International competition and ageing canegrowers are two of the factors forcing the Australian sugar industry to plan its transition into the future. To be successful, industry plans must be consistent with the situation and objectives of canegrowing farm-households. A survey of Maryborough cane farmers aimed at identifying (a) farming resources, practices and outcomes; (b) household demographics, income sources and objectives. Statistical analysis is tailored to the partly qualitative data. Initial results show income-diversified households and age-related segmentation of farming. Findings will be used in developing regional policies in Maryborough that link the need for maintaining regional cane throughput with canegrowers’ objectives.