The three sugar mills in New South Wales are set to commence the 2025 crushing season next week. At this stage Broadwater will start on Monday, 16th June, with Harwood and Condong later in the week. The starts will be subject to weather conditions, with field conditions still very wet. With continuous crushing operations, the season is expected to conclude by late November.
A total of 1.65 million tonnes of sugarcane is forecast to be harvested and crushed across the region. Individual mill projections are as follows:
Condong Mill: ~400,000 tonnes
Broadwater Mill: ~550,000 tonnes
Harwood Mill: between 650,000 and 700,000 tonnes
In what will be his final season at the helm, Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors praised the resilience and commitment of local growers:
“Our growers have battled the elements to produce the best crop they can under the conditions. Harvesting groups are poised ready to cut the cane and our cane haul fleet has added five new trucks and trailers to expedite transport from farms to mills. Our sugar mills have completed rigorous off-season maintenance schedules, so now the end-to-end supply chain needs to work together to make this season a success for everyone.”
Despite challenging weather conditions thus far this year, including excessive rainfall and flooding, the industry remains optimistic. The Clarence Cane Grower Association’s 100-Year Celebration served as a timely reminder of the strength and endurance of the local sugar sector.
Mr Connors concluded:
“With growers set to receive over $50 per tonne for their cane deliveries, we are hopeful the industry will continue to remain stable and sustainable for our farming families and all those involved in this incredible industry.”
[11 June 2025]