Cotton Yearbook 2016

Volume 37 No.6 — $20

COTTON YEARBOOK

2016

Growing Potential Powered by CGS

CGS, here to help you achieve your goals.

When it comes to growing cotton, experience and expertise form a large part of your succes story, just like our staff form a large part of our success story.

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Where the seeds of success are sown:

OVERVIEW 5

ENVIRONMENT 115

116 118 120 124

Waterbirds in cotton landscapes Coal seam connections myBMP and BCI deliver more value to growers Cotton RiverCare champion

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Autonomous tractor – the future of agriculture 3D printing with cotton Sydney Uni unleashes RIPPA the weed killer Using UAVs to track surface irrigation

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144 148 149 154 155 156 158 165 166 170

49

Australian production 52 World production Cotton and futures prices Consumption and market share Exports and imports

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AREA ROUND~UP Southern NSW Bourke Gwydir Valley Darling Downs Dawson–Callide

62 66 74 80 86

Macquarie Valley Namoi Valley Border Rivers St George–Dirranbandi Central Highlands

90 Gearing up for a new Murray Darling campaign 93 Why ‘just add water’ doesn’t work 100 Cotton water storage snapshot

ACCOUNTS Deb Meddleton

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185

Contents of advertisements are the responsibility of the advertisers.

All statements and opinions expressed in the COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 are published after due consideration of information gained from sources believed to be authentic. No portion may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

COPYRIGHT 2016.

Cover photo courtesy

Cover photos by Melanie Jenson

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 1

SECTION 11

Cotton Australia investing in the next generation CottonInfo education highlights in 2016 Sharp young minds attend GrowAg summit A young innovator with big ideas Two new cotton industry scholars

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Michael Cook 07 4659 3555

TRADE DIRECTORY

104 108 110 111 112

103

PRODUCTION MANAGER Mick Allan

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lloyd O’Connell

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

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MANAGING EDITOR David Dowling

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171

Major industry organisations 172 Australian Cotton Industry Forum 172 Cotton Australia Associated industry bodies 174 Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia 174 Association of Australian Cotton Scientists 176 Australian Cotton Ginners’ Assoc.

176 Australian Cotton Shippers’ Assoc.

177 Cotton Classers’ Association of Australia 178 Cotton Research and Development Corporation 178 Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd 180 Crop Consultants Australia 180 WinCott Women’s Industry Network – Cotton 181 Regional cotton grower associations

PROCESSING AND MARKETING

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

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INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS

SECTION 5 WATER MATTERS

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Published by The Australian Cottongrower PO BOX 766, TOOWOOMBA. 4350.

Phone: (07) 4659 3555 Fax: (07) 4638 4520 Email: cotton@greenmountpress.com.au www.cottongrower.com.au

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58 65 70 77 83

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

57

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50 54 55 56

Promoting Australian cotton globally Australian laboratories join the ‘certified’ list Australian cotton’s place in traditional markets How Australia is faring in the ‘newer’ markets 2016 crop quality Cotton Coverage Processing organisations Marketing consultants Merchants Independent classing services

EDUCATION & TRAINING

143

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PROCESSING & MARKETING

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ENVIRONMENT

SECTION 3 THE INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

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WATER MATTERS

38 42 44 46

125

25 year milestone for CRDC R&D strategy produces dividends for growers CottonInfo Team CRDC Research Project Summary

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126 132 136 137

AREA ROUNDUP

RESEARCH & EXTENSION

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SECTION 2 THE FUTURE

THE INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

6 Optimism and moisture in the air 6 Cotton production estimates 2015–16 8 A year of challenges and successes 14 Win in Backpacker Tax fight 16 Cotton Conference draws industry together 22 Awards celebrate excellence in our cotton industry 26 Tackling off-target spray drift 30 Farmers in foreign fields

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SECTION 7

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THE FUTURE

SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Optimism and moisture in the air....................................... 6 Cotton production estimates 2015–16................................ 6 A year of challenges and successes..................................... 8 Win in Backpacker Tax fight.............................................. 14 Cotton Conference draws industry together..................... 16 Awards celebrate excellence in our cotton industry.......... 22 Tackling off-target spray drift............................................ 26 Farmers in foreign fields.................................................... 30

S E C T I O N

OVERVIEW

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Optimism and moisture in the air

T

he raw figures would suggest that Australian cotton yields last season fell by about six per cent from the record breaking 2014–15 season. But if you drill a little deeper you will again find some stories of remarkable yields. While the average may have fallen a little due to various reasons – mainly lack of water – there were some truly exceptional crops in just about every production region.

Of course, the performance of the high yielding crops was greatly helped by a long, hot and dry finish to the season. Great for fully irrigated crops, but not so good for dryland crops or for anyone who was running short of water.

One of the remarkable statistics in this Yearbook is the fact that Australian cotton growers are now growing twice as much cotton per megalitre of water than they were 10 years ago. This is a great tribute to the researchers, growers, consultants and suppliers. And it goes

to show that we don’t need politicians to lead the way on innovation.

The introduction of Bollgard 3 this season looks likely to produce a sea-change in Australian cotton production, especially for northern and dryland producers. Freed of some of the constraints of the previous Bollgard Resistance Management Plan – especially in relation to planting windows, refuges and pupae busting – we can expect a new era of dryland cotton production starting from now.

This promising future was perhaps part of the reason for the air of optimism apparent at the biggest and most successful gathering of the Australian cotton industry – the 2016 Australian Cotton Conference in August. At the time, there was no great reason for optimism with most irrigation storages closer to empty than to full.

But all that enthusiasm must have had an impact, because the dams have kept filling ever since.

AUSTRALIAN COTTON PRODUCTION ESTIMATES 2015–16 Irrigated

Dryland

Total

Hectares4

Yield bales/ha

135000 34000 336000 148000 35500 688,500

— 300 20400 — — 20,700

— 2.2 3.8 — — 3.8

— 650 78000 — — 78,650

14900 3800 49100 11900 2800 82,500

135000 34650 414000 148000 35500 767,150

11.8 283500 11.5 224000 11.0 159000 11.4 233000 12.0 116000 10.9 17500 — — 11.9 115000 11.9 517000 11.7 1,665,000 11.5 2,353,500

2700 17250 23250 24750 1800 — — — — 69750 90,450

2.2 2.4 2.7 2.2 2.1 — — — — 2.4 2.7

6000 42000 62000 55000 3700 — — — — 168,700 247,350

26700 36750 37650 45250 11500 1600 — 9650 43500 212,600 295,100

289500 266000 221000 288000 119700 17500 — 115000 517000 1,833,700 2,600,850

Hectares

Yield bales/ha

14900 3500 28700 11900 2800 61,800

9.1 9.7 11.7 12.4 12.7 11.1

Bales

Bales

Hectares

Bales

Queensland Emerald1 Biloela/Theodore

Darling Downs St George Dirranbandi Total NSW Macintyre2 Gwydir Upper Namoi Lower Namoi3 Macquarie Bourke Tandou Lachlan Murrumbidgee/Murray Total Aust. total

24000 19500 14400 20500 9700 1600 — 9650 43500 142,850 204,650

Overall average lint yield: 8.8 bales/ha (2001 kg/ha).

1 Includes Mackenzie and Belyando. 2 About 40% of Macintyre cotton is grown in Queensland. Includes Mungindi. 3 Includes Walgett.

4 Planted area is in field hectares, not green hectares. A conversion factor of 1.5 has been applied to green hectare estimates.

Acknowledgement: Drawn largely from estimates supplied by Cotton Compass.

6 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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A year of challenges and successes

By Adam Kay, Cotton Australia CEO

C

otton Australia is proud of the significant achievements it has made in its core business of policy and advocacy over the past 12 months, the most important of which have been in the realm of water security. We have successfully overturned water embargoes, ensured the voice of growers was heard by regulators from the Murray Darling Basin Authority, and locked in water buyback caps.

We also had a win with the review of the Water Act, and progressed local water management in Queensland. Water is the most precious resource of our growers, and to be able to achieve so much in this arena in just 12 months is testament to the effectiveness of Cotton Australia’s policy team. You’ll find more on our efforts in water policy, and other major advocacy initiatives, elsewhere in this Yearbook.

Strong gains have also been made in other important areas, such as protecting growers’

Adam Kay – CEO, Cotton Australia.

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rights against the resource industry, growing engagement with myBMP and BCI, progressing the Bollgard III Resistance Management Plan, and increasing biosecurity preparedness and responsiveness.

As you know, Cotton Australia is funded by a voluntary levy which growers contribute for every bale they produce. To those voluntary levy contributors, I take this opportunity to thank you. Without your crucial support, we at Cotton Australia could not achieve all that we do on behalf of growers and the industry.

If you have chosen not to pay the levy, please reconsider – talk to your ginning representative about contributing your share. If all growers paid the voluntary levy, we could achieve so much more on behalf of the industry, and the levy could be reduced even more than it has in recent years.

Following is a brief summary of the many ways Cotton Australia works on behalf of growers, which supplements the more detailed chapters elsewhere. I trust you will find it a useful guide to how our organisation has served you and the industry over the past year.

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Transport In the past season Cotton Australia progressed negotiations with federal and state regulators in Queensland and NSW to ensure growers and transport operators can operate efficiently and safely on public roads. The exemptions ensured over-dimension loads and machinery could be practicably operated and transported on public roads during the critical harvest period. Cotton Australia worked with local police and regulators to ensure growers received transport notices much earlier in the season, and also provided plain English best practice transport guidelines essential for movement and transport.

A series of transport forums was well attended by growers, contractors and regulators ahead of the busy harvest period. The forums provided attendees with timely information about the strict legal requirements for all parties involved at Goondiwindi, Mungindi, Moree, Wee Waa, Breeza, Hay and Darlington Point.

Cotton Australia also welcomed legislation passed by the Federal Parliament in April 2016 to abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012, the result of a campaign by our organisation in conjunction with the NFF and others. In doing so, the Australian Government scrapped the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) and invalidated the RSRT’s 2014 and 2016 Orders. The 2016 Order risked skyrocketing transport costs, or fines for transport contractors, just as the harvest period got underway. By invalidating the 2016 Order: • Minimum pay rates were no longer imposed on owner-driver transport operators, which would have potentially rendered them uncompetitive against larger transport companies.

• Longstanding arrangements for movement of stock and feed were restored.

Exemptions ensured over-dimension loads could be carried during harvest.

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• Rural businesses servicing the agriculture and transport sectors can keep their doors open.

Grower services and disaster assistance Each season, Cotton Australia plays a critical role to deliver unique services of benefit to growers to ensure their cotton operations remain safe, compliant, profitable and efficient all-year-round, including: • The CottonSafe Campaign: The campaign’s safety resources and templates engage with workers and contractors to identify and assess hazards on cotton farms and to develop and implement plans and procedures to minimise safety risks. Cotton Australia’s resources are directly linked to modules in the industry’s myBMP program. In addition, Cotton Australia facilitated work health and safety workshops attended by 180 growers.

• Pick N Match: Cotton Australia’s annual Pick N Match campaign assists growers with securing picking and transport contractors, which remains a challenge for growers in some valleys, despite a smaller national crop.

The Pick N Match service helps bring growers and picking contractors together to make the harvest more efficient.

• Farm Hygiene: The Come Clean – Go Clean program assists growers to produce higher yields by preventing the spread of pests and diseases between fields, farms and regions.

The campaign disseminates information about the major principles of Come Clean – Go Clean, including machinery inspection and the importance of on-farm training.

Cotton Australia also rallied behind growers and their communities when natural disasters struck during the past season. A superstorm that swept across Millmerran, Cecil Plains and Bowenville on December 23, 2015 caused up to $50 million in damage, with around 50 cotton growers affected and cotton crop losses estimated at around 5000 hectares.

Infrastructure – including lateral irrigators, sheds and machinery – and other summer crops grown by farmers were all damaged in the storm.

Cotton Australia staff joined state government and industry organisation representatives at a meeting and on a tour of farms to review damage, and followed up to provide growers with information about the support available.

Just two days later, Cotton Australia stood ready to help St George growers impacted by a hail storm that struck the district on Christmas Eve. More than 1000 hectares of cotton was severely damaged, with reports of a further 500

AN EASIER WAY TO GROW COTTON Find out more visit www.bollgard3.com.au

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hectares of lesser damage. The organisation communicated the availability of government assistance, low-interest loans and freight subsidies to growers.

Mining and CSG – vigilance pays off, but the work continues The past 12 months has seen ongoing activity in the area of resources exploration and development in cotton-growing regions. Activity in Queensland picked up in early 2016 following a post-election lull, while NSW remains very active in the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) and mining space: • A win in NSW for land access: Growers were handed a win in late 2015 when amendments to the Mining Act 1992 and Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 passed both houses of the NSW Parliament, strengthening the rights of cotton growers and other landholders in the state. Amendments passed in the legislation include greater rigour around conflict resolution processes; improved transparency and monitoring and compliance outcomes; the provision of a framework for the strategic release of mining and petroleum exploration licences; and, the appointment of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as the lead

12 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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regulator for compliance and enforcement of gas activity approval conditions.

• IPART success: In December 2015 the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) handed down its recommendations on compensation benchmarking. IPART had responded to Cotton Australia’s advice that a one-size-fits-all approach would not work for compensation payments, and proposed instead a bespoke model that allows landholders to estimate compensation benchmarks using information specific to their circumstances. Also welcomed was the proposal that gas companies should fund benefit payments to landholders, which recognises the impost on agricultural operations from coal seam gas operations.

Communications – sharing the positive story of our industry Cotton Australia’s communications and media team worked alongside the policy team and network of Regional Managers to significantly boost the industry’s profile in the media and social media spheres this season.

In the past 12 months, Cotton Australia’s activities attracted 1151 media clips with regional and metropolitan newspapers, radio and television outlets, representing a 20 per cent increase on the previous period. 66.5 per cent of the stories represented positive sentiment and 33 per cent neutral reporting.

Cotton Australia’s efforts in the media considerably lifted the profile of issues important to growers – such as water security, spray drift and the ‘Backpacker Tax’ – and commanded the attention of political leaders, policymakers and regulators, business leaders and the community.

The organisation’s social media profile and reach also ramped up over the past 12 months, helping to expand the reach of our industry’s positive story with new audiences, galvanise our industry and its allies around critical policy issues, and better engage with the next generation of growers. Cotton Australia has amassed more than 7200 total social media followers across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. More than 742,000 people were reached through our posts and ‘tweets’, representing a 187 per cent increase in our reach compared to the previous 12 month period.

An additional 35,000 have watched Cotton Australia’s YouTube videos on topics ranging from information for growers and industry, education and promotional content for end-users.

Cotton Australia’s website attracted more than 565,000 page views from more than 213,000 unique users over the past 12 months.

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Win in Backpacker Tax fight

By Michael Murray, General Manager, Cotton Australia

O

ne of the major issues tackled by Cotton Australia in the past year resulted in a win for growers, irrigators and other

farmers.

Cotton Australia worked closely with the NFF, QFF and others to seek a review of the Government’s proposed ‘Backpacker Tax’ which, if implemented, would have taxed visiting holidaymakers as non-residents from July 1, 2016, removing access to the tax-free threshold and requiring backpackers to pay 32.5 cents for every dollar earned.

The campaign involved significant lobbying of key politicians, working with political leaders on alternative solutions, an online petition that attracted more than 47,000 signatures, a coordinated social media campaign, and substantial traditional media attention.

The campaign pressured the Government to review the proposed tax and commit to resolving the issue.

The backpacker tax is due to be rolled back.

14 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Michael Murray, General Manager, Cotton Australia.

In late September the Government announced its planned Backpacker Tax would be wound back, to be replaced with a tax on working holidaymakers at 19 per cent for every dollar earned, plus an increase to the Passenger Movement Charge.

“As we had maintained, the Backpacker Tax as originally proposed would have been disastrous for the cotton industry and many other agricultural sectors,” says Cotton Australia General Manager, Michael Murray.

“Many cotton growers rely on backpackers and other seasonal workers to ensure production at critical periods of the year, and our industry would have faced an extreme burden if the proposed Backpacker Tax had proceeded.”

Michael says it is fair and reasonable for backpackers to contribute to the nation’s tax base, and the revised working holidaymaker tax plan will allow Australia to remain competitive with other countries to attract seasonal labour.

Cotton Australia expressed appreciation for the support of the Government in amending its tax plan, and in particular that of Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce and local federal members who voiced the concerns of farmers.

The organisation will work with the Government in coming months as it introduces new legislation to implement the revised Backpacker Tax.

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Cotton Conference draws industry together

A

record number of delegates gathered on the Gold Coast in August to attend the 18th Australian Cotton Conference and the Australian Cotton Industry Awards.

More than 1900 delegates registered for the Conference, a new record for attendance in the event’s 36 years of operation. The event drew growers and industry representatives from across Queensland, NSW and northern Victoria, and was held over three days at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the Awards gala dinner finalising the Conference on Thursday, August 4.

The Australian Cotton Conference is a joint initiative of Cotton Australia and the Australian Cotton Shippers Association.

Cotton Australia CEO, Adam Kay, says the event drew cotton growers, ginners and others in the industry from as far north as Emerald and from as far south as Swan Hall in Victoria.

“Every two years, the Australian Cotton Conference is a fantastic opportunity for growers to come together and network as a part of the broader cotton community and also to connect with the whole supply chain,” Adam says.

“The record number of attendees, more than 1900, speaks about our industry’s resilience and

our place in the agricultural community.”

“Importantly, this year’s conference attracted a significant contingent from the Southern Valleys – the Riverina and northern Victoria – which represents the area of fastest growth for our industry.”

Highlights from the 2016 Australian Cotton Conference included:

Growers updated on Bollgard 3 and beyond The ‘Bollgard 3 and beyond’ session, chaired

by Simon Corish, Cotton Australia Chair and Goondiwindi cotton grower, provided an opportunity to reflect on 20 years of biotechnology in Australia. Attendees heard from Australian cotton growers and those in the industry using biotechnology to produce some of the world’s best cotton.

Session highlights and speakers included: • Shannon Hauf, Monsanto (USA): new biotechnologies available through Bollgard 3 and beyond, and Monsanto’s efforts to create new biotechnologies from the turn of the decade in 2020 and into the future.

• Rob Newell, Korolea Farming, Goondiwindi: Rob has adopted biotechnology in cotton for 20 years, and presented the Australian cotton grower perspective on the advancements made in the industry since the introduction of biotechnology in Australia in 1996. Rob praised the work of Australia’s dedicated cotton researchers, technology providers, breeders and scientists.

Balanced land and water use session addresses critical water policy issues

A big crowd at the Trade Display.

16 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Session chair and Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray led a panel which addressed issues around water use and its impacts on cotton growers and the communities they support. Speakers included Colin Mues (Murray Darling Basin Authority), Tom Chesson (National Irrigators’ Council), Mike Wade (California Farm Water Coalition) and Anthony Lynham (Qld Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines).

Key points from the session included: • The Murray Darling Basin Authority believes it has a good understanding of the environmental needs of the Basin and the social and economic impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan

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The charity auction raised a substantial sum.

(MDBP), and notes that there are challenges in making triple-bottom-line decisions incorporating input from local communities.

policy has placed economic pressure on communities and farmers affected by the MDBP.

• Agriculture representative groups say ‘enough is enough’ – current surface water recovery

• The ‘simply add water’ approach to environmental health in the Basin is flawed, and complementary measures are more effective, bringing more ‘bang for the buck’ for the environment while reducing the impost on farmers and communities.

Farm business succession planning

Ph: 1300 CULVERT (285 837)

Panel chair Barb Grey (Mungindi grower and Cotton Australia director) led the session, with Rabobank’s Kim Lee introducing Andrew and Scott Colvin (‘Nosswick’), who successfully took their family farm business through a succession planning exercise. The Colvins had many great tips for growers planning to pass on the family farm, including: • Set a finite date for handover, but understand that the senior partner can move sideways, not out.

• Get an independent, trusted and impartial adviser to help guide the process: outsiders often see problems and solutions before they have arisen. Understand that communication is the key to most problems that will be encountered.

Onsite and Offsite Manufacturing.

E-mail: ron@cmpmanufacturing.com.au | Mob: 0427 740 284 www.cmpmanufacturing.com.au 18 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

• Start the process early: decisions made under stress and in haste are not optimal.

• Appreciate that the next generation will have a different style of management.

• A will is not a succession plan – document the family succession plan in writing, and ensure all family members sign it.

Innovativecontrol control for pests Innovative forsucking sucking pests CALICAL Ipests M E Innovative control for sucking H C NEW CHEM 29 9 W P E U N O GR OUP 2 ICAL GRIENDC : EM LYH IA: L ICY EF2 N NFEEROW IPM E 9S CIAL L b D NRU N P IE bEEE FM D F O SAIP N A R GECtS bEN FI

INSAFE ON EES A:NbCE D t S N S I A S Y E RESNDL S CIt SR E OF RS ER EFICIANLCE ICN tHE M NOIP O Y N bRN N SIbSEtEAS tHFAE O E WIS Y S R A CISRtOSS ANDHER HEOMS CN CAtNYROAttION INItE H NCE A GISt E t W Y R S I L R S A MISt AERCIH EERDOSS RE ER N t N C NAO GR Y OtHRAtIO

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Sustainable cotton: Perspectives from global brands and the supply chain Key partners of the global cotton supply chain – including global brands Nike Inc. and H&M, domestic retailer Target Australia and representatives from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) – joined forces with growers and Cotton Australia to discuss the Australian cotton industry’s sustainability journey. The supply chain forum was chaired by Cotton Australia’s Cotton to Market Project Lead, Brooke Summers.

Session highlights and speakers included: • Cotton Australia Chair and Goondiwindi cotton grower, Simon Corish reflected on his experiences as a cotton farmer adopting Australia’s myBMP (Best Management Practices) program. Cotton Australia signed a formal partnership agreement with BCI on behalf of Australia’s cotton industry in June 2014, and will continue to manage the industry’s relationship with BCI. • Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay discussed the Australian cotton industry’s efforts to engage with key brands and retailers here in Australia and around the world, linking Australia’s myBMP program to BCI, and creating value for Australian growers who produce some of the world’s best cotton fibre. He also reflected on the sustainability journey of Australia’s world-leading cotton growers, driven by the myBMP program, which has seen Australian yields excel at more than three times the world average.

Spreading the word on myBMP. 20 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

The fashion parade was a big hit.

Growing tomorrow: New markets, new uses Innovative future uses for Australian cotton fibres was the focus of the ‘Growing tomorrow, new markets, new uses’ session, chaired by Cotton Australia Board member and Theodore cotton grower, Fleur Anderson.

Session highlights and speakers included: • Allan Williams, Cotton Research and Development Corporation: Allan updated attendees on the Australian cotton industry’s efforts to counter competition from polyester and other man-made fibres, efforts to influence Australian cotton’s competitiveness globally, the CRDC’s customer’s program and strategic plan that has a focus on customers and end users.

• Jared Donovan and Rafael Gomez, Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) School of Design: The QUT representatives updated attendees on a cotton rapid customisation feasibility study being undertaken, design implications of adopting cotton fibres in a range of garments and products, adapting cotton for use in 3D printing and smart textiles, and garments with embedded technology.

• Alice Payne, QUT: Alice updated attendees on macro trends in fashion, the acceleration of fashion trend cycles and awareness and accountability of the various components of the cotton supply chain – including increased supply chain scrutiny of social, economic and environmental issues right down to farm level.

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Awards celebrate excellence in our cotton industry

R

ecipients in the five categories of the 2016 Australian Cotton Industry Awards were honoured in the ceremony that rounded off the Australian Cotton Conference.

The Awards program recognises excellence and achievement in Australia’s cotton industry throughout the supply chain, from growers and ginners to product suppliers, consultants, agronomists and researchers.

The 2016 Australian Cotton Industry Awards recipients are: • Monsanto Grower of the Year: Connamara Partnership – Ian, Marilyn and Harry Carter (“Connamara”, Pine Ridge, NSW).

• Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year, sponsored by Bayer CropScience: Rebecca Fing (Goondiwindi, Qld).

Rebecca Fing.

• Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year: Dr Guy Roth (Roth Rural, Narrabri, NSW).

Ian and Marilyn Carter.

• AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year: Commins Partnership – Tim and Roger Commins (“Tiralee”, Whitton, NSW).

Roger and Tim Commins.

22 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Guy Roth.

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Adam Kay says entrants in this year’s Awards were of a very high calibre, which made the judges’ job difficult.

“We had a substantial number of nominations for the Awards program this year, all of them deserving in many ways,” Adam says.

“I know the judges found it quite hard to select recipients from amongst the finalists, all of whom have contributed greatly to our industry.”

“Every year the Australian Cotton Industry Awards celebrate not just the great work and personal commitment of the recipients and finalists, but also the commitment of everyone throughout the cotton supply chain.

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richardm@vomax.com.au 24 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

“Even though all of this year’s finalists contributed greatly to our industry, unfortunately there can be only one recipient in each category.

“All of this year’s recipients are fantastic ambassadors for the industry, and I heartily congratulate them all.”

Biographies of the 2016 Cotton Industry Awards recipients are available on the Cotton Australia website: www.cottonaustralia.com.au

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Tackling off-target spray drift

By Cotton Australia Regional Manager Mary O’Brien, and Policy Officer Dr Nicola Cottee

A

s growers will be aware, in the 2015–16 season the cotton industry was hit with the worst off-target spray drift damage in recent memory.

Incidents – predominantly associated with sprays of Group I herbicides – were recorded in most regions, and growers in northern NSW and southern Queensland were hit particularly hard.

It is estimated that 60,000 hectares of cotton was damaged over the course of the season, representing more than 20 per cent of the total crop. The financial impact of the damage was estimated to be more than $20 million.

Most damage was probably caused by Group I herbicides (such as 2,4-D) that travelled under surface temperature inversion conditions – potentially moving tens of kilometres from the intended target fields.

Cotton Australia worked quickly with regulators and representatives of other agricultural industries to tackle the problem.

Cotton Australia doubled its annual spray drift communications campaign, with a greater media presence, additional radio advertisements, and supported the creation and distribution of a ‘Summer Weed Control Best Practice Guide’ brochure.

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Spray drift damage.

The organisation also convened urgent meetings with other agricultural representative groups – including GrainGrowers, Grain Producers, Crop Consultants Australia and spray applicator representatives – to marshal their resources to combat the problem. These groups joined Cotton Australia’s enhanced communications campaign, spreading our key messages through their own channels to alert farmers, consultants, agronomists and spray applicators to the dangers of off-target spray drift.

The joint promotion campaign directed farmers to utilise key tools such as CottonMap, SprayWise Decisions and the Best Practice Guide, as well as encouraging them to report incidents swiftly to state regulatory authorities so they could be investigated.

Cotton Australia regional managers worked hard to highlight

26 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Mary OBrien inspects some damaged cotton.

the dangers of inversion drift and assist growers affected by spray drift, helping them liaise with regulators and other farming groups in local areas to minimise risks. They also visited chemical resellers to ensure they advised their clients on safe application techniques, and make them aware of the location of susceptible crops (via tools like CottonMap).

The organisation contacted state regulators in NSW and Queensland and urged them to put inspectors into the field to investigate spray drift incidents. In addition, senior APVMA and Biosecurity Queensland staff were guided around Darling Downs cotton farms affected by spray drift damage, showing them firsthand the extent of the issues growers face.

The tour strengthened our relationships and demonstrated the strong benefits of working collaboratively with regulators.

2016–17 season campaign underway Cotton Australia has resolved to review and improve its annual spray drift plan, incorporating

feedback from growers and crop consultants through incident reports, an online survey and CGA research priorities.

Feedback provided to CRDC from the industry’s Grower Advisory Panel (Research) has been incorporated into research projects to develop a surface temperature inversion identification system for spray applicators.

Cotton Australia will also investigate the potential for spray drift to be incorporated into the 2017–18 RD&E project priorities line-up, and pursue collaborative opportunities for training, incentives, research and communications improvements.

The 2016–17 season spray drift campaign began in August to account for early planting of Bollgard 3 crops in the northern-most valleys of the Central Highlands and Dawson Valley, and is considered particularly important given the greater planting to dryland cotton in the region this season.

Challenges for the coming year •

•

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• Darling Downs farmer John Cameron discussing spray drift.

28 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Cotton Australia will: Work with regulators, farming groups, consultants, re-sellers and applicators to better educate growers and applicators across all industries about the risk of spray drift.

Push regulators to encourage spray applicators to seek advice and information on how to identify surface temperature inversions and employ best spray practice techniques.

Guide research and development towards solutions that protect cotton growers, inform industry and secure long-term solutions.

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Farmers in foreign fields

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hey say that travel broadens the mind.

Well, if that’s true, there should be some very broad minded Australian farmers after this year’s Greenmount Travel tours to foreign fields. The 2016 tours included some old favourites such as China, Canada and southern Africa; some destinations out of left field such as Alaska, Kazakhstan and Iceland; and one destination way outside the ballpark – North Korea (yes, North Korea).

The hermit kingdom Our media exposure with regard to North Korea is limited and overwhelmingly negative.

That’s not to say that at the foreign relations level it’s not accurate, just that when it comes to our perception of the people, it’s not warm and fuzzy.

But we can report that the people are friendly, they’re courteous, many are clever, they have a sense of humour and, well … they’re people.

Following our induction in Beijing we flew into Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). And – as our induction had warned us – we and our luggage were thoroughly, but not threateningly, inspected.

We were collected by our guides – Miss ‘Hung’ and Miss ‘Oh’ – who were to keep us close company, very close company, for the next nine days. Keeping close company with very

Helping out on a North Korean collective farm.

George was concerned that a broken shovel could mean an extended stay.

30 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

clever and very personable young women is not necessarily a hardship.

We were introduced to our purple bus and taken directly to the massive Mansudae Grand Monument to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. This was to set the tone of the next nine days.

Impressive architecture and landscape coupled with universal veneration of the former leaders.

Every hotel, every factory, every public building and every farming co-operative prominently featured images and mementoes of the father and son.

Our study group was given the opportunity to travel to places seldom if ever visited by tourists of any persuasion. And I mean this quite literally – we travelled on massive motorways devoid of motorised traffic and stayed in massive five star hotels devoid of guests.

It’s not often that you stay in a luxurious 200 room hotel in a truly beautiful location and your group of a dozen travellers are the only people at breakfast. And no, it wasn’t because we came down late – it was because we had the facility to ourselves.

The DPRK was always going to be an intriguing destination and it didn’t disappoint – there was a general feeling across the group that this had been a great trip – one of the best.

Kropping the Klondike Except for winter temperatures so low that your lungs can literally freeze – and you have less than 100 days to grow your grain crop before frosts or moose finish the job for you – there’s a lot of similarities between Alaskan and Australian agriculture.

From the early days of settlement through to current times, farming in both Australia and Alaska happens in a hostile physical environment. As the Greenmount Travel Kropping the Klondike group found out earlier this year, where we have vast distances, difficult soils and extreme climatic conditions to contend with – so do our Alaskan cousins.

The junction of the Yukon and Klondike rivers.

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Into the Klondike

The Silk Road – potholes and all

The spectacular Top of the World highway delivered our group from Alaska into Yukon Territory (northwest Canada) and the Klondike – a region which captured much of the world’s attention in the late 1890s as more than 100,000 prospectors joined the goldrush.

We continued southeast to Whitehorse where we found more intrepid farmers making a living under very difficult conditions. At a local ‘dog farm’ we learned that you could supplement farm income simply by mushing a team of sled dogs in a race over 1000 miles, in freezing March conditions, and in around 10 days.

Somehow, making a few dollars out of farming – even in the Yukon – seemed easier.

When we set out in early July in search of the farming, trading and history along the old Silk Road, we knew we were travelling through some of the most remote parts of the world through which Mongol hordes, adventurers and merchants had travelled for centuries.

In the remote north west China province of Xinjiang, wave after wave of conquest and migration has washed through and each wave has left behind a cultural heritage. The result is a melting pot of local Uyghur people with a hefty mix of Kazakhs, Mongols and every other tribe and culture from Central Asia.

We headed into the countryside, with the first stop at Narat, famous for its mountain grasslands. Thousands of hectares of intense green, rolling treeless country, surrounded on all sides by the snow capped peaks of the magnificent Tien Shan mountains.

The scenery is spectacular, reminiscent of the best of the Swiss Alps, but with the most interesting cultural experiences at every turn.

If we thought it couldn’t get any better, we hadn’t anticipated Sayram Lake, reached after travelling a road and bridge system which is simply a modern engineering marvel.

Our group was slightly disconcerted to have to chase some stray sheep from inside their traditional yurt accommodation for the night.

But the cultural experiences left an enormous impression on everyone. The first cultural experience was typically Australian – beer and wine on the shores of the beautiful lake with regular text message updates from the third State of Origin rugby league match. For once, the NSW people won the bragging rights.

That night, some local singers and dancers gave an open air performance of traditional Kazakh music under the stars on a hastily erected platform near our yurts. The music soon drew every family for miles to come and join us and we had an unforgettable night of singing and dancing with the local people.

The Pacific North West and the Rockies Washington state, along with Oregon and western Idaho make up the Pacific North West, home to some of the most valuable and reliable irrigated and dryland farming country in the US. We travelled north into Montana and the western Canadian rolling prairies where farm size and topography were a little more familiar to us – although we wouldn’t have minded also being more familiar with their very good and reliable grain (around four tonnes) and canola (two tonnes plus) yields.

Stampedes and stunning scenery Our tour wound down with a whoop-up at the Calgary Stampede and then the majesty of the Canadian Rockies – including high tea of course at Lake Louise.

The unforgettable train journey from Banff through to Vancouver – and the incredible human and engineering feats to make the journey possible – provided the perfect setting to reflect on the resilience and innovation of past and present day farmers prepared to ‘have a go’ in some incredibly challenging environments.

Northern Kazakhstan We flew to Kostanai in the far north of the country, where we met some of the local farmers and came to terms with the huge scale of the farming in this part of the world.

Back to Africa

A friendly game of Buzkashi at Bayanbulak.

Lots of fun, but no rules.

32 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

We hadn’t taken a ‘large scale’ Greenmount Travel tour to Africa for several years, so it was perhaps no surprise that the interest was so strong that we ended up with two tours, travelling in opposite directions. Somewhere CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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Despite the challenges for Australian manufacturing, Big Tyre has been breaking new ground including the design and manufacture of solid mining wheels which in addition to servicing local industry it exports to China and South Africa and is the preferred supplier to large multinationals including Caterpillar Global Mining and other major mining equipment manufacturers.

Since its beginning in 1954 when it was known as Vacu-lug, Big Tyre has maintained a strong focus on the agricultural sector. Whereas its work over its first 40 years comprised mainly of relugging tractor tyres, over the last 20 years Big Tyre has reconditioned more than 1,000 rubber tracks for agricultural tractors and rebuilt thousands of undercarriage wheels, including drive wheels especially built for use in the Antarctic, where the tread grooves need to be different for handling the icy conditions.

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Big Tyre’s expertise in the tyre and track industry hasn’t gone unnoticed by the leading manufacturers either. Both Continental and Firestone have awarded Big Tyre with the Australian distribution rights for their high quality agricultural tracks, which Big Tyre now imports directly from the USA and Japan to supply farmers and dealerships around the country. These distributorships give Big Tyre two of the leading three brands and enable the company to be an effective one-stop shop for tracks and undercarriage wheels to farmers.

In keeping with its name, a Big Tyre Store has been created on-line providing the most comprehensive catalogue of tyres in Australia complete with prices, photos and tyre specifications. Even without car and 4WD tyres, which will be added once fitting and wheel balancing services have been arranged throughout the country, Big Tyre lists almost 4,000 different tyres that they can supply throughout the country on www.bigtyre.com.au In an age of global economic uncertainty, it is refreshing to see this Australian manufacturer not only surviving major changes and challenges, but actually extending their services to the agricultural industry by focusing on continual development, applying new innovative technologies, and actively pursuing new opportunities as they arise.

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FROM PAGE 32

Northern lights to Baltic burn!

in the middle of Botswana, the groups crossed over.

The whole thing had to run like a well oiled machine, and for the most part, it did. The only remaining mystery was: Why had it taken so long for Greenmount Travel to return to Africa?

