THE USE OF NIR SPETROSCOPY IN A CANE QUALITY INCENTIVE SCHEME

THIS PAPER describes the cane quality program implemented at the Mulgrave Central Mill during the 2001 season and the outcomes the scheme has achieved since its implementation. The aim of the program was to provide a financial incentive to improve the quality of cane delivered to the Mulgrave Mill. High levels of extraneous matter were adversely affecting mill operations in the areas of cane haulage, crushing rate, maintenance requirements and factory downtime. A cane analysis system using NIR spectroscopy provided the mill with an estimate of fibre and ash levels in cane on an individual consignment basis. In combination with the bin weights and laboratory CCS, these estimates were used in developing a cane quality scheme that provided sufficient incentive to change adverse field practices and improve the mills’ bottom line. The quality scheme awarded bonus and penalty points based on the following key performance indicators: bin weight, ratio of fibre to CCS and ash content of the cane supply. The quality scheme was supported by rapid information feedback to the growers in the form of daily faxing, dial in phone services and a web site. The results show a very strong response for all the key parameters and feedback from the growing and harvesting sectors has been positive, with most endorsing the program as both achievable and robust. The program has been successful in reducing the levels of cane of poor quality from 47% of supply in 2000 to 18% in 2001, 3% in 2002 and 6% in 2003, while increasing the levels of premium quality cane from 23% in 2000 to 59% in 2001, 86% in 2002 and 78% in the 2003 season.