Improving the sugarcane farming system with FEAT: a decision-making tool to facilitate on-farm change

Abstract

A Farm Economic Analysis Tool (FEAT) was developed by QDPI&F FutureCane officers specifically for the Australian cane industry using grower knowledge and feedback. Using specific grower and miller examples, this paper explores the application of the tool and how it has helped improve decision making and on-farm profitability. FEAT has been used across Queensland within the growing, harvesting and milling sectors of the sugarcane industry. It was found that the use of this computer-based tool allowed growers and millers to assess, in economic terms, changes they were considering to improve their farming systems. Changes made in the paddock as a result of using the tool have led to significant savings in costs and improvements of profitability. It was also found that the use of this tool has provided significant social benefits to the cane industry by increasing communication within farming businesses; improving the sharing of skills and knowledge between partners within the business; and increasing confidence in the future of the cane industry. Increasingly, industry advisors are also using this tool to assist their cane farmer clients.