Growers urged to do due diligence when ordering wrap 

Cotton growers are urged to conduct proper due diligence when ordering module wrap for the coming season. 

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said Cotton Australia was aware of some instances this season where cotton module wrap had deteriorated while awaiting ginning. 

Concerns a ‘nightmare’ spray drift season as the first signs of damage emerge

Cotton growers in New South Wales have reported the first signs of off-target spray drift damage as concerns increase that there may be a nightmare season ahead, with ongoing wet weather resulting in an explosion of weeds.

Cotton Australia Regional Manager for northern New South Wales Bob Ford said he has already heard of spray drift damage near Collarenebri, Narrabri and Rowena and Walgett.

Cotton Australia Board meets NSW Opposition to discuss key issues 

The Cotton Australia Board and management team met with senior members of the NSW Opposition for dinner at Parliament House last week, with the event aiming to foster an understanding of the challenges faced by the cotton industry while building relationships with political leaders. 

Vale Ralph Schulzé AM

It is with deep respect and admiration that we remember Ralph Schulzé AM, considered one of the founding fathers of the Australian cotton industry.

Ralph’s contribution to cotton began in 1960, when he undertook the first cotton agronomy trials at the Narrabri Research Station (now the Australian Cotton Research Institute, ACRI). His pioneering work helped lay the foundation for modern cotton farming in Australia.

Cotton boosts the NT economy with circa $100m injection

The NT’s burgeoning cotton industry has attracted media attention for delivering on a key element of the NT government’s vision for its broadacre cropping strategy – generating much needed income for the local economy.

Dawson Valley Growers discuss key issues and shared learnings at AGM

The Dawson Valley Cotton Growers Association met in Theodore to hold their Annual General Meeting which saw the return of grower Andrew French as Chair. 

In his Chair’s report, Andrew reflected on the challenges of the 23/24 cotton season, where growers reported disappointing yields due to seasonal conditions. On a positive note, the highlight of the year was the “Sticky Beak Tour” that growers undertook to the Darling Downs.

Learning exchange drives cotton collaboration:  U.S Trust Protocol 

Earlier this year, Jesse Daystar from Cotton Incorporated in the U.S. attended Camp Cotton in Australia. Last month, Cotton Australia was invited to participate in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (USTP) farm and gin tour. The tour offered an opportunity to engage with American farmers, discuss shared challenges, and explore potential areas for collaboration.

Richie strips the layers on a novel harvest approach

Trangie cotton grower Richie Quigley has released his Nuffield Scholarship report on the strip and disc system, which maximises crop residue by reducing disturbance and delaying decomposition. His research explores its benefits and challenges, including increased ground cover, reduced evaporation, improved soil health, better plant growth, greater drought resilience, and enhanced farm profits.

Cotton Australia stands out at the RAS NSW Farm Days 

Cotton Australia stood out at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Farm Days, with Education Manager Jenny Hughes leading hands-on, interactive sessions. Held over two weeks the event hosted over 1,600 students from Year 1 to Year 12.