For both groups it was an amazing experience. While we visited some great farms in South Africa and Namibia and were homehosted at the fantastic “farming frontier” at Pandamatenga in Botswana, the animals and the scenery were definitely the stars of the show.

Much of the savannah country looks much the same as the Northern Territory or the dry tropics of Queensland. But instead of kangaroos hopping out from the scrub, you may see a couple of graceful giraffes, a pride of lions on a fresh kill or a herd of impala – the McDonalds of the bush.

Along the way we gained a new understanding of some of the challenges of farming in this continent – from elephant proof fencing in Botswana to razor wire to keep out other intruders in South Africa. One farmer had a narrow escape a few weeks before our visit after being jumped by some would-be thieves outside his farmhouse. He was saved by the quick thinking of his wife and the forceful intervention of his dogs.

But despite the difficulties, it is easy to see how Africa can get into the blood. From the Cape to the Namib desert, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. The whole place was in the grip of a terrible drought, but the animals at least had found ways to survive.

Our game viewing was exceptional, with about 70 species of land animals and over 100 bird species recorded. But whether for the farming, the animals or the scenery, one thing is certain – Greenmount Travel will be back there again in the near future.

The Greenmount Travel weather guarantee (it will be what it will be!) saw our Northern Nomads farm study group enjoy beautiful sunny September conditions from Iceland through to the Baltics. And to really cap off our meteorological luck, the elusive Northern Lights came out to play on our first night in Reykjavik.

This was to herald an amazing three week tour of Iceland, Scandinavia and the Baltic States meeting intrepid farmers who were not only up against very significant physical challenges, but political hurdles as well.

The Eggertsson family have been successfully farming crops and dairy cattle in the shadows of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano for decades.

When the volcano in their back paddock erupted in 2010 covering the farm and buildings in 5 cm of volcanic ash – not to mention closing northern European air traffic for two weeks – the ‘disaster’ was soon turned into a tourism bonanza with people lining up to visit the Eggertsson’s recently constructed on-farm volcano exhibit.

Our group took a short flight to the east and into the scenic wonders of the Norwegian fjordlands. Farms dramatically clinging to sheer mountain-sides slowly gave way to agriculture on more ‘even’ terms – like a Swedish turf farm.

Another short easterly flight and we were in Tallinn the capital of Estonia (bordering Russia), and an historic jewel in the Baltic States. After slowly emerging from under the cloak of Russian suppression, agriculture in the Baltics is becoming much more sophisticated and attracts a lot of investment from western European interests.

There are vast tracts of beautiful soils throughout the Baltics and crop yields are impressive – although a number of our group members suggested (after regaining the ability to talk) that some more work could be done on refining their local home brews.

A road hazard in Zimbabwe.

36 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Iceland (pictured), Scandinavia and much of the Baltics have abundant supplies of water.

But in many of their agricultural systems too much soil moisture is the limiting factor.

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Autonomous tractor – the future of agriculture ����������������38 3D printing with cotton �����������������������������������������������������42 Sydney Uni unleashes RIPPA the weed killer ���������������������44 Using UAVs to track surface irrigation ������������������������������46

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Autonomous tractor – the future of agriculture

U

nveiled on August 30 at the Farm Progress Show in the US, the New Holland NHDrive concept autonomous tractor is a driverless machine which can perform a wide range of farming tasks day and night.

It is also able to reach the field autonomously via private on-farm tracks, to work together with other autonomous or traditional operator controlled machines and, courtesy of the cab, it can still be driven by an operator ensuring maximum flexibility.

At first glance, the T8 Blue Power tractor on display at the Farm Progress Show may have looked like any other standard tractor to the many visitors who packed New Holland’s stand at the annual outdoor farming machinery show that is held in Boone, Iowa. But once the first images of the video dedicated to the tractor and its incredible operational capacities appeared on the screen, everyone understood that they were witnessing a glimpse into the future of farming, one that could feature fully autonomous machinery: something which could redefine the agriculture of tomorrow.

A further evolution based on efficiency and sustainability Developed by CNH Industrial in collaboration with its long-standing technology provider Autonomous Solutions Incorporated (ASI), a

Utah-based company that is the industry leader in off-road autonomous solutions, the New Holland NHDrive autonomous tractor is an unmanned vehicle that is fully autonomous and can be monitored and controlled via a desktop computer or via a portable tablet interface. This enables farmers to access tractor and implement data, wherever they are and whenever they need to. This facilitates right-time decision making to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

Furthermore, farmers will maintain full control and ownership of their data.

A path-plotting screen shows the tractor’s progress, while another shows its live camera feed, providing the user with up to four real time views (two front and two rear). A further screen enables monitoring and modification of key machine and implement parameters such as engine speed, fuel levels and implement settings, including seeding rate or coulter downforce. The route to the field can also be planned, should this involve private roads or tracks.

The NHDrive concept tractor has been equipped with a seeder, and is able to autonomously seed the next crop straight behind the combine. Using an application installed on a portable device the tractor and implement parameters can be continually monitored and controlled, and changes can be

New Holland T8 NHDrive Autonomous Concept Tractor on the road.

38 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

ON ALL T-SERIES TRACTORS FROM NEW HOLLAND For generations New Holland has been part of the Australian landscape and in true Aussie spirit we are offering True Blue Deals across our entire range of T-Series Tractors. Included as standard is our attractive low rate finance and a 3-year peace of mind warranty. Plus with the RTK option bundle you can upgrade to the IntelliSteerTM guidance package.

So for a fair go visit your local New Holland Dealer.

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made if necessary. This is perfect for supervised automation, such as an operator driving a combine, or a farmer working on a desktop computer in a farm office.

Able to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the NHDrive tractor helps to reduce the risks associated with human error as it follows predetermined and optimised plans for all activities. It is able to reach higher levels of productivity and efficiency than traditional methods. The NHDrive can make full use of the periods of favourable weather for farming operations by working day and night.

In the future, the NHDrive tractor will be able to completely automate grain handling during the harvest when equipped with a trailer, including unloading, transport and offloading activities.

Two tractors in one: Maximum flexibility The NHDrive concept tractor is equipped with a cab that is identical to that of a standard T8.

This means that it can also be used for those operations where complete autonomy is not yet possible, such as front end loader work and high speed road transport.

With regards to getting around the farm, the NHDrive tractor can travel on pre-mapped private paths. Simply “tell it” where to go and what it has to do once it has reached its destination via private tracks, and the tractor will get to work, either individually or in a convoy.

The New Holland NHDrive tractor makes full use of the advanced PLM (Precision Land Management) technology for precision farming.

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This Open – Connected – Smart – Supported technology is easy-to-use, always accessible to all users and is continuously supported by New Holland specialists.

The NHDrive tractor follows optimised in-field paths, which are automatically generated by the software, after having taken into account the size and shape of the field, any pre-existing obstacles and the width of the implement to be used. Furthermore, it will be fully compatible with the full suite of PLM solutions. In the future this concept will be able to utilise previously collected yield data for the variable application of inputs and to carry out operations with maximum precision, year after year. The results are increased operating efficiency and the ability to make the most of short operating windows.

The NHDrive tractor is able to work alongside other autonomous machines and can also work in tandem with machines driven by an operator.

Thanks to a combination of radar, LiDAR (range finding lasers) and RGB cameras, the NHDrive is able to detect a wide range of in-field obstacles. If an obstacle is detected, the tractor sends a message to the interactive interface and the person responsible for the farming operations will decide if and how the tractor can avoid or bypass the obstacle.

It is conceivable, that in the future the complete tractor range as well as other agricultural equipment could be equipped with the NHDrive technology. Furthermore it is possible that the cab will be completely removed in future autonomous tractors.

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www.the-gate.com.au 40 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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3D printing with cotton

U

nder its Cotton Futures program, CRDC is investing in long-term innovations to make sure the Australian cotton industry is at the cutting-edge of technological advancements and remains profitable, sustainable and competitive into the future.

This program ambitiously seeks to transform the industry through blue-sky research projects. One such project is the Cotton rapid customisation feasibility study, conducted by QUT’s Dr Jared Donovan and Dr Rafael Gomez, through support from CRDC. Jared answers some questions about the research below.

What was the aim of your research?

The aim of our research was to explore the feasibility of using cotton-derived materials as feedstocks for rapid-customisation.

Rapid customisation is a term that describes a wide range of technologies, which enable the manufacture of three-dimensional (3D) objects using computer- controlled processes so that goods can be produced in an automated way but also highly customised. A common technique currently being used is called additive manufacturing, where objects are printed out by machines that build up layers of material oneby-one to create 3D shapes, often called ‘3D printing’. There are distinct advantages of using rapid customisation technologies for product manufacturing and the worldwide market is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as more industries begin to invest in this area.

What we wanted to find out is whether cotton-derived materials could be used in rapid

customisation and 3D printing processes and if so, what would be the best rapid customisation technology to use. Further, we wanted to identify the most effective potential applications for using cotton-derived materials to develop future design visions that demonstrate the potential capabilities of this technology.

What is 3D printing?

Most 3D printing techniques work by taking a computer model of an object to be printed and slicing it up into a set of horizontal layers.

These layers are then printed out one by one until the whole object is formed. One very common method of 3D printing is called ‘Fused Deposition Modelling’. This method uses a heated nozzle which can move around and squeeze out melted plastic to make the shape of each layer. As each layer is finished, the nozzle lifts up and prints out the next layer so that it sticks to the one before. Once all the layers are finished, you can open up the printer and take out the printed object.

Besides Fused Deposition Modelling, there are many different 3D printing techniques. Although they all work on the same basic principle, the details of the kinds of materials they use, and how exactly they form each layer can vary quite a bit. One of the main aims of our project was to look at all of these different techniques and assess the suitability of each one for cottonderived feedstocks.

What did you find?

We found that there are actually many different ways that we could employ cottonderived materials for 3D-printing. For instance cotton could be used to develop particular polymers, bio-plastics, cellulose aerogels and hydrogels that could be useful for various applications. So technically, the approach seems very feasible.

We realised that the more difficult question was to figure out why cotton would make a compelling choice over other materials, either through cotton’s inherent material properties or through customer perceptions of cotton. To address this, we developed five ‘design visions’ of products that would employ cotton-derived feedstocks in new and novel ways and where there may be a clear advantage and market opportunity for cotton derived feedstocks.

The five ‘design visions’ are:

Cotton-derived materials may be used in 3D printing.

42 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

• On-site fabrication: The on-site fabrication of cotton-based filtration products;

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• Rapid bespoke: The on-demand manufacture of bespoke furniture using cotton-derived feedstocks and rapid customisation;

valuable market pathways for cotton as well as proprietary technologies that would make the Australian cotton industry a global leader in this arena.

• Senseable style: Next generation lifestyle garments and accessories that utilise cottonderived material, smart sensing material and rapid customisation;

Where to go for more information?

• My toy lab: The 3D printing of children’s toys utilising cotton-derived feedstocks; and, • Regenerative skin: Patient-specific smart wound dressings using cotton-derived cellulose and rapid customisation.

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We would love to talk to you if you have any questions or ideas for further research in this area.

Please contact us by email us at: Jared Donovan: j.donovan@qut.edu.au Rafael Gomez: r.gomez@qut.edu.au

Why is it important?

Rapid customisation technologies have only really started to enter the public consciousness in the past few years, but have actually been around for much longer and have already had a large impact in the manufacturing industry.

Additive manufacturing is itself already a multibillion dollar industry and continues to grow rapidly.

Due to this continuing growth, rapid customisation is identified to have large potential impact on the textiles and cotton industries. It is therefore important that the cotton industry prepare for, and get ahead of, possible disruptions and opportunities arising from this technology.

What will it mean for the cotton industry and/or cotton growers?

This project forms a vital first step in exploring rapid customisation as an area of potential for the Australian cotton industry. We have established the technical and economic feasibility of using cotton-derived feedstock in rapid customisation processes and identified some future possible application potential. If we can find ways of using cotton in new and novel ways then it can significantly expand the market for cotton products, and allow for innovations in supply-chain and business models.

What next?

The next essential step is to develop a proof of concept for the most viable opportunity for using cotton in rapid customisation technologies. Currently, as a result of the detailed research conducted, one of the most fruitful areas identified includes the development of cotton biopolymers in conjunction with electrospinning printing technologies for use in a variety of applications including furnishing, children’s products and medical fields. These options provide a wide scope of application and utilise the latest in rapid customisation technologies with the potential to create

QUT’s Jared Donovan and Rafael Gomez discuss 3D printing at the Cotton Conference.

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www.k-line.net.au COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 43

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Sydney Uni unleashes RIPPA the weed killer

R

esearchers at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney are working on a robot that could free up time for farmers by killing weeds autonomously.

RIPPA – Robot for Intelligent Perception and Precision Application – has been in development for around three years and includes the VIIPA – Variable Injection Intelligent Precision Applicator, which is mounted to RIPPA and shoots weeds using a micro-dose of liquid.

To navigate around the farm, RIPPA uses GPS. Meanwhile, sensors located underneath it examine the crops and collect data. That data is then passed through various algorithms, such as machine learning and optimisation algorithms, to classify what it sees.

“The output of that training algorithm is an algorithmic model, and that algorithmic model gets thrown back into the robot. The robot then uses that model in real time to determine what is a weed and a crop,” said Salah Sukkarieh,

44 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

professor of robotics and intelligent systems at the ACFR. The omnidirectional robot also runs on solar panels mounted to the top of the machine.

“It can operate for up to 10–12 hours without solar energy, so just on batteries alone.

But it’s quite an efficient drive mechanism, so when there’s solar power, it’s going to be recharging the batteries at a rate equivalent to how much it loses, so it doesn’t lose energy.

We’re aiming for 24/7 operability,” Salah said.

“We wanted to try something different. We weren’t building a robot that was interested in harvesting or anything like that, so it didn’t require the energy of a harvesting machine.”

Salah said there are three camps when it comes to farmers using technology on their farm.

The early adopters will break through and demonstrate how the robot can be used. Next are those that are hesitant but don’t rule it out completely, and finally there are those that have no interest in it whatsoever.

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Part of being able to sell the business case to the first two groups included being able to convey how crop intelligence could help farmers.

“And it’s very hard to put a value on that,” Salah said.

But while agriculture can be slow to respond to new technology, Salah said it is changing with younger growers who are already using digital technology.

“Whether it’s sensor networks or supply chain optimisation, they can see the benefits there already, so … knowing that a robot could have potential is not a big mind shift. How you might use a robot is what they’re focusing on,” he said.

Trials for RIPPA have been conducted on crops at Cowra, where the robot autonomously drove up and down the rows of crops using satellitebased corrections to within four cm precision.

Salah said the farm had a range of crops, such as spinach and corn, which allowed the team to experiment with and test the robot during different parts of the growing season.

This meant they were able to learn how the robot worked in different weather and light conditions.

Salah said the team learned some valuable lessons during the trials, especially around

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operational behaviour and how much power the robot used.

“The whole thing is computerised and we were measuring everything, so we can actually see where power is being sucked up the most, why it’s being sucked up, and under what conditions,” he said.

“We were impressed by the whole solar recharging mechanism, which works quite well now and is practically off-the-shelf.” RIPPA has now reached a commercial prototype stage and the team is looking to start the next phase of development.

“At the moment we know everything that we need to in order to build it as a manufacturing run. The next stage of our funding is really looking at doing more trials on farms and closing the loop on farming intelligence,” Salah said.

This will include working out whether RIPPA can perform multiple tasks at the one time and if it can make decisions based on knowledge it has gathered around the farm.

“We’ve done many things like this before in the past. The challenge that we’re going to face is how do you put into code the transition from information to decision making that a farmer might do,” Salah said.

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 45

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Using UAVs to track surface irrigation

By Derek Long, University of Southern Queensland

I

n the past decade, the cotton industry has continuously improved the efficiency of water use. The application of emerging technologies provides opportunities to further improve the use of our precious water.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are one such technology. Stepping into the spotlight in recent years, and with recent regulation changes for landowners, UAVs have become a common platform for remote sensing.

The purpose of my PhD study is to adapt UAV remote sensing to cotton surface irrigation.

Variability in water infiltration across a field can result in some areas being under- or overwatered. Existing methods of monitoring the progress of water through a furrow are based on soil sensors. It is expected that UAV remote

A quad-copter UAV.

sensing can provide a rapid, non-contact and low labour method of advance rate monitoring.

A small quad-copter was used for testing in this project. While multi-rotor UAVs consume battery power too quickly to effectively cover even a 20-hectare field, their high stability and ease-of-use is ideal for testing purposes. Fixedwing UAVs typically have much longer flight times, and would be suitable for covering entire fields. With this in mind, we only used small cameras that could be mounted on any type of UAV. Initial flights were performed at heights between 15–30 metres to test different cameras.

Many different visible and infrared wavelengths of radiation are used in remote sensing to determine crop status, and so the right camera must be identified for each task.

The first camera tested was a standard colour camera. A UAV-mounted colour camera can clearly distinguish water flowing along a furrow, but only when sufficient light reaches the ground. In the later months of the season, when the crop is nearing canopy closure, not enough light can reach the water for it to be easily visible from a typical flying height, as shown in Figure 1 (left).

A thermal camera measures the infrared radiation of an object based on its temperature, and does not require a light source. On the right side of Figure 1, an image from a thermal camera is shown, taken at the same time as the colour image. We found that using a thermal camera, the water shows clearly as the coolest surface (dark), relative to the warmer crop (grey) and the hot dry ground (bright).

FIGURE 1: Colour (left) and thermal (right) images over a cotton field

46 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 47

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Collecting thermal imagery data is just one stage – there is also data interpretation and the on-farm response to the information. We want to incorporate data interpretation into this technology, so that a grower can immediately adjust the irrigation according to the readings, without spending time looking through the collected images.

To this end, an image processing algorithm has been created to automatically detect irrigation water fronts and collate the photos into a graph for display (example shown in Figure 2). The algorithm uses basic machine vision functions to extract information from images so that the program can quickly report how far each furrow is progressed. Early results for the experimental flights indicate that at a flying height of 20 metres, the image processing algorithm can estimate the position of water advance with error under two metres. Further information on the image processing algorithm can be found in a conference paper titled ‘Row and water front detection from UAV thermalinfrared imagery for furrow irrigation monitoring’ published in July 2016, available on the USQ ePrints website.

The proposed UAV system could potentially be used as part of an autonomous irrigation control system, where the UAV provides advance information to automatically trigger siphons to turn off. Alternatively, the UAV could provide water advance data directly to the grower. We are excited by the changes that future developments in technology will bring to precision irrigation in cotton.

In the coming cotton season, fields trials will be expanded to three sites on the Darling Downs, and capability will be added to the algorithm to function with different cotton row layouts (single spacing, double spacing).

FIGURE 2: Output from image processing algorithm

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This project is supervised by Dr Cheryl McCarthy and Dr Troy Jensen from the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA) at the University of Southern Queensland.

Their expert knowledge of UAV remote sensing and precision agriculture has been crucial to the success of this study. The NCEA specialises in developing solutions for a sustainable and profitable rural sector, with a focus on applied engineering research, as well as training and commercialisation.

We thank the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, who funded this project (funding number USQ1402).

We also thank Neil Nass from Yargullen, for use of his farm as a trial site for this research.

(PHOTO: David Petrikas)

Price movement over time ����������������������������53 Stocks to use ratio and price �������������������������54 New York cotton futures �������������������������������54 World cotton (textile) consumption and market share ������������������������������������������55 Cotton’s market share by region �������������������55 Australian exports ����������������������������������������56 Australian exports by destination �����������������56 Major cotton exporters ��������������������������������56

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Australian cotton production ������������������������50 Australian cotton area ����������������������������������50 NSW and Queensland area ���������������������������50 Value of production and exports �������������������51 Australian yields over time ����������������������������51 State area and production ����������������������������51 World cotton supply and use ������������������������52 Major cotton producers ���������������������������������52 World’s highest average yields ����������������������53

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Australian cotton production

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RIGHT: Another respectable crop in a limited water year.

SOURCE: ABARE and ACG Est.

NSW & QLD AREA (‘000 ha)

2003–04

97

101

2004–05

163

158

2005–06

214

121

2006–07

109

35

2007–08

41

21

2008–09

88

76

2009–10

124

85

2010–11

348

243

2011–12

358

241

2012–13

284

159

2013-14

256

136

2014-15

124

73

2015-16*

213

83

SOURCE: ABARES *Provisional

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

2009/10

2008/09

2007/08

2006/07

2005/06

2004/05

2003/04

2002/03

2001/02

2000/01

1999/00

ABOVE: After a slight rebound, the cotton area is expected to expand considerably in 2016-17.

50 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

2015/16

59

2014/15

119

165

2013/14

290

2002–03

2012/13

2001–02

2011/12

199

2010/11

151

328

2009/10

313

2000–01

2008/09

1999–00

2007/08

180

2006/07

382

2005/06

1998–99

2004/05

139

2003/04

299

2002/03

1997–98

2001/02

119

Australian cotton area

2000/01

Qld

277

NSW

1996–97

SOURCE: ABARE

Year

1999/00

NOTE: All cotton bales in this section have been converted to Australian standard 227 kg bales.

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LEFT: The value of the crop was helped by a reasonable price for much of the year.

Australian yields over time

2016/17*

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

2009/10

2008/09

2007/08

2006/07

2005/06

2004/05

2003/04

SOURCE: ABARE

2002/03

!

State comparison

2015/16

2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

2009/10

2008/09

2007/08

2006/07

2005/06

2004/05

2003/04

2002/03

2001/02

2000/01

1999/00

1998/99

1997/98

1996/97

SOURCE: ICAC

ABOVE: Australian yields came back a little from the record in the previous season.

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 51

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World cotton supply and use

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RIGHT: World consumption is now finally outstripping production.

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2015-16

2014-15

2013-14

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2012-13

SOURCE: ICAC

Major cotton producers

RIGHT: India remains the number one producer as Chinese production declines.

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

SOURCE: ICAC

2004-05

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

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52 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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World’s highest average yields

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LEFT: Although down on the previous season, Australian yields remain the highest in the world.

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COTTON AND FUTURES PRICES Price movement over time

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2016/17*

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2014/15

2013/14

2012/13

2011/12

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2005/06

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1999/00

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 53

LEFT: Both world and Australian prices increased slightly during the season.

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2003/04

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RIGHT: World stocks are continuing to fall which is good news for prices.

F I G U R E S

Stocks to use ratio and price

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54 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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I N D U S T R Y

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F I G U R E S

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C O T T O N

G R O W E R

S E R V I C E S

CONSUMPTION AND MARKET SHARE

SECTION 3 THE INDUSTRY IN FIGURES

World cotton (textile) consumption and market share

This section brought to you in association with

•

SOURCE: ICAC

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

LEFT: Per capita consumption of cotton continues to slide in the face of strong competition from man made fibres.

Cotton’s market share by region

$$ # # " $ '$ " $

LEFT: Cotton market share is holding in “mature� markets but contines to fall in Asia and developing countries.

#$ " %" !

#$ " %" !

"$ "

#

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

SOURCE: ICAC

& ! % $" #

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 55

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T H E

I N D U S T R Y

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G R O W E R

S E R V I C E S

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EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

I N

Australian exports — 2015–16

$

& $

)$ #

%'

$ %$ (

" *(

" $

! () $

$ " (

) '

SOURCE: ABARE NOTE: Numbers in brackets are thousands of 227 kg bales

$

ABOVE: Export volumes fell, reflecting lower production in the previous season.

BELOW: China remains our dominant market.

BOTTOM: Australia was the 5th biggest exporter.

Australian cotton exports — by destination (‘000 bales)

!

SOURCE: ABS

!

!

"

Major cotton exporters — 2015–16 (million bales) ! #"$"*+ ' '"' & )((' ,)$& '"*+ ' (+ -(") ) %" ,)$"' *( ,*+) %" . $"*+ ' ) ."% ' " '"+ + + *

SOURCE: ICAC

"%%"(' % * $

56 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Border Rivers �������������������������������� 74 Darling Downs ������������������������������ 77 St George–Dirranbandi ����������������� 80 Dawson–Callide ���������������������������� 83 Central Highlands ������������������������� 86

57

4

Southern NSW ������������������������������� 58 Macquarie Valley ��������������������������� 62 Bourke ������������������������������������������� 65 Namoi Valley ��������������������������������� 66 Gwydir Valley �������������������������������� 70

S E C T I O N

AREA ROUND-UP

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Southern NSW

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray

This section brought to you in association with

By Jorian Millyard Crop area The 2015–16 cotton crop was once again up on last season for southern NSW with 51,910 hectares being sown (an increase of around 2808 hectares from last year).

The breakup of the area was: • Lachlan 9650 hectares (once again slightly down from last year);

!

#

$

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Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

28

12

6

4

0

0

10

15

75 (–15)

Hot shock

0

5

5

12

10

12

14

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58 (+29)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

58 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

$ " # " $ "

Total Day Degrees: 2669 (+402); Total rain: 219mm (-34)

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Growing conditions Early season: Temperatures this year started off very warm, with all areas above the long term averages and also above the previous season. Most crops were out of the ground within 7–10 days. Early day degree accumulation for the establishment period had early October sitting 40 day degrees above the average. By the end of October this increased to 100 day degrees above the average.

Any establishment problems arose due to black root rot on back to back country. This was once again due to fields being germinated in cooler weather and on back to back country.

There were some places that were hit by hail storms. These either flattened crops completely and wiped them out, or as it was too late to replant, some growers continued and this set them up for a late harvest.

PLEASE NOTE‌

Hay 2015-16 seasonal climate

• Murrumbidgee 42,082 hectares (up 4353 hectares from last year); and, • Murray 1478 hectares (now seeing some good area in this valley).

The level of interest in Victoria continues to grow along the Murray River system.

This section contains a seasonal climate graph for each production area which compares day degrees, rainfall, hot days and cold shocks with the long term calculated average. It is important to note that the long term average figures used here relate to the 1957 to 2015 period, and will differ from the Bureau of Meteorology’s long term average information which generally goes back further (particularly for rainfall).

The information used for these graphs was generated using data provided through the SILO project, a business unit of the Bureau of Meteorology, and made available through funding from CRDC.   Further information regarding these organisations can be found at: • CSIRO at www.csiro.au; • CottAssist at www.cottassist.com.au; • The SILO project at www.bom.gov.au/silo; and, • The Cotton Research and Development Corporation at www.crdc.com.au.

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Mid season: The temperatures continued to set records and stayed above average, but without strong fluctuations between the maximum and minimum temperature.

Throughout November and December, southern NSW’s solar radiation was up on the average and helped to set the crops up going into the flowering period. Similar to the previous year, some crops started to flower before Christmas which is unusual for the south and these crops started off at 9 nodes above white flower (NAWF) in early January.

Late season: Crops during the February period were carrying high boll loads (up to 400 per metre). A lot of shedding occurred and premature senescence was common. During late February and March, the south was setting records for warm temperatures. As in the previous year, the south had a very warm finish, and this caused some problems with silverleaf whitefly Overall the southern NSW cotton production areas were all above the average last season for day degrees and solar radiation. Both heat shock and cold shock days were down, but the sweet spot days (close to but not exceeding 35°C) were up; contributing to the excellent day degree accumulation.

Rainfall and wet days were down on the average during the growing season. There was some hail that affected crops in late October and early November and which either wiped out the crops or delayed maturity. Some later planted or managed crops were subjected to rainfall during the picking period which effected colour. This late rainfall also affected some growers’ ability to pupae bust.

Water use This season the number of crops pre-irrigated was down, with only 15 per cent of the area being pre-irrigated compared to 50 per cent the previous year. This was mainly due to the wet August and growers having limited time for ground preparation. With the warm start, any crops that were pre-irrigated needed an early flush after emergence to carry the crop through the warm October-November period.

In terms of irrigation system, 80 per cent of the crops are being grown using siphon irrigation, while bankless systems are on the increase.

Crops this year used on average 10.06 ML per hectare (applied) with the range going from 8 to 12.5 ML per hectare, with an average of 1.61 bales per megalitre. The water use was up this year from last, mainly due to the warm finish.

Most crops required an extra irrigation or a flush to see them through.

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Southern NSW

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP This section brought to you in association with

MAP LEGEND

All areas in the south this year were above average for crop evapotranspiration (Et). We are seeing more crops being monitored with probes and also satellites to increase the irrigation efficiency and to reduce stress within the crop.

Insects Wireworm damage was down this year mainly due to the warm start and the crops’ ability to get moving. Granular insecticides are still the preferred choice, with the balance receiving an in-furrow application of bifenthrin/ chlorpyrifos.

Thrip damage was down due to the early heat. We saw about 70 per cent of the crops sprayed early to minimise any set back. Once again agronomists are using a broad spectrum insecticide as there are almost no beneficial insects in the crop up to the 12 leaf stage.

Mirids were seen in the crop early this year. Once again crop retention was kept to around 80–90 per cent to encourage earliness.

If retention was lower, the crops still had reasonable yields but were late in maturing and some were affected by rain and so colour levels dropped.

Heliothis pressure was low. There was the odd wave of eggs and a few escapes, but the biggest concern from heliothis pressure came around two weeks after the cut-out sprays at the end of January as a result of the flowers moving up to the top of the canopy. Attention to detail in crop inspections was critical here to pick up on any escapes.

Silverleaf whitefly caught the south out this year. This was one insect pest we have not had to deal with before. With the warm finish during March–April the whitefly numbers were able COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 59

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SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP This section brought to you in association with

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to build up. The presence of silverleaf whitefly appeared to show no difference between crops that were sprayed during the season with either hard or soft chemistry, to crops that were not sprayed at all.

Temperatures in the south usually become too cool for the numbers to build up and cause us a problem. This year, with the warm finish, it was not the case. Some growers sprayed up to four times to keep them under control. Next season we will see a change to a more proactive approach rather than a reactive one. With more experience around the control of these pests, growers will be more inclined to use a residual program. In the end there were no reports of cotton being sticky and downgraded as a result of silverleaf whitefly.

Disease Seedling disease was down this year as a

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result of the warm start. There were still reports of back to back country having problems with black root rot and rhizoctonia. Seedling mortality is still high in the south, but growers are becoming more experienced and are planting on warmer temperatures, with better soil preparation and adding additional fungicides down the slot to help overcome these diseases.

But this year there was an increase in Fusarium wilt in a few fields. Growers still need to pay attention to ‘come clean, go clean’ practices.

Verticillium wilt was also on the increase.

Growers are pushing the varieties later and carrying some high yield potential through the later/cooler parts of the season. The levels of Verticillium wilt are not as high as those seen in the north, but it is something growers need to pay attention too.

Weeds

Barcoo…

Residual herbicide programs are on the increase in the southern cotton production area.

Growers are looking at taking the pressure off the Roundup Ready (RR) system. There has been a big reliance on RR due to its ease of use and the broad spectrum of weeds it controls. But we are seeing the RR program select out weeds like fleabane, and growers are now having to look to other ways to control this weed.

Hormone drift was once again high in some areas. There is still a lot of complacency around the use of these products.

HE T L ER AL INT S W ORT SP

Defoliation

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60 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

or

Early defoliation programs worked well, with good leaf fall and quick opening of bolls.

There are more ground rigs being used, which is providing higher water rates and the ability to get product into the crop.

With the warm finish this year we saw more crops only being defoliated twice. There were a lot of first passes being applied before the end of March, while anyone with a late crop was spraying in April.

This year crops were set up for an April pick.

This placed a large amount of pressure on contractors as crops came in quickly. Picking was going 24 hours a day, but there was still pressure to get the crop off in a timely manner before the weather turned. There were some crops that were rain affected and which suffered colour downgrading. Crops that were ready for picking in late April started off with colour grades of 11 but these soon turned to 31 and 41 and even some 51 grades as they waited to be picked.

Overall, 2015–16 was an extremely good season for southern cotton production. This has now set the benchmark for seasons to come.

Leaders in

the field

Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) is Australia’s own supplier of elite cotton varieties. Proudly Industry owned and focused on serving the needs of the Australian Cotton Grower to provide the highest net return potential from our available varieties.

To achieve this aim CSD works closely with CSIRO Agriculture to have available the best possible varietal performance in conventional material and in the transgenic market, combining the attributes of the conventional varieties with the best possible biotechnology performance.

CSD is committed to utilising the most modern of technologies and infrastructure to provide the highest quality cotton planting seed to Australian Cotton Growers.

Contact your local CSD Agronomist today to discuss your growing options

CENTRAL NSW BOB FORD 0428 950 015 bford@csd.net.au

SOUTHERN NSW JORIAN MILLYARD 0428 950 009 jmillyard@csd.net.au

NAMOI ROBERT EVELEIGH 0427 915 921 roberte@csd.net.au

GWYDIR JAMES QUINN 0428 950 028 jquinn@csd.net.au

QUEENSLAND SAM LEE 0427 437 236 saml@csd.net.au

WEE WAA OFFICE

DALBY OFFICE

‘Shenstone’ 2952 Culgoora Road

Corner Edward & Napier Streets

Wee Waa, NSW 2388

Dalby, QLD 4405

Phone (02) 6795 0000

Phone (07) 4662 6050

DARLING DOWNS & CENTRAL QLD CHRIS BARRY 0491 212 705 cbarry@csd.net.au

SUPPORT AGRONOMIST BEC COPE 0428 950 054 bcope@csd.net.au

www.csd.net.au

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Macquarie Valley

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

By Amanda Thomas

This section brought to you in association with

Crop area

Macquarie Valley cotton area

2015–16 saw around 10,500 hectares of irrigated and 700 hectares of dryland cotton planted

Irrigation Many growers used similar water to the previous year, which was slightly above average.

Some growers who used canopy temperature sensors were able to see that while we had some extreme temperatures, the crop, for the most part, was able to keep itself cool. Water use across the valley ranged from 7.5–10.5 megalitres per hectare depending on irrigation system and location.

Disease Disease was a bit of issue at the beginning of the season but it was not widespread, with black root rot, rhizoctonia and pythium making their presence known (in some cases at the same time), but this was mostly in crops planted early. Growers were able to replant these crops in warmer conditions and the incidence was reduced. Some cases of Verticillium and Alternaria were present at low levels later in the season.

Insects Helicoverpa pressure was quite heavy early

Warren 2015–16 seasonal climate

Weeds

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Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

29

4

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0

0

0

3

4

40 (–28)

Hot shock

0

5

4

11

11

15

12

0

58 (+27)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

62 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

& $ % "! $" & $

Total Day Degrees: 2871 (+366); Total rain: 338 mm (-6)

in the season, but in most cases did not require control. We had fairly solid thrips pressure in the first part of the season. Mirids needed controlling at certain times throughout the season. SLW was present and controlled in some cases but for the most part it was a quiet year for SLW. Weed control was pretty effective when well timed, but some escapes were apparent, suggesting an increased tolerance to glyphosate herbicide (barnyard grass in particular). A weeds workshop, conducted by ICAN, suggested that growers identify any glyphosate resistance on their farms and use some strategies other than glyphosate to control them.

Nutrition On average across the valley, N was applied at between 240 and 350 kg per hectare to match the increasing yield targets. In most cases, growers put half up front and looked to water run urea for the remainder. This worked well as we did not have a lot of in-crop rainfall to interfere. This season’s nitrogen trial conducted

by CottonInfo at Auscott showed there was no yield difference between six rates of nitrogen (see Figure 1).

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Growth regulators Growth regulators played an important role this season and many growers have had good results from variable rate applications. From some reports, the later Pixed crops did well as the season has produced the day degrees to make the most of the yield potential. But at the northern end of the valley, in-crop management was the key to maintain good even crops that were not given the opportunity to go rank.

Pix played a big part in keeping some of the crops under lateral and drip in control.

Boll counts of 150–200 bolls per metre were common. But while boll counts were similar to previous seasons, the weights were up on last season and well up on seasons before.

Final yield and quality Given we had such a small area, we produced a record yields in the 2015–16 season. The average yield is probably over 13.5 bales per hectare. The quality was excellent with only a few discounts due to some rain on some of the later picked crops.

Highlights from the year It was a record smashing result from the crop competition this season. The Suncorp Top Field Award was based on the highest ginned yield of any field over 40 hectares. The four Macquarie Valley gins supplied the names of their 10 highest yielding fields, and the growers were contacted to have the option to opt in or out of the competition. The winners were the Dickson Family of ‘Marebone’ Warren with an

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outstanding result of 17.23 bales per hectare from a 57 hectare field.

