Digging in Podcast for the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project

DIGGING IN PODCAST: EPISODE 3

EPISODE 3

Chris O’Kane – East Feluga Cane Farmer

17 NOVEMBER 2020

Chris O’Kane is a third-generation cane farmer and looking after the land is in his blood. His late father Bernie was a true innovator and “wasn’t afraid to try new things.”

He’s a forward thinker too – “the farming techniques we’re doing now will leave the farm in a better condition for our children.”

Following in their father’s footsteps, Chris and his brother Michael have designed equipment to improve efficiency and production and brew their own microbes on site.

Hear about their fallow trials, what’s in their special fallow mix and why they’re putting soil health at the forefront of their farming practices as part of the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project.

LISTEN HERE

Digging In

Join Fiona George as she digs deep to uncover incredible stories from the Tully agriculture industry. From humble beginnings by the Banyan to a multi-million-dollar industry and lifeblood of local communities. Explore the history, challenges and opportunities and how the MIP is bringing farmers, industry, science and community together.

Ray Zamora is a leader in regenerative agriculture in the Tully district. His “outside the square” thinking and approach to farming has shaped the way he grows sugar cane.

Fiona was lucky enough to sit beside the cool flowing waters of Murray Falls to record this episode. “Murray Falls are the source of the Murray River and we farm on the Murray River flood plains. You can almost feel the energy in the water here,” Ray said.

Hear about Ray’s zero till planting regime, why he focuses on soil health and what drives him to try new things and “push the boundaries” of traditional farming.