Sugar cane takes approx. 14 – 18 months to mature. Once matured it is harvested by chopping down the stems and leaving the roots. The roots left behind would re-sprout and rapidly mature, allowing a second, and sometimes even a third harvest. Once harvested, it must be processed within a few hours to keep it from fermenting and spoiling. Harvest times tended to be in the drier months – January to May. The harvested cane was taken to the factory by truck, rail wagon or on a cart pulled by a donkey. The now “scenic rail” gives a glimpse into the routes.