The burning of cane fields in Queensland is a rare occurrence these days. The dramatic scenes of billowing smoke and flames soaring skywards have been replaced by green-cane harvesting. This season however don’t be surprised to see smoke on the horizon. A particularly wet season has lead to a heavy weed infestation in some paddocks as well as extra growth on cane. Cane fields closer to cyclone ravaged areas also run the risk of being contaminated by all sorts of rubbish, from sticks to timber, tin and roofing iron. Burning some paddocks is the only way to clean some areas up and ensure that the expensive harvesting machinery used isn’t damaged.

 On the subject of burning the environs of Gunnedah were in the news again last week with China spreading its Coal Seam Gas interests in the area. It appears that their interest in the region also extends to purchasing agricultural land for food production with the whisper of 100% of food to be produced to be exported back to the homeland.  No doubt Fiona Simpson a Bundella, NSW farmer will have a cluttered desk when she takes up the reins this week as the first female president of the NSW Farmers Association. Mrs Simpson ousted Charles Armstrong mid-way through his four year term winning by 232 votes to 147. Personally I’m not fussed which gender leads the NSW Farmers Association as long as they are proactive in the role and we see a bit more bang for our buck! The NSWFAs continual call for increased membership and therefore a more robust fighting fund is understandable however the association at times seems to have a very limited voice.