The Chesterfield Farm of the Year Award was split into two categories, an above the average hectares for the valley and below the average hectares for the valley. The winner of the above average farm was again the Dickson Family of ‘Marebone’ Warren with a farm average of 15.5 bales per hectare over 264 hectares. The below average hectares winners were Brad and Sally Anderson of ‘Nigawalla’ Narromine, with 16.1 bales per hectare over 80 hectares.

The highly esteemed Jim Beale Memorial Services to the Industry Award was awarded to Michael Bennett of ‘Kirkton’ Narromine.

Mike has been recognised for his tireless work in the cotton industry for more than 25 years.

His efforts include being on the NSW Irrigators’ Council since 1986, being a founding member of MRFF, serving as chairman for three years and being on the committee in some capacity since its inception in 1996.

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP This section brought to you in association with

FIGURE 1: Yield and nitrogen applied (this does not show nitrogen already in the ground)

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 63

Rob Tuck, ‘Newhaven’ Narromine; Amanda Thomas, CottonInfo; Tim Gainsford, ‘Central Farm’ Narromine and Campbell Muldoon of MPAC Narromine. Our MCGA valley field days were a great success this year. We did a tour of some of the winners of the crop competition and had a look at how they achieved the big yields. We also looked at some ‘semi irrigation’ trials at Auscott Macquarie.

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A semi irrgated trial at Auscott Macquarie.

Ben Egan from ‘Kiameron’ was recognised with the Tracserv Young Achiever of the Year Award for his extensive work promoting the cotton industry through education packages, including the Archibull Art for Ag Program.

The final award for the night was the Best Farm Photo – “Life on a Cotton Farm” sponsored by Ag N Vet and won by Angus O’Brien. Sam Hankin of ‘Haddon Rig’ and Rob

64 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

and Susannah Tuck of ‘Newhaven’ were the first and second runners-up respectively.

In February, Gus and Sophie O’Brien of Hatton hosted the CottonInfo nutrition tour. This was a day where the researchers came to growers to present what they have been working on and the growers got to tell the researchers what the big issues are in the Macquarie Valley.

Bourke

By Bob Ford

B

ourke was down in area this season with very little opportunity for pumping for irrigation. There was around 600 hectares of full irrigation and 2000 hectares of 80 inch cotton which either received one or two irrigations or was purely dryland. It was hoped that there would be opportunity in the early part of the season for pumping from the river, but this did not occur. So much of the dryland was taken out in February.

There were consistent levels of egg lays throughout the first few months of the season with some damage occurring. This eased in mid January and retentions in general were very good. Boll numbers exceeded 160 bolls per metre across most irrigation fields.

The long drawn out summer for those who had water produced a strong top crop with very large bolls and for the second year running many of the top bolls were heavier than the rest

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of the plant, illustrating how good the finish was.

Yields of the new CSD varieties containing the Bollgard 3 genes were very good and in the full irrigation averaged close to 15 bales per hectare with some individual fields closing in on the 17 bales per hectare mark – or seven bales per acre.

Quality was exceptional with most cotton being graded between 11-1 and 21-2s. Micronaire, length and strength were also very good.

The past two seasons at Bourke have been some the best growing conditions, unfortunately water has been the limiting factor. Hopefully next season will be wetter!

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP This section brought to you in association with

Bourke 2015–16 seasonal climate Total Day Degrees: 3432 (+446); Total rain: 148 mm (-113)

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Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

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Apr

Total

Cold shock

25

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28 (–14)

Hot shock

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11

7

19

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21

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89 (+33)

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*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 65

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By Robert Eveleigh

This section brought to you in association with

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ast season started off with one of the smallest irrigated plantings for many years, but after a wet winter crop harvest, some extra water led to a significant late plant in the lower Namoi. Much of this November planted cotton was established as skip row with very limited water.

Dryland planting was initially a struggle, particularly in the upper Namoi due to lack of moisture, but improved following the

Narrabri West 2015–16 seasonal climate Total Day Degrees: 2953 (+295); Total rain: 360 mm (-135)

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Days

Sep

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Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

29

4

0

0

0

0

1

5

39 (–17)

Hot shock

0

0

6

9

7

15

11

0

48 (+19)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

Mid season

All crops were growing well through January and early February. Unfortunately the tap was turned off for the rest of the season for most growers. Water supply for semi irrigated crops was very tight. Some isolated storms helped the odd dryland crop and severe hail storms tore a path through several crops from Rowena to just north of Bellata. About 3000 hectares was damaged. Some crops were completely destroyed.

Fully irrigated crop growth during this period was very good and fruit retention was high. Some

66 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

September was the warmest on record and a small number of crops were planted later in the month. The October long weekend saw temperatures rise rapidly and planting in the upper Namoi got into full swing with most of the irrigated and dryland crop planted by the middle of the month. Lower Namoi irrigators generally waited until mid October to plant and the 11,000 hectares of fully irrigated crop didn’t take long to get in the ground. The extremely dry conditions forced growers to water up. Overall establishment and early growth was very good. Early season disease pressure from pythium and black root rot was much less than normal.

Significant rain fell in November – especially in the lower Namoi. This allowed about 15,000 hectares of late skip row cotton to be planted.

Most of this cotton made it through to harvest despite the dry finish. Dryland growers in the lower Namoi planted in mid November through to early December on rapidly receding moisture.

Regular falls of rain in December and January promoted rapid growth. Some crops even required Pix applications.

!

widespread rain in November. Regular falls of rain during the first half of the season set the crop up for very good yields but lack of rain through February and March combined with well above average temperatures led to below average yields and quality discounts.

Fully irrigated yields were excellent in the absence of disease. Individual fields yielded up to 16 bales per hectare. Some of the best yields ever recorded were picked in the upper Namoi.

Dryland yields in the upper Namoi averaged 3.4 bales per hectare and 2.7 bales per hectare in the lower Namoi.

Planting – early season

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Namoi Valley

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

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Find out more information at www.drylandcotton.com.au

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Fallowing paddocks for dryland cotton means you can take advantage of the numerous financial, risk management and agronomic benefits that make dryland cotton the first choice for dryland growers.

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• Additionally, Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) has introduced a risked sharing program aimed specifically at dryland cotton growers. Information is available through the CSD Agency Network or CSD at www.csd.net.au.

• There are many experienced dryland cotton consultants available to help manage your dryland cotton crop.

AGRONOMIC BENEFITS • Make the most of available moisture, nutrients and in-season rainfall captured with the strong tap root.

• More options for getting on top of hard to control weeds and diseases.

• Great opportunity for deep placement of P&K into the profile, following dryland cotton. ** Source: Agripath Pty Ltd, Cotton Conference 2014.

•

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP This section brought to you in association with

MAP LEGEND

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cool nights in late December and early January were conducive to Verticillium infection. Crops planted in fields with high inoculum levels were showing symptoms by mid-January.

Late season Cloudless days and perfect temperatures set the irrigated crops up for very good yields.

An indian summer continued to maintain temperatures in the ‘sweet spot’ during February, March and even April. The boll filling period had perfect conditions. Even late fruit experienced optimal conditions. Some handpicked cotton from CSD Ambassador sites in the Namoi region had very high average boll size.

Defoliation commenced in mid March and was in full swing by late March and early April.

Crops defoliated quickly in the warm conditions.

April and most of May remained dry and picking was completed quickly, although a few late planted dryland crops were not picked until July.

Grades were generally very good.

Good rain in June, July and August helped set

Upper Namoi Valley

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up growers with fantastic winter crops, although chickpeas have suffered from too much rain.

Yields and quality Fully irrigated yields were generally well above average in the Namoi but disease and water constraints limited the upside for some growers.

The lower Namoi averaged about 11.5 bales per hectare and the upper Namoi averaged 10.5 bales per hectare. Semi irrigated crops were quite variable depending on the number of irrigations applied and a few western crops didn’t make any yield.

Dryland yields in the upper Namoi suffered from a very dry and hot finish. Yields averaged about 3.4 bales per hectare and quality discounts for fibre length and mic were common. Some crops even received strength discounts. The lower Namoi dryland crop averaged about 2.7 bales per hectare. Fibre length and mic discounts were also common for lower Namoi dryland growers.

Insects Thrip numbers were generally moderate but upper Namoi crops sustained heavier pressure and in some cases required foliar treatment.

Wireworms were more active than normal and stand declines were severe in some fields particularly following canola and sorghum. Some replanting was necessary.

Mirids were quite active after December.

Green vegie bugs were a significant problem in parts of the upper Namoi.

Heliothis pressure was light but constant for most of the season. Up to five sprays were applied for heliothis control on the small area of non Bollgard cotton.

Whitefly numbers increased rapidly during February and March and about 30 per cent of the crop was sprayed for the pest.

Disease

Lower Namoi Valley

It was another very bad year for Verticillium.

A series of cool nights in late December was perfect to initiate the disease in fields with sufficient inoculum. More cool nights in February and March made the problem worse. Some fields had yields reduced by up to four bales per hectare by Verticillium.

Next season The extremely wet winter/spring period has greatly improved the water supply. Keepit is almost full and even Split Rock has a significant volume of water. On-farm storages are full down the Namoi and Barwon. Up to 65,000 hectares of irrigated cotton is expected to be planted in 2016. Dryland conditions are also very good and the area could exceed 30,000 hectares.

68 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Gwydir Valley

By James Quinn

O

endured, it held on extremely well. Yields and quality were better than expected as a result of the dry and hot finish that these crops experienced. But the earlier planted crop fared much better as it finished in conditions with less stress.

But the season has not been without incident.

In spring the valley was looking at reduced planting with Copeton Dam at just over 30 per cent and the soil profile very dry. Planting rainfall opportunities for dryland cotton crops were very limited for another year.

Fields were prepared well with plenty of opportunity during the dry winter months, so all fields were prepared early and sat waiting for planting.

The crop got away to a very good start with above average temperatures and the lack of effective rainfall up until December.

But off-target drift became a big issue and this continued through the entire season and impacted significantly on some fields.

Rainfall at the turn of the new year and at the beginning of February really had both the irrigated and dryland cotton crop set up very well. But for the dryland plantings, the lack of rainfall from February onwards and the above

nce again we look back in amazement at the exceptional yields which were achieved this past season. We thought that yields achieved the previous season were out of the bag and would be hard to repeat. But many growers have outdone those exceptional results. We have had reports of farms averaging above 16 bales per hectare with individual fields within the valley obtaining yields in excess of 18 bales per hectare.

The later planted dryland cotton has been picked and considering the conditions it

The Gwydir Valley cotton area

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70 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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average temperatures Moree 2015–16 seasonal climate really made these crops Total Day Degrees: 3113 (+418); Total rain: 252 mm (-197) struggle.

Insect pest pressure

throughout the season was

not high. Thrips came in

after wheat harvest and

did cause some cosmetic

damage to leaves, but the

good conditions saw plants

quickly grow out of this.

Heliothis was consistent

but not heavy and whitefly

did come in late in the ! # $ " !" season and needed some control to keep numbers in

$ " # check.

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Days Total Seedling disease incidence was normal 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 30 (–18) Cold shock 28 this season. Those who 0 0 9 5 10 13 5 0 42 (+19) Hot shock planted early in the cooler *Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO. conditions did have some problems but the majority be made in the later part of the season. Long, of the crop got away to a good start. There was cloudless days with no rainfall saw irrigation minimal replanting necessary. schedules run uninterrupted and the plant ticked The season saw Verticillium quite prevalent in along quite happily. the field again. A couple of cold nights at New Defoliation started in late March, and with Year would have exacerbated the incidence of the warm temperatures the leaf seemed to drop this disease which has become a major concern well and picking conditions were excellent for of cotton growers and consultants in the Gwydir the majority of the picking period. Seed cotton Valley. Fusarium was seen but it was very much moisture was quite low which has contributed to overshadowed by Verticillium wilt. the quality grades and high turnouts achieved.

As a consequence of the boll load in some crops, there was some premature senescence but not as much as the previous season.

By far the biggest influence on yield this season was the excellent growing conditions.

The hot, dry finish which made life difficult for the dryland crop, allowed for a lot of cotton to

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72 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Border Rivers

By Alex North

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he 2015–16 season was a very mixed bag for the border rivers region – some growers will remember it as one of their best and some were very happy to see the back of it. Areas were down across the region, mostly due to a lack of available irrigation water leading into the season, with just under 20,000 hectares of irrigated cotton being planted in the Macintyre, with a further 4000 hectares being planted around Mungindi.

Planting With the lack of irrigation water at the start of the season, many growers delayed planting until later in the planting window with the hope

The Border Rivers cotton area

of picking up rainfall or a flow in the river. The majority of the crop was planted from the third week in October through to the first week in November in good planting conditions. The majority of the crop was planted dry and wateredup into fallow country with very few back to back fields going in. Large amounts of water were used to water these crops up due to a relatively dry winter fallow period and very dry soil profiles.

Very warm and hot conditions prevailed which led to fast establishment in most instances, although very rapid dry down of the soil surface did mean that some fields required a follow-up flush to ensure a good establishment.

There were some areas of re-plant throughout the region, mostly due to some severe hail storms that passed through in early November, which then repeated again two weeks later and hit the same growers. This was devastating for the growers affected.

Growing season The growing conditions for the rest of the season were mostly very good for the majority of the irrigated crop. Warm conditions persisted throughout November and December with some good falls of rain being experienced throughout the district in December and January, taking the pressure off irrigation cycles.

The biggest disappointment and setbacks came when a number very large 2,4-D drift events occurred in early-mid December, severely affecting a number of crops at a very crucial growth period around first flower. Many of these crops showed visible signs right throughout the season and resulted in delayed maturity and reduced yields. For the crops that were able to escape these issues, the back half of the season was exceptionally good with very warm, dry 74 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Insects Insect pressures in general were quite moderate to low throughout most of the season. The very warm finish, coupled with a lot of late-planted crops, resulted in some quite large whitefly numbers building up in crops throughout the end of February and early March which resulted in many crops having to be treated. Mirid numbers fluctuated throughout the season with many crops having to be treated two or three times.

!

Goondiwindi 2015–16 seasonal climate

#

%

"&

!

!

$

#$

& $ % "! $" & $

!

Total Day Degrees: 3097 (+323); Total rain: 355 mm (–102)

& $ % "!

Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

28

4

0

0

0

0

0

2

34 (–6)

Hot shock

0

1

13

6

9

12

5

0

46 (+21)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

76 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Disease

conditions persisting right throughout March and April, allowing these later planted crops to finish off under ideal conditions, further maximising their yield potential.

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Some low levels of seedling disease, namely black root rot, was evident in some fields early on following some crusting issues caused by localised storms shortly after planting. By far the biggest disease issue throughout the eastern and southern parts of the region was again Verticillium wilt. This pathogen has been increasing in both prevalence and severity over the past few seasons throughout the region and was really spurred on by a cool change that moved through the region in the middle of January.

These cool nights were enough to lower the plant host resistance and allowed the soil borne pathogen to enter the plant with symptoms showing up towards the end of January. Yield losses varied from field to field but were up to 50–60 per cent in the worst fields. Innoculum levels are becoming so much of a concern for some growers that they are opting to grow alternative crops for a few seasons in a bid to get on top of the disease.

Yields and quality Despite the many challenges faced throughout the season, yields were still above average for the region with the majority of irrigated fields yielding in the range of 11–15 bales per hectare. Some growers in the western reaches of the valley recorded their highest ever farm yields, with a couple of fields averaging upwards of 16 bales per hectare, which is an amazing result.

The crops that had setbacks earlier in the season were helped out by the very warm and dry finish which enabled a lot of growers to recover some of the yield lost and also led to very good quality being achieved across the board, with very few issues being reported.

2016–17 season In a very short space of time the outlook for the Border Rivers regions has done a complete reversal after the region experienced one of its wettest winter/spring periods on record.

Record rainfall throughout August and September resulted in a number a large flows in the Macintyre and surrounding river systems and has led to full storages right throughout the catchment.

Unfortunately this rainfall and subsequent flooding has been to the detriment of the very large chickpea crop in the region which has been very disappointing, although the upside of full profiles, full storages and strong cotton prices all point towards the potential for a very big summer crop in the region this coming season.

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Darling Downs

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By Mary O’Brien

T

he 2015–16 season had the best start the Darling Downs has seen for several years.

Good rain in many parts saw the dryland plant at around 24,000 hectares, a nice change from the 3200 hectares the previous season.

The irrigated plant was 31,700 hectares, up by just over one third on the previous year. Despite these increases, the total planted area was still below average. It was a season to remember, for both good and bad reasons – massive yields and the worst hailstorm many had ever seen.

Early season July provided a small amount of rain and this was followed up by better falls in late August and mid to late September. The rain did not stop there: October and November brought additional well-timed rain but unfortunately, some hail as well. Many growers suffered some degree of hail damage with Chinchilla, Jondaryan, and Oakey recording the most damage. Despite some areas receiving good widespread rain in the early part of the season and prior to planting, some places missed out altogether, notably north west of Dalby.

Some early season activity from heliothis and mirids was evident but generally, pressure was quite low due to high numbers of beneficials.

The early-planted crop had some issues with seedling disease, thrips, sandblasting, and waterlogging. The dryland crop got off to a phenomenal start – one of the best seen on the Downs in many years. No rain and low plantings in recent seasons has meant many blocks have had extended fallow, positioning them well for the dryland crop.

The usual reports of phenoxy damage started in mid November with a large percentage of growers reporting mild to severe symptoms, the downside to getting good rain. Our old enemies, feathertop and fleabane came back with a vengeance. The stormy weather and above average temperatures meant smaller spray windows. An inability to identify surface temperature inversions means applicators are continuing to spray at night and in the early morning when the inversion is at its strongest.

On the water front, things were positive for dryland growers with isolated storms dropping rain on cue. Most irrigators along the river had enough water to see them through but limited runoff left overland flow irrigators potentially

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Planting started in late September and went through to mid-December with the majority going in mid-October, a very staggered planting.

There was a reasonable amount of replant due to a variety of factors, the main causes being hail and waterlogging. Overall, it was a great start for the Darling Downs.

Mid-season The season progressed really well and the dryland crops continued to be the shining stars.

Heat units were below average at this stage of the season so many of the later crops were looking for more heat while other late crops bounced along and sat at about 19 nodes. Crops that had some hail damage were particularly looking for more heat. The early dryland crops started to cut out at 22–23 nodes while the irrigators applied their second water and for some their last. With still no run in the river, many irrigators had very little water. Some

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 77

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good rain was recorded in places, but continued to be patchy; the Jimbour Plain and Nandi areas remained very dry.

Mirids continued to be active but numbers did vary across the region with low to heavy pressure reported. Overall, the heliothis pressure remained low, with the conventional crops generally only receiving two sprays. After a wet November, Fusarium was expected to be in full swing but despite it appearing in the usual places, damage was relatively low, demonstrating the effectiveness of the varieties. Verticillium activity was very low on the Downs during the season.

On December 23, a destructive super cell storm ripped across the central Downs and

Darling Downs cotton area

MAP LEGEND

Dalby 2015–16 seasonal climate

!

#

$

"

!"

$ " #

Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

26

10

0

0

0

0

0

1

37 (–7)

Hot shock

0

0

7

1

2

6

0

0

16 (+4)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

78 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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decimated everything in its path. Hail and gale force winds hammered a strip approximately 10 km wide and 100 km long from about Millmerran to the Bunya Mountains via Norwin and Bowenville. The ferocity of this storm was unbelievable – crops, sheds, machinery, power lines, trees and houses were torn apart. The scene was apocalyptic, just sticks where crops had been. Approximately 5000 hectares of cotton was significantly impacted with about 3500 hectares of that being completely wiped out.

Late season The season continued to deliver some reasonably ideal conditions. With still no flow in the Condamine River and given the season, many irrigators applied one or two extra waters, which paid off but the downside was no water for next season – only bore allocations unless the river remembered what it was meant to do.

The conditions for defoliation were as close to perfect as anyone could have hoped. A late flush of aphids and some whitefly did require some late sprays in parts. Given the spread of planting dates (September to December), there was some variation in crop maturity even though some of the later crops did catch up well. By late March, 80–85 per cent of the crop had been defoliated.

Picking was underway, and some incredible early yield reports started flowing in.

Picking conditions across most of the Downs were as close to ideal as we could ask for. A couple of light showers but nothing to cause problems and above average warm days gave excellent defoliation conditions and a relatively trouble free picking. Growers in the South Burnett had an early fall of rain that hindered their defoliation and to a lesser extent picking but nothing too serious.

Yield and production $ " # " $ "

Total Day Degrees: 2740 (+179); Total rain: 366 mm (–131)

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This was certainly the ‘year of the yield’ on the Darling Downs. What we lacked in area we made up for in bales per hectare with total production at 405,000 bales for the region.

Across the board the yields were generally above average. Irrigated yields fell between 12 to 16.5 bales per hectare but this year the dryland was the superstar. There were some spectacular dryland crops around and they did not disappoint. While in-crop rainfall was not high and some areas missed good falls, many dryland growers received just enough at just the right time. The result: dryland yields ranging from 3.5 to 11.3 bales per hectare.

The ideal defoliation conditions meant trash content was low and the few small falls of rain prior to picking had limited to no impact on colour so the gin results were good: turnout was

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the yield awards were hotly contested with the Highest Irrigated Yield going to Stuart and Maxine Armitage (16.25 bales per hectare) and the Highest Dryland Yield going to John (Cowboy) and Ros Cameron (11.68 bales per hectare). Stewart Hayllor took out the Greg McVeigh Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Yield and Water Use Efficiency with his irrigated crop returning a yield of 2.02 bales per ML. A ‘lowlight’ (well we think so!) for the year has been the retirement of John Marshall after a long and respected career. This is a massive loss to the cotton industry but at least Rhonda may now see more of him. At the national awards, John was aptly recognised with the Service to Industry award.

very good and quality was excellent. Turnouts averaged 41–44 per cent with some dryland crops going over 45 per cent. The 71BRF variety was around 41 per cent with 74BRF and 75BRF at 42–44 per cent turnout. The new variety trials yielded really well with 746 and 748 Bollgard varieties containing BG3 technology being standouts.

Highlights The local Darling Downs Grower of the Year field day was held on March 3 at Brett and Liza Crothers farm ‘Benalla’, St Ruth. It was fantastic to see 110 people in attendance to not only learn but to support this great local event. This is the third time that Darling Downs Cotton Growers Incorporated has run this field day as part of the awards, and with the ongoing success, the event seems set to continue.

The Darling Downs was proud to have two growers as finalists in the National Grower of The Year competition: Brett and Liza Crothers (Breza Farming) and Matt Waye and Melissa Waye (Mort & Co). This clearly demonstrates the high standard of our farmers in the region.

A world record dryland yield was achieved on the Darling Downs by Cowboy Cameron (11.31 bales per hectare in one field and 11.68 across the farm for the variety 714B3F).

On September 9, Darling Downs Cotton Growers Incorporated held their annual Grower Awards night with a huge crowd of 280 people attending. The Grower of the Year Award went to Uebergang Agriculture (Ross, Ingrid, David, and Margot Uebergang) and Wantata Farming (Mac, Karen, Andrew and Chris Baartz) were awarded High Achiever of the Year. This year

Next season Next season is shaping up very well on the Darling Downs with some reasonable rainfall around. So far, the Downs has missed all the flooding seen in other regions. The western Downs continues to get most of the rain while the inner and central Downs could still use another two to three inches to fill profiles. At this stage, there has been no overland flow to fill dams so a good downpour would help immensely. After some long service leave, the Condamine River has started to work again. Most irrigators have had several days of pumping.

The current planting estimate for 2016–17 is 25,000 hectares irrigated and 52,000 hectares dryland. Downs welcomes many new and returning growers back to cotton, particularly on the western Downs. Some more rain and overland flow will see both the irrigated and dryland areas potentially increase further.

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 79

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St George–Dirranbandi

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

By Dallas King

This section brought to you in association with

I

have always thought that you can have two or even three poor cotton seasons in a row, but that you only tend to have an exceptional yielding season one year out of every 10.

Reading back on last year’s annual report about how exceptional the 2014–15 season was, I even stated that the last time we had a year that great was the 2004–05 cotton season.

So the 1 in 10 year rule seemed to be true. Well it would appear that I will need to eat some

humble pie as we have somehow jagged another exceptional season in 2015-16. As with every other cotton growing region north of Narrabri, we certainly had a smaller area than the previous season with approximately 10,000 hectares at St George and 3000 hectares at Dirranbandi, which was well below our full production of 45,000 hectares.

Those who were fortunate enough to have water couldn’t believe their luck with cotton yields similar to, although slightly lower than, the 2014–15 season, but still excellent.

St George – Dirranbandi area

Planting Winter could only be described as near perfect (except for the lack of a river flow) with decent rain during May and June helping to break down the trash from the previous season.

With a dry July, August and September, growers were able to have fields fertilised, worked and in great condition for planting during early October. Due to the excellent seed bed conditions, replants were few and far between and due to warm conditions during October the crops raced away.

MAP LEGEND

Early season

St George 2015–16 seasonal climate

"

$

!%

#

"#

% # $ ! #! % #

Total Day Degrees: 3356 (+334); Total rain: 255 mm (-143)

Mid-season

% # $ !

Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

26

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

27 (–5)

Hot shock

0

1

13

13

13

13

3

2

58 (+17)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

80 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Although we experienced heat wave conditions in early November with temperatures hitting 42°C and more, the crops held on well with most growers biting the bullet and watering early so as to keep the crop vigorous.

With only 23 mm of rain during September, October and mid-November, growers once again ended up applying three irrigations prior to Christmas.

But the crops responded well to the heat and the irrigations and were flowering by early December. Although we had had some high heliothis pressure in November, fruit retention remained reasonable. The heat wave in midNovember and the lack of rain certainly mirrored the previous season and if we could once again jag a mild December and January as well as a river flow we could be in for another decent year.

Once again Mother Nature and the Big Guy upstairs got together to organise a great Christmas present for graziers and farmers alike.

The area received between 90–120 mm of rain during the Christmas – New Year period, the first decent rain since June. This counted as an

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irrigation for the cotton and also resulted in a small river flow. With Beardmore at 20 per cent just prior to Christmas, growers would have been applying their last irrigation around Australia Day, meaning that they would be two to three irrigations short.

But the small flow resulted in Beardmore reaching 80 per cent capacity. This meant that growers would now have enough water to finish off the crop and also plant mungbeans in February. With the rain came two to three weeks of mild conditions with temperatures generally remaining in the early to mid 30s. This once again meant that the crop was able to enjoy mild conditions during peak flower.

One downside to the rain was the fact that a number of growers on the southern end of the irrigation area were hit with hail (second year in a row for most) on Christmas Eve. This storm wiped out 1000 hectares of cotton, and such was the severity of the storm that some fields had still not reshot after three weeks.

Unfortunately with Beardmore not spilling, there was no flood harvesting for growers at Dirranbandi. Crops on these farms were also just about out of water and quite a few ended up being one or two irrigations short, as did growers on the Moonie River at Thallon.

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Late season With a dry and reasonably warm February, March and April the cotton crops finished up extremely well. Mirids became prevalent in January though whitefly numbers were noticeably lower than normal with samples sent to Lewis Wilson showing up with high levels of parasitism.

Fields sprayed with Regent certainly appeared to flare the whitefly with populations noticeably higher compared to fields that had only been treated with Transform. In fields treated with Transform, the high parasitism rates meant that they didn’t require treatment for whitefly.

Due to the heat in March and a lack of whitefly pressure which resulted in reduced honeydew, the crops generally defoliated extremely well. The opposite was true for conventional fields which had much higher populations of whitefly and required three defoliations with remaining leaf still higher than their neighbouring Bollgard fields which quite often only required two defoliations. This improved defoliation certainly translated through to the gin with large numbers of samples coming through as two leaf and 21 and 31–11s.

The hotter finish required more water at the tail end with the majority of fields averaging

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between 9–11 in-crop irrigations. Considering the final yields, this was easily justified especially with another minor flow in early March.

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

Insects

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Overall the 2015–16 cotton season was a mixed bag for insect pressure with high heliothis egg lays during November and December when some counts hit 50–60 eggs per metre.

Dirranbandi also experienced higher than normal survival rates of heliothis (up to 3–5 larvae per metre) in February with the majority of the Bollgard II fields needing to be sprayed. An interesting comparison on these farms was the fact that the adjoining Bollgard III fields didn’t require spraying for heliothis with a noticeable lack of surviving grubs. This generally meant a saving of $60 per hectare in insecticide which in this case has meant the increased $20 per hectare of Bollgard III was worthwhile.

Yields and quality As mentioned throughout this report the yields achieved at St George, Dirranbandi and Thallon were once again exceptional. It is hard to believe that 13–14 bales per hectare is the new norm, and these high yields have been helped by the excellent growing conditions of the past two seasons. With the BOM currently forecasting eight cyclones for the Queensland summer, we may be heading back to a few more the ‘normal’ seasons.

Due to the very dry finish with no rain during February, March, April or early May, picking was uninterrupted with the quality shining through.

Most growers achieved the so called ‘premiums’ for colour with quite a reasonable percentage of bales at 21–11s. Leaf at St George was less of an issue with the majority of samples ginning out at 2 and 3 leaf. Only the fields planted

!

82 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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in late November had any issues with these unfortunately suffering $80 per bale discounts for colour. Overall though the greater majority of the cotton had excellent colour, length and strength.

The season ahead Due to an extremely wet winter and with bale prices still currently hovering around $500 the season ahead looks very bright. As I type this, 70 per cent of the St George, Dirranbandi and Thallon areas are now planted with the bulk of this having been planted into rain moisture.

Some fields still require fertiliser to be applied but this will be done via irrigations, spreading or side dressing.

Generally growers are already 1.5–2 megalitres ahead of where they have been during the past two years with very little watering up needed. Also with a full soil profile from the wet winter those fields that have since been fertilised or worked in the past few weeks are only requiring 0.3–0.5 megs per hectare.

The St George irrigation area growers have full on-farm storages and with Beardmore full at the beginning of October, they should have enough water to get the crop home.

The river growers both at St George and Dirranbandi are in a slightly more difficult position with a large percentage of fields under either chickpeas or wheat. With these crops being about a month later than normal, chickpeas are unlikely to be harvested until the end of November, which means cotton planting in December. Most growers are unlikely to take this gamble with yields potentially being lower and the risk of a wet pick and colour discounts in May–June next year being much higher.

With the forecast for a high number of cyclones during summer the chances for a decent flood event would have to be high, potentially meaning full water for these growers for planting in 2017. So late cotton with lower yields, colour discounts and late field preparation to get these paddocks ready for cotton in 2017 is not necessarily that attractive.

So the majority of the river irrigators at St George and Dirranbandi may look at mungbeans and then prepare fields early for the next cotton plant should the rivers flow.

Overall the prospects are looking very positive with bale prices holding up and a potentially wet summer on the cards. This, combined with what should be a decent wheat and chickpea harvest, has already given the town a very positive buzz.

May the upcoming season be a kind one with the only extreme part being yields.

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Dawson–Callide

SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

By Simon Struss

T

he area planted to the 2015–16 crop was 3700 hectares of irrigated cotton. This was slightly up on previous years. There was also 150 hectares of dryland.

Growing conditions The early crops emerged in late September, with the majority of the plantings being four weeks later. Most crops were back to back and watered up. Plant establishment was overall good to excellent. 74BRF and 75BRF were the dominant varieties. There were a few fields of conventional cotton.

Irrigation water supplies were initially limited but received a boost in November with a small flow in the Dawson river. From then on water supplies were adequate with no problems accessing irrigation supplies.

Frequent rainfalls from mid January for four weeks caused boll rots and fruit shedding depending on the age of the crop. This hiccup led on to a perfect picking

This section brought to you in association with season with clear skies until the end of May. Counts of rotted bolls in the early crops equated to losses of 2.5 bales per hectare. Discounting this January rainfall, the season was exceptional for growing cotton.

Insects There were approximately 1.5 sprays per field to control green mirids. Other insects encounted were aphids, whitefly, broad mite, thrips and jassids. The conventional fields required three treatments to control heliothis.

Reniform nematodes continue to be a serious concern in some fields. Most of these fields have been rotated to less susceptible crops.

Diseases Early seedling diseases were present but caused little concern. Replanting was rare. Boll rots as previously mentioned occurred after the January rains. Fusarium, although present, caused no problems with the higher F rank varieties available these days.

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PH: 02 6885 5220 COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 83

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SECTION 4 AREA ROUND-UP

Two OTT sprays of Roundup Ready provided the majority of weed control necessary.

Haloxyfop in crop for feathertop rhodes grass control is a common feature of cotton agronomy in the area. Sesbania pea is becoming an increasing problem with Roundup Ready struggling to exhibit control unless the weeds are sprayed when very young.

This section brought to you in association with

Yield and quality The Moura gin processed 34,460 bales from some 3700 hectares.

Some early crops yielded about 12 bales per hectare, which is a good result given the 2.5 bales per hectare loss from boll rots. The balance

Theodore 2015–16 seasonal climate

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#

$

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Total Day Degrees: 3238 (+214); Total rain: 470 mm (–76)

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of the crop was around 10 bales per hectare.

Some December planted Bollgard 3 crops were disappointing with yields around eight bales per hectare. The cause of the poor yield, given the perfect end to the season, is a mystery.

The gin turnout averaged 43.82 per cent with the Bollgard 3 crops averaging over 45 per cent.

Quality was again excellent with a lot of 21 and 11 colour. Only minor colour downgrades resulted from the January rains. High mic was recorded in a small proportion of the crop.

Prospects for 2016–17 With the expected early water allocation being close to 50 per cent for river irrigators and full storages, water availability will not deter any prospective growers from cotton this coming season. The wide planting window has growers excited and will enable growers with chickpeas currently in the ground to turn it around to cotton if desired. But it is unlikely that the irrigation area will vary much from the previous years. The Callide valley will only have two cotton farms this coming season.

If all the ducks line up there could be a sizable dryland planting on the back of projected good cotton prices and lower sorghum returns.

Dawson–Callide cotton area

Days

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Total

Cold shock

24

6

0

0

0

0

0

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30 (+5)

Hot shock

0

1

5

6

17

10

2

0

41 (+15)

*Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015. Source: CSIRO.

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84 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Central Highlands

By Sharna Holman

T

he 2015–16 season Emerald 2015–16 seasonal climate had all the makings Total Day Degrees: 3519 (+240); Total rain: 516 mm (+21) of a classic season for growers in the Central

Highlands region. For the

most part the region had a

fantastic start and growing

conditions until late

January when the region

received up to 260 mm of

rain just prior to picking –

resulting in a number of

crops suffering significant

yield loss and quality ! #

$

"

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Despite the weather there

$ " # were some excellent crops in fields which escaped rain Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Days Total damage or were grown out 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 (–8) Cold shock for compensatory yield.

0 2 12 5 9 11 1 0 40 (–) Hot shock Just under 15,000 hectares were sown across *Average day degrees from 1957 to 2015 Source: CSIRO. the Central Highlands to the north eastern side of the district and which was an increase on disappointingly did not provide any inflows the previous season. There was an absence of into the Fairbairn dam catchment. This weather dryland cotton in the region due to low rainfall damaged a number of excellent crops which at during spring and early summer. the time were being defoliated.

Growing conditions Depending on the crop stage, some growers Growers took advantage of the eight week decided to take a chance and grow damaged planting window allowed under permit with crops on to replace lost bolls with compensatory crops sown between September 8 through to yield.

November 3. A limited number of fields had Despite the forecast for wet conditions during poor emergence and required replanting due to autumn which would put this strategy at risk, the cooler than average conditions at the start of highlands turned on brilliant autumn conditions the season. – warmer than average and completely dry. This Despite the cool start, the spring and early enabled a number of damaged crops to go on to summer period was characterised by prime yield between 11 and 14 bales per hectare. The conditions for the Central Highlands with mostly decision to grow crops on certainly paid off for sunny conditions and no extreme hot weather a number of growers with increased yields and events during boll filling. good fibre quality.

