Passionate photographer captures the heart of cane country in Mossman and beyond

THE FINAL HARVEST

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Mossman’s harvest captured through the lens, preserving a moment in time. Picture: Luke Horniblow

Luke Horniblow, a passionate hobby photographer from Townsville, travels across Far North Queensland to capture the beauty of the region’s sugarcane harvest. Last year, his journey took him to Mossman, where he documented what could be the area’s final harvest, preserving a moment in history through his lens.

Driven by a deep love for the sugarcane industry, Mr Horniblow spends his free time traveling between Cairns and the Burdekin, capturing the dedication and impressive machinery that drive this vital industry.

What began as a personal passion has grown into a thriving online community. Through his Facebook group, Australian Sugar Cane Farming/Harvesting,Mr Horniblow shares stunning images with over 23,000 members, offering an intimate glimpse into an industry few get to experience firsthand.

Mr Horniblow’s connection to the sugarcane industry runs deep. Growing up in Hervey Bay near cane fields, he spent hours on tractors during harvest seasons, sparking a lifelong fascination.

“It’s in the blood, I suppose. I’ve been around the industry since I was a kid, and photography naturally became part of that,” Mr Horniblow shared.

“There’s something special about seeing and documenting the harvest up close, especially as older equipment becomes increasingly rare. It’s a unique perspective on an industry many people don’t get to see.”

Mr Horniblow also focuses on the subtle differences he observes while traveling, contrasting older machinery with newer models, capturing regional harvesting techniques, and playing with lighting and unique settings to keep his photography fresh and engaging.

Beyond his main Facebook group, Mr Horniblow also manages separate communities focused on cane trains and sugar mills, each offering a unique angle on the sugarcane industry. 

“These groups have become valuable spaces for people to advertise machinery, connect with workers, and stay informed about what’s happening in different regions,” he said.

“It’s built a real community around something niche but incredibly important."

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