YOUR FARM,
YOUR WAY
Smartcane BMP is a
program for you to
document and celebrate
the way your farm.
BMP includes eight modules that cover the many aspects
of farming and business management. The modules
consist of a simple checklist to help you identify options
for further improvement. You can either go through them
on your own or with the help of your local BMP facilitator.
Our experienced BMP facilitators specialise in cane
farming in the districts they work in. Their job is to help
you improve things on your farm—whatever you’d like a
hand with, they’ll point you in the direction of the right
training or specialised advice.
When you complete Modules 1, 2 and 3, you can get
accredited with Smartcane BMP and be independently
recognised for the way you manage soil and nutrients,
irrigation and drainage, and weeds, pests and diseases.
Modules 4–8 aren’t required for accreditation. However,
they can help identify opportunities to improve practices
in other parts of your farm business.
We’ve put together some brief summaries of each
module to help you decide which area you’d like to learn
more about. Go to smartcane.com.au to get started
and get in touch with your local facilitator.
ACCREDITED MODULES
- 1
- 2
- 3
OTHER MODULES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Soil health and nutrient management
Different regions, soils and weather means best-practice techniques look different for everyone. This module covers ways you can measure nutrients in soil and determine the right amount to apply. It also goes through use of fallow. This includes growing legumes to boost the levels of nutrients in the soil and to help break pest and disease cycles.
Irrigation and drainage management
Water drives most chemical and physical processes in soils, plants and the atmosphere—so efficient water use is a win-win situation for both your crops and the environment. This module covers ways you can boost your profits and productivity by saving electricity, saving water and reducing loss of chemicals and nutrients in run-off and deep drainage.
Weed, pest and disease management
Using pesticides and herbicides responsibly is essential so we can have continued access to these products and secure your reputation as a steward of the land. This module covers selecting the right products for your farm, understanding the product’s label requirements and any regulations. It also covers the timing and method of applying chemicals to avoid loss into waterways and other environments.
Planting and harvesting
Planting success has a major effect on farm profitability for the subsequent 4–5 years. This module covers the industry best practice for planting, including choosing the variety of cane and using clean seed. The module also covers efficient harvesting—many growers are requesting their harvest contractors to vary the harvester set-up and speed to reduce harvest loss and minimise effects on crop regrowth.
Farm business management
Knowing how your business is performing, and which factors are driving your profits, reduces the amount of guesswork around cashflow, profitability and your cost of production. This module covers business performance, succession planning and goal setting.
Natural systems management
Most farms have wetlands, waterways or riparian zones which are critical to the farm’s surface drainage. Some farms also have patches of native vegetation. This module covers ways you can protect the natural systems on your land and how these systems can make contributions to conserving native species.
Workplace health and safety
As a business owner, you have legal obligations to minimise the risks you and your workers are exposed to. This module covers these obligations so you know the documentation and processes you need to have in place. And there are many useful resources to help you ensure the risk of injury on your farm is kept as low as possible.
Pathway to sustainable sugar
This module provides accredited growers with the additional criteria required by global sustainability standards. This module covers the labour management, workplace health and safety and environmental factors you’ll need.