The excellent run of weather hit a few road Pests and disease bumps during late December when isolated The 2015–16 season was characterised by bursts of 120 mm or more of rainfall affected low to moderate insect activity. Mite numbers some areas causing shedding in October sown increased late in the season and became more crops that were around the critical cutout prevalent in some crops requiring treatment growth stage. mid-season. Mealybug numbers were either During late January to early February the low or non-existent throughout the region Central Highlands experienced an extended although their continued presence reiterates the period of cloud and rain events which lasted importance of the need to maintain good farm around 7–10 days and saw some growers hygiene practices. receive up to 260 mm of rain. This was a peculiar event as the rainfall was confined The extended rainfall and cloudy weather in 86 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

$ " # " $ "

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early February saw a significant increase in the percentage of boll rots and tight lock with levels ranging between 10–50 per cent depending on the crop stage when the rain fell.

Central Highlands cotton area

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Yield and quality

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The rainfall during late January caused significant variability for yields and fibre quality across the Central Highlands region. The valley average for 2015–16 was 9.2 bales per hectare.

The better yields were derived from either very early sown crops that were largely open and defoliated prior to the rain or from crops that were grown out for compensatory yield. The rain in January and February did cause some

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downgrading issues for colour but the later picked cotton was at base grade or better.

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Denis and Liz Kiely: Denis was the recipient of the 2016 CHCG&IA Grower Service to Industry Award. (Photo: CHCG&IA)

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Annual grower awards The annual Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association awards dinner was held on Friday, July 22 at Emerald Town Hall. It was a fantastic night to celebrate the excellent work and achievements of the growers and industry members from the region.

Denis Kiely was awarded the CHCG&IA Grower Service to Industry Award recognising his efforts and service to the broader industry.

Denis has educated the wider community about cotton production and agriculture by opening his family farm and showing school students, teachers, and parents how to grow cotton and other crops.

Danni Ingram from CGS was recognised with the Iain Mackay Memorial Service to Industry Award. Danni started at CGS in 2006 and soon became involved in community engagement activities such as ‘Teach the Teacher’ activities and the Cotton Dinner Committee. She has been able to share information so researchers and other organisations can make better decisions to benefit the local industry.

DC and J McCullagh were the winners of the 2016 Yield Award with an average yield of 12.15 bales per hectare. Mosley Farming came a close second with an average of 11.64 bales per hectare, followed by CH and RL Morawitz, with an average of 10.98 bales per hectare.

The Quality Award is based on the growers’ fibre quality within four parameters; colour, micronaire, length and strength. Anne, Robert and Danni Ingram, ‘Avondale’ received the 2016 Quality Award. Second place was Sam and Lizzie Bradford, ‘Arcturus’, followed by Denis and Liz Kiely, ‘Deneliza Downs’.

Prospects for the current season (2016–17) With estimates of around 19,000 hectares for 2016–17 and 100 per cent water allocation, the coming season is looking favourable for growers in the Central Highlands. A major shift for the coming season has been the advent of the Bollgard 3 planting window which has seen a large increase in interest in dryland cotton production.

Already there have been significant sowings of dryland cotton around Springsure and Clermont. Many irrigated growers have taken advantage of flexible conditions with 4000 hectares sown during August while many other growers will sow cotton during November and December after harvesting irrigated chickpea crops.

Michael Smith (CGS) and Liz Alexander present Danni Ingram with the CGS 2016 Iain Mackay Non-Grower Service to Industry Award.

(Photo: CHCG&IA)

88 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Thank you to Darren Young (CQ Ag Services), Jamie Iker (Spackman Iker Consulting), Rick Jones (Queensland Cotton) and Cathy Cook (Louis Dreyfus Company) for their valuable contributions to this report.

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Gearing up for a new Murray-Darling campaign ����������������� 90 Why ‘just add water’ doesn’t work ������������������������������������� 93 Cotton water storage snapshot ����������������������������������������� 100

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WATER MATTERS

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Gearing up for a new Murray-Darling campaign

By Michael Murray, Cotton Australia General Manager

A

s this edition of the Cotton Yearbook goes to press, Cotton Australia was part of a coalition of industry groups leading the charge on a campaign to save communities in the northern Murray-Darling Basin.

The ‘#morethanflow’ campaign is the latest in a string of efforts in recent years to secure water for irrigators, protect communities from the social and economic impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, and restore the environmental health of the basin’s river systems.

The campaign brings together farmers from across parts of southern and south-west Queensland and northern New South Wales, and coincides with the lead-up to the conclusion of the Northern Basin Review, with the MurrayDarling Basin Authority (MDBA) due to make its final decision on the Review soon.

The campaign builds on the significant work already undertaken by irrigation-dependent communities across the northern basin to shed light on these issues and to strive for a better solution.

With some communities already experiencing losses of full-time employment of up to 35 per cent as a result of the implementation of the

basin plan, the campaign’s leaders have said “enough is enough – the ‘simply add water’ approach already in place does not work in the northern basin and must be abandoned.”

Already, 278 GL of water has been recovered from these communities and Cotton Australia, and other groups, have called on the MDBA to recommend that the government adjusts the plan so that recovery stops immediately.

Instead, our case argues for a range of complementary measures which leverage the maximum amount of environmental improvement from the water already held, and provide a common sense alternative to further water recovery.

Such measures include cold water pollution mitigation via thermal curtains on headwater storages, feral animal control in wetlands and marshes, re-snagging to improve native fish habitats and the introduction of fishways along the length of the Barwon-Darling.

Cotton Australia has urged all growers and members of the public to join the campaign: • Tell your friends: Share the Australian Farmers campaign page (www.farmers.org.

The campaign is underway for a common sense approach to water recovery.

90 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

(Photo: Cotton Australia)

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au) with your friends, your community and colleagues via email or social media.

• Join the conversation: Share the campaign video, connect with Cotton Australia on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation using the hashtag #morethanflow.

Cotton Australia will advise growers when the MDBA’s public consultation period commences to ensure you’re able to have your say.

The Australian Farmers campaign to save northern Basin communities is supported by National Farmers’ Federation, Cotton Australia, NSW Farmers, AgForce Queensland, NSW Irrigators’ Council, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, National Irrigators’ Council, Gwydir Valley Irrigators’ Association Inc, Border Rivers Food & Fibre, Smartrivers, Macquarie River Food & Fibre and Namoi Water.

In the year leading up to the #morethanflow campaign, Cotton Australia had made steady progress towards the industry’s goal of a fairer Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).

In June 2015 the Federal Government introduced amendments to the Water Act 2007, which legislated a 1500 GL cap on the MDBP. Cotton Australia had worked hard with organisations including the National Irrigators’ Council and the National Farmers’ Federation to accelerate the bill’s introduction, and in September 2015 the bill was passed.

The legislation gives cotton growers and other irrigators greater certainty, allowing them to make decisions about farm operations with more confidence.

More recently, growers had cause to celebrate again following a meeting of Water Ministers from Federal and State jurisdictions, who in April 2016 signed off on a package of supply, efficiency and constraints measures that will result in changes to the sustainable diversion limits (SDL) of the MDBP. The Ministerial Council agreed on principles to guide the implementation of the SDL adjustment package and requested the Commonwealth amend the Basin Plan to provide for a second SDL adjustment step by 30 June, 2017. Cotton Australia will continue to call on all governments to commit to the full delivery of 650 GL in SDL offset projects.

Infrastructure commitments a win in NSW Cotton Australia continues to work with the NSW Government, and in particular with Minister for Water, Niall Blair, to secure longterm solutions for water flows in the region.

More good news was delivered when the NSW Government announced the allocation 92 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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of nearly $620 million in the State Budget for infrastructure to help secure the water supply of rural towns in the state, including Broken Hill.

Cotton Australia and other irrigator groups had called for a long-term solution to the issue for years, and is looking forward to a detailed announcement that will bring about a result to help the citizens of Broken Hill as well as the irrigating growers operating upstream of the city.

Local management a reality in Queensland The latest step in the transition to Local Management Arrangement (LMA) irrigation schemes came in September 2016, with the announcement of transition scheme boards by the State Government. These boards will be responsible for managing the transition of operations and control from SunWater to local management.

The LMA will shift management of water assets from SunWater’s irrigation channel scheme to locals. Three of the four schemes – which are located in St George, Emerald, Theodore and Eton – are located in major cotton-growing regions.

This next stage of the process will see the irrigation communities in these schemes enter into negotiation with the State Government on final terms, and then commence the transition process.

Cotton Australia worked with growers in St George, Emerald and Theodore for more than two years to bring about change to local water management, which was backed by overwhelming support from local growers.

Although progress in the LMA scheme has been slow until recently, Cotton Australia has continued to engage with the government on this issue, and is confident that the government remains committed to the process.

The organisation will continue to work with both our growers and the Queensland Government to ensure a smooth transition to local management in the cotton-growing districts.

Challenges for the coming year Cotton Australia will: • Seek a finalisation of the Basin Plan, that minimises further water entitlement acquisition and social and economic impacts, while optimising environmental outcomes; • Push ahead with a long-term solution for Broken Hill’s water supply to guarantee water access for irrigators; and, • Complete the roll-out of Local Management Arrangements in Queensland.

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Why ‘just add water’ doesn’t work

SECTION 5 WATER MATTERS This section brought to you in association with

By Tom Chesson, CEO, National Irrigators’ Council

I

t is clear that the promised ‘triple bottom line’ outcomes under the Murray Darling Basin Plan cannot be realised with the ‘just add water’ methodology currently in place.

Against the background of recent Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) forums where stakeholders had an opportunity to see the analysis of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan specific to the Northern Basin Review, concern is palpable about the current and potential future impacts on northern basin communities’ dependent on irrigated agriculture, as a result of the implementation of the Plan.

The MDBA’s own research reveals the devastating impact on northern basin communities from water buybacks. The research, completed as part of the Northern Basin Review, shows agriculture job losses as high as 35 per

cent in some northern basin communities. With further water to be recovered in communities, further job losses and broader impacts are expected. The research is damning and the outcome is unacceptable.

Early results also show that the environmental benefits of water recovery, in addition to the current level of recovery, are limited. To date, approximately 278 GL (71 per cent) of the Basin Plan Northern Basin recovery target of 390 GL has been recovered.

The social and economic damage occurring in communities like St George, Dirranbandi, Moree, Collarenebri and Warren is clear.

For decades, Governments have encouraged rural community resilience. This is an unrealistic notion in an environment where communities are facing the flow-on effects of water buybacks with industry downturn and loss of jobs.

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www.pivotirrigation.com.au COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 93

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Continuation of the current approach, with the knowledge of the damage that will occur, would be an irresponsible and reckless policy approach.

We have a very simple message for our Nation’s Parliament – enough is enough.

Economically harmful water acquisition must cease across the northern basin and innovative and pragmatic solutions must be adopted.

Focus must be directed away from acquiring additional water for questionable environmental benefit, and towards achieving better ecological outcomes through a range of complementary measures. This will deliver the basin plan objectives and outcomes for ecosystem assets with the least collateral damage to regional communities.

There must be a genuine focus on examining a suite of non-flow measures, including: • Carp control through the release of the Carp Herpes virus; • Appropriate management of cold water pollution; • Improvement of fish migration through fishways; • Restoration of native fish habitat; • Feral animal and weed control in wetlands and riparian areas; and,

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Environmental water released from storages usually comes from lower, colder levels.

• Increased ability for the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) to trade water to achieve environmental outcomes.

Carp control through the release of the Carp Herpes virus Carp make up around 80 per cent of the fish biomass in the Murray Darling Basin, and cost up to $500 million annually. Studies have demonstrated that carp impact on water quality, plankton levels, algal bloom incidence, native fish, macrophytes and water birds.

Research has shown that a carp specific virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 is highly effective on carp present in Australia.

International case studies indicate the virus will kill 70–100 per cent of carp in a naïve population within a very short time. The virus also has been shown to only affect common carp and Koi carp (same species), and will not cause disease in other fish species, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals or crustacea.

Environmental flows deliver benefits to some desirable ecosystem components, but are well known to increase carp breeding efficacy if delivered onto floodplain habitat during warmer months.

The Australian Government has announced a $15 million investment to undertake the necessary work with a plan to release a carpspecific herpes virus into waterways.

In order to ensure that carp numbers do not rebuild after release it will be necessary to employ additional measures to suppress carp and promote recovery of native fish communities. Carp impact significantly on aquatic ecosystems, but are not the only factor contributing to the decline of native species.

Additional threats include: • Degradation of habitat and water quality; • Historical overfishing;

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• Thermal pollution; and, • Barriers to migration.

Significant social and economic benefits derived from improved inland fish resources are likely to occur as a result of this single measure.

To ensure the legacy of outcomes delivered through the carp biocontrol program, and environmental flow delivery, it is recommended that a program of complementary measures be employed to promote native fish recovery, including: • Re-establish populations of locally extinct native fish species through re-stocking following carp removal; • Mitigation of cold water pollution at four priority dams; • Restoration of native fish habitat along river reaches within priority river valleys throughout the MD Basin; and, • Re-connect fish migration along the full length of the Barwon Darling River system in the northern MD Basin.

Appropriate management of cold water pollution The importance of water temperature for breeding, feeding, growth and larval survival

•

in native fish species has been well understood now for over a decade, as is the impact of cold water pollution on aquatic organisms and river health in the Murray Darling Basin. A recent study noted that mortality levels in Murray cod eggs can reach 100 per cent at 13°C, and that low water temperatures can dramatically reduce growth rates in species including freshwater catfish and Murray cod, and can cause up to 30 per cent mortality in silver perch. All of these species are listed under either national or state environmental legislation. Over 2500 km of riverine environment is now understood to be affected by thermal pollution in the MurrayDarling Basin.

Fortunately, off-the-shelf solutions such as installation of a thermal curtain as done in Lake Burrendong, have been shown to rapidly correct thermal pollution and are cost effective.

Improvement of fish migration through fishways along the Barwon-Darling Many native fish species are now known to migrate during various life stages, and barriers to migration are now listed as a key threatening process in state and Commonwealth threatened species legislation.

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 97

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in the Darling, Barwon, Paroo and Warrego Rivers would reinstate continuous access to over 5180 km. This outcome would exceed the Sea to Hume program, which is lauded as one of the largest ecological rehabilitation projects undertaken in Australia.

Restoration of native fish habitat Healthy habitat is vital to the health of native fish communities. Numerous studies

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throughout Australia have demonstrated the value of restoring fish habitat for native fish communities. In the Condamine River, habitat improvement along the Dewfish Demonstration Reach resulted in significant increases in golden perch (five fold increase), Murray cod (from absent to captured every survey), spangled perch, bony bream (11 fold increase), carp gudgeon (1200 fold increase), and MurrayDarling rainbowfish (60 fold increase).

Re-snagging in the lower Murray resulted in a three fold increase in Murray cod, and was estimated to significantly increase overall population size.

Feral animal control in wetlands such as the Narran Lakes, Gwydir Wetlands and Macquarie Marshes

The effects of cold water releases can be felt for hundreds of kilometres downstream.

Feral pigs are one of Australia’s most successful and widespread invasive species. Their success is largely due to their omnivorous diet, comprising mostly green grasses and herbs.

They also eat a variety of native vertebrate species including reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.

Feral pigs have occurred in the Macquarie Marshes since 1896. Important wildlife species that may be susceptible to predation by feral pigs also occur in the marshes, including snipe, stork and ibis.

In recent years, pig populations in the Gwydir and Macquarie Marshes have exploded. This is partly due to the delivery of environmental water to wetland areas during dry sequences, which is believed to be providing beneficial opportunity for feral animals to survive during drought.

Weeds Weeds displace native species, contribute significantly to land degradation and reduce farm productivity. Aquatic weeds continue to spread through flooding, moving the plants to other waterways. Many aquatic weeds have been introduced or have colonised new waterways.

Simply adding water is not the solution to the complex environmental issues facing the Murray Darling Basin. With limited resources available, focus must shift away from the simplistic approach of removing water from productive use – which is not delivering the environmental outcomes sought, but is turning once thriving communities into ghost towns. The emphasis must shift to adopting complementary measures which deliver real outcomes. If the complementary measures advocated by the National Irrigators’ Council and our members are not adopted, then many of the environmental outcomes being sought will never eventuate.

98 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Cotton water storage snapshot

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idespread winter and spring rainfall has left most major water storages in cotton areas in their best shape in years. Healthy on-farm storages will also reduce seasonal demand from the major dams.

1: Murrumbidgee – Burrinjuck

2: Lachlan Valley – Wyangala

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Capacity (ML)

Wyangala Dam

1,113,859

91%

Capacity (ML) Burrinjuck Dam

Full capacity (ML)

1,220,000

Volume % Sep 30 (ML) full

Volume % full Sep 30 (ML)

1,026,000

941,972

Current (ML) (Sep 30, 2016)

92%

% full 2016

% full 2015

Queensland 1,301000 82,000 106,000

647,000 82,000 29,680

50 100 28

43 74 21

250,000 312,000 1,362,000 397,000 425,000 1,188,000 368,000 1,220,000 1,026,000

157,113 312,000 722,541 112,672 360,000 1,505,358 184,223 1,113,859 941,972

63 100 53 28 85 127 50 91 92

31 34 22 7 17 18 43 62 74

8,037,000

6,168,418

76.8

38.8

New South Wales Glenlyon Dam Pindari Dam Copeton Dam Split Rock Dam Keepit Dam Burrendong Dam Windamere Dam Wyangala Dam Burrinjuck Dam

TOTAL

Wyangala Dam 3: Macquarie Valley – combined

Fairbairn Dam Beardmore Dam Leslie Dam

Capacity (ML) Burrendong Windamere

100 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

1,188,000 368,000

Volume % full Sep 30 (ML) 1,505,358 184,223

127% 50%

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Capacity Volume (ML) Sep 30 (ML) Split Rock Dam

425,000 397,000

% full

360,000 112,672

85% 28%

106,000

Leslie Dam

29,680

28%

Capacity (ML)

Capacity (ML)

Volume Sep 30 (ML)

% full

1,362,000

722,541

53%

Beardmore

82,000

Volume % full Sep 30 (ML) 82,000

100%

9: Emerald – Fairbairn

Copeton Dam

6: Border Rivers – combined

Volume % Sep 30 (ML) full

8: Balonne River – Beardmore

Copeton Dam

SECTION 5 WATER MATTERS

Capacity (ML)

5: Gwydir Valley – Copeton

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Keepit Dam

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4: Namoi Valley – combined

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Fairbairn Dam

Capacity (ML)

Volume Sep 30 (ML)

% full

1,301000

647,000

50%

Capacity (ML) Glenlyon Dam Pindari Dam

250,000 312,000

Volume % full Sep 30 (ML) 157,113 312,000

63% 100%

Pindari Dam COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 101

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Cotton Australia investing in the next generation �����������104 CottonInfo education highlights in 2016 ������������������������108 Sharp young minds attend GrowAg summit �������������������110 A young innovator with big ideas �����������������������������������111 Two new cotton industry scholars �����������������������������������112

EDUCATION & TRAINING

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Cotton Australia investing in the next generation

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otton Australia’s education program uses different strategies to engage with educators and students about the importance and relevance of our industry:

Cotton Young Farming Champion James Kanaley, proudly supported by Cotton Australia, alongside fellow YFCs Dione Howard (left) representing the wool industry, Felicity Taylor representing cattle and sheep, and Emma Ayliffe (right) representing the grains industry.

• Educational resources suite: available in the online ‘Cotton Classroom’, these reach more than 154,000 unique visitors a year. The Cotton Classroom hosts resources including our Education Kit, lesson and unit plans, videos and much more. Primary and secondary school resources directly link to the Australian curriculum, ensuring that teachers are supported to provide positive learning experiences about the industry and outcomes for their students.

In addition to Cotton Classroom, Cotton Australia also works with organisations such as the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) to produce and distribute materials. In 2015 Cotton Australia contributed to the development of 17 units through PIEFA, which were endorsed by 100 per cent of teachers who trialled them.

• Direct engagement: Cotton Australia staff, including our hard-working regional managers, directly engage with teachers and students in metro, rural and regional areas. Over the year, 6600 students and 1400

YOUNG FARMING CHAMPIONS James Kanaley “Turning a patch of dirt into your cotton shirt,” is 2015 Cotton Australia Young Farming Champion James Kanaley’s motto.

Originally from a sheep and cropping farm near Junee, James says his biggest teacher and influence in life was his father. James studied agronomy and livestock production at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, and is now a consultant agronomist around Moree, where his office is a Hilux ute.

James has travelled and worked in agriculture through Vietnam and the US, where he says the differences in technology, infrastructure, adaptation and innovation are notable, but the fundamentals of farming are the same.

Over the past three years he has been working with a software developer to create a farm management application to help agronomists, farm managers and businesses.

“I work with more than 40 growers and no two growers or farms are the same,” James says. “The most rewarding part of my job is learning from farmers – I enjoy building relationships with growers and seeing the 104 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

emotion that goes into the decision making processes of growing healthy and productive food and fibre crops.”

Sharna Holman Becoming involved with the Archibull Prize while still at high school was one of the reasons Sydneysider Sharna Holman chose a career in agriculture.

Five years later Sharna has a Bachelor of Agriculture from The University of Sydney and is working in her dream job as a cotton extension officer in Emerald – 16 hours and a world away from her previous life in Sydney – and she has never been happier.

“I am so lucky to be involved in an industry where the growers, researchers and industry members are incredibly innovative and passionate,” Sharna says. “The cotton industry is constantly trying to look for new ways to be sustainable and efficient while remaining productive and every day I look forward to helping growers.” Sharna is living proof that anyone, no matter their background, can find a role they love within Australia’s agricultural industry.

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teachers have participated in face-to-face learning experiences with, or supported by, Cotton Australia. Teachers gain professional development through industry engagement events. In cotton regions they visit cotton farms and gins and learn directly from growers about how we grow our cotton, our industry’s high standards, and how students can benefit from a career in cotton.

In addition, Cotton Australia supports a number of programs to promote the Australian

Albert Jalipot with his winning design (modelled by James Bray) for the National Cotton2Couture Award 2015, proudly supported

by Cotton Australia. (Photo: Danae Studios)

Sophie Davidson, Cotton Australia’s Education Coordinator, with the electronic version of the organisation’s Education Kit.

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106 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

cotton industry as an attractive career for future graduates, including: • Art4Agriculture’s annual Archibull Prize.

More than 1300 students from 30 schools participate in the annual Archibull competition, with the finals dominated by quality entrants with cotton themes. Beyond the artworks, the program resulted in significant attitudinal change from students, with a 100 per cent increase in students preferring clothes made from natural fibres and recognising the personal importance of understanding the production processes behind their clothing. There were also significant attitudinal shifts in the belief that farmers use water carefully (85 per cent) and farmers care for the environment (70 per cent).

• Art4Agriculture’s Young Farming Champions program cotton participants, James Kanaley and Sharna Holman (see box story, page 104).

• Cotton2Couture Award delivered through the Apex Australia Teenage Fashion and Arts Youth Festival (AATFA), which aims to influence the uptake of cotton fibre.

Scholarships Cotton Australia offers a number of scholarships, internships and work experience opportunities for teachers and students to assist further education in cotton and promote cotton careers.

There are a number of scholarships available to promising undergraduate students to promote cotton as a career choice. These are enabled by the Cotton Catchments Communities Co-operative Research Centre’s Legacy Fund.

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Workforce and capacity building – protecting the workforce of the future Cotton Australia supports leadership programs in order to future-proof our industry by helping talented young people acquire the skills, knowledge and experience they need to become future leaders.

Cotton Australia (with support from the CRDC) continues to invest in: • The Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program for 15 emerging cotton industry leaders to develop leadership knowledge, skills and experience.

• Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust’s Science-to-Policy Leadership Program for individuals currently working in the science, policy or management of water. Lowbidgee irrigator Adam Harris represented cotton in the 2015 program.

• Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships for exemplary cotton growers or farm managers between the ages of 28–40 with a research interest. Growers Matt McVeigh (Dalby) and Thomas Quigley (Trangie) were funded for the 2015 program. Daniel Kahl is the 2017 recipient.

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Cotton Australia and CRDC also co-sponsor the Australian Rural Leadership Program for established leaders currently working in or for the cotton industry, with Sean Boland the participant for course 22.

Cotton Australia Darling Downs Regional Manager Mary O’Brien discussing the Australian cotton industry with more than 115 urban and environmental planning students from Queensland’s Griffith University at Mac and Karen Baartz’ farm at Jondaryan.

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CottonInfo education highlights in 2016

By Trudy Staines

C

ottonInfo was again involved in a wide range of educational activities during the 2015–16 season. Some of the highlights included: • Participating in and assisting in the organisation of the final Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) camp held in November 2015 in Toowoomba.

Twenty three students from 10 NSW and Queensland schools spent five days visiting the science and agriculture industries around

Toowoomba after which they completed a five day industry placement within an agriculture or science industry.

• Organising and facilitating cotton industry

Billie Strong from Narrabri High School.

The PICSE camp participants.

Horizon scholars at the Cotton Conference.

Back (L to R) Bruce Finney (CRDC), Felicity Taylor, Alana Martin, Grace Scott, Jessica Kirkpatrick, Alana Johnson, Emily Miller, Ian Taylor (CRDC). Front (L to R) Sam Johnston, Sam Knight, Scott Nevison, Michael Wellington.

(Photo: Melanie Jenson)

108 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Lachlan Von Pein and Tom Flanagan at the Toowoomba camp.

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related placements for students from the PICSE industry camp, the PICSE internship program, and the Horizon scholarship program.

Organising three tours of the ACRI and the cotton industry for the Armidale School, Coonabarabran High School and Narrabri High School and an all schools ag tour.

Organising high school work experience for students from Narrabri and Wee Waa High Schools.

Preparing and presenting three workshops for visits to schools and child care facilities.

Participating and coordinating a Narrabri shire wide collaboration with the town library, science and agricultural facilities around Narrabri to conduct science workshops.

Participating in the annual Tamworth Careers Expo that exposures 2000 students to careers.

Attending, with Cotton Australia’s Paul Sloman, the Biannual Farrer Agricultural Careers Expo held at the school. A highlight is talking to students and making them aware of the many and varied careers there are in the cotton industry.

Attending the UNE Farming Futures Careers Day and dinner meeting students and networking.

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• Attending the Charles Sturt University Approaching Ag day.

• Currently waiting on the publication of seven books from the Enviro Stories competition.

The theme was ‘Water in Rural Communities’ and there were 118 entries from five schools across four catchment areas.

• Facilitating the involvement of the CRDC sponsored Horizon Scholarship students at the 2016 Australian Cotton Conference.

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Brendan Griffiths in a hole with students.

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www.mcintoshdistribution.com.au COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 109

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Sharp young minds attend GrowAg summit

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RDC has supported an initiative targeted at innovative young leaders in agriculture – the GrowAg summit – which took place in Albury in late September.

Hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and the Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), including CRDC, the summit was a meeting place for the new generation of decision makers.

On the agenda were new technologies, ideas, smart businesses, leadership and innovation – plus the latest in RD&E from the RDCs. Two CRDC-led projects under the Federal Government’s Rural R&D for Profit program were on the agenda – Smarter Irrigation for Profit and Accelerating precision agriculture to decision agriculture – as examples of cross-sectoral, collaborative projects that bring together the collective RDCs. CRDC supported five cotton industry participants to attend GrowAg, including growers Aron Kiely and Ben Egan, farm manager Brent Scott, researcher Nicole McDonald and market development manager, Reinder Prins.

The delegates represented family farms and research corporations, industry bodies and corporate enterprises – from all over Australia.

GrowAg 2016 was a ‘think tank’ for innovation in agriculture. The event was the first of its kind, and consisted of 108 delegates (competitively selected) and a range of presenters from government and industry looking to challenge traditional views and practices in agriculture. The three-day program focused on three key themes:

CRDC’s Jane Trindall presented to 150 delegates and industry representatives on the role and future of research and development corporations.

110 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Delegates Reinder Prins, Nicole McDonald and Aaron Kiely were proud to be successful in the competitive selection process for the GrowAg 2016 conference.

• Entrepreneurship and global agriculture opportunities; • Technology, innovation and education; and, • Leadership.

Delegates explored how Australian agribusiness can best capitalise on global opportunities; how future innovations can transform Australian agribusiness; and the most effective ways to develop the capable and diverse leaders needed to steer Australian agriculture into the future.

The delegates were encouraged to look not only at innovation – but to consider what they need to do right now to capitalise on developments in technology, smart business and leadership. And they did.

Cotton researcher Nicole McDonald said the experience has left her inspired and motivated.

“I loved that we not only heard all of this information about future innovation in agriculture, but also that we were given the chance to synthesise this knowledge in our group work where we actively collaborated around turning ideas into action,” Nicole said.

“A diverse range of participants, from different industry sectors, with different interests really helped shake up my own thinking about how to make sure Australian agriculture is a beneficiary and not a victim of innovation.”

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A young cotton innovator with big ideas

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he Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture – supported

by CRDC – encourage young rural innovators to think big and contribute to the future success of the cotton industry.

As a sponsor of the Awards program, CRDC supports and rewards young scientists, like 2016 awardee Yvonne Chang, for their exploration of concepts and the creation of new knowledge in the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.

As Yvonne explains, soil organic carbon (SOC) enhances many soil functions including productivity and soil structure. Current methods to improve long-term SOC in depleted soils have inconsistent outcomes, primarily resulting from variation in the rates of microbial activity on soil organic carbon.

Yvonne’s Science and Innovation Award project will investigate whether fungi associated with cotton plant roots can be used to store organic carbon in the soil for long periods of time.

Yvonne says the amount of carbon in agricultural soils has been depleted by decades of intensive cultivation.

“Soil carbon’s been linked to a lot of really important functions, including increased plant productivity, improving soil structure and similar things,” she says.

“Current practices we’ve been using to try and manage carbon loss, like adding different forms of plant matter or compost, have given mixed results...there’s nothing really consistent across the board.”

But the benefits to the environment and the agricultural industry could be far greater by reducing greenhouse gases and aiding cotton farmers’ participation in the Federal Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative.

If it works, the study has the potential to be applicable to other crops as well.

“The fungus that we’re using forms specific interactions with different plant species so we might not necessarily be able to use the same fungal isolate for all plant species but we’ll try and see what happens,” Yvonne says.

Yvonne has always been interested in how the world works and is passionate about understanding soil processes.

Applications for the 2017 awards are now closed, but CRDC is encouraging other young researchers aged 18-35 to apply for future

awards which include a grant valued at up to $22,000 to fund an innovative research project that will benefit Australia’s cotton industry.

SECTION 6 EDUCATION & TRAINING This section brought to you in association with

Further information and application forms are available from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website: www.agriculture.gov.au/scienceawards.

Yvonne Chang receiving her award with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Chief Scientist Dr Kim Ritman.

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www.bridgecommodities.com COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 111

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Two new cotton industry scholars

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wo young cotton industry members have recently been selected as CRDC-supported scholars for the Nuffield Australia and the RIRDC Horizon scholarship programs.

natural and improved pastures for livestock. In a full production scenario, the company produces 20,000 bales of cotton a year in addition to other rotation crops.

Nuffield scholar

Daniel is responsible for commodity marketing, budgeting and cashflow monitoring, logistics, business administration and helping with on farm activities. Having returned to the farm in 2014 and taking up this role in the business, he is concerned that skilled labour is not making it onto the farm.

Daniel Kahl, a cotton grower from Wee Waa is cotton’s next Nuffield scholar, having been announced in September as the CRDC and Cotton Australia supported scholar for 2017.

Daniel is employed as the business manager of the Kahl family’s company, Merced Farming.

“We can readily access labour to operate machinery and carry out cropping activities. But it is the roles at middle management level such as farm supervisors, those who can manage a team of plant operators or irrigation across a whole farm, that we struggle to fill.

Through his Nuffield scholarship, Daniel will investigate Daniel Kahl. where the next generation of farm managers will come from, and how quality candidates can be attracted to a career in farming.

Daniel is employed as Business Manager of his family owned and operated company, Merced Farming. Its operations cover 7500 hectares with 3500 hectares developed for irrigation, 800 hectares for dryland cropping and 2200 hectares

NTS LME017 O R N NG E OR 2 TAK I NOW F

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“The challenge of attracting skilled labour is present across the wider agricultural industry. Is the answer to develop staff and help them to acquire the necessary skills to step-up and fill that role? Or is it to provide a more attractive opportunity to those who have gone away to further education and encourage them to return?”

This is a real and imminent challenge for Merced Farming. Having recently doubled in size through the purchase of additional property, the business is currently in a consolidation phase.

“We are readying ourselves and our team for when full production is upon us. It is only with a

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www.une.edu.au or www.crdc.com.au Brendan Griffiths – bgriffi2@une.edu.au – 0427 715 990 112 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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good team in place that full production can be a reality.”

Daniel plans to travel to Europe, North America and New Zealand and study the human resources practises of corporate and family farming operations as well as what programs may be in place at an industry level to develop a skilled agricultural workforce.

Horizon scholar Sam Knight, also from a family cotton farm at Wee Waa, has been selected as the CRDC supported Horizon scholar for 2016.

Sam is studying a Bachelor of Agriculture and Business at UNE. He is focused on a career in the cotton industry, with an aim to not just make an impact on his own farm, but more broadly on the industry.

Sam Knight.

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After getting more involved on the farm during high school, he discovered a passion for cotton growing, which has set his career path.

“One of the biggest things I love is how it is always changing – you look back on cotton farming 10 years ago compared to today and the machinery and practices are completely different.

“It’s really exciting to imagine what’s going to happen in the future and it’s something I really want to be a part of,” he enthuses.

“The biggest benefits of the scholarship are the opportunities, knowledge and contacts you can access.

“You meet a lot of different people from different businesses, different government departments, farmers growing different crops it is great engaging with leaders of agriculture and being involved with everything they have to offer,” he says.

“I want to get involved with the farmers throughout our region with research and development, trials and even the farmers’ associations.

“I do firmly believe that through research we can continue to increase yield and profits while reducing cost and not degrading the land,” he concludes.

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Richard Hall, Lindsay Regional Manager Australia Research has shown yield increases and water savings are achievable by reducing irrigation to heavier soils, high run-off For more information talk to your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer or visit www.precisionirrigation.co.nz/fieldnet. areas and low areas prone to getting too wet and boggy.

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© 2016 LINDSAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ZIMMATIC, FIELDNET AND GROWSMART ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE LINDSAY CORPORATION.

114 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Waterbirds in cotton landscapes �������������������������������������116 Coal seam connections ���������������������������������������������������118 myBMP and BCI deliver more value for growers �������������120 Cotton RiverCare champion ��������������������������������������������124

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Waterbirds in cotton landscapes

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RDC funded research by Dr Adam Smith of the University of New England found waterbirds continued to forage at water storages on cotton farms despite the low water availability experienced during the 2014–15 season.

Adam Smith.

Waterbirds are of great interest on cotton farms. They are conspicuous, often in large numbers, and are diverse in size and colour.

It seems that when there is water, sooner or later waterbirds will appear. Their presence is mostly benign so farmers are often kindly disposed towards them. The book “Birds on Cotton Farms,” now also a mobile app, includes waterbirds and management of their habitat.

The success of this book indicates the high level of interest.

Waterbirds are very obvious on the storages.

They have been remarked upon for decades so it is surprising that there have been few studies that quantify this over a broad area. Janelle Montgomery undertook a study in the Gwydir around 1999 and Evan Cleland undertook one in the Namoi in 2007.

The purpose of this latest research was to get a snapshot of waterbird usage of the storages to update previous studies, compare results for on-going monitoring, and benchmark the current value of water storages for the conservation of waterbirds.

From September 2014 to May 2015 surveys were conducted on 30 storages in the Gwydir

Storages are a valuable foraging habitat for waterbirds. (Photo: Adam Smith) 116 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

and 20 in the Namoi. Over 31,000 waterbirds were counted of 55 species (47 in the Gwydir and 48 in the Namoi). This compares favourably to previous studies when there were 47 species in the Gwydir and 40 in the Namoi.

A few species dominated – particularly Black Duck, Grey Teal and Coot while others such as Pink-eared Duck, Wood Duck, Pelican and cormorants were also often observed. There were some threatened species such as Brolgas, Magpie Geese and Freckled Duck, and migratory waders such as Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Rednecked Stint and a single Black-tailed Godwit.

These waders migrate to and from the northern hemisphere each year.

The average count was also similar to those in previous studies, around 100 birds per storage per observation. This was surprising given that storages were often low or dry during the study.

