Celebrate World Cotton Day on October 7
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Cotton Matters
Cotton Australia is continuing to work with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the Australian Government and industry partners to protect agriculture’s access to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) and support growers facing immediate workforce pressures.
Latest News
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray participated in a Murray-Darling Basin Authority roundtable in Sydney last week, where some of the key issues and options being considered as part of the Basin Plan Review were discussed. Discussions indicated a possible shift from further water recovery towards making better use of existing environmental water.
Planting is underway for Australia’s 2026-27 cotton crop, with several growing regions starting early ahead of what is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology to be a drier season. Growers in the Central Highlands, Brisbane Valley, St George, and a few early starters in Northern and Southern NSW have already planted, while most regions will begin next week.
Cotton Australia’s Darling Downs Regional Manager Howard Coggan was one of three representatives from the cotton industry selected for the second cohort of the Murray-Darling Basin Leadership Program, which gathered in Griffith recently.
The Macquarie and Lower Namoi Cotton Grower Associations have each celebrated last season’s achievements at awards ceremonies held recently. Lower Namoi Grower of the Year is Paul Flewitt from Australian Food and Fibre, while Macquarie Valley Crop of the Year was awarded to Kainga, managed by Sinclair Steel.
AI is changing the way workplace complaints and Fair Work Commission claims are prepared, but it does not know what actually happened in your workplace. For employers, good record-keeping remains one of the best ways to establish the facts and defend a claim. From documenting performance conversations and complaints to keeping accurate employment records, the paperwork can matter when a dispute arises.
What happens when a WHS regulator visits your farm, and what are your responsibilities? Cotton Australia and Josh Ingham from Ingham & Co will cover how regulators operate, what to expect during a visit, and what growers need to do to meet their WHS obligations.
Wee Waa agronomist, farmer and beneficial insect innovator Anna Madden has won the NSW Women in Agriculture award at the Australian Agriculture Awards state dinner in Sydney. Anna was recognised for her contribution in addressing the issue of insecticide resistance and reduced chemical usage in the cotton industry through The Crop Capsules Company.
Narrabri founder of Sober in the Country Shanna Whan also won the Toyota Wellbeing and Safety in Agriculture award for successfully promoting a culture in the bush where it is 'ok to say no' to alcohol, delivering real and meaningful change.
It's World Cotton Day on Wednesday 7 October - an opportunity to recognise the many benefits of cotton and highlight the people, innovation and sustainability behind the Australian cotton industry. To celebrate, we've partnered with AS Colour for a special event at their Fitzroy store in Melbourne featuring live screenprinting of an exclusive, limited edition Australian cotton T-shirt. If you're in Melbourne, please join us in store from 5pm. If you can't make it in person, follow along on social media on October 7.
Cotton Research and Development Corporation has launched a trial Leadership Development Scholarship for 2026-27, providing up to $25,000 in funding for individuals to undertake opportunities that align with both their personal development goals and the future needs of the cotton industry. Applications are now open for growers, agronomists, researchers and other cotton industry contributors at any stage of their leadership journey.
The latest QFF quarterly update includes an updated Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit, providing practical, current guidance to help landholders make informed decisions about renewable energy proposals on their property. The update also covers amendments to Critical Minerals legislation to maintain protections for strategic cropping and prime agricultural land, and concerns about recent Working Holiday Maker visa reforms.
News in Brief
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Round 3 of the Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program is now open, helping primary producers extend connectivity across their farms and use connected machinery and sensor technology. Applications close 15 October 2026, with $10 million available in rebates of $1,000 to $20,000 (GST exclusive) through approved suppliers. |
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The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority’s 2025 Queensland Rural Debt Survey provides a breakdown of rural debt by industry and region. Since 2023, cotton industry debt has increased by $304.06 million (17.1%), while average debt per borrower has risen 32.44% to $6.65 million. |
myBMP
myBMP case study: Meg Tighe, Moree NSW
Moree grower Meg Tighe from Tighe Ag shares her experience completing the myBMP certification process and the benefits it has delivered for their business.
