April 2020) with nitrate concentration, woodchip saturation and water flow analysed to enable calculation of the nitrogen removal rate (NRR)

Adoption of practices to mitigate harvest losses − Phase 2

Patane et al. 2019 determined that Harvesting Best Practice (HBP) is predicated by two essential objectives: 1. Defining the critical point where harvesting losses can be minimised and delivered yields improved to achieve the best economic return for the grower and harvesting operation; and 2. Balancing losses with cane quality, which is determined by sound billet quality with an acceptable level of Extraneous Matter (EM). Despite significant research into the impact of higher harvester pour rates and fan speeds on harvested cane yields, use of HBP recommendations prior to the commencement of the adoption program across the industry was relatively low. Full HBP adoption across the Australian sugarcane industry could substantially increase industry revenue without the need for horizontal expansion (increase in cane land). In 2019, continuing on from the work conducted by Patane et al. (2019), Sugar Research Australia in partnership with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries delivered further trials

Improving the productivity and competitiveness of small-scale sugarcane contractors in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.The productivity of small-scale sugarcane contractors affects not only their own profitability and sustainability, but that of other stakeholders as well, such as the small-scale sugarcane farmers they contract to and the sugar mills these farmers supply in the form of improved services to growers and a steady flow of sugarcane to mills. This study firstly illustrates the organisational structures of the sugar industry. It then aims to identify constraints that inhibit the performance (such as timely haulage operations and cost effectiveness) of small-scale sugarcane contractors in the small-scale sugar industry of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). To obtain this information, interviews were conducted with 124 randomly selected contractors from 11 mill group areas in KZN between September 2002 and July 2003. Case studies (concerning institutional issues such as organisational structures) of contractors, sub-committee members, and development officers were also conducted in eight mill group areas of KZN between September 2002 and February 2004. Sample statistics and case study results show that contractors face institutional constraints (work allocation limitations, lack of performance incentives and high transaction costs, such as negotiation costs, the risk of losing work and contract default risk), cash flow problems, poor physical infrastructure and a lack of labour. It is concluded that the promotion of a more competitive small-scale sugarcane contractor sector will alleviate many of the problems (such as work allocation limitations) faced by small-scale contractors, while providing incentives for the provision of higher quality and cheaper services to small-scale sugarcane growers. The study also examines the attributes of small-scale sugarcane contractors that affect their quality of service as perceived by small-scale sugarcane growers (SSGs) within current institutions. Information is drawn from the same sample survey, although ten observations from the Umfolozi area are excluded because they were not part of the sample drawn from population lists. Further interviews were conducted in the same time period with SSGs for information on contractor service quality (transport and general service timeliness, meeting of daily ratable delivery requirements, low downtimes, good staff management, and minimal disagreements on service terms). Results show that factors affecting a contractor's perceived service quality include gender, training, the quality of information used (industry focused information sources such as the South African Sugar Association Experiment Station (SASEX) and the Ingede magazine, or general sources such as the radio), and sugarcane tonnage transported (size of business). Being a male contractor and having a larger business positively influence service rating as perceived by SSGs. The importance of the quality of information used and increased training levels highlights the need for the continual provision of relevant information and training for sugarcane contractors by extension services (government, SASEX and milling companies). The study also identifies the need for further research on the issue of contractor machinery costs. In a competitive sector contractors would need to have adequate information on own costs in order to compare these with contract rates in the market. Further guidance by extension staff and other industry advisors (e.g. development officers) in the accessing of adequate finance may also be necessary. Government has a role in strategising the creation of land markets to promote efficient use of resources (land), while providing improved rural infrastructure (mainly district roads). Government also needs to ensure unbiased tribal court rulings, review the impacts of minimum wage legislation on contractors sourcing labour, and provide protection for those competing for work

Improving yield and cane quality through implementation of harvesting best practice-2019 Herbert demonstration

In 2019, the Australian sugarcane industry conducted a month-long demonstration with 12 trials to determine the commercial viability of harvesting best practice. Initiated by a small group of innovative growers and contractors from the Herbert region, the concept of a commercial demonstration sought to determine both agronomic and economic impacts of adopting HBP, including the assessment of possible yield gains without having a detrimental impact on extraneous matter, and economic implication for growers and harvesting contractors arising from revenue and harvesting cost changes. Two Herbert harvesting contractors participated in the demonstration comparing their standard harvesting practices to Sugar Research Australia Harvesting Best Practice (HBP or recommended practice). The results identified an average 4.8 t/ha increase in yield with no additional increase in extraneous matter for the recommended setting. A comprehensive economic analysis was conducted on each of the trials. Detailed harvesting costs and operational information, including machinery, labour, and fuel data, were collected from the respective harvesting operations. Harvesting costs and levies were $37/ha ($0.07/t) higher for the recommended setting due to higher yields, reduced harvester ground speeds and lower extractor fan speeds. Despite the higher harvesting costs, recommended settings obtained significantly higher total revenue ($151/ha, +4.7$114/ha in the adoption of recommended settings (based on a 4.4% higher net revenue calculated as total grower revenue minus harvesting costs and levies). The Herbert demonstrations have proven instrumental in the acceptance of harvesting best practice for the region. The results again confirm that adapting and aligning commercial-scale harvesting practices to crop and paddock conditions have positive impacts on both yield and economic outcomes

Nelson Mandela

Article on Nelson Mandela, accompanied by a letter from the Assistant Editor of Insig, requesting an article by F. van Zyl Slabbert on President Nelson Mandela as well as a covering letter 1999-05-04