Invicta Mill has crushed its two millionth tonne of cane last week (2,085,571t), with the seasonal Burdekin harvest progressing steadily and respective crush totals for the remaining mills as follows: Pioneer: 1,249,258t; Kalamia: 1,084,366t and Inkerman: 1,309,883t.

The expected total harvest of 7.3mt of cane should be completed by the end of October, depending on mill performance and weather considerations.

CSR advises it is continually assessing actual-to-estimate harvesting data and adjusting plans for the finalisation of crushing accordingly.

Growers are asked to review their remaining crop estimates and to liaise with their area logistics officer to help facilitate an orderly finish to harvesting.

The prolonged dry weather has seen the CCS at historically high levels in the regions and still climbing. CCS is performing this year above expectations - determined by historical data.

The high CCS has had an impact on CSR factories, with crushing rates restricted.

CSR advises that adjustments have been made, where possible, around the pans stages, to better cope with the higher liquor stocks.

While crushing rates have been constrained by the high CCS, actual daily sugar production rates have been above normal levels.

Sugar prices have been very volatile in the past few weeks, trading at levels not seen in 30 years, and the present shortfall in sugar is likely to continue.

As a result, the October futures contract reached a high of 24.85c/pound on September 1, dropping nearly 5c in the next week.

CSR advises that the 2009 season prices have reached A$650/t actual, coinciding with that high. Seven days later the price was back at A$550/t - a $100/t move in just one week.

Behind all this hyper-activity is a record consecutive global sugar deficit projected for the 2009/10 season (October to September sugar year).