But there were only two observations of nesting and breeding compared to 615 in the Gwydir study 15 years ago. It seems that water levels were too low or inconsistent during 2014–15.

The results show that the storages are valuable foraging habitat for waterbirds even in dry periods and are important as additions to the core habitat in natural wetlands where the majority of foraging and nesting occurs.

Many waterbirds are highly mobile, moving across the country and in some cases across the world, amazingly quickly. They exploit the variety of habitats that appear in the landscape and different species forage in different ways. Some dive in deeper water, some forage or wade in shallows, and others at the edge amongst reeds.

Similarly, some like to nest in the trees and some at water level.

There is much more to learn about waterbirds in the landscape. For example, how do waterbirds interact between the storages and natural wetlands? And what do we know of waterbirds in other cotton valleys beyond the Gwydir and Namoi?

In the future there could be possibilities for farmers to be more engaged with managing water for waterbirds, particularly if there were incentives such as stewardship payments, environmental offsets or access to environmental water. Hopefully, the more we understand about waterbirds and this landscape, the better informed will be the management of water in the landscape.

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Coal seam connections

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ovel research, supported by CRDC, has enabled a better understanding of the hydraulic connections between coal seams and aquifers. And the research may have worldwide application.

Coal Seam Gas (CSG) extraction has expanded rapidly in what is known as the Walloon Coal Measures near Dalby, raising questions about future groundwater levels and quality of water used by irrigators in the region.

Led by Associate Professor Bryce Kelly of the UNSW Connected Waters Initiative Research Centre, a recent study around Dalby and Cecil Plains assessed the connectivity of aquifers.

Based on bore sampling, the groundwater being extracted from the Condamine Alluvium shows no signs of mixing with water from the Walloon Coal Measures.

The team also analysed the isotopic signature of methane to detect if methane from the Walloon Coal Measures was migrating into the

overlying Condamine Alluvium groundwater and air.

Near-surface microbiologically produced methane has a very different signature compared to methane released from the Walloon Coal Measures, which makes methane a useful tracer of connectivity.

“In four irrigation bores we found methane that had an isotopic signature that suggests that it was sourced from the Walloon Coal Measures, and was not produced by near surface microbiological processes,” Bryce said.

“The major ion chemistry and the methane data provide different insights into connectivity because methane is buoyant and it can migrate vertically between aquifers via geological faults, fracture networks, or poorly sealed boreholes, while groundwater is predominantly lateral.

“Gas can move via smaller gaps than water and measuring gas movement can shed insights about the future possibilities of water moving via these same pathways if for example, wells or geological movement create gaps large enough for water.

“Further research is now required to assess the multi-decadal risk at present coal seam gas production levels, and to assess any additional impacts should the CSG industry expand.”

Future research

Sampling water in the Condamine basin.

(Photo: Bryce Kelly)

118 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

To better understand the role of abandoned wells in the release of methane, CRDC is funding further research in the Condamine and Lower Namoi regions to measure methane in the air near old exploration wells.

“At present, if the abandoned exploration wells are poorly sealed, they provide a pathway for the upward movement of water from the Great Artesian Basin to the fresh water alluvial aquifers used to supply irrigation water,” Bryce says.

“But after decades of CSG production, as a result of depressurisation of the Walloon Coal Measures, they may provide a pathway for the downward movement of fresh groundwater out of the alluvial aquifer used for irrigation towards the CSG production formation.

A stick is often the only marker of a “leaky” exploration well in the Condamine region, demonstrating the difficulty researchers face in locating these old wells in order to study them.

“To assess the risk associated with abandoned leaky exploration wells we aim to do more surveying in the Condamine district and ongoing

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surveys in the lower Namoi over the next couple of years.

“We would really appreciate growers’ help with identifying the location of old exploration wells and would love for them to contact us if they are happy for us to undertake testing.

A CSG well in Queensland.

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“Government records on exploration wells from the 1960s and 70s are poor, and often farmers have better knowledge of past exploration near their properties.”

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For more information contact Bryce Kelly, E: bryce.kelly@ unsw.edu.au, Ph: 02 9385 1853, www.bees.unsw.edu.au/bryce-kelly

(Photo: Bryce Kelly)

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1800 008 707 www.drummuster.com.au COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 119

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myBMP and BCI deliver more value for growers

By Rick Kowitz, myBMP Manager

E

ach year the cotton industry works hard to ensure myBMP delivers more value for its growers. In just two decades, the cotton industry’s best management practice (BMP) program has completely changed the way other industries, communities and governments view cotton production in Australia. Today, Australian cotton growers are renowned worldwide as being among the most innovative and sustainable cotton producers in the world.

Now consisting of 10 modules, the recently refreshed myBMP program does many things to help growers manage and grow their businesses. It assists growers to meet regulatory requirements, reduce risks, implement industry best practice, and provides a pathway for innovation by connecting growers with the latest science and research. More recently it has been helping cotton growers to access premium international markets.

More than 75 per cent of cotton farms are now involved in myBMP, with over 100 new growers joining the program in the past 12 months.

BCI is growing rapidly Two years ago myBMP opened the doors for

BCI grower Nigel Corish checks an irrigator.

120 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Australian cotton growers to enter the rapidly expanding global sustainable cotton market, made possible when Cotton Australia signed an agreement with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to administer BCI in Australia through the myBMP program.

This year, 44 Australian farms produced over 250,000 bales of Better Cotton (BCI) lint, representing 10.5 per cent of Australia’s total lint production. Next year Better Cotton is likely to exceed 12 per cent of Australia’s total lint production, or a record 480,000 bales based on current forecasts. This increasing volume is getting the attention of Australian cotton merchants.

The rapid uptake of BCI in Australia has been driven by an increasing global demand for Better Cotton resulting in many certified growers being able to negotiate a premium of $3–$8 per bale for Better Cotton credits sold over the past two seasons.

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is an international not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the responsible and sustainable production of cotton globally. Cotton Australia manages the ongoing relationship with BCI on behalf of the industry, provides feedback on proposed changes to the BCI criteria, and will ensure the myBMP system remains harmonised with any future changes to BCI’s systems.

Worldwide, the BCI production footprint is growing rapidly. Currently at around 12 per cent, BCI has set a target of exceeding 30 per cent of global cotton production by 2020. BCI is also working hard to increase the demand for Better Cotton by attracting more brands and retailers each year. Several brands and retailers (including IKEA, Nike, Adidas, Marks & Spencer, and H & M) have committed to sourcing all their cotton from sustainable sources by 2020.

Eventually BCI aims for sustainable cotton to become a mainstream commodity.

Growers must do three things to qualify as a BCI grower in Australia: • Achieve myBMP certification; • Pay the full voluntary Cotton Australia levy; and, • Register for BCI. Growers are encouraged to register their

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interest in BCI for this season by opting-in before the end of November. Opt-in forms are available on the Cotton Australia website, or by contacting the myBMP Office.

Monsanto grants continue Cotton growers attaining myBMP certification this year will be eligible for a $2,000 grant under the ‘Better Farming Brighter Future’ sustainable cotton farming initiative offered by Monsanto.

This is the third consecutive season these grants have been offered to help encourage growers to undertake myBMP certification.

More information is available at www. betterfarmingbrighterfuture.com.au

Fast tracking myBMP Certification In response to the increasing interest in myBMP and BCI, this year Cotton Australia and the myBMP team held a session at the Australian Cotton Conference to assist cotton growers to fast track their myBMP certification. A few myths were busted, and growers had the opportunity to ask questions about setting up fuel storages, chemical sheds, farm signage, and how to get on top of safety management and spray records.

Top tips from the session were: • Ask for help – Cotton Australia’s Regional Managers and CottonInfo’s Regional Extension Officers are there to help cotton growers get started and work through myBMP. Ask for a farm visit now.

• Make a start – Register at www.myBMP.com. au and tick off as many Level 1 and Level 2 checklist items as you can.

• Ask if unsure – Don’t get stuck on one item.

See what other growers have done, there is often a simple solution.

• Book an audit – As soon as Level 1 and Level 2 checklist items have been completed. There will be time to fix a few things later.

• Have the key documents and records ready for the audit – this makes the audit easier and faster.

• Finalise myBMP certification before 31 December 2016 - be eligible for the Monsanto grant, and opt-in to BCI for this season.

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New myBMP videos released In two new videos released earlier this year, several cotton growers from Queensland and New South Wales shared their experiences on working through myBMP and the benefits certification has provided to their farms and businesses. The myBMP videos can be viewed on the Cotton Australia YouTube Channel, or simply Google myBMP videos.

Challenges for the coming year Cotton Australia will: • Continue to lift grower engagement with myBMP in order to benefit growers directly and protect the industry from threats; • Continue to improve the myBMP platform for growers; • Encourage and support more growers with myBMP certification; and, • Continue to support grower engagement with BCI, providing the opportunity for increased market access and premiums.

Getting involved Growers wanting to know more about myBMP or BCI can contact their Cotton Australia Regional Manager or the myBMP office Ph: 1800 COTTON or email admin@myBMP.com.au.

Farm safety workshops Over the past 18 months Cotton Australia delivered 20 workshops to help cotton growers improve on-farm safety. The workshops, presented by Bec Fing, were based on the improved myBMP Work Health and Safety Module. Growers who attended the workshops said they were very practical and well presented.

The workshops have also helped growers prepare for myBMP certification.

myBMP grower Tristram Hertslet.

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 121

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How to skip pre-plant nitrogen in cotton

SECTION 7 THE ENVIRONMENT This section brought to you in association with

By Jim Laycock, Agronomist, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, Cowra

I

t has been a wet winter, backed up by record September rainfall in many southern cotton growing areas.

With these wet conditions, cotton growers have had limited opportunities for soil testing, ground Jim Laycock. preparation and pre-plant nitrogen application.

Applying the crop’s total nitrogen requirement during the growing season is a valid strategy in these situations.

Although pre-plant application of nitrogen with a single pass is one of the easiest ways for cotton growers to fertilise, there are a variety of methods and products that will allow growers to apply the crop’s total nitrogen requirements post plant.

After the crop is planted, soil sampling can be undertaken to assist with nitrogen budgeting.

Remember to georeference those sites for petiole and leaf sampling during the growing season.

Consider the following options for post plant nitrogen application.

Sidedressing BIG N® BIG N is most commonly sidedressed into the side of hills in furrow irrigation with a crescent knife.

It can also be applied into the centre of beds, as long as the retention zone is located below furrow level and no root pruning occurs during application.

A pH indicator solution (available from BIG N service staff ) should be used at set-up to identify the location of the retention zone.

Care should be taken with application rates above 80 kg/ha of nitrogen and Coldflo should be used to avoid any potential for ammonia escaping and damaging plant tissue.

When BIG N is applied, ammonia immediately forms ammonium which strongly attaches to clay surfaces in the soil and stays where it is placed until it is converted to nitrate.

Sidedressing urea Urea can also be drilled into the centre of beds and the sides of hills where furrow irrigation is used. The same principles apply to urea as they do with BIG N – place the fertiliser below furrow level and avoid root pruning.

When sidedressing urea, it is important to ensure there is adequate soil coverage to prevent losses, unless irrigation or rainfall immediately follows application.

Urea that is left exposed to the atmosphere can generate significant losses during warm summer temperatures.

Also, avoid sidedressing urea into the bottom of the furrow where waterlogging may lead to significant nitrogen losses through denitrification.

Sidedressing with ENTEC® urea has the potential to reduce losses of nitrogen through denitrification if a waterlogging event occurs post application.

Using a pH indicator solution can help identify the location of the nitrogen applied in sidedress applications and ensure it is kept clear of the crop roots.

122 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Topdressing urea Although it is not usually recommended in cotton, urea can be broadcast in crop.

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Leaving urea on the soil surface for extended periods of time before irrigation or rainfall is likely to increase losses of nitrogen to the atmosphere through volatilisation, especially on moist alkaline soils that dry down post application.

Some superficial crop damage may also occur where topdressed urea remains trapped in plant foliage. Where laterals or pivots are used, irrigate directly after topdressing to avoid these issues.

Where cotton is grown on hills, much of the broadcast urea tends to end up in the irrigation furrows and the nitrogen applied is subject to loss through denitrification if furrows are waterlogged post irrigation.

CottonNoVo™ This urea based fertiliser is coated with NBPT, which reduces the rate of urea hydrolysis for 14 days and offers the potential to reduce volatilisation losses from surface applied fertiliser.

It is ideal for growers considering topdressing nitrogen this season.

Cotton growers can use CottonNoVo to assist in reducing nitrogen losses from volatilisation for up to 14 days before follow-up rain or irrigation occurs.

Water running urea The high solubility of urea means nitrogen can be accurately applied through irrigation water, provided the flow rate is known and an accurate metering device is used.

Urea will not strip out of irrigation water as it moves further from the injection point due to its molecular structure.

However, water running urea may move nitrate nitrogen to the outside of hills and beds and then towards tail drains. This may result in lower nitrogen levels at the head ditch end of the rows.

Urea is generally applied using N-buggies, which can be calibrated to dispense urea into channels at a set rate.

kg of BIG N per megalitre of water and ensure rapid water movement.

We also recommend that growers place the injection point at least 100 metres from the first siphon and ensure they wear personal protective equipment when they handle BIG N in water run situations.

EASY N® EASY N contains 42.5% nitrogen (w/v) with nitrogen in three forms, urea, ammonium and nitrate. It can be used to apply nitrogen during the growing season in a range of ways, including foliar applications, sidedressing and water running.

Foliar application should be limited to 20 L/ha due to the potential for leaf damage during high summer temperatures. Apply to actively growing plants that are not stressed due to environmental conditions.

EASY N, with nitrogen in three forms, urea, ammonium and nitrate, can also be effectively water run.

It can be sidedressed into the soil where suitable machinery is available or applied in overhead irrigation systems.

Droppers can be used to apply EASY N alongside the plant line with follow up irrigation to ensure the fertiliser moves into the root zone for plant uptake.

For more information on any of these nitrogen options for cotton, see your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers distributor today. n

Water running BIG N When water running BIG N, growers should first run the irrigation water for some time before releasing BIG N into the irrigation ditch, and then add BIG N during the first quarter of the anticipated watering period.

Choose fields with runs that are no longer than 600 metres.

Water run BIG N in the irrigation prior to the anticipated nitrogen demand, remembering that most of the ammonia, in the aqueous form, will move into the root zone with the irrigation water.

Growers are advised not to apply more than 100

One of the downsides to topdressing with urea in cotton is that a lot of the fertiliser tends to end up in the bottom of the furrow where denitrification loss can be an issue. Sidedressing allows more effective nitrogen placement.

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 123

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Cotton RiverCare champion

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zoology degree is not a traditional qualification for a cotton grower... but for southern Queensland grower Mark Palfreyman it provides an ideal grounding for his new role as our national Cotton RiverCare champion.

This role is part of the newly launched Cotton RiverCare program – supported by CRDC and CottonInfo – which aims to support the responsible management of riverine areas within Australia’s cotton growing regions.

Cotton RiverCare program manager and CottonInfo Natural Resources Technical Specialist Stacey Vogel said the program offers a unique way for the cotton industry and broader society to see first-hand how best management practices leads to healthy riparian areas.

The program which started in March 2016 will run over the next three years. Mark and Stacey well be sharing the results via social media so cotton growers and the wider cotton community can follow Mark and his family’s progress as they care for their farm and its natural environment.

This includes documenting biodiversity, how management decisions impact the condition of the riverine areas and the benefits healthy riverine areas can provide their farming business.

We are establishing long-term monitoring sites on the Palfreyman’s farm to look at water

The Tesselated Gecko, a native of Queensland’s black soil plains. (Photo: Anne Palfreyman)

quality, the condition of native vegetation and fauna diversity.

Its all about proactively monitoring the condition of riparian areas and determining how on-farm decisions can positively impact these environments for the overall benefit of the farm Mark has a real passion for maintaining healthy ecosystems on his farm as part of running his farming business and a keen interest in native fauna which makes him the ideal cotton RiverCare champion” To date there are almost 900 followers on social media.

The cotton RiverCare program is supported by CRDC and CottonInfo. Further information, and links to the program’s social media accounts are available via www.cottoninfo.com.au/cotton-rivercare

Mark and Anne and their four children Edward, Finn, Wilson and Elsie. (Photo: Stacey Vogel) 124 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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25 year milestone for CRDC ��������������������������������������������126 R&D strategy produces dividends for growers ����������������132 CottonInfo Team �������������������������������������������������������������136 CRDC Research Project Summary ������������������������������������137 Key to organisations �������������������������������������������������������142

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25 year milestone for CRDC In late 2015, the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) celebrated 25 years of investment in cotton research in Australia. Much has changed since the formation of the CRDC in 1990. In that year, Australian cotton production was around 1.3 million bales – close to a record, but a level at which it had plateaued for several years.

The season had not been kind, as the quote from the 1990 Cotton Yearbook suggests: “Cool weather at the start, hot weather in the middle and plenty of rain at harvest to finish it off.”

By early 1991, CRDC had officially established a home and became the first rural research corporation to set up headquarters outside a capital city. The decision to establish the CRDC in Narrabri, in the heart of cotton country and close to the Narrabri cotton research station, sent a clear message that the organisation was firmly anchored in the industry it represented.

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oday, the Australian cotton industry is one of the success stories of Australian agriculture. Australian cotton is the highest yielding, finest, cleanest and greenest cotton in the world. We are an industry taking

Extension has always been a big part of the CRDC.(Photo: Ruth Redfern) 126 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Of course, the CRDC was a continuation of the previous 25 years of cotton research commitment by the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association (ACGRA) and the Cotton Research Council. These organisations were built on the shoulders of some very forward-looking people who understood that the true potential of the industry could only be realised by innovative research. People such as the late Richard Williams, Dave Anthony, Dick Browne, John Grellman, Ralph Schulze and many others.

Ralph became the first Executive Director of CRDC and guided it through the early years and for many years afterward.

To mark the 25th anniversary, CRDC has produced a retrospective publication which traces some of the main achievements, and the following are extracts from “CRDC: 25 years of cotton research, development and extension,” edited by Ruth Redfern.

responsibility for ourselves by changing our practices to meet our own expectations and those of contemporary society. Australia’s best cotton producers now achieve more than two bales of cotton per megalitre of water – almost double the industry average of just a decade ago.

Our industry is at the forefront of environmental management systems, climate change preparedness and climate change adaptation. It’s an extraordinary story of achievement, thanks primarily to the continued support of the industry and the Australian Government for RD&E. It has been, and continues to be, a combined and collaborative effort.

CRDC invests in RD&E on behalf of cotton growers and the Australian Government, with the oversight of industry bodies – originally the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association (ACGRA) and now Cotton Australia – and the research prowess of our many different research partners. CRDC believes we should always give thanks to cotton industry pioneers for their vision and determination, not only to grow cotton, but to establish an industry supported by its own R&D. In this spirit, the ACGRA was established in 1972 with a voluntary R&D levy of $0.25 per bale. This levy recognised the importance of collective funding for industry R&D. The pioneers were also strong advocates for the Australian Government matching grower financial contributions.

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CRDC was established in 1990 under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (PIRD Act), replacing the Cotton Research Council. It was established by the Australian Government to work with industry to invest in RD&E for a more profitable, sustainable and dynamic cotton industry – at a time when the cotton industry was facing significant societal pressure around its environmental impacts. In the 25 years since then, CRDC’s strategic leadership and collaboration in RD&E investment has been a driving force behind the industry’s continuous improvement and transformation.

Over this time, CRDC has invested more than $280 million into RD&E on behalf of the industry, delivering billions of dollars in benefit back to Australian cotton growers on their farms. One project alone – CRDC’s investment in plant breeding – is estimated to have contributed $5 billion to the industry and the Australian agricultural economy.

In terms of the impact of R&D, our worldleading cotton yields and quality are easy to see and quantify. Efficiency gains in water use and reductions in pesticide use are also evident. But arguably, cotton production would not have been possible for the past 20 years – during which time growers have collectively contributed to producing more than $27 billion in exports – if it wasn’t for R&D and the industry’s commitment to improving its practices for controlling insects and managing diseases such as Fusarium.

CRDC has invested in some 2100 projects over the past 25 years – moving from a response-oriented approach of specifically addressing the industry issues of the 1990s to a more proactive approach of collaboratively identifying potential future threats and

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opportunities and strategically investing in them to ensure the industry’s continued success.

These are just some of cotton’s RD&E achievements. In this special publication you will find our list: what we believe are the 25 major achievements in cotton RD&E over the past 25 years. These are 25 key areas in which the co-investment into RD&E by cotton growers and the Australian Government has significantly benefited our industry.

These are all examples where investment in RD&E has helped to deliver highly valuable outcomes. In celebrating the successes born from RD&E investment, we wish to acknowledge that they have been achieved due to the contributions of many people.

Major achievements Overcoming the industry’s greatest threat Throughout CRDC’s 25-year history, investments that support the development and continuous improvement of IPM strategies have received a significant portion of research funds. Managing pests in a sustainable manner, without building resistance to control measures, has been the greatest challenge for Australian cotton growers and the CRDC. IPM is now standard practice and refers to the use of various sustainable methods to control pests. As a result of its broad adoption, the industry enjoys low levels of insecticide resistance, less dependence on insecticides, significantly improved environmental outcomes and sustainability, increasing average yields, and ever-widening areas of production.

But the situation was vastly different when the CRDC entered the scene in 1990. At that time, the industry was under enormous pressure due to insect management challenges, and IPM RD&E projects received more of CRDC’s research funds than any other area.

Breeding success

(Photo: Melanie Jenson)

128 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

CRDC was the major investor in the CSIRO Plant Breeding Program from 1990 to 2007, investing $46 million on behalf of growers. In 2006–07, CRDC reviewed the strategic direction of its investment in breeding and biotechnology R&D. Concurrently, Cotton Breeding Australia (CBA) was formed by CSD and CSIRO to support future breeding and research.

CRDC continues to invest in plant breeding and biotechnology research to address issues such as tolerance to a changing climate, input efficiency, stewardship of Bt technology, resistance research and monitoring, and biosecurity outcomes.

A 2002 study estimated that the industry’s

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cotton breeding programs had produced an incredible return of more than $5 billion to the Australian cotton industry and the nation since cotton breeding began in 1984. To put this in context, the $5 billion return from the breeding program to the nation on its own significantly exceeded the cumulative investment by the Australian Government and rural industries through the 15 RDCs up to that time.

Supporting research in the field CRDC has taken an increasingly proactive role in bringing research to Australian cotton farms.

CRDC’s most recent large-scale investment in this area is through the industry’s joint extension program, CottonInfo, with partners Cotton Australia and Cotton Seed Distributors.

A collaborative approach for success To promote the best use of research resources and create a first-class environment for its researchers, CRDC has maintained its role as an ardent instigator, supporter and investor in collaborative programs, research, infrastructure and initiatives such as the Cotton Co-operative Research Centres.

Practising what’s best Australian cotton farmers are internationally recognised as leaders in sustainable cotton production and domestically they are used as a model for change by other agricultural industries. The cotton industry’s flagship environmental program, BMP (Best Management Practice), has driven much of this achievement and has significantly changed the way cotton is grown in Australia.

Katie Broughton’s research looks at cotton’s response to a changing climate.

(Photo: Melanie Jenson)

Tracking sustainability In 1991, the Australian cotton industry became the first major Australian agricultural industry to seek a comprehensive external assessment of its environmental performance and this marked an industry-wide commitment to continuous improvement in environmental management on cotton farms. This initial audit provided an overview of the entire value chain, and identified key issues and concerns associated with its practices and assessed overall performance.

The audit made 69 recommendations and by the time the second independent environmental audit was commissioned by CRDC in 2003, all 69 recommendations had been met. The release of the Australian Grown Cotton Sustainability Report in 2014 marked 23 years of independent environmental reviewing, performance monitoring and practice change that is unparalleled among agricultural industries.

Responsible management through practice change

Stuart Gordon (left) was one of the first young researchers supported by the CRDC and he has gone on to make a major contribution to the industry. (Photo: Ruth Redfern) 130 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Today, thanks to a range of CRDC-supported projects relating to best-practice spray application, we know a lot more about the best use of spray equipment, and how to avoid drift, improve efficacy, sustainability and the bottom line. Most importantly, this information has been successfully conveyed to end users. CRDC’s long-term project on delivering best-practice spray application knowledge has resulted in 24 application and drift management workshops to more than 500 cotton growers, advisers and applicators.

The science of farming Long-term records show that whole-of-

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industry yield had more than doubled from the 1960s to the 2000s.There are now many examples of yields in excess of 3400 kg lint per hectare (15 bales per hectare). Recent analysis by the CSIRO Plant Breeding team shows that variety contributes about 48 per cent of the yield gain (160 kg per hectare per year); management 28 per cent (95 kg per hectare per year); and the interaction between variety and management contributes 24 per cent (80 kg per hectare per year). Farming systems research has been a particular focus for CRDC over the past 10 years as an area of significant investment.

World leading Bt stewardship A review in the journal Nature in 2013 said that in comparison to China and the US, Australia has applied the most stringent refuge requirements, which may have substantially delayed resistance, starting with Ingard in the mid 1990s which required a minimum of 70 per cent non-Bt cotton on each farm versus four per cent in the US. For Bollgard II, Australia requires 10 per cent non-Bt cotton or equivalent

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per farm, whereas the US eliminated refuge requirements in many regions.

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Other major achievements • Working towards a future of capable and connected people.

• Supporting emerging researchers.

• Producing a quality product.

• Measuring to manage (water, that is).

• Valuing carbon in cotton farming.

• Advancing biological insect control.

• Creating demand for Australian cotton.

• Waging a continual war on weeds.

• Optimising soil health.

• Managing disease.

• Protecting the crop from foreign threats.

• Safer cotton farms.

• The industry’s major event – the Cotton Conference.

• Benchmarking financial returns and efficiency.

• Providing grants for grassroots initiatives.

• Developing a shared industry vision.

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R&D strategy produces dividends for growers

By Dr Nicola Cottee, Cotton Australia Policy Officer (Research Direction & Stewardship)

A

gain over the past year, Cotton Australia concentrated its efforts on ensuring the industry’s future research and development projects represent the priorities of and value for Australian cotton growers.

Providing grower advice to the CRDC is one of Cotton Australia’s responsibilities designated under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989.

The CRDC’s process for prioritising and investing in cotton industry RD&E underwent a change in preparation for the 2016–17 investment round. In May 2015, a Strategic R&D Forum was held with the Cotton Australia grower advisory panels to identify the research

Research underway at the ACRI, Narrabri.

needs and gaps under each of the CRDC 2013– 18 R&D Strategic Plan themes: farmers, industry, customers, people and performance.

Following this forum, CRDC released guidelines through a competitive expression of interest (EOI) call, inviting researchers to submit full research proposals. A total of 13 EOIs were issued through this call, with an additional six developed through the Federal Government’s Rural R&D for Profit program (round two).

In total, the CRDC Board approved investment of $2.4 million in 2016–17 for 23 new projects.

CRDC’s total RD&E spend for 2016–17 is approximately $20.4 million.

To ensure each grower has a say on where grower research money is spent, Cotton Australia ran a series of research priority workshops in conjunction with each cotton grower association (CGA), from February to May, 2016. These discussions fed into CRDC’s strategy forum, held in Brisbane at the end of May 2016.

The forum set the direction for CRDC’s research investment for 2017–18.

Growers have another mechanism to influence research priorities – the Cotton Innovation Network (CIN). The CIN improves the coordination of all research and development activity to ensure the industry receives the best value for its investment and drives the industry’s research program by mapping investment in research and planning future research requirements. It is co-chaired by growers Cleave Rogan (St George) and Barb Grey (Mungindi).

Retaining adequate R&D funding Researcher Karrar Abdulhussein Alhajiya.

132 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Cotton Australia continued to brief key politicians about the industry’s success and

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TIMS has also contributed to the development of the Bollgard 3 RMP and establishing frameworks to provide ongoing and responsive stewardship of the RMP.

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Biosecurity preparedness

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All growers have a say in how the research dollar is spent.

improvements driven by significant grower investment into research and direction. Cotton Australia urged the Australian Government to guarantee continued co-contributions and a recommitment to the PIRD Act (1989), as well as a commitment to the planned six investment rounds of the $100 million Rural R&D for Profit program.

TIMS Committee Representing an important win for growers, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) again extended the season’s planting window based on advice from the Cotton Australia-facilitated Transgenic and Insect Management Strategies (TIMS) Committee Bt Technical Panel and Monsanto.

A mid-season Bt resistance report released in February 2016 indicated that the Bollgard II resistance management plan (RMP) and insecticide resistance management strategy has worked well for the commercial life of Bollgard II.

In January 2016, Cotton Australia convened a workshop for biosecurity experts from industry and government to improve biosecurity incident response coordination between all parties involved. Attendees included biosecurity experts and representatives from Cotton Australia, the CRDC, CottonInfo, Plant Health Australia (PHA), NSW DPI and the Queensland DAF. The workshop reviewed the industry’s defoliating Verticillium biosecurity incident handled under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed – of which Cotton Australia is a signatory – between September 2014 and December 2015.

The workshop focused on enhancing the cotton industry’s management of future biosecurity incidents through a range of mechanisms, including: • Improving preparedness for future biosecurity incursions; • Improving response capabilities; • Improving coordination between government and industry groups; • Better prepared channels for communication with industry; and, • Identifying investment and research gaps.

Throughout the season, Cotton Australia also worked to keep abreast of new biosecurity regulations coming into force in Queensland from July 2016 and in NSW from mid 2017.

The new regulations mean farmers have a legal responsibility to ensure biosecurity risks are prevented, eliminated or minimised. Cotton Australia, through myBMP, will continue to assist growers in meeting their new obligations.

Challenges for the coming year

Research underway at the ACRI, Narrabri.

134 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Cotton Australia will: • Ensure efforts to review and improve biosecurity preparedness and responsiveness continue; • Deliver ongoing support to growers in light of new biosecurity regulations in Queensland and NSW; • TIMS Herbicide Transgenic Crops Technical Panel will continue to investigate more effective methods to monitor and address herbicide resistance; and, • Advocate for access to existing and new pesticides via the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) review of agricultural chemicals regulation.

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STRENGTH Where it Counts S

ome twenty five years ago, C&C Machining and Engineering (named Tasweld at the time) were approached by Jamie Grant to extend the axles of his John Deere tractor to three metre centres for Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF).

Since then, a lot has changed. The number of farmers practicing CTF has increased and so has the variation in machine types.

“We knew that our conventional ‘cotton reel’ spacers were weakening the front axle assembly and messing with the steering. We had to offer our customers something else...”

“We knew that our conventional ‘cotton reel’ spacers were weakening the front axle assembly and messing with the steering. We were worried about the new independent front suspension systems being offered by Fendt and John Deere. We had to offer our customers something else. After an extensive R&D process we are happy to give farmers the option to use front weights and heavy implements on wide spacing without fear of damage”.

The bolt-in kits take a few hours to assemble and are fully reversible if the customer wants to sell the tractor or kit separately. C&C now offer wheel spacing solutions for nearly every machine out there.

“It’s a constant R&D process. These days everything is

Baler extensions bring the rear track out to match the front

computer designed and tested and then CNC machined. We have just designed a kit for a Claas header so we are excited to see how that goes.”

More of C&C’s work can be found at www.ctfextensions.com

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CottonInfo: Connecting growers with research Ensuring growers know about research results and information is the role of CottonInfo, the Australian cotton industry’s joint extension program, delivered by cotton industry bodies the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Cotton Australia and Cotton Seed Distributors.

CottonInfo is designed to help growers improve their productivity, profitability and sustainability via best practice

SECTION 8 RESEARCH & EXTENSION This section brought to you in association with

(working hand in hand with myBMP), and helping the industry as a whole become more responsive to emerging, or emergency, issues.

The CottonInfo team of regional extension officers, technical specialists and myBMP experts can provide you with the latest information, driven by research, on a range of cotton topics. Visit: www.cottoninfo.net.au

Meet our team Led by CottonInfo Program Manager Warwick Waters (0437 937 074, warwick.waters@crdc.com.au), the CottonInfo team of Regional Development Officers, Technical Specialists & myBMP experts are all here to help!

Regional Extension Officers Regional Extension Officers provide cotton research outcomes and information directly to growers, agronomists, consultants and agribusinesses in each region. Contact your local Regional Extension Officer for the latest research, trials and events in your area.

Geoff Hunter Namoi, Central QLD P: 0458 142 777 E: geoff.hunter@cottoninfo.net.au

Annabel Twine Darling Downs P: 0447 176 007 E: annabel.twine@cottoninfo.net.au

Amanda Thomas

Sally Dickinson

Macquarie/Bourke P: 0417 226 411 E: amanda.thomas@cottoninfo.net.au

Border Rivers, St George, Dirranbandi P: 0407 992 495 E: sally.dickinson@cottoninfo.net.au

Kieran O’Keeffe Southern NSW P: 0427 207 406 E: kieran.okeeffe@cottoninfo.net.au

Technical Specialists Technical specialists are experts in their fields and provide in-depth analysis, information and research to the industry, for the benefit of all growers. Contact the technical specialists to learn more about water use efficiency, nutrition, soil health and much, much more.

Sally Ceeney Bt Cotton and Insecticide Stewardship P: 0459 189 771 E: sally@ceenag.com.au

Stacey Vogel Natural Resources and Catchments P: 0428 266 712 E: staceyvogel.consulting@gmail.com

Trudy Staines Education P: 02 6799 2478 E: trudy.staines@csiro.au

Janelle Montgomery Water Use Efficiency P: 0428 640 990 E: janelle.montgomery@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Jon Welsh

Sandra Williams Integrated Pest Management P: 02 6799 1585 E: sandra.williams@csiro.au

René van der Sluijs

Carbon P: 0458 215 335 E: jon.welsh@cottoninfo.net.au

Sharna Holman

Fibre Quality P: 0408 88 5211 E: rene.vandersluijs@csiro.au

Ruth Redfern

Disease, volunteer & ratoon management P: 0477 394 116 E: sharna.holman@daf.qld.gov.au

Communications P: 0408 476 341 E: ruth.redfern@crdc.com.au

myBMP team The myBMP team run the industry’s best management practice program, myBMP. Contact the myBMP team to learn more about - or to participate in - myBMP. Rick Kowitz myBMP Manager P: 0427 050 832 E: rickk@cotton.org.au

is a joint initiative of

136 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Nicole Scott

Guy Roth

myBMP Customer Service Officer P: 1800cotton (1800 268 866) E: nicoles@cotton.org.au

myBMP Lead Auditor P: 02 6792 5340 E: guyroth@roth.net.au

Visit us at: www.cottoninfo.net.au

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CRDC list of current projects The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) projects for the benefit of the Australian cotton industry.

A partnership between the Commonwealth Government and cotton growers, CRDC exists to support the performance of the cotton industry: helping to increase both the productivity and profitability of growers.

CRDC invests in five key program areas on behalf of growers and the Government: farmers,

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industry, customers, people and performance.

Investments are guided by growers and the cotton industry’s research priorities through Cotton Australia’s grower R&D advisory panels.

The below lists the current projects that CRDC is investing in, on the industry’s behalf, in 2016– 17 (current as of May 2016).

For more information on the five investment areas and the projects listed below, please contact CRDC on 02 6792 4088 or visit the CRDC website: www.crdc.com.au.

