NT Farm to Feed Forum a success No images? Click here Cotton Matters The agenda is out for Cotton Collective 2025, set to run 5–7 August in Toowoomba. With a packed three-day schedule of speakers, events and a trade show, highlights include CSIRO’s Dr Stefan Hajkowicz on megatrends, a panel on the future of the Basin Plan featuring MDBA CEO Andrew McConville, and keynote speaker Natalie Waters on the skill of reading people. Latest NewsFor the first time ever, the leaders of both Cotton Australia and CRDC will tour cotton valleys to seek feedback from growers and industry on a number of topics that together will shape the industry’s future. Kicking off in Central Queensland on the 28-29 July, the tour will visit most valleys by the end of September, so keep an eye out for the dates in your area. The potential to diversify and strengthen cattle operations in northern Australia through integrated feed and fibre production was a key focus of the Farm to Feed Forum held in Katherine. Chaired by Cotton Australia’s Simone Cameron, the forum brought together stakeholders to explore the role of cropping, cotton and silage in sustainable cattle feed systems. More than 70 people attended this week’s Dryland Cotton Growers Research Association (DCRA) Forum in Narrabri, where the focus was on research, data and grower priorities. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay was among the speakers, sharing an update on key industry activities The New South Wales and Queensland Governments handed down their 2025–26 State Budgets this week, with a number of announcements relevant to cotton-growing regions. The recent Better Cotton Conference brought together global cotton leaders to discuss key challenges and opportunities in a changing market. Brooke Summers attended, highlighting the positive impact of working with Better Cotton. Since Australia’s myBMP program became benchmarked with Better Cotton, certification uptake has grown rapidly as farmers respond to clear market signals that sustainable cotton commands greater value. Cotton Australia’s Policy Officer (Stewardship) Doug McCollum has told a key gathering of around 100 beekeepers in Victoria that technology is helping to protect bees from insecticide spray. Riverina grower Gabrielle Coupland has commenced Course 32 of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, supported by the cotton industry. Gabrielle and her family recently finished their third cotton harvest on their mixed farming operation. She described the program as a “now or never” chance to share her experience and learn from others across regional Australia. The Queensland Branch of Nuffield Australia recently held its annual dinner in Brisbane. Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray attended the event and reconnected with several former Nuffield Scholars supported by the cotton industry. Planning is underway for Cotton Australia’s 2025 Ekka display, and we’re once again inviting growers and industry representatives to volunteer a few hours on the stand to help share the story of Australian cotton. Cotton Australia currently has several job opportunities based in cotton-growing regions of Queensland and NSW. If you're a proactive and driven individual looking for a rewarding role in a growing industry, view our current openings. News in brief
2025 Grower of the Year Hugh Brownhill is a director of Merrillong Agricultural Company, a family-run business on the Liverpool Plains south of Spring Ridge. As a 2025 Cotton Grower of the Year finalist, he shares how the team manages around 1200 hectares of dryland cotton and 320 hectares under irrigation. |