Emerging Legends | Legends of Cane Country

12 recipients

Meet the emerging legends

Emerging Legends — Video Package

Luke Cabassi

Tableland

Luke Cabassi is an emerging leader in the Tablelands sugar industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, productivity and grower representation. Since purchasing a cane farm with his cousin Anthony in 2023, he has embraced new practices and technologies, including tissue-cultured plants, to improve crop health and farm performance. As a Director of Tableland CANEGROWERS, Luke actively represents growers and contributes to discussions on district issues. He also supports the local clean seed plot and engages with mill representatives and industry organisations. Practical, reliable and willing to get involved, Luke is building a strong reputation and helping shape the industry’s future.

Matt Arcidiacono

Cairns Region

Matthew Arcidiacono is an emerging industry leader combining practical farming experience, technical skills and a strong commitment to the future of cane. Matt completed apprenticeships in fitting and turning and boilermaking, developing skills he now applies to farm maintenance, machinery and implement development. His contribution spans young farmer leadership, mechanical planting, farm management and harvesting contracting, while embracing new technology and continuous improvement. In the off-season, he applies his skills through aluminium fabrication and licensed vehicle piloting. Supported by family, mentors and industry leaders, Matt has taken another step towards his future in cane by independently leasing and managing his own farm.

Ilanah Baston

Innisfail

Ilanah Baston represents an exciting new generation of sugar industry leaders. As an Extension Officer, she works closely with growers to adopt new practices, solve problems and build more productive and sustainable farming businesses. Despite being under 25, Ilanah has earned the trust and respect of growers through her knowledge, professionalism and genuine willingness to listen and help. She combines an enthusiasm for new ideas with great respect for the experience of those who came before her. Whether supporting growers, colleagues or industry events, Ilanah brings energy, humility and commitment, marking her as a bright young leader in the industry.

Luke Apap

Tully

For a young man, Luke Apap has already put down deep roots in the Tully sugar industry. Growing up in a successful farming family gave him a strong foundation, but his own drive has seen him build well beyond it. After completing a Fitter and Turner trade qualification at Tully Mill, Luke went out on his own, purchasing and operating cane farms while also establishing a successful contract planting business. With experience spanning family farming, mill work, farming in his own right and contracting, Luke has already built an impressive start to his career in cane – and there is plenty more still to come.

Rebekah Pace

Herbert River

Rebekah Pace is a hardworking emerging leader with a strong commitment to the future of the Herbert River sugar industry. She plays an active role in her family’s farming operation south of Ingham, combining practical experience with a keen interest in improving farm management. As Secretary of the CANEGROWERS Herbert River Young Growers Development Group, Rebekah is helping strengthen connections and opportunities for the next generation. She has also impressed local industry stakeholders by developing her own nitrogen and phosphorus budget for her family’s large farming operation. Rebekah’s initiative, capability and enthusiasm mark her as a promising future leader within CANEGROWERS and the wider industry.

Ryan Brownlie

Burdekin

Ryan Brownlie represents an exciting new generation of Burdekin cane growers. Moving to the district from a cotton farming background in 2023, he has quickly embraced the sugar industry and become an active participant in its future. Ryan regularly attends industry meetings, has taken part in Young Farmers tours and contributed to the One Plant, Many Products education material. He is also participating in SRA and BPS variety trials, demonstrating a willingness to test new ideas and support industry research. Bringing fresh experience from another agricultural sector, Ryan combines curiosity, adaptability and a strong commitment to learning, innovation and the future of the Burdekin sugar industry.

Justin Blair

Proserpine

Justin Blair is a fourth-generation cane farmer helping manage his family’s 300-hectare property alongside his father and younger brother. While taking on greater leadership within the family business, he has also become an active voice for the wider Proserpine industry. A founding member of Proserpine Young Farmers in 2019, Justin has since joined the boards of CANEGROWERS Proserpine Co-op and Sugar Services Proserpine. In 2024, he further developed his leadership skills through the CANEGROWERS Next Ratoon Program. Justin’s willingness to contribute beyond his own farm demonstrates his commitment to growers, his district and the future of Queensland’s sugarcane industry.

Anthony Deguara

Mackay

Anthony Deguara represents the next generation of leadership emerging from the Mackay sugar industry. An up-and-coming industry leader, Anthony has demonstrated a strong commitment to cane farming, his local district and the future of the industry. His willingness to become involved, contribute to industry discussions and take on greater responsibility reflects the qualities needed to carry the sector forward. As the sugar industry continues to evolve, emerging leaders like Anthony will play an important role in representing growers, embracing new opportunities and strengthening their communities. His enthusiasm and commitment mark him as one to watch in the future of Mackay’s cane industry.

Sam Ford

Bundaberg

Sam is a dedicated Bundaberg cane grower whose passion for farming has shaped his life. Growing up on his family’s farm, he has built experience across planting, growing and harvesting, worked alongside his father in harvesting contracts and established his own farming and laser bucket businesses. Sam also contributes to the wider industry as a Director of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd. A hardworking husband and father of three, he is already passing his knowledge and love of farming to his young children. Respected for his generosity, work ethic and willingness to help others, Sam represents a committed new generation of Bundaberg cane growers.

Jesse Hargreaves

Isis

Jesse Hargreaves grew up around cane and worked for several growers before taking the significant step of purchasing his own small farm without family assistance and converting it to sugarcane. Balancing full-time work with farming and raising two young children, Jesse has built an impressive operation through determination and hard work. His results speak for themselves, topping the mill’s daily CCS on multiple occasions during the 2025 season. Always looking for ways to improve his farming practices, Jesse is equally willing to lend a hand to others. His drive, independence and commitment make him an exciting part of the industry’s next generation.

Owen Touzeau

Maryborough

Owen Touzeau is a second-generation cane farmer working alongside his parents across three farms near Tiaro, totalling 156 hectares. He also operates a harvesting business and has invested in new machinery to improve the efficiency of his operation. Owen has embraced controlled traffic farming, new cane varieties, nutrient planning and farm redesign, with the family achieving Smartcane BMP accreditation in 2026. He is also building his contribution to the wider industry, joining the Maryborough Cane Productivity Services committee in 2024. Through his willingness to adopt new ideas, improve productivity and take on leadership responsibilities, Owen represents an emerging generation helping shape the future of cane farming.

Shaun Fischer

Rocky Point

Shaun Fischer is a progressive third-generation cane grower from Rocky Point with a strong commitment to the future of the local industry. He combines modern farming practices with active involvement in the district, regularly attending local grower events and contributing to the broader growing community. Shaun has diversified across several income streams, including juice cane, baling and cattle feed markets, and a cattle enterprise of his own – a practical approach in a small district like Rocky Point, where diversification is essential. Well respected by fellow growers, Shaun is a strong communicator, highly organised and a positive role model, often helping other young growers in the district. With these qualities, the board of CANEGROWERS Rocky Point believes he would be a strong candidate for future board service.