Program theme Project title

RESEARCH & EXTENSION This section brought to you in association with

Project code

Researcher

Organisation* Commenced Completed

CRDC1624

Maria Manjarrez

Microbiology Laboratories Australia

Karen Kirkby

Centre for Biopesticides & Semiochemicals: Development of new tools & strategies for IPM

DAN1404

Robert Mensah

Centre for Biopesticides & Semiochemicals: Novel insecticides and synergists from endemic and exotic flora

UWS1401

Centre for Biopesticides & Semiochemicals: Semiochemical management for occasional pests of cotton and grains Commercial development and evaluation of a machine vision-based weed spot sprayer

Program 1: Farmers 1. Successful A predictive diagnostic test for black root rot in cotton soils crop protection

Apr-16

Oct-16

NSW DPI

Jul-16

Jun-19

NSW DPI

Jul-13

Jun-18

Robert Spooner-Hart UWS

Oct-13

Jun-18

UNE1404

Peter Gregg

UNE

Oct-13

Jun-18

NEC1402

Stephen Rees

NCEA

Jul-13

Jun-18

Cotton industry disease survey

Linda Smith

QDAF

Jul-16

Jun-19

Crop protection development specialist (CottonInfo technical DAQ1502 specialist)

Sharna Holman

QDAF

Jul-14

Jun-17

Enhancing IPM in cotton systems

CSP1401

Lewis Wilson

CSIRO

Jul-13

Jun-18

Establishing southern cotton IPM

DAN1501

Sandra McDougall

NSW DPI

Jul-14

Jun-17

A predictive diagnostic test for Verticillium

Management of Solenopsis mealybug in Bollgard cotton

DAQ1501

Richard Sequeira

QDAF

Jul-14

Jun-17

Northern Australia Cotton Development & Coordination Leader

CSP1602

Steve Yeates

CSIRO

Oct-15

Jun-18

PhD: Centre for Biopesticides & Semiochemicals: Electrophysiological and molecular identification of novel biopesticides

UWS1601

Michelle Mak

UWS

Jul-15

Jun-18

PhD: Developing the weed control threshold

DAN1601

Graham Charles

NSW DPI

Nov-15

Jun-17

PhD: Host plant relationships of green mirids – is alternative control possible?

UQ1402

Justin Cappadonna

UQ

Nov-13

Nov-16

PhD: Multiple host use and gene-flow in green vegetable bug UQ1403 relative to cotton crop

Dean Brookes

UQ

Mar-13

Oct-16

PhD: Quantifying and mapping the impacts of herbicide drift on cotton (non-target crop)

USQ1404

Luz Cadavid

USQ

Nov-13

Jun-17

Post doc: Hard to control weeds in northern farming systems – understanding key processes to improve control methods

DAN1402

Joe Moore

NSW DPI

Jul-13

Jun-17

Regional weed management workshops for growers and advisors

CRDC1621

John Cameron

ICAN

Mar-16

Jun-17

Review of technologies that can be enabled by robotics to improve weed control in Australian cotton farming systems

CRDC1615

Andrew Bate

SwarmFarm Robotics

Oct-15

Jul-16

Staying ahead of weed evolution in changing cotton systems UQ1501

Jeff Werth and Bhagirath Chauhan

QAAFI

Jul-14

Jun-19

Travel: Attending the 49th Annual Society for invertebrate Pathology Conference

QUT1604

Christopher Noune

QUT

May-16

Jul-16

Viruses, vectors and endosymbionts: Exploring interactions for control

UQ1305

Sharon van Brunschot

UQ

Apr-13

Jan-17

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Project code

Researcher

Organisation* Commenced Completed

2. Productive resource efficiencies

Agronomy for resilient future cotton systems

CSP1601

Michael Bange

CSIRO

Jul-15

Jun-18

Benchmarking water use efficiency and crop productivity in the Australian cotton industry (CottonInfo technical specialist)

DAN1505

Janelle Montgomery NSW DPI

Jul-14

Jun-19

Carbon farming in the Australian cotton industry – Grant support

CFEO1501

Rachel Bowman

Seed Media Pty Ltd

Oct-14

Jan-17

Carbon farming in the Australian cotton industry (CottonInfo CFEO1401 technical specialist)

Jon Welsh

CSD

Jul-13

Jun-17

Determining optimum nitrogen strategies for abatement of emissions for different irrigated cotton systems

AOTG1401

Graeme Schwenke

NSW DPI

Jul-13

Jun-17

Improving cotton productivity with crop nutrution

CSP1403

Michael Bange

CSIRO

Jun-13

Sep-16

Increasing profitability through improved nitrogen use efficiency and reducing gaseous losses of nitrogen

AOTG1601

Peter Grace

QUT

Jul-15

Jun-18

Michael Braunack

CSIRO

Jul-16

Jun-19

Ben Macdonald

CSIRO

Jul-13

Jun-17

UQ and NSW DPI

Jul-16

Jun-20

Andrew Hamilton

NeoTop Water Systems

Jul-16

Jun-19

Paul Grundy

QDAF

Jul-16

Jun-19

Wendy Quayle

CSIRO

Jul-15

Jun-18

Mitigating and managing soil compaction for improved sustainable cotton production Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from irrigated cropping systems

CLW1401

More profit from nitrogen: enhancing the nutrient use efficiency of intensive cropping and pasture systems New materials and options for reducing water losses from evaporation and seepage Opportunities for dryland cotton with Bollgard 3 Optimising management of manure in southern NSW cotton production

DU1603

Optimising seedling emergence

DAN1701

Deb Slinger

NSW DPI

Jul-16

Jun-19

PhD: Improving precision agriculture and environmental performance for the Australian cotton industry through fertiliser optimisation

ANU1602

James Latimer

ANU

Feb-16

Jun-19

PhD: Self-guided drones for tracking irrigation in a cotton field

USQ1402

Derek Long

USQ

Mar-14

Mar-17

PhD: Soil-specific strategic irrigation: identifying saline-sodic NEC1403 water as a resource

Aaditi Dang

NCEA

Mar-14

Jan-17

PhD: The impact of irrigation methods and management strategies on nitrogen fertiliser recovery in cotton

UQ1502

John Smith

UQ

Jul-14

Dec-18

PhD: Utilising novel plant growth regulators to develop resilient future cotton systems

CSP1604

Claire Welsh

CSIRO

Jan-16

Dec-18

Post doc: Cotton production in a future climate

CSP1501

Katie Broughton

CSIRO

Jul-14

Jan-18

Post doc: Professor of soil biology

UNE1403

Oliver Knox

UNE

Jan-14

Dec-18

Resilient cotton-farming systems in irrigated vertosols: soil quality, carbon and nutrient losses, cotton growth & yield in long-term studies

DAN1503

Guna Nachimuthu

NSW DPI

Jul-14

Jun-17

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Develop precise and automated control systems for a range of irrigation systems

RRDP1603

Joseph Foley

NCEA

Jul-15

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Evaluation of scheduling tools for the sugar industry

RRDP1609

Peter Samson

SRA

May-16

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Grower led irrigation system comparison in the Gwydir Valley

RRDP1606

Louise Gall

GVIA

Jul-15

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Increasing farm profit through efficient use of irrigation for dairy farms

RRDP1604

James Hills

UTAS

Jul-15

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Irrigation agronomy for tailored and responsive management with limited water

RRDP1602

Hizbullah Jamali

CSIRO

Jul-15

Jun-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Maximising on-farm irrigation profitability – southern connected systems

RRDP1605

Peter Regan

NSW DPI

Jul-15

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Optimised dairy irrigation farms RRDP1607

Monique White

Dairy Australia

Jul-15

Apr-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: Project leadership and coordination

RRDP1501

Guy Roth

Roth Rural

Jul-15

May-18

Smarter Irrigation for Profit: when and how much

RRDP1601

Mike Morris

DEDJTR

Jul-15

Apr-18

Soil System Research – physical, chemical and biological processes for plant growth and nutrient cycling down the whole soil profile

UNE1601

Oliver Knox

UNE

Jul-15

Jun-18

Southern Connected Systems – Trial Picker

DAN1603

John Smith

NSW DPI

Apr-16

Jun-17

Strengthening the Central Highlands Cotton Production System

DAQ1401

Paul Grundy

QDAF

Jul-13

Jun-17

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Program theme Project title 3. Profitable futures

Project code

PA D M A N

S T O P S

Researcher

Agri-intelligence

•

Organisation* Commenced Completed QUT

Jul-15

Jun-19

USQ

Apr-15

Jun-18

Gina Wood

UNE

Feb-16

Jan-19

Anahid A Essa Al-Amery

UNE

May-14

Apr-17

Tristan Perez

QUT

Jul-16

Jun-19

Jul-16

Jun-17

DAN1506

Lisa Bird

NSW DPI

Jul-14

Jun-19

Nicola Cottee

CA

Jul-16

Jun-17

Helicoverpa punctigera in inland Australia – what has changed?

UNE1502

Peter Gregg

UNE

Jul-14

Jun-17

Investigating the on-farm risks of aflatoxin contamination of cottonseed

DAN1406

Kathy Schneebeli

NSW DPI

Jan-14

Dec-16

Managing Bt resistance and induced tolerance in Bollgard III using refuge crops

CSE1601

Mary Whitehouse

CSIRO

Jul-15

Jun-18

Monitoring Silverleaf Whitefly (SLW) insecticide resistance

DAQ1701

Jamie Hopkinson

QDAF

Jul-16

Jun-19

NCEDD – Stewardship of biotechnologies and crop protection (CottonInfo technical specialist)

SC1601

Sally Ceeney

Consultant

Jul-15

Jun-18

PhD: Evolution of viral diversity and virus ecology in the management of resistance to biopesticides

QUT1402

Chris Noune

QUT

Jan-14

Jun-17

Sharon Downes

CSIRO

Jul-16

Jun-19

Future farm automation and robotics management

GRDC1601

PhD: A National Regulatory Framework Governing Big Data in Primary Production

UNE1606

PhD: Characterisation of brassinosteroid effects and brassinosteroid -responsive genes in cotton for growth and stress tolerance enhancement

UNE1605

Precision to decision agriculture

Program 2: Industry 1. Respected stewardship

Biosecurity: understanding the potential for new threats Conventional insecticide resistance in Helicoverpa – monitoring, management and novel mitigation strategies in Bollgard III Cotton Map

Resistance research and monitoring to enhance stewardship of Bt cotton and management of Helicoverpa

2. Responsible landscape management

Surveillance and studies for endemic and exotic virus diseases of cotton

DAQ1601

Murray Sharman

QDAF

Jul-15

Jun-19

The sustainable chemical control and resistance management of aphids, mites and mirids in Australian cotton: 2014-2019

DAN1507

Grant Herron

NSW DPI

Jul-14

Jun-19

Baselining Lower Namoi groundwater and evaluating Pilliga CSG developments

UNSW1601

Bryce Kelly & Charlotte Iverach

UNSW

Jul-15

Jun-18

Cotton Rivercare Champion

CRDC1602

Mark Palfreyman

Capricorn North Sep-15 Pty Ltd

Jun-18

Developing the groundwater health index (GHI) as an industry-wide monitoring tool

MQ1501

Grant Hose

Macquarie University

Jul-14

Jun-17

Improving the ability of the Australian cotton industry to report its sustainability performance

Erin Peterson

QUT

Jul-16

Jun-19

Improving the ability of the Australian cotton industry to report its sustainability performance

Francois Visser

UQ

Jul-16

Jun-19

Keeping pest populations lower for longer: Connecting farms CSE1501 and natural systems

Vesna Gagic

CSIRO

Jul-14

Jun-18

Managing climate variability program

Beverley Henry

GRDC

Jul-13

Jun-17

Samantha Capon

Griffith University

Jul-16

Jun-19

GRDC1401

Managing natural landscapes on Australian cotton farms to increase the provision of ecosystem services

3. Sustainable futures

Managing riparian corridors on cotton farms for multiple benefits

UNE1602

Rhiannon Smith

UNE

Jul-15

Jun-18

National cotton NRM technical specialist (CottonInfo technical specialist)

CRDC1501

Stacey Vogel

Stacey Vogel Consulting

Jul-14

Jun-17

National facility for cotton climate change research

CSP1402

Michael Bange

CSIRO

Jul-13

Dec-16

PhD: Effects of climatic fluctuation and landuse change on soil condition in the lower Lachlan

US1403

Patrick Filippi

USYD

Mar-14

Mar-17

PhD: Spatial & temporal importance of diffuse & stream recharge in semiarid environments: Implications for integrated water management

UNSW1403

Calvin Li

UNSW

Mar-14

Feb-17

PhD: Sustainable water extractions: Low flow refugia and critical flow thresholds

UNE1406

Marita Pearson

UNE

Jan-14

Dec-19

The impact of improved water use efficiency on paddock and DNRM1401 catchment health

Mark Silburn

DNRM

Jul-13

Dec-16

Resilience assessment of the Australian cotton industry at multiple scales

Francesca Andreoni

Bel Tempo

Jul-14

Dec-16

CRDC1502

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Project code

Researcher

Organisation* Commenced Completed

CMSE1501

Menghe Miao

CSIRO

Jul-14

Sep-16

UQ1503

Francois Visser

UQ

Jul-14

Jun-17

Simone Heimona

CSIRO

Jul-16

Jun-19

Program 3: Customers 1. Assured cotton Determining the shelf life of round modules and impact on cotton quality Enhancing and testing the Cotton Carbon Management Tool Managing colour grade

2. Differentiated products

Raising the quality of Australian cotton through post harvest initiatives

CMSE1503

Rene van der Sluijs

CSIRO

Jul-14

Jun-17

Sustainable Apparel Coalition: 2015 membership

CRDC1608

Scott Miller

SAC

Aug-15

Aug-16

A review of emission methodologies for the Australian cotton DAN1508 industry & development of a detailed study for NW NSW

Pip Brock

NSW DPI

Jun-14

Sep-16

An eco friendly treatment to improve the look and handle of cotton fabric

Rangam Rajkhowa

DeakinU

Jul-16

Jun-18

Bio-degradation of dyed cotton fabrics

3. Competitive futures

Nelson Vinueza

Breathable cotton for compression athletic wear

DU1601

Maryam Naebe

DeakinU

Jul-15

Jun-17

Measuring and managing fibre elongation for the Australian cotton industry

CMSE1504

Shouren Yang

CSIRO

Jul-14

Dec-16

Novel anti-wetting & self-sterilising cotton fabrics

DU1501

Xin Liu and Yun Zhau

DeakinU

Jul-14

Jun-17

Novel spinning technologies for fine and high quality Australian cotton yarns

DU1502

Xungai Wang

DeakinU

Jul-14

Jun-17

PhD: Effects of cotton cellulose structure & interactions on dye uptake

CMSE1308

Genevieve Crowle

CSIRO

Jul-12

Dec-16

PhD: High value bio-extractives and bioethanol from cotton gin trash

DAN1504

Shane McIntosh

NSW DPI

Jul-14

Aug-17

PhD: Improving length, strength and fineness of cotton fibre

DU1401

Rangam Rajkhowa

DeakinU

Jan-13

Dec-16

PhD: Low wax Australian cotton – reducing the scouring requirements of cotton fabric

CMSE1403

Katherine Birrer

CSIRO

Apr-14

Mar-17

Smart cotton/carbon fabrics for electromagnetic interference DU1602 shielding

Jin Zhang

DeakinU

Jul-15

Jun-18

Developing renewable fine chemicals from cotton biomass

SRA1601

William Doherty

QUT

Jul-15

Jun-18

Various

ABARES

Jul-16

Jun-17

Aboriginal Employment Strategy student scholarships

CRDC1613

Natalie Tighe

AES Ltd

Dec-14

Nov-16

Aboriginal Employment Strategy student scholarships – Montana Jones

AES1601

Montana Jones

Merced Farming Feb-16

Dec-17

Co-investment in PIEF Membership for the cotton industry

CA1503

Adam Kay

CA/PIEF

Jul-16

Jun-17

Various

ARLF

Jul-16

Jun-17

Program 4: People 1. Workforce capacity

ABARES Science and Innovation Award sponsorship

Cotton industry leadership development: Australian Rural Leadership Program CRDC Summer and Honours Scholarships

Various

CRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

Stephen Leo

QUT

Feb-16

Nov-16

CRDC Summer and Honours Scholarships: Efficacy of QUT1602 robotic methods for the detection and treatment of herbicide resistance cotton weeds

Simon Thomas

QUT

Feb-16

Nov-16

CRDC Summer and Honours Scholarships: Identifying and testing commercial root endophytes in cotton

QUT1601

Nathaniel Crane

QUT

Feb-16

Nov-16

Developing education capacity for the Australian cotton industry (CottonInfo technical specialist)

CSE1602

Trudy Staines

CSIRO

Jul-15

Jun-18

Horizon Scholarships

RIRDC1602

Various

RIRDC

Apr-13

Jun-17

Horizon Scholarships 2013 – Jessica Kirkpatrick

RIRDC1302

Jessica Kirkpatrick

RIRDC

Apr-13

Dec-16

Horizon Scholarships 2013 – Paul Sanderson

RIRDC1304

Paul Sanderson

RIRDC

Apr-13

Dec-16

Horizon Scholarships 2014 – Alana Martin

RIRDC1404

Alana Martin

RIRDC

Mar-14

Dec-17

Horizon Scholarships 2014 – Felicity Taylor

RIRDC1401

Felicity Taylor

RIRDC

Mar-14

Dec-17

Horizon Scholarships 2014 – Grace Scott

RIRDC1402

Grace Scott

RIRDC

Mar-14

Dec-17

Horizon Scholarships 2014 – Michael Wellington

RIRDC1405

Michael Wellington

RIRDC

Mar-14

Dec-17

Horizon Scholarships 2014 – Sam Johnston

RIRDC1403

Sam Johnston

RIRDC

Mar-14

Dec-17

Horizon scholarships 2015 – Camilla a’Beckett

RIRDC1504

Camilla a’Beckett

RIRDC

Jul-15

Jun-17

CRDC Summer and Honours Scholarships: Determining emission factors for cotton residue-induced N2O emissions using 15N isotape tracers

140 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

QUT1603

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Program theme Project title Horizon scholarships 2015 – Scott Nevison

•

Researcher

Organisation* Commenced Completed

RIRDC1503

Scott Nevison

RIRDC

Jul-15

Jun-17

Various

Nuffield Australia

Jul-16

Jun-17

Shane Hellwege

Dairy Australia

Jul-14

Jun-17

Various

Peter Cullen Trust

Jul-16

Jun-17

DA1502

Peter Cullen Trust scholarship

2. Networks

S T O P S

Project code

Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships People in farming – employment starter kit (EKSi)

PA D M A N

PhD: Career motivational factors of cotton growers (attraction and retention)

USQ1401

Geraldine Wunsch

USQ

Jul-13

Dec-16

PhD: Investigating cotton farm workers’ experiences of job satisfaction using social cognitive career theory

USQ1403

Nicole McDonald

USQ

Jan-14

Jan-17

Scholarship: Explore Leadership Development Capacity

CRDC1614

Eric Perez

FRDC

Sep-15

Sep-16

Skills profile and labour supply structure on cotton farms

UNE1402

Bernice Kotey

UNE

Jul-13

Aug-17

UNE Cotton Production Course

UNE1604

Brendan Griffiths

UNE

Jul-15

Jun-18

18th Australian Cotton Conference foundation sponsorship

CA1601

Stuart Armitage

CA

Jul-15

Sep-16

Rohan Rainbow

RIRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

RIRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

CRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

AgVet collaboration CCRSPI CottonInfo on-farm trials

Warwick Waters

CRDC Grassroots Grants

Various

CGAs

Jul-16

Jun-17

CRDC Grassroots Grants: Binnia Valley in-field trials to CGA1605 address local barriers to cotton growing and exposure to the cotton industry

Jon Welsh

Upper Namoi CGA

Oct-15

Jan-17

CRDC Grassroots Grants: Gwydir Valley dryland planting date row configuration trial

Ben Dawson

Gwydir Valley CGA

Jul-15

Dec-16

CRDC Grassroots Grants: Upgrade to Darling Downs weather CGA1606 station network and chemical application days

Chris Barry

Darling Downs CGA

Jan-16

Sep-16

Grower RD&E advisory panels – meeting travel, capacity building, Board Portal

Nicola Cottee

CA

Jul-16

Jun-17

IREC field station upgrade (jointly funded with CSD)

CGA1602

Rob Houghton

IREC

Jul-14

Jun-17

Plant Health Australia membership

TBA

PHA

Jul-16

Jun-17

Plant Health Australia secretariat support

TBA

PHA

Jul-16

Jun-17

Simon Winter

Joint Partnership RIRDC

Aug-12

Jun-17

Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership

IREC1501

RIRDC1301

RIRDC Rural Womens Award sponsorship

Allan Williams

RIRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

Soils cross-sectoral strategy & National Soil RD&E Implementation Committee membership

DAFF1401

Mike Grundy

CSIRO

Jun-14

Jun-17

Travel: Attend International Congress of Entomology, Florida

CSP1603

Lewis Wilson & Simone Heimoana

CSIRO

Jan-14

Oct-16

Travel: Attend International Congress of Entomology, Florida

DAN1602

Robert Mensah

NSW DPI

Dec-15

Oct-16

CRDC1625

Robbie Sefton

Sefton & Associates

May-16

Jul-16

CRDC Annual Report

Ruth Redfern

CRDC

Jul-16

Jun-17

Documenting the production of best practice Australian cotton through videos

Paul Grundy

QDAF

Jul-16

Jun-18

Stimulating private sector extension in Australian agriculture DA1601 to increase returns from R&D

Ruth Nettle

Dairy Australia

Jul-15

Jun-18

CSP1504

Sandra Williams

CSIRO

Jul-14

Jun-17

RRR1501

Ingrid Roth

Roth Rural

Jul-14

May-17

Liz Todd

CCA

Jul-15

Jun-18

3. Communication CRDC 25th Anniversary publication

Program 5: Performance 1. Best practice

‘Science into best practice,’ linking research with CottonInfo (CottonInfo technical specialist)

2. M onitoring and Annual Cotton Grower Practices Surveys: 2014, 2015 & evaluation 2016

Annual qualitative and quantitative surveys for the Australian CCA1601 cotton industry Boyce Cotton Comparative Analysis

3. Reviews

Phil Alchin

BCA

Jul-16

Jun-17

Longitudinal Evaluation – Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s programs

RIR1602

Matt Linnegar

ARLF

Jun-16

Jun-17

Measuring and reporting the value of capacity building on farms and in research

CRDC1701

Gordon Stone

QualData

Jul-16

Jun-19

Impact assessment of selected clusters of projects

CRDC1623

Peter Chudleigh

Agtrans Research and Consulting

May-16

Sep-16

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*Key to organisations

SECTION 8

ABARES

RESEARCH & EXTENSION This section brought to you in association with

Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences

AES Ltd

Aboriginal Employment Strategy Ltd

ANU

Australian National University

ARLF

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

ARLP

Australian Rural Leadership Program

BCA

Boyce Chartered Accountants

CA

Cotton Australia

CA/PIEF

Cotton Australia/Primary Industries Education Foundation

CCA

Crop Consultants Australia

CGAs

Cotton Grower Associations

CRDC

Cotton Research and Development Corporation

CSD

Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd

CSIRO

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

DeakinU

Deakin University

DEDJTR

Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, and Resources

DNRM

Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines

FRDC

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

GRDC

Grains Research and Development Corporation

GVIA

Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association

ICAN

Independent Consultants Australia Network

IREC

Irrigation Research and Extension Committee

NCEA

National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture

NSW DPI NSW Department of Primary Industries PHA

Plant Health Australia

QAAFI

Queensland Alliance for Agricultural and Food Innovation

QDAF

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

QUT

Queensland University of Technology

RIRDC

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

SAC

Sustainable Apparel Coalition

SRA

Sugar Research Australia

UNE

University of New England

UNSW

University of New South Wales

UQ

University of Queensland

USQ

University of Southern Queensland

USYD

University of Sydney

UTAS

University of Tasmania

UWS

University of Western Sydney

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142 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

1/09/2010 11:54:49 PM

S E C T I O N

PROCESSING & MARKETING

THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SECTION 9 PROCESSING & MARKETING

This section brought to you in association with

143

9

Promoting Australian cotton globally, securing our markets ��������������������������������������������������144 Australian laboratories join the ‘certified’ list �����������������148 Australian cotton’s place in traditional markets �������������149 How Australia is faring in the ‘newer’ markets ���������������154 2016 crop quality ������������������������������������������������������������155 Cotton Coverage �����������������������������������������������������156–157 Processing organisations ������������������������������������������������158 Marketing consultants ����������������������������������������������������165 Merchants �����������������������������������������������������������������������166 Independent classing services �����������������������������������������170

•

SECTION 9 PROCESSING & MARKETING This section brought to you in association with

P R O C E S S I N G

&

M A R K E T I N G

B Y

S I N O C H E M

A U S T R A L I A

•

Promoting Australian cotton globally, securing our markets

By Brooke Summers, Cotton Australia Project Lead – Cotton To Market and Cotton LEADS

I

ncreasingly, the world’s designers, brands and retailers are paying attention to sustainable supply chain management and product provenance. There is strong global interest and growing demand for responsibly produced, ethical natural fibres that help brands meet their sustainability goals and commitments, and Cotton Australia continued its efforts over the past 12 months to promote our fibre in domestic and international markets.

Our programs aim to safeguard existing markets and secure future market access via the Cotton to Market program.

The Australian Cotton Story – influencing the influencers Cotton Australia has worked hard to pitch the modern Australian cotton industry’s story of responsible and sustainable production directly to key political leaders and fashion and textile influencers via a number of activities over the past 12 months.

Major national retailer Target Australia attached the Australian Cotton Mark swing tags to hundreds of thousands of garments available in store and online during the year.

In November 2015, representatives of Target Australia’s menswear team joined Cotton Australia representatives at the ‘Australian Parliament Farmers Market’ in Canberra to promote Australia’s high-quality fibre to politicians and other key decision makers. The event was hosted by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), of which Cotton Australia is a member, and attracted more than 150 politicians, media representatives and stakeholders.

The event allowed Cotton Australia to place a 100 per cent Aussie cotton clothing product directly into the hands of decision makers, which demonstrates the link between our growers and the final product.

In March 2016, Cotton Australia presented at and participated in the ‘sustainable resource management makes business sense’ session at the ABARES Outlook event held in Canberra.

The event provided an opportunity to connect with politicians, regulators, agriculture sector influencers and producers from a range of sectors.

The second annual fashion industry farm tour was also held in Narrabri in April 2016 to create a strong connection between both ends of the cotton supply chain – growers and end-users.

Narrabri cotton growers, researchers and ginners hosted leading Australian fashion and retail figures at an exclusive cotton industry tour that incorporated a visit to Auscott’s Narrabri farm and gin during processing and the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI) to meet some of Australia’s world-class cotton scientists.

Taking our story to the world

Fashion and textile industry representatives at Auscott Narrabri in April 2016 144 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Cotton Australia continued to engage with organisations on the global stage to secure international markets for Australian cotton growers.

As this Yearbook went to press, Cotton Australia was preparing to lead a contingent

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of growers and ACSA executives to promote Australian cotton and our responsible cotton programs to a global audience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, the world’s biggest textile trade show.

The show attracts thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from more than 30 countries. Our presence at these events reinforces the importance of cotton and offers a natural, sustainable alternative in a global market crowded by factory-produced synthetic fibres.

While at Intertextile, Cotton Australia will take the opportunity to meet with Better Cotton Initiative (see below) staff and partners, and will also meet with representatives of Australian brands such as Bonds, Kmart and Sportscraft in order to promote our fibre.

Cotton LEADS partnership grows Since its inception in October 2013, more than 360 global brand, retailer and manufacturer partners have pledged their commitment to the Cotton LEADS program, a joint initiative between the US and Australian cotton industries, via Cotton Australia and the US-based Cotton Incorporated. The program offers partners a reliable cotton supply chain solution, and confidence that their cotton fibre is responsibly produced and identified.

In April 2016, Cotton Australia and Cotton Incorporated joined forces in Hong Kong to brief more than 130 of the program’s partners.

Australian growers attended as part of the delegation and presented the Australian cotton

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industry’s country report, focusing on the cotton myBMP (Best Management Practices) program and some of the new innovations being trialled in robotics, precision agriculture and big data.

The event provided a forum for the Australian cotton industry to better understand how brands and retailers make raw material choices in the product design process. Importantly, the event gave Australian cotton a voice to influence the decision-making of end-users.

Australian growers seize Better Cotton opportunities Again this season, a number of Australia’s myBMP-certified cotton growers have optedin to the global Better Cotton Initiative given the global recognition and financial incentives available. In the 2014–15 season, a number of Australian growers attracted $3–$8 extra per bale sold as ‘BCI cotton.’

Cotton Australia continues to participate in the BCI Council (its global overseeing Board), represented by Cotton Australia Chair, Simon Corish. The organisation participated in BCI Members’ Meetings which bring together participants from all sectors of the cotton supply chain – producing countries, brands and retailers, spinners and manufacturers as well as civil society groups.

In the 2015 season, 11.9 per cent of the world’s cotton was sold as Better Cotton, and the organisation is on track to make BCI cotton a mainstream commodity – representing 30 per cent of world production by 2020.

Cotton Australia’s participation in BCI ensures that these signals of increased demand for responsibly produced cotton are heard back through the supply chain to the farm and grower level in Australia.

Australia is now a part of a global network working towards improving cotton’s reputation globally.

Our growers are an important part of that story and leveraging Cotton Australia’s membership of BCI provides a great opportunity to further promote the Australian cotton story – both overseas and at home.

Challenges for the coming year Cotton Australia will: • Consolidate relationships with iconic Australian brands; • Determine engagement opportunities with supply chain influencers such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Forum for the Future; and, The fashion industry farm tour connected both ends of the supply chain. (Photo by Cotton Australia) 146 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

• Examine opportunities for streamlining Australian cotton traceability processes.

Roundup Ready® and PLANTSHIELD® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC used under licence by Sinochem Australia. Roundup Ready Flex® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technologies LLC used under licence by Monsanto Australia Ltd.

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Australian laboratories join the ‘certified’ list

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ustralian laboratories Auscott Limited and ProClass Pty Ltd – Goondiwindi have become the latest laboratories to become certified under the ICA Bremen ‘International Laboratory Certification Scheme.’

They join Cotton South Africa, Konstantinos V. Markou S.A., Wakefield Inspection Services (Tashkent) Ltd and Zhangjiagang Academy of Inspection and Detection to become certified under the scheme, which has the aim of establishing an approved list of laboratories worldwide that meet a standard level of quality assurance.

Auscott’s Greg Parle said; “Auscott Limited is very proud to now be an ‘ICA Bremen Certified Laboratory’. We have been running a classing facility in Australia for over 50 years and it is great to now have international recognition of our continued commitment to classing cotton in accordance with the world’s best practice”.

ProClass’ Jon Hurford also said: “ProClass is delighted to have achieved ICA Bremen certification on our classing laboratory. This will give growers, merchants and end users of

ProClass Pty Ltd Goondiwindi during the ICA Bremen audit.

148 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Australian cotton extra confidence that their product has been tested and graded to the highest possible international standard.”

ICA Bremen has developed the scheme based on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CSITC (Commercial Standardization of Instrument Testing of Cotton), as well as building on the good practices of USDA (US Department of Agriculture) and its own laboratory experience.

Open to any international cotton testing laboratory, participating laboratories have to meet a level of quality assurance based on eight specific criteria, including conditioning, maintenance, calibration and testing procedures.

Eighteen laboratories are currently in the process of assessment. Once certified, they will become a ‘laboratory of choice’ to resolve quality disputes in line with the ICA Bylaws and Rules, as well as providing a service to the cotton industry.

To find out more about the ICA Bremen International Laboratory Certification Scheme visit www.ica-bremen.org or email info@ica-bremen.org For any enquiries, please contact Esrin Graham: +44 (0)151 236 6041 / Esrin@ica-bremen.org

Auscott also became a certified laboratory.

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Australian cotton’s place in traditional markets

By Eimear McDonagh, Namoi Cotton*

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xport markets are constantly changing, but the speed of change over the past five years particularly has had a major impact on the traditional markets for Australian cotton.

China’s influence has been extensive, not just in their purchasing demand, but their yarn import policy has disrupted what we have known as the normal textile supply chain and we are unlikely to see these trade flows revert to past practice again.

So how are some of our more traditional markets faring?

export earnings. Indonesia also has a strong domestic market (258 million people). Spinning is concentrated on the island of Java, and has been largely located around Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang and Solo.

Manufacturing in general and the textile and clothing industry in particular, has been a driving force of Indonesia’s development and continues to represent a significant part of its economy. It accounts for 25 per cent of the GDP (USD 525 billion).

Indonesia

The continuing depreciation of the Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar has cooled domestic purchasing power. While this depreciation supports exporters, the global economic decline has reduced exports of textile products in the 2015–16 marketing year.

Intrinsic to Indonesia The textile and garment industry is an important contributor to Indonesia’s economy, serving as a large source of employment and

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Government policy

A depreciated rupiah increases the cost of imported raw material and labour and energy costs continue to rise. Labour costs have risen by 32 per cent since 2014 and electricity costs by a staggering 38.9 per cent to 64.7 per cent. By anyone’s measure this is substantial.

The Government of Indonesia is listening to the concerns of producers and has engaged in discussions to tackle the various problems facing the industry in an effort to improve the competitiveness of the sector – such as: • Recognising the enormous quantity of illegally imported yarn and fabrics – smuggled textiles are now a focus of customs officials and law enforcement officers; • Infrastructure shortfalls are hampering the growth of the industry domestically. For example, it is cheaper to export a 40 foot container of yarn from Semarang to Shanghai than it is to truck the container domestically to Bandung – a distance of 450 km; • The port facilities in Jakarta are in desperate need of upgrading, as is the customs clearance system; • In March 2016, the Government established a Bonded Logistics Centre in Jakarta. The advantage for spinning mills is that cotton can be made instantly available from this bonded zone, compared with shipment from origin which can take up to 50 days. This will benefit the small to medium sized importers who typically don’t have cash flow to hold large stocks of raw material; and, • Electricity costs have increased but through consultation, the government is considering structuring specific tiered rates for industry, such as off-peak rates.

Polyester and other MMF prices have declined over the past five years, and production of these fibres is on the rise in Indonesia.

Trade agreements Indonesia is one of the largest textile and apparel producers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. But in contrast to several other ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia has not signed any trade agreements that allow for its textile exports to enter the US or EU at special tariff rates, a circumstance that has affected the industry’s competitiveness globally.

FIGURE 1: Indonesian cotton balance sheet

Balance sheet overview

FIGURE 2: Origin of Indonesian imports

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Input costs

Competing fibres

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This picture looks good (see Figure 1).

As a net importer of cotton, overall imports have increased over the past 10 years to just over 3.3 million bales in 2015.

There has been an increase in spindles as several large export oriented spinners have built new factories in central Java. Labour and energy costs are more favourable in this region. By contrast, several mills in Jakarta have shut down due to lack of profitability.

Indonesia has 37 per cent of spinning machinery less than 10 years old. The newer machinery increases efficiency and reduces costs.

There is also an increase in spinning mills wanting to vertically integrate – to not just produce yarn but integrate to fabric, and through to garments.

Current situation

150 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Mills have been holding large yarn stocks since mid 2015 and this has the potential to reduce demand for cotton due to uncertainty of yarn prices and tightness of credit.

China, Japan and South Korea are the top

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three export markets for Indonesian yarn.

China’s dominance is both concerning and encouraging.

Of the textiles produced in Indonesia, cotton’s share of raw material is about 26 per cent, and man made fibre at 73 per cent.

Australian’s Market Share Figure 2 indicates a reduction of 14 per cent in Australia’s market share over the past 10 yeas.

The reasons include: • Mills delayed further purchases as they worked through high priced cotton contracts entered in 2011-13; • Chinese domestic policy ensured that imported cotton was cheaper than their domestic production, so Chinese demand took supply from traditional markets during the peak period 2009–14; • In 2014, the Australian crop quality was lower than these markets are used to, so buyers increased their purchases of other growths; • In 2015, the historically high premium sought for Australian cotton was just not workable for many spinners. We lost considerable market share to the US and Brazil; and, • Burdensome yarn stocks are weighing on mills’ profitability and cotton consumption but stocks may fall slightly in the 2016–17 marketing year.

Thailand The Thai spinning sector has been affected by the downturn in their domestic economy over the past few years. Political unrest has also added difficulty, though the country is now stable and spinning is in a slow recovery phase.

Cotton yarn and fabric accounts for 30 per cent of total yarn and fabric exports, and current large stocks are weighing heavily on spinning mill profitability. The recent price uptick in the cotton market has improved the spot price for yarn and it is hoped that inventory can be reduced.

Minimum wage increases of up to 40 per cent have had a negative impact on spinners’ profitability.

Many large garment producers have moved to neighbouring countries to benefit from cheaper costs of production. These neighbouring countries also receive benefits of GSP schemes with developed countries, predominantly US and Europe.

Over the past three years Thai spinners of medium and course count yarns have struggled to retain market share against cheaper yarns being produced in India and Vietnam.

