An extra 6500 tonnes of molasses has been made available to Queensland beef producers struggling with drought.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the molasses was destined for export, but was diverted after talks between his office, AgForce and the Australian Sugar Milling Council.

“Molasses is a by-product of sugar milling and is valued by beef producers as a high-energy supplementary feed to enhance less palatable feed in dry conditions,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Currently, more than 60 per cent of Queensland is drought-declared, and molasses is an important part of the emergency feed rations being used by producers.

“Through our discussions with various industry representatives, we’ve been able to keep this shipment of molasses here to assist our drought-affected producers.

“Agriculture is one of the key pillars of our Queensland economy and this is another way in which the Newman Government is helping our producers in drought.

“The molasses will be sold through existing supply channels and I urge producers to continue to discuss their ongoing molasses needs with their local suppliers.”

DAFF is running a series of workshops across the state to help producers deal with difficult decisions relating to stock in the current circumstances.

For further details on the workshops, or any other information and support, beef producers should contact the department on 13 25 23.

Source: QDAFF