If a SafeWork Inspector Turned Up Tomorrow, Would Your Farm Be Ready?
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Cotton Matters
Merrilong Agricultural Company drew a record crowd for the 2026 Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day on Wednesday, which has been hailed as a huge success. More than 300 growers, agronomists and industry representatives from cotton growing areas across New South Wales and Queensland travelled to Spring Ridge NSW for the opportunity to learn from Merrilong Agricultural Company, the 2025 Bayer Cotton Growers of the Year.
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Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray and Macquarie Valley irrigated cotton grower Matt Whittaker were among 200 stakeholders to attend the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Leaders' Summit in Brisbane last week.
Recently, SafeWork NSW announced that inspectors will be visiting agricultural businesses across NSW from March through to May as part of a campaign aimed at strengthening safety compliance and supporting safer farming practices. Inspectors will be focusing on areas such as machinery safety, operator training, vehicle rollover protection and the safe separation of people and machinery.
Cotton Australia will host a webinar on Wednesday 25 March focused on farm safety and WHS obligations. Farm Safety: Knowing Your WHS Obligations will cover inductions, key documentation, emergency response and practical ways to improve day-to-day safety on-farm, with time for questions.
Central Highlands cotton growers and industry representatives gathered in Emerald on 6 March for the annual Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association Awards Night, recognising production results from the 2024–25 season and contributions to the regional industry.
Local growers across the Dawson and Callide Valleys met with Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon. Tony Perrett, during visits to Theodore and Biloela this week, providing a chance to raise current challenges directly, including the impact of recent flooding such as crop losses, on-farm damage and the investment already made into affected crops.
Following a submission lodged earlier this year, Cotton Australia’s Northern Manager Simone Cameron and General Manager Michael Murray were invited to appear before the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s inquiry into preparing for emerging industries across the region
Current participants, alumni of the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program and other industry leaders are invited to join the 2026 Australian Cotton Industry Unconference for Emerging Leaders. The event will feature three online sessions on 24–25 March, covering emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership and a panel discussion on stepping into industry leadership.
You can attend one, two or all three sessions.
Scholarships for students and educators to attend Australian Cotton Conference
Scholarships are now open for students and educators to attend the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast this August. The scholarships aim to help participants learn about the cotton industry and the career opportunities it offers. The scholarships are open to senior secondary students, educators and university students, with conference registration and support for travel and accommodation available.
News in brief
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With Easter fast approaching, Cotton Australia has reviewed the rules and regulations that govern the movement of cotton harvesting equipment over the Easter period. Qld rules remain unchanged, while in NSW the previous exemption has been replaced by the NSW Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicle Operators Guide, allowing loads up to 5 metres wide to move under the notice, with wider loads need a permit. |
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An online information session will be held on Wednesday 25 March at 1:00 pm AEDT as an introduction to the Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program. The program aims to develop leaders to support the sustainable and equitable management of Australia’s waterways and environment. The session will include an overview of the program, with Trust CEO and Programs Director available to answer questions. |
Australian Cotton Conference
Rhys Herbert and Tricia Carroll from Hancock Agriculture have recently achieved myBMP certification. Their property, ‘Warra Warra’ on the Darling Downs, will host the Growers of the Year Field Day on 24 March.
