Project Pathfinder is working with 10 leading sugarcane growers in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment to adopt regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health, improve profitability and reduce nitrogen runoff to the Reef.

Project Pathfinder is a 2-year collaborative initiative funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, which started in July 2024 and concludes in June 2026. It brings together the expertise of RCS and Farmacist to deliver a structured, grower-focussed program that supports the adoption of regenerative farming practices. The project aims to improve soil and plant health, increase yields and significantly reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus runoff to the Great Barrier Reef.

Aims of Project Pathfinder

Project Pathfinder aims to deliver measurable improvements in both farm and environmental outcomes, including reduced dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) losses, enhanced nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and increased sugarcane yields by at least 10%. Outputs include tailored nutrient and whole-farm management plans for each participating business, a practical sap testing methodology, and a documented producer-led knowledge-sharing framework through workshops, coaching and peer networks. Collectively, these outcomes support long-term farm resilience, improved water and soil health, and the adoption of regenerative practices across the region.

Building soil health naturally. Tillage radish planted between sugar cane rows helps loosen compacted soil, improve water filtration and recycle valuable nutrients to boost soil health.

How will these outcomes be achieved?

By working closely with each grower to understand their individual goals, challenges and opportunities, participants receive tailored support through one-on-one coaching, expert technical guidance and peer learning with like-minded producers.

Project Pathfinder engages external regenerative experts to provide participants with specialised knowledge, creating a holistic educational experience. This includes soil and plant specialists to deliver practical guidance through webinars, field days and on-farm demonstrations. Their expertise helps growers apply regenerative practices effectively, make informed management decisions and integrate new approaches into their farm systems while reinforcing the project’s focus on ecological, agronomic and economic outcomes.

Project Pathfinder is building capacity among growers to adopt innovative, regenerative practices that support both farm success and environmental health.

Project Pathfinder activities

Pathfinder growers have engaged in a range of activities and events to develop their knowledge on regenerative practices for sugarcane production, including:

  • Business of Sugar 4-day workshop covering economics, business analysis, finance, goal setting, dealing with people issues, soil health and decision making
  • One-on-one business coaching
  • Regular on-farm agronomy consultations
  • Tailored nutrient management plans
  • Webinars focussed on knowledge sharing within and external to the group, including guest presenters on soil and plant health, foliar nutrient applications and sap analysis
  • Field days hosted by project participants, where growers to come together to discuss practice change as a group, hear from leading experts in the field and see practical demonstrations that they can implement on their own farms
  • Contributing to a repository of information to use as a reference guide, for project members and the wider sugar industry
Precision nutrition from above. A drone applies foliar fertiliser over sugarcane, enabling the plants to absorb nutrients directly through their leaves. This targeted approach improves nutrient efficiency, reduces soil losses and allows fertiliser to be applied later in the season when the crop is too tall for tractor access.

Project partners

Resource Consulting Services (RCS) leads Project Pathfinder by guiding growers through process-driven change and providing the educational and business support framework. They deliver workshops, one-on-one coaching and financial analysis, helping participants clarify goals, identify pathways to profitability and link ecological outcomes to business performance. RCS also fosters peer-to-peer support, builds a community of practice and oversees monitoring and reporting of regenerative practice adoption.

Farmacist delivers on-ground agronomic expertise, creating tailored farm and nutrient management plans based on soil, tissue and sap testing. They support implementation of management changes, including foliar nutrition, composting and controlled traffic farming, while measuring outcomes such as nitrogen efficiency, dissolved inorganic nitrogen reductions and soil health improvements. Farmacist also demonstrates practical solutions, shares successes and provides ongoing technical guidance to ensure effective adoption of regenerative practices.

The Queensland Government is supporting Project Pathfinder through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. This five-year program accelerates on-ground practice change and improves progress towards GBR catchment water quality targets under the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan.

Project Pathfinder is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

This project is currently in progress

Contact details:
Nic Kentish – RCS Teacher and Advisor
P: 07 4939 5255
E: info@rcsaustralia.com.au

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