Broadacre, Horticultural and Mixed Production Farmers

How to become a Sugar Cane Grower

Also called: Sugar Cane Farm Manager

Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow sugar cane.

Main tasks

Plans, organises and coordinates the production and marketing of sugar cane crops, taking into account environmental and market conditions
Selects and purchases sugar cane setts, fertilisers and other supplies required for sugar cane production
Coordinates and develops strategies for cultivating, fertilising and irrigating sugar cane crops to maintain optimal production, crop health and growing conditions
Monitors and maintains sugar cane crop health by managing biosecurity and other risks, and controlling pests, weeds and disease
Directs and oversees sugar cane crop defoliation, harvesting and transportation to sugar mills
Plans and coordinates the sale, purchase and dispatch of sugar cane
Plans and oversees the provision and maintenance of sugar cane farming infrastructure and equipment, such as sheds, fences, machinery, and water supply and irrigation systems
Maintains and evaluates records of sugar cane farming activities, monitors market activity, and plans production accordingly
Manages sugar cane farm business capital, including budgeting, taxation, debt and loan management
May select, train and supervise sugar cane farm staff and contractors

Ways in

University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
TAFE and VET: Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50122); Certificate IV in Agribusiness (AHC41024); Certificate IV in Production Horticulture (AHC40324); Diploma of Production Horticulture (AHC50324)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

About 33,200 people work in this job group now, and about 34,700 are projected by 2035. (+4.6%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Sugar Cane Grower?

Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Agriculture; Certificate IV in Agribusiness.

Is a Sugar Cane Grower a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 33,200 to about 34,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Sugar Cane Grower?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Agriculture; Certificate IV in Agribusiness.

Will AI change the work of a Sugar Cane Grower?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04