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Balance sheet

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Not such a good picture here (see Figure 3).

Historically high cotton prices in 2011–12 coupled with some of the worst flooding in and around Bangkok combined to have a very negative impact on the spinning industry. Sadly since 2011 about 30 per cent of Thai spinners have exited the industry.

Up to 60 per cent of the spinning sector is known to have invested in upgrading machinery.

Spinners are also value adding to yarn, by introducing twists, or producing compact yarns. In some cases spinning mills have value added through vertical integration to fabric and garments.

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Australian’s market share Similarly to Indonesia, Australia’s market share in Thailand has fallen, by 8 per cent over 10 years. But overall consumption of cotton is down.

FIGURE 3: Thai cotton balance sheet

FIGURE 4: Origin of Thai imports

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Last year stands out with a decrease of 8 per cent. This is directly related to price.

The US is our main competitor in Thailand, followed by Brazil and increasingly African growths.

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South Korea South Korean spinning industry Though considerably smaller than the Indonesian and Thai markets, Korea has been a reliable and consistent user of Australian cotton.

It is also a net importer of cotton and the textile industry contributes just five per cent of the country’s GDP. There is a strong domestic market for yarn, and Korean spinners are less reliant on yarn exports than our other traditional markets.

Balance sheet South Korea has a much higher cost structure than other markets in terms of labour and

FIGURE 6: Origin of South Korean cotton imports

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Australian’s market share

Japanese spinning industry

energy inputs and so spinners have been more concerned with automation and machinery upgrades to remain competitive.

Ten years ago Korean spindles numbered about 1.2 million, but that has now risen to about 1.5 million. But the increase is not in Korea but through investment in Vietnam.

Spinning mills chose to move a percentage of their business to Vietnam to avail of the end garment market but also to be able to export yarn to China tax free. Exports of yarn from Korea to China are taxed at four per cent.

Spindles have also relocated to Korean economic zones in north China, though Beijing’s change in policy regarding the location of spinning mills may make this unviable over time.

Korea has free trade agreements with Europe and US and is working on a Korea-China agreement that will see them have tax free status in 10 years.

Japan

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As a developed market they are a highly price sensitive and we compete heavily with US and Brazil. Our share has reduced considerably over 10 years.

FIGURE 5: South Korea cotton balance sheet

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Unfortunately spinning has been in decline for many years (see Figure 7). Current imports sit at about 300,000 bales of cotton but Australian’s share has been reduced by 35 per cent over a 10 year period.

Japanese spinners produce yarn of a very high quality and they also produce specialised yarns.

As for consumption, Japan continues to be one of the top five consumers of cotton goods in the world.

In a move to counteract rising costs at home, Japanese mills for many years have invested in joint venture operations off-shore, in Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil and more recently in China and Vietnam. So though our cotton is purchased

by Japanese buyers, a large percentage is likely to be spun outside of Japan, with the yarn and fabric exported to Japan and other markets.

The future of Australian cotton to traditional markets We need to rebuild our market share in these countries. They are very important to us because: • These markets are all net importers of cotton – they have no domestic supply, so they don’t have the volatility of a domestic crop like China or India; • They have been strong forward buyers,

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SECTION 9 PROCESSING & MARKETING This section brought to you in association with

buying one to two years FIGURE 7: Japanese cotton imports forward and for multiple

months. This allows merchants to take risk from growers forward (though not as forward

as we’d like); and, • They understand Australian quality

and the long term relationships are highly valued.

So, how do we increase

our market share?

We need to continue to promote the benefits

of Australian cotton for

medium and high count yarn spinners. only high grade cotton available during this • We must show a value proposition and be period. priced competitively with the US and Brazil. • Fast delivery times – we have the quickest • We must consistently improve our quality supply chain to Asian markets – Jakarta 12 with longer, stronger fibre. Then our days, Bangkok 15 days, Korea 15 days. contamination free cotton can be a partial • Sustainability and traceability – today retailers substitute for ELS/Pima cotton, and by are determining the demand for fabrics blending our longer staple cotton, mills can and apart from cost, they are focusing on reduce their cost. the sustainability and traceability of raw • We must realise that blended yarns are here materials. The positive for Australia is that to stay – the ‘active-wear’ lifestyle is upon us, we do produce the most sustainable cotton and it is better to have blended yarn than 100 on the planet and we have the ability to per cent polyester. provide traceability, so we can use this to our • Counter cyclical availability – we are perfectly advantage. positioned to meet the mills’ demand from

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April-October and this year we had the

* Based on a presentation at the 2016 Cotton Conference.

Short term, skilled labour available now

The LABOUR PLACEMENT division of The-Gate is essentially a service introducing Australian farmers needing short-term skilled labour, to keen and experienced young workers with farming backgrounds.

The-Gate offers a pool of skilled international farm workers with picker and other large machinery experience.

So to get the ball rolling on solving your short-term labour needs, go to www.the-gate.com.au and register (for free) on The-Gate’s database or contact Catherine on 0408 717 459

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 153

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How Australia is faring in the ‘newer’ markets

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the past few years, Australia has held its market share (Figure 2). Brazil is also starting to pick up market share, largely at the expense of India. But while Chinese imports of raw cotton are falling, their imports of yarn are increasing, mainly from India and Vietnam.

t the Cotton Conference in August, ACSA’s Tony Geitz also presented data on the ‘newer’ markets of China and Vietnam, and how Australia was faring in these areas.

China balance sheet

Vietnam balance sheet

Figure 1 shows the remarkable growth in Chinese cotton stocks since 2011. The latest figures for 2016 suggest that stocks have finally started to decline due to a reduction in both production and imports. The production/ consumption deficit is expected to be 10 million bales in 2016 and 12 million bales in 2017. As the stockpile is eroded, China should become a large net importer again within the next three or four years.

The cotton spinning industry in Vietnam has boomed over the past decade, helped by the proximity and favourable trade deals with China and other countries. Both consumption and imports have increased at an extremely rapid pace (see Figure 3).

Australia has been a major beneficiary, increasing market share considerably, although we still make up only a small percentage of the total market (Figure 4). So there is plenty of room for expansion of our market share in Vietnam.

China imports While imports have fallen considerably over

FIGURE 1: Chinese balance sheet

FIGURE 3: Vietnam balance sheet

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FIGURE 4: Origin of Vietnam imports

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FIGURE 2: Origin of Chinese imports

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2016 crop quality

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remarkable finish to the season covered up just about any quality issues which could have arisen because of setbacks due to late planting, hail or drift damage.

Growers were able to take full advantage of the hot, dry late summer and autumn to maximise their late crop and still produce top quality cotton.

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Grade A remarkable 67 per cent of the crop had a grade of 21 or better.

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Micronaire Almost no micronaire problems and around 60 per cent of the crop was in the prime range of 3.8-4.5.

Staple length

Strength and uniformity

For the second straight year, less than two per cent was below the base grade length of 36.

Both strength and uniformity were very good once again.

FIGURE 1: Staple length of the 2016 crop 4%

6%

6%

25%

24%

36%

FIGURE 2: Quality of the 2016 crop – Grade 1%

7%

FIGURE 4: Strength of the 2016 crop

1%

1% 4%

21-2 & better

Below 28 12%

11%

21-3 36%

23%

28.1–29 29.1–30

31-3 24%

31-4

30.1–31.9 49%

41-4

31%

32–33.9

41-5 & below

FIGURE 3: Micronaire of the 2016 crop 3% 1%

34 & above

FIGURE 5: Uniformity of the 2016 crop 1%

5.3 & above

10%

5.0 to 5.2

10%

80-80.9

4.6 to 4.9 35% 59%

3.8 to 4.5

Below 80

18% 29%

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3.5 to 3.7 3.3 to 3.4

81-81.9

32%

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 155

COTTON COVERAGE AAcomprehensive comprehensivereview reviewof ofglobal global market marketconditions conditions In this issue we will take the opportunity to have a look at the broader fundamentals of the cotton market. In the past 10 years, world production has varied between 97 million bales (2015–16) and 124 million bales (2011–12) with the 2016–17 world crop forecast at nearly 103 million bales. In recent years India has overtaken China as the largest producer of cotton. Chinese production swings with changes in government subsidy policies – production peaked at 37 million bales in 2007–08 but is expected to be just over half that size this year at 21 million bales. Improved weather conditions and price competiveness of cotton has seen production in the US increase by 3 million bales year on year, while production levels in Pakistan and Brazil have remained relatively stable. The above mentioned countries account for 76 per cent of world cotton production.

World cotton consumption dipped to a 10-year low in 2011– 12 at a little over 104 million bales But it has been trending higher over the past five years. Consumption in Pakistan and Turkey has remained relatively stable. The Bangladeshi market has grown to over 6 million bales from nothing in 2005–06.

However the big changes are again centered on China and India. Chinese consumption peaked at 52.5 million bales back in 2007–08 and has tapered off since then. However

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China remains the largest consumer of cotton at 35.5 million bales. Relatively new markets in Vietnam, Indonesia and Central Asia have filled the consumption gap left by China.

Indian cotton consumption has been steadily increasing and India remains the second largest consumer of cotton.

The difference between production and consumption is reflected in world ending stocks which peaked in 2014–15 at 112.4 million bales. World stocks have been gradually drawn down since and are currently estimated at 87 million bales. The recent reserve auction sales in China have successfully drawn down Chinese stocks to around 47.8 million bales.

Since mid-2014, futures have been range bound between 60 and 70 US c/lb. More recently futures have pushed into the mid-70 cents but currently are stuck in a 67 to 72 cent range. The long-term average cash price is circa $450 per bale, with opportunities to market cotton at $500 per bale or better still seen as attractive by growers.

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Chinese annual production has declined by 14 mb since 2012/13 highs

Chinese ending stocks have declined by 17.32 mb since 2014/15 highs

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PROCESSING ORGANISATIONS Auscott Limited Auscott Limited was established in 1963 as a subsidiary of the US based JG Boswell Company.

The company is vertically integrated through the growing, ginning and marketing sectors of the industry. Auscott is also a large producer of wheat and other grains, grown both as a cotton rotation and as a dryland crop.

The geographical spread of the company’s farming over the Gwydir, Namoi, Macquarie and Murrumbidgee valleys has allowed for the hedging of production risk, and delivered benefits to customers during adverse climatic conditions. Auscott operates six gins over the four valleys.

Auscott’s involvement with the Australian cotton industry does not stop at the farm gate. Participation within the industry is actively encouraged and is demonstrated through an association with 27 industry bodies. Company employees freely give their time to these bodies at no cost to the associations.

Management and Staff Chief Executive Officer Harvey Gaynor Chairman David Anthony Chief Financial Officer Des Boucher Director Marketing Ashley Power Marketing Manager – Cotton Arthur Spellson Marketing Manager – Grains & Warehousing Peter Webb Classing/Shipping Manager Greg Parle Corporate Warehouse Business Manager Sharon Wheeler Head office Suite 3.01, 56 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: 02 9295 4800 Fax: 02 9251 3322 Web site: www.auscott.com.au E: sydney@auscott.com.au 158 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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Regional offices Gwydir Valley “Midkin,” Mungindi Road, PO Box 711 Moree NSW 2400 Ph: 02 6759 1700 Fax: 02 6759 1788 General Manager: Sean Boland Grower Services: PJ Gileppa Namoi Valley Wee Waa Road, PO Box 303 Narrabri NSW 2390 Ph: 02 6799 1400 Fax: 02 6799 1488 General Manager: Martin Mead Grower Services: PJ Gileppa Macquarie Valley Oxley Highway, PO Box 160 Warren NSW 2824 Ph: 02 6883 7306 Fax: 02 6847 4399 General Manager: Bill Tyrwhitt Grower Services: Mike Shields, Anna Dawson Murrumbidgee Valley Cobb Highway, PO Box 267 Hay NSW 2711 Ph: 02 6993 1377 Fax: 02 6993 1447 Grower Services: Eddie Redfern

Brighann Cotton Marketing Pty Ltd Brighann Ginning Brighann Ginning is a family partnership cotton gin owned by the prominent cotton growing Seery family located 26 km west of Moree in the Gwydir valley. The four stand gin was established in 1999 and incorporates the latest Lummus ginning equipment including the Sentinel Lint Cleaners along with three lines of pre-cleaning to ensure that the cotton produced is of the highest quality available. Also included is the latest Samuel Jackson cotton conditioning hoppers and

Samuel Jackson moisture restoration system. Another valuable addition is a locally designed and made turntable to minimise plastic contamination and increase handling efficiency of round bales.

To supplement the gin, the Brighann operation is vertically integrated to undertake warehousing, marketing and shipping of cotton. Warehousing facilities incorporate a capacity of 60,000 bales with humidified bale warehousing sheds and an automatic temperature controlled aerated seed shed which has a capacity of 14,000 tonnes.

Gin office PO Box 443 1500 Watercourse Road Moree NSW 2400 Ph: 02 6753 3737 Fax: 02 6753 3701 Chairman John Seery Directors Ada Seery Ian Seery Stephen Seery Michael Seery

General Manager Ian McDonald Ph: 0417 700 947 E: ian@brighann.com.au Grower Services Simone James Ph: 0477 171 527 E: simone@brighann.com.au Dan Kitchen Ph: 0416 806 877 E: dan@brighann.com.au Trading Ben Carrigan Ph: 0427 518 552 ben@brighann.com.au Finance Manager John Kerlin Ph: 0427 004 104 E: johnk@brighann.com.au Gin Manager Damien Tonkin Ph: 0427 865 258 E: damian@brighann.com.au

If peace of mind is important to you in your business partnerships, there are plenty of If peace of mind is important to you in your business partnerships, there are plenty of reasons to pick Queensland Cotton. With the strength of over 80 years’ experience, reasons to pick Queensland Cotton. With the strength of over 80 years’ experience, Queensland Cotton is committed to providing a �irst class service to our cotton growers and Queensland Cotton is committed to providing a �irst class service to our cotton growers and �irst class product to our spinning customers. �irst class product to our spinning customers.

So for all your ginning and marketing needs and complete peace of mind, So for all your ginning and marketing needs and complete peace of mind, contact Queensland Cotton today. contact Queensland Cotton today.

55 Wyandra Street 55 Wyandra Newstead, BrisbaneStreet Qld 4006 Newstead, Brisbane 4006 Ph: 07 3250 3300 Fax: 07 Qld 3852 1600 Ph: 07 www.olamgroup.com 3250 3300 Fax: 07 3852 1600 www.olamgroup.com

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Carrington Ginning Carrington Ginning Pty Ltd was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of Carrington Cotton Corporation Pty Ltd, which has been producing cotton in the Macintyre Valley since the 1980s. The ginning facility is located 13 km east of Goondiwindi.

The company is vertically integrated through the growing, ginning and warehousing and logistics sectors of the industry. The ginning facility is comprised of a four stand Lummus gin, four humidified warehouses with a storage capacity of 60,000 bales and an aerated seed shed.

Office 196 Boggabilla Lane, Kildonan Road PO Box 139 Goondiwindi QLD 4390 Ph: 07 4671 4710 Fax: 07 4671 4719 E: admin@carringtonpl.com.au Managing Director Andrea McCosker Production Manager Simon McCombe

Carroll Cotton Established in September 1995, Carroll Cotton is a privately owned ginning facility, located between Carroll and Breeza, up off the flood plain.

Carroll Cotton is a medium capacity, four-stand Continental gin, with a throughput of 35 bales per hour. This means they have the ability to easily tailor the ginning of cotton to both the grower, and the merchant’s specific requirements.

The gin yard is flood free, capable of holding 2500 modules. Carroll Cotton offers flexible delivery times, to allow quick delivery from farm to gin yard.

Address Avondale, 1875 Clifton Road Carroll NSW 2340 Managing Director Scott Davies Ph: 0427 445 282 E: scott@carrollcotton.com.au General Enquiries Ph: 02 6744 5282 Fax: 02 4017 2481 E: admin@carrollcotton.com.au

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Clyde Cotton Clyde cotton is a privately owned business located in Bourke NSW. The business operates several farms in the district which are situated on the Barwon/Darling river system. The operation has a dual ginning facility with a three stand Continental upland gin and a six stand roller gin to handle Pima cotton. The business has been growing and ginning cotton since 1983.

Address PO Box 20 Gorrell Avenue Bourke NSW 2840 Ph: 02 6870 8500 Fax: 02 6870 8599 General Manager Peter Harris Gin Manager Dave McKay Ph: 0429 496 647 E: dmckay@clydecotton.com.au

Koramba Ginning Koramba is a privately owned integrated cotton growing and ginning operation situated on the Macintyre River between Goondiwindi and Mungindi.

There are 5300 hectares developed for large-scale irrigation on Koramba complemented with a cotton gin.

The four-stand Lummus gin built in 1992 is not reliant on a power supply from local authorities as all power is generated on site. This feature provides total flexibility, allowing Koramba to process cotton day or night and without the expensive start up costs levied on other gins. The current power generation system has been active since 2001 and comprises state of the art equipment.

The gin not only processes Koramba’s production but contractgins for growers in an area stretching

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from Goondiwindi to Mungindi and up to St George. Contract ginning takes priority over Koramba’s own cotton unless otherwise requested by the grower. Large gin runs are individually tailored to suit growers’ requests.

The ginning facility is complemented by a seed storage shed and a large flood free all-weather module yard.

Cottonseed and other by-products are sold to both the export and domestic market.

Offices Koramba Weighbridge: ‘Koramba’ Boomi NSW 2405 Ph: 02 6753 5250 Fax: 02 6753 5323 Moree Head Office: PO Box 49 Moree NSW 2400 Ph: 02 6751 1355 Fax: 02 6751 1359 Gin Ph: 02 6753 5344 Fax: 02 6753 5347

Management and Staff General Manager Toby Makim Ph: 02 6751 1355 Fax: 02 6751 1359 Mobile: 0417 857 975 Grower Services Manager Lauryn Riordan Ph: 02 6751 1355 Fax: 02 6751 1359 Mobile: 0429 774 649 Gin Manager James Bates Ph: 02 6753 5344 Fax: 02 6753 5347 Mobile: 0428 511 359

Louis Dreyfus Company – Ginning Manager Peter Power Operations Manager Mike Kimball Dalby Site: (07) 4669 6988 Moree Site: (02) 6752 5188 Emerald Site: (07) 4982 3888 Head Office Level 3, 1 Breakfast Creek Road Newstead, QLD 4006 PO Box 2142 Fortitude Valley BC QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3253 5999 Fax: (07) 3257 4131

www.namoicotton.com.au

For all your Cotton Ginning, Cotton Seed & Marketing needs… Macquarie Valley Kylie Edwards: 0429 092 902 Trangie Gin: (02) 6888 9729 Nth Bourke Gin: (02) 6872 1453

Gwydir Valley David Lindsay: Sandy Young: Ashley Gin: Wathagar Gin: Moomin Gin:

Lachlan & Murrumbidgee Kylie Edwards: 0429 092 902 Ross Brown: 0429 903 047 Hillston Gin: (02) 6967 2951

Goondiwindi & Mungindi Owen Webb: 0488 080 254 Jessica Strauch: 0427 790 056 MacIntyre Gin: (07) 4671 2277 Mungindi Gin: (02) 6753 2145

0428 657 294 0429 920 980 (02) 6754 2150 (02) 6752 5200 (02) 6796 5102

Namoi Valley Ross Brown: Sandy Young: Merah Nth Gin: Boggabri Gin: Yarraman Gin:

0429 903 047 0429 920 980 (02) 6795 5124 (02) 6743 4084 (02) 6795 5219

Darling Downs Jessica Strauch: 0427 790 056

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Procurement and Grower Services Head Office Level 3, 1 Breakfast Creek Road Newstead, QLD 4006 PO Box 2361 Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3852 3321 E: BRI-CottonAdmin@ldcom.com All Services Cathy Cook: 0407 253 784

Regional Representation Queensland Central Queensland: Cathy Cook – 0407 253 784 Darling Downs: Tobin Cherry – 0418 244 699 St George/Dirranbandi: Juanita Park – 0428 753 282 MacIntyre Valley: Andrew Cook – 0428 411 676 New South Wales Gwydir/Namoi Valley: Andrew Cook – 0428 441 676 Gwydir Valley: Douglas Murphy – 0427 005 063 Macquarie, Bourke & Southern Valleys Rodney St Clair – 0438 768 609

Namoi Cotton Co-operative Ltd Namoi Cotton Co-operative, established in 1962, has over 50 years of service to the Australian Cotton industry. Namoi Cotton handles only Australian cotton through an extensive network of ginning, marketing and logistics operations throughout the cotton growing regions of New South Wales and Southern Queensland.

Today, Namoi Cotton is Australia’s largest cotton ginner by volume and one of the major marketers of Australia’s premium cotton.

Namoi Cotton operates 12 cotton ginning facilities within NSW and Queensland. It is a pioneer and leader in the implementation of round module handling technology. In addition to providing superior ginning services, Namoi Cotton also provides cotton seed marketing services. Namoi Cotton markets lint through Namoi Cotton Alliance (NCA), a joint venture. Over 98 per cent of the cotton purchased

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markets which are primarily Asian spinning mills. NCA services these markets from its warehouse operations in Wee Waa and Warren in NSW and Goondiwindi in Queensland. The warehouse facilities are atmospherically controlled and have the capacity to store 519,000 bales under cover.

Namoi Cotton is 100 per cent regionally based with our dedicated Grower Services team operating from a network of regional offices based in Wee Waa, Moree, Toowoomba, Trangie and Goondiwindi to service the ginning and marketing needs of our cotton grower clients. Being regionally based, Namoi Cotton is a major employer of regional people, employing more than 160 full time staff and over 300 seasonal staff and casual employees. Key employment priorities for Namoi Cotton are staff training and development and implementation and maintenance of stringent safety standards.

Senior Management Chief Executive officer Jeremy Callachor Chief Financial Officer Stuart Greenwood General Counsel and Company Secretary Bailey Garcha General Manager Grower Services and Marketing David Lindsay Chief Operations Officer Shane McGregor

Board of Directors Chairman Stuart Boydell Directors Richard Anderson Michael Boyce Robert Green Ben Coulton Glen Price Tim Watson

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Offices Wee Waa Ph: 02 6790 3000 Fax: 02 6790 3087 Toowoomba Ph: 07 4631 6100 Fax: 07 4631 6184 Goondiwindi Ph: 07 4671 6900 Fax: 07 4671 6999 Moree Ph: 02 6752 2903 Fax: 02 6752 5357 Trangie Ph: 02 6888 9611 Fax: 02 6888 9678 Website www.namoicotton.com.au

Gins Ashley Ph: 02 6754 2150 Boggabri Ph: 02 6743 4084 Hillston Ph: 02 6967 2951 Macintyre Ph: 07 4671 2277 Merah North Ph: 02 6795 5124 Moomin Ph: 02 6796 5102 Mungindi Ph: 02 6753 2145 North Bourke Ph: 02 6872 1453 Trangie Ph: 02 6888 9729 Wathagar Ph: 02 6752 5200 Yarraman Ph: 02 6795 5196

North West Ginning North West Ginning is owned by two prominent industry families. Plant, facilities and services to North West Ginning customers are world class and the entire operation is certified by internationally recognised ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Standards.

The Lummus plant is capable of processing in excess of 200,000 bales per season and is renowned for the quality of cotton produced. Fullygravelled, flood free module yard, covered bale storage and loading bay enables North West Ginning to maintain and deliver a quality product.

North West Ginning also operates its

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own module field loaders and module transport operation to service its customers “from the field to the bale.”

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Manager Cotton Marketing Meagan Abdy E: mabdy@olamnet.com

Office Whittakers Lagoon PO Box 916 Moree 2400 Ph: 02 6752 3966 Fax: 02 6751 1067 E: manager@nwgin.com.au

Manager Cotton Operations

Board members

Meg Laidlaw E: meg.laidlaw@olamnet.com

Bobby Irons E: bobby.irons@olamnet.com

Marketing Services Manager as well as four in New South Wales, (Collymongle, Mungindi, Warren and Wee Waa) with a total capacity in excess of one million bales.

Directors James Mulligan Paul Swansbra

Management General Manager Wayne Clissold Operations Manager Robert Kennedy

Queensland Cotton Queensland Cotton offers a full range of marketing options including daily cash prices, seasonal, area, minimum price and fixed bale pools.

In addition, ‘on call’ contracts are available.

Services to growers are supported by seven gins in Queensland, (Cecil Plains, Dalby, Moura, Emerald, Dirranbandi and two in St George)

Head office 55 Wyandra Street Newstead Qld 4006 PO Box 2245 Fortitude Valley BC Qld 4006 Ph: 07 3250 3300 Fax: 07 3852 1600 Web: www.qcotton.com.au

Management and Staff Executive Director and Country Head Australia Bob Dall’Alba E: bdallalba@olam.net.au

Executive General Manager Cotton John Robinson E: john.robinson@olamnet.com

Physical Position Manager Luke Chappel E: luke.chappel@olamnet.com

Quality and Export Manager Michael O’Rielley E: michael.orielley@olamnet.com

Gins Cecil Plains Ph: 07 4668 0106 Collymongle Ph: 02 6756 2545 Dalby Ph: 07 4662 5590 Emerald Ph: 07 4982 1522 Goondiwindi Ph: 07 4671 5526 Moura Ph: 07 4997 1422 Mungindi Ph: 02 6753 2600 St George Ph: 07 4625 2145 Beardmore, St George Ph: 07 4625 4144 Warren Ph: 02 6847 4631 Wee Waa Ph: 02 6795 7188

Seed and grain Mt Tyson Ph: 07 4693 7166

Marketing division Professional Independent Classing

Independent classing for the Australian cotton industry ProClass offers:

4 Full cotton classing services carried out by professional experienced independent classers ensuring completely impartial and accurate grades 4 I nstrument testing using 9 HVI lines, including 6 x USTER HVI 1000 at our Goondiwindi, QLD facility and, commencing in 2016, 3 x USTER HVI 1000 in our brand new facility in Griffith, NSW. These machines represent the very latest technology from the world’s leading manufacturer of cotton fibre testing equipment.

4S tate of the art passive sample conditioning technology in both facilities, providing the optimum testing laboratory environment for HVI lines to operate in 4R eporting tailored to individual client needs 4 Tendering of uncommitted cotton 4 2 International Standard Laboratories (ITMF, USDA & Australian BMP Standards) 4P rofessional, efficient service with a reputation for an unbiased assessment of your cotton

Tel: 07 4671 0333 Fax: 07 4671 1333 Mobile: 0428 710 333 Email: jon@proclass.com.au ProClass Pty ltd 7 Troy Drive Goondiwindi Qld, 4390

164 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Brisbane Ph: 07 3250 3310 Collymongle Ph: 02 6756 2545 Dalby Ph: 07 4662 5220 Emerald Ph: 07 4982 1522 St George Ph: 07 4625 2145 Warren Ph: 02 6847 4766 Wee Waa Ph: 02 6795 4420ß Hemmant Warehouse Ph: 07 3890 4333 Melbourne Warehouse Ph: 03 8353 2084

RivCott RivCott’s grower-owned operation started with the 2015 harvest and over 60 growers have supplied over 90 per cent of the throughput. Contract ginning is offered but the emphasis is on providing affordable ginning with

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good quality control for the grower owners. RivCott claims to have more drying and cleaning capacity than any other gin in Australia with the unique needs of Riverina cotton in mind.

Gin address 50 Conargo Road Carrathool, NSW 2711 Ph: 02 6990 5000 Fax: 02 6990 5001 E: office@rivcott.com W: www.rivcott.com

Management CEO Sam Buster Ph: 02 6990 5060 Gin Manager Dwayne Martin Ph: 02 6990 5070 Office Manager Michelle Buster Ph: 02 6990 5000

Southern Cotton Australia’s leading ginning facility, Southern Cotton was commissioned and built in the 2012 season. The Whitton-based operation featured state-of-the-art technology in quality management, cleaning, humidification, processing and data traceability.

An independent industry leader, owned by four local growers, Southern Cotton employs 40-plus seasonal workers and 11 full-time staff, achieves Best Management Practice for Cotton Ginning Accreditation each year and has processed approximately 900,000 bales.

Southern Cotton is one of the only gins in the world using the data out of the cotton picker and tracing the module through the process to the finished bale. This data includes everything about the cotton module: Farmer, field, date, time, latitude and longitude of the module’s production.

By tracing the module number right through to the process, production reports can be provided to the grower on a per module basis.

Both lint and cottonseed are stored in warehouse facilities with capacities of 28,000 bales and 28,000 tonnes respectively. Our seed shed is fully aerated, and the bale shed included a state-of-the-art fire alarm and sprinkler system. The Lummus plant is capable of processing in excess of 200,000 bales per season.

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Outloading of both lint and cottonseed is undercover. Our fully formed, flood free module yard has a capacity of 16,000 modules with two moonbuggy operators ensuring rapid turnaround times.

Southern Cotton Trading offers a range of marketing options for cottonseed and our focus on innovation is giving growers a better yield and return.

Management

Address

Tim Commins Roger Commins Ross Anderson Scott Hogan Larry Walsh Michael Pygram

Darlington Point-Whitton Road.

PO Box 41 Whitton NSW 2705 Ph: 02 6955 2755 Fax: 02 6955 2765 E: info@southerncotton.com.au Website: www.southerncotton.com.au

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General Manager Kate O’Callaghan Ph: 0427 557 277 Gin Manager Chris Veness Ph: 0428 179 221 Accounts Coordinator Corrie Ratcliff Ph: 0269 552 755 Logistics Coordinator Madison Coelli Ph: 0419 401 364

Directors

Marketing consultants Bridge Commodities Pty Ltd Bridge Commodities provides growers of all sizes, in all cotton growing regions in Australia, with risk management consultancy and commodity marketing services. Our local and international experience enables us to provide growers with sound advice and to get them the best value for their crops.

Contact: Bill Dwyer, Commodity Agent and Advisor PO Box 595 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Ph: +61 (0)7 3040 2485, Mob: +61 (0)422 367 680 E: bill.dwyer@bridgecommodities.com

Cotton Compass Cotton Compass is an interactive cotton marketing news service – publishing a weekly newsletter specifically tailored to high quality Australian cotton growers, cotton traders, input suppliers and textile industry participants in SE Asia, North Asia and the subcontinent. www.cottoncompass.com.au

Farmarco Australia Pty Ltd Farmarco provides risk management and commodity marketing services and has been advising cotton growers on marketing since 1985.

Contacts: Robert Imray or Tyson Hosie Toowoomba Ph: 07 4637 6400 E: farmarco@farmarco.com.au www.farmarco.com.au

JCL Commodities Pty Ltd JCL is a specialist cotton marketing, risk management and information services company. JCL is Australian, fully independent, and privately owned.

JCL works closely with cotton producers to maximise the Australian dollar return on their cotton production asset.

Contacts: David Watson – Mob: 0402 728 254, E: david.w@jclcom.com Ben Middleton – Mob: 0417 447 939, E: ben.m@jclcom.com COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 165

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In addition to the integrated ginning and marketing services offered by processing companies — detailed on previous pages — the following companies are merchants of Australian cotton.

Cofco Agri Cofco Agri is a globally integrated supply chain manager of agricultural products. Cofco Agri is well known and highly regarded in most major cotton markets.

The cotton division draws significant advantage from synergies within Cofco Agri globally in the field of crop financing, warehousing, logistics and innovative distribution across existing Cofco networks worldwide.

Cofco Agri is focused on origination, supply chain management and distribution from producers to end users. The integrated structure adopted by Cofco enables superior cost, quality and performance management, directly benefiting our suppliers and clients.

Providing flexibility, innovative solutions and being a world class counterpart for our producers and clients helps to develop longstanding relationships. Our assured performance and professional integrity ensures that these relationships withstand the test of uncertain markets and changing global conditions.

Cotton Trade Deck William Schreier 2–10 Loftus St Level 5 Suite 5.1 Sydney NSW 2000 Mob: 0475 977 251 E: wschreier@Cofcoagri.com www.Cofcoagri.com Australian Purchasing Agents River Channel Limited Phone: 07 3399 4890 E: noble@riverchannel.com.au Ray Wall: +86 138 1780 2087 Luke Wills: 0408 267 7473

ECOM Commodities ECOM Commodities is a fully owned subsidiary of ECOM Agroindustrial Corporation. ECOM Agroindustrial Corp is a family owned, global agribusiness that produces, processes and markets high value agricultural commodities such as cotton, coffee and cocoa.

The foundations of the ECOM Group of Companies were laid in Barcelona, Spain, by the Esteve family during the 1840s. ECOM has since evolved into an international vertically integrated agribusiness.

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The ECOM Cotton Group established a domestic trade presence in Australia during 1999, opening a marketing and logistics operation in Sydney, along with major regional procurement centres. ECOM Commodities in conjunction with our offices located in Singapore and Shanghai, services Australia and the Far East. The Singapore and Shanghai offices have been simultaneously established to further strengthen the group’s presence in the Asian and Pacific Rim regions. ECOM Commodities has a presence in most cotton producing and consuming markets worldwide.

ECOM Commodities presents itself as a partner to the Australian cotton grower, not merely as a service provider.

The strategic aims and objectives of ECOM Commodities revolve around a well-established vertically integrated group focusing on procurement and distribution of Australian lint to the four corners of the globe.

Cotton Trade Desk Matthew Bradd Sam Chambers Weng Chen Loh Shipping and Logistics Manager Stephen Boelhouwer

Head Office 10.1 Graphix Row, 160 Bourke Road Alexandria, NSW 2015 GPO Box 29 Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: 02 9223 3631 Fax: 02 9233 6206 E: webcottonoz@ecomtrading.com Website: www.ecomtrading.com

Agents Namoi Valley, Gwydir Valley and Macquarie Valley Steve Dalton AgVantage Commodities Pty Ltd Ph: 02 6792 2962 MacIntyre Valley Steve Dalton AgVantage Commodities Pty Ltd Ph: 07 4671 1225 Darling Downs Kelvin Bella Gebar Farming Ph: 0428 636 924 166 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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St George and Dirranbandi Kelvin Bella Our-Tek Pty Ltd Ph: 0428 717 284 Central Highlands and Dawson– Callide Don Cooper Cooper Consulting Ph: 0428 794 698 Riverina Ross Harvie Ph: 0458 567 776

Louis Dreyfus Company Louis Dreyfus Company is an integrated ginning, marketing and warehouse business in Australia, handling approximately 20 per cent of Australia’s production annually.

Management and Staff Managing Director Tony Geitz Treasury/Trading Michael Thompson

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Sales/Trading Mudit Sharma Cotton Seed Sales Richard Porter/Michael Thompson Warehouses Moree: 02 6752 4655 Dalby: 07 4662 6033 Gins Emerald: 07 4982 3888 Dalby: 07 4669 6988 Moree: 02 6752 5188

St George/Dirranbandi: Juanita Park – 0428 753 282 MacIntyre Valley: Andrew Cook – 0428 441 676

Procurement and Grower Services

Omnicotton Australia Pty Ltd

Head Office Level 3, 1 Breakfast Creek Road Newstead Qld 4006 PO Box 2142 Ph: 07 3852 3321 E: BRI-CottonAdmin@ldcom.com All Services Cathy Cook: 0407 253 784

Regional Representation Queensland Central Queensland: Cathy Cook – 0407 253 784 Darling Downs: Tobin Cherry – 0418 244 699

New South Wales Namoi Valley: Andrew Cook – 0428 441 676 Gwydir Valley: Douglas Murphy – 0427 005 063 Macquarie, Bourke & Southern Valleys: Rodney St. Clair – 0438 768 609

Omnicotton Australia Pty Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of Omnicotton Inc based in Dallas, Texas, US. The company has been established for 12 years, concentrates its trading on US, Brazil and Australian growths, and through its strategic office locations, provides complete market coverage.

With significant industry experience and representation on many of the globally recognised associations, Omnicotton is an active participant in the international cotton industry.

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Head Office Suite 72, 283 Given Terrace Paddington QLD 4064 Ph: 07 3367 1801 Fax: 07 3367 1827 E: australia @omnicotton.com

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Management and Staff General Manager Cliff White E:cwhite@omnicotton.com Mob: 0417 728 440 Office Administrators Roberta Bocchese E: rbocchese@omnicotton.com

Reinhart Australia Reinhart Australia Pty Limited is part of the worldwide cotton merchant Paul Reinhart AG, founded in 1788 and headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland. Our company is familyowned.

