TOP NEWS

Ingham's Own Local Legend!

Carina Chesson Receives Queensland Day Award We all know it’s the people who make Queensland truly legendary. And when disaster strikes, it’s often the quiet heroes who rise to the challenge without fanfare or fuss. Carina Chesson is one of those heroes. Recognised as one of this year’s Queensland Day's five Local Legends, Carina showed what it means to step up for your community when it needs you most. From heart to hand, her actions during the devastating February floods in Ingham proved that

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Meet Vixen!

Bull Arab X Vivacious Vixen is a bundle of joy just waiting to bring some serious sparkle to the right home. This gorgeous girl has been in care for over 500 days and is bursting with love, loyalty and playful spirit. With a big, beaming smile and a tail that never stops wagging, Vixen thrives on long daily runs, a spacious yard and plenty of attention from her people. While she loves to stretch her legs and let loose on outdoor adventures, Vixen also treasures the quiet moments like cooling o

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Sophie Johnson Named Finalist

For Prestigious Queensland Training Award Seventeen-year-old Sophie Johnson is making waves in the healthcare sector, earning recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Training Awards. A student at Gilroy Santa Maria College, Sophie is one of only three contenders shortlisted in the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category for the North Queensland region - an impressive feat given that more than 750 applications were received statewide. Sophie is the first school-based tr

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Showcase Rural Fashion At The Ingham Show!

I Love Boutique: Heading to the Ingham Show? Let I Love Boutique style you in comfort and class! Discover easy-to-wear pieces like cosy knits, stylish jeans, and elevated tees that feel as good as they look. Their outfits are simple yet dressy. Perfect for a day at the show and easy to adapt to the changing weather. Dress them up or down with just a few tweaks! Whether you're relaxing or showing up in style, you'll find something that fits your vibe. Shop local, look amazing, and feel confi

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Sugar Prices On The Defensive

June 10, 2025

By Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

It’s great to see the 2025 production season off to an early start, with crushing under way in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions, and the Herbert commencing this week. The weather continues to cooperate, and we hope that remains the case so all regions can get sugar into the sheds.

The #11 sugar contract continues to trend lower, with little change in the global surplus production forecast. The recent UNICA report for the first half of May 2025 showed Brazilian harvest progress catching up, though it remains 20% behind the same period last year.

Cane tonnes and sugar mix have increased, but Total Recoverable Sugar (CCS) remains low. The report aligned with market expectations. However, a 5.6% drop in gasoline prices by Petrobras halted a rally, as ethanol parity fell below 15 USc/lb.

We are forecasting a small global surplus for the 2025–26 season, mainly due to another large Brazilian crop expected. Indian production also looks strong, supported by an early monsoon, with forecasts of 32.5 million tonnes for 2025–26, up from 26 million in 2024–25. In Thailand, weak cassava prices are likely to result in another bumper crop, reinforcing export competition.

Our 2025 Season Commencement of Crush Pool reports were released last week. Notably, the Allocation Account forecast is significantly lower than last year due to a drop in physical premiums. This reflects increased Thai production impacting our sales into traditional Asian markets.

Additionally, the US Quota estimate has been reduced for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with import tariffs now factored in. It’s still early in the season, but growers should be aware that the strong physical premiums of recent years are under threat.

Across the regions, we’ve been connecting with growers at events such as the inaugural Link2Country Expo in Ingham, and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival and Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships in the Burdekin.

Our Burdekin Relationship Manager, Fiona Villis, presented the Under 35 Category awards at the Cane Cutting Championships, proudly sponsored by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

Wilmar’s Grower Marketing Relationship Manager, Fiona Villis, right, presenting the awards for the Under
35 Category at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. Keith Gilbert won first place, Stuart
Gilbert second place and Angus Gilbert third place. Photo supplied

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