Growers in the Midlands South have long relied on older sugarcane varieties such as N12, often hesitant to try newer releases due to limited knowledge and experience. To address this gap, a variety grower day was held in July 2025 at the Umbumbulu Farmers Hall in Eston.

The event, hosted by SASRI Variety Scientist Thobile Nxumalo, provided growers with insights into variety choice for the region. Thobile explained SASRI’s breeding programme, highlighting the rigorous research and testing that goes into releasing a new variety. This was aimed at reassuring growers that new varieties are safe and beneficial to plant.

The day featured a “show and tell” of five newly gazetted varieties for the Midlands South, all between 10 and 12 months old. Growers were able to see the varieties firsthand and learn about factors influencing variety selection.

Several questions and concerns were raised during the session:

• Growers were cautious about the limited track record of newer varieties and their long-term viability.
• Observations of flowering in some new varieties, including N69 (intended for seedcane), prompted questions about their suitability.
• Growers expressed interest in a variety trial to compare new releases against older, widely adopted varieties.

All questions were addressed by Thobile, and follow-up activities are planned, including a series of variety and soils grower days and, potentially, variety trials. These initiatives will give growers hands-on experience with new varieties, helping them make confident, informed decisions and ultimately improving productivity across the Midlands South.