Earlier this year, I had the remarkable chance to embark on a journey to a Palm Beach County, Florida, sugar cane farm. This visit was organized by the Florida Sugar Cane League, which aims to bridge the gap between non-farming residents and local farmers. I was fortunate to join a group of seniors from a residential neighborhood in the southern part of the county. The experience was truly eye-opening as I had never laid eyes on sugar cane before. Let me share with you seven captivating aspects I discovered about this remarkable crop.

Discoveries about Sugar Cane

Palm Beach County: A Sugar Cane Farming Powerhouse

When we think of Palm Beach, images of beautiful beaches and high-end shopping often come to mind. However, this idyllic county is also a leading force in sugar cane farming. In fact, it holds the distinction of being the top grower of sugar cane, fresh sweet corn, and bell peppers in the entire nation. It stands as one of the ten largest agricultural counties in the country, a fact that showcases the significance of this industry within the region.

Sugar cane farming in Palm Beach County is a thriving business that contributes significantly to the local economy. The vast fields of sugar cane stretch across the landscape, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the farmers. This agricultural activity not only provides a source of income but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.

Sugar Cane: A Member of the Grass Family

The perennial nature of sugar cane makes it a unique crop. It is planted in 40-acre square fields, and the plant itself bears a resemblance to bamboo. The stalks are neatly laid in rows within the fields and covered with a thin layer of soil. Just like potatoes, eyes sprout on the stalks, marking the beginning of its growth cycle. These plants remain in the field for 3 to 4 years until the sugar content starts to decline. Once this happens, the fields are plowed, and a cover crop, often rice, is planted. The cycle then repeats itself the following year, ensuring a continuous supply of this valuable crop.

The grass-like appearance of sugar cane gives it a certain charm. Its ability to thrive in the Florida climate and produce high-quality sugar makes it a vital part of the agricultural landscape. The farmers' expertise in cultivating and managing sugar cane fields is truly remarkable.

The Night Crew: Guardians of the Sugar Cane

Rodents have a particular affinity for chewing on sugar cane, especially the young stalks. To combat this problem, a 4-H'er initiated a project to build nesting boxes for barn owls on the farm. Since there are no trees around the edges of the fields, these natural predators play a crucial role in keeping the pest population in check. Now, all the fields have boxes placed on the corners to attract these owls. In some cases, cameras have even been installed in the boxes, allowing us to witness the owls in action as they hunt for their prey.

The collaboration between the farmers and the 4-H'er showcases the innovative solutions employed in sugar cane farming. By using natural predators like barn owls, the farmers are able to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and maintain a sustainable farming environment. This approach not only benefits the sugar cane crop but also contributes to the overall ecosystem.

Burning before Harvest: A Necessary Step

Burning the fields before harvest serves a crucial purpose - it gets rid of any natural debris. Despite being 75% water, the sugar cane stalks do not catch fire. The Environmental Protection Agency closely monitors the air quality during these burns to ensure that the environment remains protected.

This burning process is a vital part of the sugar cane farming cycle. It helps to prepare the fields for the upcoming harvest and ensures that the sugar cane is free from any unwanted elements. The careful management of this process demonstrates the farmers' commitment to both productivity and environmental responsibility.

The Long Harvest Season: From October to May

Sugar cane harvesting is a continuous process that lasts for 8 months, from October through May. Farmers in Florida cultivate a different variety of sugar cane compared to those in Texas and Louisiana. In fact, Florida farmers grow more than half of the U.S. sugar cane crop, highlighting the state's importance in the sugar industry.

The extended harvest season allows for a steady supply of sugar cane throughout the year. The farmers work tirelessly to ensure that the crop is harvested at the right time to maximize its quality and yield. This dedication to the farming process is evident in every aspect of sugar cane production.

Transporting Sugar Cane by Rail: An Efficient Method

Each train car is capable of carrying one acre of sugar cane. Between 850 and 1,000 rail cars move the crop to one of the three sugar manufacturing mills every day. The rail cars and the tracks are owned by US Sugar, providing a reliable and efficient means of transporting the valuable crop.

The use of rail for sugar cane transportation offers several advantages. It allows for the large-scale movement of the crop over long distances, reducing the need for trucks and minimizing transportation costs. This efficient system ensures that the sugar cane reaches the mills in a timely manner, ready for processing.

Sugar Cane: A Zero-Waste Crop

Molasses, a byproduct of the milling process, is extracted from the sugar and used in various applications such as animal feed, de-icing roads in the west, and other useful purposes. Bagasse, another byproduct, is utilized as a biofuel to power the mills and nearly 35,000 homes. Additionally, this organic plant material is used as fertilizer, to make compostable plates, and as a construction material.

The utilization of every part of the sugar cane plant showcases the farmers' commitment to sustainability. By finding multiple uses for these byproducts, they are able to reduce waste and create a more environmentally friendly farming operation. This approach not only benefits the farmers but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community.