We are proud of being responsible to manage it in the seventh generation. We and our staff are aware of our reputation for integrity.

Our commitment, know-how and financial strength give our business partners the confidence that we can live up to our engagements.

We source cotton from all exporting countries and sell it into more than 60 markets, acting as an intermediary throughout the supply chain from farmers to ginners and manufacturers. Our market position is especially strong in the extra-long staple segment. This strength bases on a long history which started in 1907 when Reinhart & Co Egypt was founded.

We participate in ginning operations in Southeast and West Africa. Together with our partners we engage in crop support and help improve the standard of living of the local communities.

We are also a member of the Better Cotton Initiative.

We are present in the major cotton producing and consuming countries with our own staff or are represented by an extended network of agents.

Recently we have established our own legal entities in the world’s largest markets China and India in order not only participate in the import and export business, but to source and 168 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

market cotton locally.

Our operations in Australia comprise a buying office located in Toowoomba, Qld, which sources directly from cotton growers and exports to all major consuming markets.

Management and Staff Grower Services/Marketing Tim Storck Ph: 0417 269 063 E: t.storck@reinhart.net.au Administration/Finance/Logistics Cheng Zhang Ph: 0417 497 463 E: c.zhang@reinhart.net.au Operations Assistant Leanne Fraser l.fraser@reinhart.net.au Head Office Unit 10A Central Plaza 532–542 Ruthven St Toowoomba QLD, 4350 Ph: 07 4637 9070 E: mail@reinhart.net.au Website: www.reinhart.com

S&G Cotton Australia Pty Ltd S & G Cotton Australia Pty Ltd forms part of the wider S&G group of companies. The group was opened in 2002 by its principles Mr Sam Guan and textile mogul Mr Gordon Wu, southern China’s largest cotton apparel manufacturer. Sam and Gordon relish their 15 year association with the Australian Cotton Industry; they deeply respect its innovative and hard working growers who consistently produce cotton of the highest yields and quality. They equally enjoy working with its fast, efficient and globally superior logistics chain.

In keeping with the industries’ high level of innovation S&G are investing

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heavily to ensure the marketing options and channels available to the Australian cotton industry are cutting edge and capable of embracing the future demands of the total textile chain. At this year’s Cotton Conference S&G demonstrated the next generation in trading platforms that will provide efficiency, transparency and greater power to the grower.

Please talk to an S&G representative or visit www.actp.com for an exciting insight into the new technology that will shape the future of raw cotton trading.

S&G have the knowledge, experience and flexibility to provide Australian cotton growers with a viable partner in the marketing of their raw cotton and cotton seed production.

S&G are proud to have been the only cotton merchant Gold sponsor of the 2014 and 2016 Cotton Conferences.

Before you sell your raw cotton make sure you have received an S&G price.

To learn more about S&G Cotton Australia please visit www.sgcottons. com/en/index.asp

Contacts General Manager – Australia Roger Tomkins Mob: 0409 100 036 E: admin@sgcotton.com.au Trader – Cotton Seed & Grains Dan Quigley Mob: 0420 983 887 E: trading@sgcommodities.com.au Or your local Rain Ag representative Ian Grellman Mob: 0448 333 959 E: Igrellman@rainag.com.au Tim Whan Mob: 0448 444 015 E: Twhan@rainag.com.au Area Representative – Southern NSW Peter Horton Mob: 0448 777 358 E: Phorton@rainag.com.au Andrew Tout Mob: 0428 277 233 E: Atout@rainag.com.au

The Quality & Service Ginning Company from Field to Bale North West will handle and process your cotton for the best results

Step up to Quality Assured ginning

by Australia’s premier independent ginning company

Whittaker’s Lagoon, PO Box 916, Moree, NSW, 2400

Phone: (02) 6752 3966 — Fax: (02) 6751 1067 E: manager@nwgin.com.au If you want quality ginning talk to Wayne Clissold or Robert Kennedy

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INDEPENDENT CLASSING SERVICES Australian Classing Services Australian Classing Services (ACS) commenced business in 2003 and quickly became the most technologically advanced independent cotton classing facility in Australia.

ACS has an unrivalled in-house quality assurance program. This includes ‘cross checking’ results between HVI and performing ‘check tests’, where cotton with a known value is tested frequently to ensure the HVI machines are functioning precisely. This is a service that no other classing room in Australia offers.

ACS also employs a qualified HVI technician to oversee any problems that might occur with the instruments.

Purpose built software, streamlined systems and barcode scanners ensure classing results are delivered in an efficient and timely fashion. They also enable traceability throughout the whole process.

ACS realises trust is everything, that’s why they invite their clients to watch them work.

This is a novel idea and aims to build trust and educate growers on the finer details of classing to assist them in making better agronomic and ginning decisions.

Cotton samples are conditioned and tested under precise atmospheric conditions in line with CCAA BMP, USDA and the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) standards for cotton testing. This is backed up by drawing on a team of experienced USDA qualified classers.

Head Office 27 Trucking Yards Lane PO Box 143 Wee Waa NSW 2388 Ph: 02 6790 3059 Fax: 02 6790 3030 E: admin@ausclass.com.au Manager Andrew Baxter Ph: 02 6790 3052 Mobile: 0428 938 394 E: abaxter@ausclass.com.au Administrator Marianne Phelps Ph: 02 6790 3059 E: mphelps@ausclass.com.au

170 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

ProClass Pty Ltd ProClass is Australia’s leading cotton classing operation. Fully independent, we operate two modern cotton classing facilities servicing Australian cotton growers and merchants. The first is located at head office in Goondiwindi, Queensland, right in the heart of Australia’s traditional cotton belt. The second is situated at Griffith, NSW, the hub of the rapidly expanding cotton growing region in southern NSW. At present, ProClass classes approximately 65% of the cotton produced in Australia.

Our mantra is “Professional Independent Classing” and that is exactly what we provide.

This is done with the help of a team of industry professionals with long term domestic and international experience, a fleet of the most up to date cotton testing equipment (HVI machines), a state-of-the-art humidification and environment conditioning system and a proactive, forward thinking Board of Directors.

ProClass is a full participating member of the Cotton Classer’s Association of Australia (CCAA). We are fully compliant with the CCAA’s Best Management Practice for cotton classing and have been since that program’s inception.

In 2016 the Goondiwindi facility was accredited under the International Cotton Association Laboratory Certification Scheme. It is planned for the Griffith facility to be accredited under this scheme in the near future.

The ProClass service is open to all cotton growers and merchants.

Goondiwindi (Head Office) 7 Troy Drive Goondiwindi QLD 4390 Ph: +61 7 4671 0333 Fax: +61 7 4671 1333 Griffith 23 Battista Street Griffith NSW 2680 Ph: +61 2 6964 4440

Staff General Manager Jon Hurford E: jon@proclass.com.au Mob: 0428 710 333 Griffith Ops Manager Patrick McDonnell E: patrick@proclass.com.au Mob: 0437 909 796

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Major industry organisations Australian Cotton Industry Forum ������������������������������������172 Cotton Australia ���������������������������������������������������������������172 Associated industry bodies Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia ����������������������174 Association of Australian Cotton Scientists ����������������������174 Australian Cotton Ginners’ Association ���������������������������176 Australian Cotton Shippers’ Association ��������������������������176 Cotton Classers’ Association of Australia �������������������������177 Cotton Research and Development Corporation ��������������178 Cotton Seed Distributors ��������������������������������������������������178 Crop Consultants Australia ����������������������������������������������180 WinCott Women’s Industry Network – Cotton �����������������180 Regional cotton grower associations �����������������������������181

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COTTON INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS Australian Cotton Industry Forum The Australian Cotton Industry Forum was established in 1997 (as the Australian Cotton Industry Council) to represent all sectors of the cotton industry.

Office Bearers Chair Fleur Anderson, Ph: 02 6795 0000, Mob: 0409 620 302 Company secretary Adam Kay Suite 4.01, 247 Coward Street, Mascot NSW 2020 Ph: 02 9669 5222, Fax: 02 9669 5511 E: adamk@cotton.org.au

Members • Association of Australian Cotton Scientists • Australian Cotton Ginners Association • Australian Cotton Planting Seed Association • Australian Cotton Shippers Association • Cotton Australia Limited • Cotton Classers Association of Australia • Cotton Research and Development Corporation • Crop Consultants Association • CropLife Australia Limited • Wincott

Cotton Australia Cotton Australia is the peak body for Australia’s cotton producers, supporting more than 1200 cotton farming families in New South Wales and Queensland. The organisation strives to foster a world-class agricultural industry that’s sustainable, valued for its economic and social contributions and produces very high quality cotton in demand around the globe.

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Cotton Australia provides a united voice for cotton growers across research and development, stewardship, natural resource management, biosecurity and cotton production issues, such as water availability and input costs. This is achieved though policy and advocacy, education, communication and grower services.

Policy Officer Felicity Muller Policy Officer Claudia Vicary Administration Assistant Christina O’Hare Project Lead – Cotton to Market and Cotton LEADS Brooke Summers Finance Manager Therese Wooden Executive Assistant Rochelle Zakher

Regional Office – Toowoomba

Board

115 Campbell Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 Ph: 07 4639 4908

Chair Simon Corish Deputy Chair Hamish McIntyre Directors Fleur Anderson Stuart Armitage Nigel Burnett Jeremy Callachor Bob Dall’Alba Barb Grey Chris Hogendyk Peter Tuohey

General Manager Michael Murray Mob: 0427 707 868 myBMP Manager Rick Kowitz Mob: 0427 050 832 myBMP Customer Service Officer Nicole Scott Ph: 1800 COTTON (1800 268 866)

Head Office

Regional Office – Narrabri

Suite 4.01, 247 Coward Street, Mascot NSW 2020 Ph: 02 9669 5222 Fax: 02 9669 5511 E: talktous@cotton.org.au Website: www.cottonaustralia.com.au

PO Box 322 Narrabri NSW 2390 Ph: 02 6792 6041 Fax: 02 6792 6042

Head Office Staff Chief Executive Office Adam Kay Policy Officer Angela Bradburn (currently on maternity leave) Policy Officer – Research Direction and Stewardship Nicola Cottee Education Coordinator Sophie Davidson Communications Officer Samuel Evangelinos Communications Manager Chris Larsen

Regional Manager (Namoi, Gwydir, Walgett, Bourke) Paul Sloman Mob: 0448 094 883

Regional Office – Griffith PO Box 8175 Griffith East NSW 2680

Regional Manager (Riverina) Honi Anderson Mob: 0437 700 300

Field Staff Regional Manager (Emerald) Renee Anderson Mob: 0448 125 156 Regional Manager (Dawson Valley) Bronwyn Christensen Mob: 0488 931 691

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Regional Manager (Macintyre Valley) Rebecca Fing Mob: 0427 107 234 Regional Manager (St George/ Dirranbandi) Jane Hill Mob: 0419 259 194 Regional Manager (Darling Downs) Mary O’Brien Mob: 0408 982 291 Regional Manager (Macquarie Valley) Julie Wise Mob: 0447 370 043

Cotton Australia Members Cotton Australia members nominate representatives to attend the company’s General Meetings. The five largest Cotton Grower Associations are able to nominate two representatives.

• Auscott Limited • Brighann Ginning • Carroll Cotton Company • Central Highlands Cotton Growers’ & Irrigators’ Association Inc. • Cotton Seed Distributors • Crop Consultants Australia Ltd • Cubbie Ginning • Darling Downs Cotton Growers’ Inc. • Darling River Food And Fibre • Dawson Valley Cotton Growers’ Association • Dirranbandi Cotton Growers’ Association • Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers’ Association • Louis Dreyfus Commodities • Lower Namoi Cotton Growers’ Association • Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers’ Association • Macquarie Cotton Growers’ Association • Menindee & Lower Darling Cotton Growers’ Association • Mungindi Water Users’ & Cotton Growers’ Association • Namoi Cotton Co-Op • North West Ginning Pty Ltd • Queensland Cotton Corporation Limited • Rivcott Pty Ltd • Southern Cotton 174 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

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• Southern Valleys Cotton Growers’ Association • St George Cotton Growers’ Association • Tandou Ltd • Twynam Cotton Pty Ltd • Upper Namoi Cotton Growers’ Association • Walgett Cotton Growers’ Association • Wathagar Ginning Company

Aerial Application Association of Australia Key objectives of the AAAA include improving safety and efficacy through professional development which it achieves by providing ongoing training to pilots and operators and a range of programs and information service, including a national convention, state meetings and technical workshops.

AAAA runs two accreditation programs – Spraysafe and the newer Aerial Improvement Management System (AIMS) – which are based on sound competence of pilots and ground staff, appropriate facilities and comprehensive application and business management systems.

AAAA works with a wide range of other organisations including Cotton Australia and agronomists to continually improve the services offered to clients and to improve knowledge of aerial application’s effectiveness, safety and economy.

Cotton growers are encouraged to support AAAA by having their aerial application carried out by AAAA members who hold AAAA accreditations.

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AAAA contacts Chief Executive Officer Phil Hurst PO Box 353 Mitchell ACT 2602 Ph: 02 6241 2100 Fax: 02 6241 2555 Web: www.aerialag.com.au President Stephen Death, Hazair Pty Ltd

Association of Australian Cotton Scientists The association aims to provide a united and representative body to promote and enhance cotton research as a profession; to facilitate communication and collaboration between scientists; and, to act as a point of contact between scientists, the Australian cotton industry and with the International Cotton Researchers’ Association.

Membership is open to students and professionals who spend a majority of their time in active research (or teaching) relevant to the cotton industry. Technical staff that support research projects and extension personnel will be welcome as associate members, in recognition of their essential role in research and its delivery.

One of the main activities that the association facilitates is the ‘Australian Cotton Research Conference’ which will be held again in Canberra in 2017.

Office Bearers President Dr Michael Bange Full Committee Members • Dr Mary Whitehouse • Dr Karen Kirkby • Dr Warwick Stiller • Dr Paul Grundy • Mr Allan Williams (Associate Member Representative)

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Australian Cotton Ginners’ Association The Australian Cotton Ginners’ Association was formed on 4 December 1992 and became an association of all the cotton processing organisations within Australia. It’s aims are: • To promote the common business interests of persons engaged in the cotton ginning industry within Australia; • To encourage and promote co-operation; • To sponsor technical development; and, • To seek improvement of communications, education and safety within the ginning industry

Office Bearers President Andrew van der Stok Namoi Cotton Ph: 0267 524378 Fax: 0267 525357 Mob: 0429 232303 E: avanderstok@namoi.com.au Secretary/Treasurer Lauryn Riordan Koramba Ginning Ph: 02 6751 1355 Fax: 02 6571 1359 Mob: 0429 774 649 E: marketing@koramba.com.au Member Organisations • Auscott, Sydney • Brighann Ginning, Moree • Carroll Cotton, Carroll • Clyde Agriculture, Bourke • Cubbie Ginnery, Dirranbandi • Louis Dreyfus Ginning, Brisbane • Koramba Ginning, Moree • Namoi Cotton, Wee Waa • North West Ginning, Moree • Queensland Cotton, Brisbane • Rivcott Ginning, Carrathool • Southern Cotton, Darlington Point • Tandou Cotton, Menindee

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Australian Cotton Shippers Association The Australian Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) is principally involved in the enhancement of Australia’s cotton industry in our export markets. It also aims to promote best management practices and prosperity within the industry and the communities in which we operate.

This especially incudes the preservation of contract sanctity and adherence to established international trading terms, arbitration procedures and protection of the forward marketing platform.

ACSA merchant members comprise the following: • Auscott Marketing • Cargill Cotton • CNCGC Australian • Cofco Agri • Ecom Commodities • Glencore Grain • Louis Dreyfus Company • Namoi Cotton • OmniCotton Australia • Queensland Cotton • RCMA Group • Reinhart Australia • S&G Cotton Australia • Twynam Agriculture Group The organisation has the support of over 30 Associate member firms who deliver finance, insurance, marketing, controlling, shipping and logistics services to the post farm gate supply chain.

ACSA plays an active role in the local and international cotton arena through its membership of the Australian Cotton Industry Forum, the Australian Peak Shippers Association, the Committee for the Cooperation between Cotton Associations and the

International Textile Manufacturers Federation. All merchant members are affiliated with the International Cotton Association.

ACSA subscribes to the implementation of industry wide best management practices and has been supportive of developing BMP modules at each stage of the movement of cotton beyond the farm gate.

ACSA has continued to support BMP by collaborating with Cotton Australia providing education to brand owners. ACSA also undertakes regular visits to both traditional emerging markets to promote Australian cotton.

It collaborates with organisations such as Cotton Australia, Cotton Research & Development Corporation and CSIRO and also ensures that messages from the market are fed back to those organisations that can influence the direction of our research and development. ACSA’s involvement with the latest industry marketing strategies of BCI and Cotton LEADS further reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement in placing Australian cotton as a premium product on the global textile stage. The interaction afforded by participating in these activities demonstrates ACSA’s commitment to the industry as a whole.

Office Bearers Chair Tony Geitz Louis Dreyfus Company Ph: 07 3253 5999

Vice Chair Matthew Bradd Ecom Commodities Ph: 02 9223 3631

Contact Secretariat Tracey Byrne-Morrison Tel 07 3848 3823 PO Box 4, Annerley QLD 4103 Web www.austcottonshippers.com.au Email cottonshippers@bigpond.com

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Cotton Classers’ Association of Australia The Cotton Classers’ Association of Australia (CCAA) has four member organisations and two associate member organisations.

The aim of the CCAA is to promote consistency between classing facilities within Australia, both merchant and independent.

The CCAA monitors this consistency through regular internal check tests for both visual and HVI testing. The CCAA is also involved in an international program – Commercial Standardisation of Instrument Testing (CSITC). All data from testing programs are analysed independently and results sent to classing facilities.

The CCAA is firmly committed to its BMP program to ensure that Australian cotton growers and end users worldwide have their cotton graded consistently under the best possible conditions.

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CCAA Best Management Practice If Australia is to maintain its reputation as a consistent supplier of high quality cotton it will need to ensure that classing facilities in Australia consistently specify their cotton. To do this the cotton classing sector is assessed independently to, amongst others, determine compliance with the current Best Management Practice (BMP) for Classing handbook, compiled by the Cotton Classers Association of Australia (CCAA), via formal audits. These audits are conducted currently by René van der Sluijs of CSIRO’s Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE), an organisation which is considered to be independent.

These audits allow individual

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In 2008 SERAFIN MACHINERY began as the sole Australian importer of the Baldan range of offset discs, seeders and spreaders. Formed 80 years ago, Baldan is a Brazilian company that specialises in manufacturing quality farming equipment for sale across five continents.

BALDAN PLOUGHS are well built, strong and heavy featuring oil bath bearings that are maintenance free and long lasting. The

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facilities to make technical and operational corrections to their practice so that ultimately the industry can achieve consistent and better precision of classing grades.

There are currently four classing facilities in Australia certified by Cotton Australia as compliant to the current version of the BMP handbook for classing.

Office Bearers President Greg Parle, Auscott Ltd Ph: 02 9439 0514 Secretary Andrew Baxter Australian Classing Services Ph: 02 6790 3052 Treasurer Michael Summers, Auscott Ltd Ph: 02 9439 0514

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COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 177

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Cotton Research and Development Corporation The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) invests in research, development and extension projects for the Australian cotton industry.

A partnership between the Commonwealth Government and the Australian cotton industry, CRDC exists to support the performance of the cotton industry – helping to increase both the productivity and profitability of growers.

In 2016–17, Australia’s 1250 cotton growers and the Government are co-investing $20.4 million through CRDC into approximately 200 RD&E projects. CRDC is partnering with over 90 research organisations, plus many growers, to conduct this RD&E across five key program areas: • Farmers; • Industry; • Customers • People; and, • Performance.

This investment continues CRDC’s long-standing commitment to cotton industry RD&E. Over the past 26 years, CRDC has invested some $300 million in industry research on behalf of growers and the Government. Two of the greatest success stories for the cotton industry – water use efficiency and pesticide use reduction – are the result of this RD&E, but the successes do not stop there.

Research is currently being conducted across the full scope of cotton production: pathology, biosecurity, insects and weeds, spray application, insecticides, Bt stewardship, energy use, nutrition and water use efficiency. There is work constantly underway to make cotton more productive, and profitable, for Australian cotton growers.

Importantly, connecting growers with this research is also a key focus for the CRDC, who are joint partners with Cotton Australia and CSD in the industry extension program, CottonInfo.

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For more information, visit our website: www.crdc.com.au.

Contact CRDC 2 Lloyd St, Narrabri NSW 2390 P: 02 6792 4088 E: crdc@crdc.com.au W: www.crdc.com.au

CRDC 2016 Board of Directors: Chair Richard Haire Deputy Chair Cleave Rogan Executive Director Bruce Finney Directors Michael Robinson, Kathryn Adams, Liz Alexander, Greg Kauter

CRDC team Executive Director Bruce Finney General Manager, R&D Investment Ian Taylor General Manager, Business and Finance Graeme Tolson CottonInfo Program Manager Warwick Waters Communications Manager Ruth Redfern R&D Program Manager Allan Williams R&D Program Manager Jane Trindall R&D Program Manager Susan Maas Accountant Emily Luff Accounts Officer Melanie Moloney Executive Assistant Dianne Purcell Project Administration Assistant Megan Baker Project Administration Assistant Amy Withington

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Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd With a heritage of 50 years of service, Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd (CSD) is the leading supplier of quality cotton planting seed to the Australian Cotton Industry. CSD was formed through the vision of Australia’s foundation cotton growers and remains committed to the success of Australian cotton growers. CSD has developed a long successful partnership with the CSIRO Cotton Breeding Program. This relationship goes from strength to strength and today, CSD is a major investor in cotton breeding and cotton research and development that is keenly focused on the very specific needs of Australian growers.

Our objective is to deliver the cotton industry elite varieties that are specifically bred and adapted to suit local growing conditions, delivering yield and quality outcomes to keep Australian growers at the premium end of the global fibre market.

On behalf of the cotton industry, CSD takes an active role in the development and licensing of biotechnology traits that add value to the overall performance of CSD varieties and to Australian growers.

Among the core activities of CSD are: • Large-scale replicated trials focused on new and existing varieties and technologies to assess performance across diverse environmental conditions. These trials are an extension of the CSIRO breeding program. Annually we aim to conduct over 140 trials across the length and breadth of industry, all managed in accordance with industry protocols.

• Provision of industry wide extension services focused on cotton production and agronomy. This service is provided by our dedicated, locally based Extension and Development team.

• The development and production of a range of timely and topical publications which address important seasonal issues for growers and consultants.

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• Development of a comprehensive and interactive website, featuring a blend of tools and material such as trial results, soil temperature data, research, variety, pest, disease, agronomy and management data.

• Delivery of annual Cotton Management Tour which covers all major cotton growing regions, facilitating face to face interaction.

• Feedback and discussion of topical matters.

• The production of seed crops with dedicated and experienced seed increase growers, based on world’s best seed production practices.

This ensures that CSD is able to supply commercial volumes of elite varieties to growers ‘in full on time.’

• The development of modern cotton seed storage, processing and treatment facilities which offer

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growers unmatched supply flexibility and service.

• Partner in the CottonInfo joint venture with CRDC and Cotton Australia to further assist with delivery of research based outcomes for Australian cotton growers, and the wider industry.

For further information please visit the CSD website at www.csd.net.au.

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Executive Team Managing Director Peter Graham Executive Assistant Kylie Bruinsma General Manager, Development and Communications Philip Armytage Group Chief Financial Officer David Coleman Extension and Development Agronomists Bob Ford (Macquarie and Bourke) Jorian Millyard (Lachlan and M.I.A) Rob Eveleigh (Namoi) James Quinn (Gwydir) Alex North (Border Rivers, Dirranbandi and St George) Sam Lee (Queensland) Chris Barry (Darling Downs and Central Queensland) Bec Cope (Support Agronomist)

Short term, skilled labour available now

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The-Gate offers a pool of skilled international farm workers with picker and other large machinery experience.

So to get the ball rolling on solving your short-term labour needs, go to www.the-gate.com.au and register (for free) on The-Gate’s database or contact Catherine on 0408 717 459

www.the-gate.com.au

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CotttonInfo Regional Extension Officers Annabel Twine (Darling Downs) Sally Dickinson (Border Rivers, Dirranbandi and St George) Geoff Hunter (Lower Namoi and Central Queensland) Amanda Thomas (Macquarie and Bourke) Kieran O’Keeffe (Southern NSW)

Staff Group Operations Manager Tony Stove Product Development Manager Phil Steel Laboratory, Seed Production and Quality Assurance Manager Brett Ross CSD Farming Manager Mark Cathcart Logistics John Galagher Scientific Officer Hannah Hartnett

Address Head Office ‘Shenstone’ 2952 Culgoora Road Wee Waa NSW 2388 PO Box 117, Wee Waa NSW 2388 Phone: 02 6795 0000 Fax: 02 6795 4966 Web: www.csd.net.au

Dalby Office Cnr Edward and Napier Streets PO Box 756 Dalby QLD 4405 Phone: 07 4662 6050 Fax: 07 4662 6060

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an interest in agronomy, benefit from developing relationships and sharing information with researchers, networking with their peers from different regions, receiving the latest information and being offered up-skilling opportunities.

The association’s members include those that are self-employed or work for independent consulting businesses or farming enterprises and those that are involved with research or work for product manufacturers, resellers and agribusiness.

CCA publishes a fortnightly e-newsletter, organises professional development events such as the popular Cropping Solutions Seminars and coordinates nationally significant industry projects. Each year CCA collects data on product use in the cotton industry with these data packages available for sale.

For further information contact Crop Consultants Australia Incorporated PO Box 349, Woombye QLD 4559 Mob: 0429 925 459 Fax: 07 3036 6357 E: info@cropconsultants.com.au www.cropconsultants.com.au

Wincott – Women Crop Consultants in Cotton Industry Network Australia Wincott – Women in Cotton – was

Crop Consultants Australia (CCA) supports those who provide agronomic advice to Australia’s cotton, grain, pulse and oilseed producers.

CCA assists both those who are building a career in this field and those who already have extensive experience.

The organisation provides avenues for members to strengthen their technical, business and communication skills. Agronomists, and those with 180 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

established in December 2000 with the objective of supporting rural women across the Australian cotton industry, through facilitating opportunities to connect with other rural women and develop both personal and professional knowledge and skills.

Over the years Wincott has continued to develop and expand, representing all women within our rural communities and the industry.

Wincott is driven by a group of dedicated volunteers, geographically spread across the cotton industry, who are passionate about their industry and supporting rural women.

Our achievements have been made possible through the support of organisations from many aspects of the industry. Key activities and programs that Wincott members have identified as being important for the next year include: • Personal and professional development; • Health and wellbeing; • Motivation and inspiration; • Business and finance; and, • Industry knowledge.

President Sally Dickinson (Goondiwindi) E: sally.dickinson@cottoninfo.net.au Mob: 0407 992 495 Vice President Karen Kirkby (Narrabri) E: karen.kirkby@dpi.nsw.gov.au Mob: 0428 944 500 Secretary Lauryn Riordan (Moree) E: marketing@koramba.com.au Mob: 0429 774 649 Treasurer and Public Officer Georgia Colley (Moree) E: georgia.colley@westpac.com.au Mob: 0427 521 008 Communications Officer Sophie Davidson (Sydney) E: sophied@cotton.org.au Mob: 0407 423 965 Regional Representatives Central Queensland: Gail Spargo and Sharna Holman Dawson/Theodore: Jess French Darling Downs: Georgie Krieg MacIntyre: Anna Power Namoi: Bec Cope Macquarie: Kylie Edwards Southern Region: Caroline Tuohey Lachlan: Jenny Cleton and Stacey Storrier Murrumbidgee: Elizabeth Stott and Hannah Stott

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REGIONAL COTTON GROWER ASSOCIATIONS Darling River Food & Fibre (Bourke) President Tony Thompson Ph: 02 6872 1999, Fax: 02 6872 3061 Vice President Ian Cole Ph: 02 6872 2833, Fax: 02 6872 1072

Darling Downs Cotton Growers Inc. President Adam McVeigh Ph: 07 4663 5168, Mob: 0427 635 309 E: mcveigh.trading@gmail.com

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Vice-President Jonathon Mengel Ph: 07 4668 0681, Fax: 07 4668 0624 Mob: 0427 790 402 Secretary Sandy Cowell Ph: 07 4636 2124 Mob: 0427 430 966 E: secretary@ddcgi.com.au Treasurer Dave Walton Mob: 0409 080 409 Address PO Box 114 Dalby Qld 4405 www.ddcgi.com.au

Dawson Valley Cotton Growers’ Association Address PO Box 18 Theodore, Qld. 4719 President Simon Green Mob: 0429 063 100 E: sgreen_badminton@activ8.net.au Secretary Bronwyn Christensen Mob: 0488 931 691, E: bronwync@cotton.org.au Treasurer Travis Anderson Mob: 04188078997 E: Anderson.travis@rocketmail.com

Mareeba

Cairns Innisfail Ingham

Townsville

Ayr

Cloncurry

Mackay

Rockhampton Emerald

7050 16015408 00010 RC Langtree & Company RC Langtree

12/19

Gladstone

Biloela

Blackall

Bundaberg

Miles

Quilpie

Wondai

Roma

Brisbane St George Goondiwindi Boggabilla Garah Moree Narrabri Dubbo

Forbes Hillston Griffith

Ouyen

Toowoomba

Grafton Armidale Tamworth

Gulgong Orange

Newcastle

Cowra West Wyalong Coleambally Albury / 79 Kerang Cobram Wodonga Cooma Bendigo

Horsham

Yarraville

W390532

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Dirranbandi Cotton Growers’ Association Address PO Box 332 Dirranbandi Qld 4486 President Simon Graham “Cubbie Station” Dirranbandi 4486 Secretary Brent Scott “Cubbie Station” Dirranbandi 4486 Ph: 07 4625 8989 E: Brents@cubbie.com.au Treasurer Douglas Crothers “Booligar” Dirranbandi 4486 Ph: 07 4625 0856, E: crothdl@ bigpond.com

Central Highlands Cotton Growers’ and Irrigators’ Association President Emma McCullagh Mob: 0438 789 488 E: cjandemma@bigpond.com Vice President Aaron Kiely Mob: 0411 702 236 E: ackiely@bigpond.net.au Treasurer/Secretary Samantha Elsden Mob: 0417 715 663 E: secretary@centralhighlandsirrigators. org.au Address PO Box 33 Emerald Qld 4720

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Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers’ Association Chair Sean Boland Auscott Moree Midkin, Moree Mob: 0428 591 875 E: sboland@auscott.com.au Vice Chairs Darren Hart Sundown Pastoral Co Keytah, Moree Mob: 0458 243 709u E: darren.hart@sundownpastoral.com.au Secretary/Treasurer: Zara Lowien Mob: 0427 521 399 Ph: 02 6752 1399, Fax: 02 6752 1499 E: gwydircotton@gwydircotton.com.au

Address PO Box 824 Moree NSW 2400

Lower Namoi Cotton Growers’ Association Chairman Daniel Kahl PO Box 10 Wee Waa NSW 2390 Mob: 0427 560 516 E: daniel_kahl@hotmail.com Vice Chair PJ Gileppa C/- Auscott Narrabri 21154 Kamilaroi Hwy (PO Box 303) Narrabri NSW 2390 Ph: 02 6799 1423 Mob: 0428 991 423 E: pjgileppa@auscott.com.au Secretary Phil Firth PO Box 335

Narrabri NSW 2390 Mob: 0427 657 532 E: pjfirthy@bigpond.com

Treasurer Amanda Gilmour PO Box 60 Wee Waa NSW 2388 Ph: 02 6795 5355, Fax: 02 6795 5356 E: arnfarm1@bigpond.com Cotton Australia Paul Sloman PO Box 322 Narrabri NSW 2390 Ph: 02 6792 6041, Fax: 02 6792 6042 Mob: 0448 094 883 All correspondence to: PO Box 388 Wee Waa NSW 2388

Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers’ Association Chairman Glen Smith Mob: 0428 537221 E: glen@evolutionfarming.com.au Vice-Chairman Tony Taylor Mob: 0438 440 868 E: nfagroman@bigpond.com.au Vice-Chairman Toby Makim Ph: 02 6753 5250 Mob: 0417 857 975 E: manager@koramba.com.au Andrew Newell Mob: 0418 182844 E: Andrew_newell_05@yahoo.com.au Treasurer Nigel Corish Ph: 07 4671 1530 Mob: 0409 904 500 E: yambocully@bigpond.com

Macquarie Cotton Growers’ Association Chairman Ryan Pratten 129 Dappo Rd, Narromine, NSW 2821 Mob: 0439 894 554 E: ryan.pratten@mpac.net.au

Yara Liquids offer innovative products to drive crop yields and support grower profitability. y Easy to handle – no lifting or storage of bags y Delivered ready to use – no mixing y Can be accurately metered & timely applied to supply crop requirements y Bulk loads reliably delivered to farm y Aids safe working practices 1800 684 266

Yara_Australia

au.sales@yara.com

www

www.yara.com.au

•

I N D U S T R Y

Vice Chairman Scott Vincent Mob: 0429 896 188 E: sncvincent@bigpond.com Secretary Kerry Duncan PO Box 130 Warren NSW 2824 Mob: 0427 889 62 E: admin@mcga.org.au

Menindee and Lower Darling Cotton Growers’ Association The MLDCGA was formed in 1998 by employees of Tandou Ltd to improve the flow of information and Cotton Australia’s services and resources to our isolated location.

Office PO Box 207 Menindee NSW 2879 Secretary/Treasurer Sammy-Jo Field Mob: 0427 256 501 E: sammyjo2880@hotmail.com

Mungindi Cotton Growers’ and Water Users’ Association Address PO Box 68, Mungindi 2406 President Anthony Barlow Mob: 0427 537 253 E: anbarlow@bigpond.com Vice President Tristan Herslett Mob: 042 877 1078 E: cotton@reardonfarms.com Secretary Merryn Barlow Mob: 0438 060 303 E: merrynwyadrigah@bigpond.com Treasurer Rebecca Longworth Mob: 0427 151 018 E: rlongworth@southbunarba.com.au

184 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

O R G A N I S AT I O N S

B Y

A D A M A •

THIS SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Southern Valleys’ Cotton Growers Association Address PO Box 41 Whitton, NSW 2705 President John Durham Mob: 0475 831 093 E: jdurham@agcap.com.au Vice President Justin Macmillan Mob: 0400 861 017 E: jmcmillan@auscott.com.au Secretary Madison Coelli Mob: 0419 401 364 E: admin@svcga.com.au Treasurer Helette Ferreira Mob: 0457 573 113 E: ferreiras@bigpond.com

St George Cotton Growers’ Association Address PO Box 424 St George 4487 President Scott Armstrong Mob: 0418 721 444 E: president@sgecga.com Vice President Luke Stower Mob: 0409 692 404 Secretary Jane Hill Mob: 0419 259 194 E: secretary@sgecga.com Treasurer Bec Lindert Mob: 0417 761 533 E: treasurer@sgecga.com

Upper Namoi Cotton Growers’ Association Address PO Box 855 Gunnedah 2380 President Nat Groves Mob: 0458 434 468 E: nkgpastoral@gmail.com Vice President Nick Beer Mob: 0429 868 920 E: nickbeer11@hotmail.com Secretary/Treasurers Julie Glover Mob: 0427 426 393 E: Weetaliba@bigpond.com Scott Davies Mob: 0427 445 282 E: scott@carrollcotton.com.au

Walgett Cotton Growers’ Association President Jack Harris Mob: 0428 657 436 E: jack@pjhsons.com Vice President Bernie Bierhoff Mob: 0427 293 069 E: berniebierhoff@bigpond.com.au Secretary Lori Nemec c/- ‘Carlton’ Walgett NSW 2832 Mob: 0427 693 796 E: lanemec@yahoo.com

185

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Packaging ������������������������� 199 Petroleum �������������������������� 200 Pipes ��������������������������������� 200 Real Estate ������������������������ 201 Seed Supplies �������������������� 201 Specialist Tuning ��������������� 202 Tillage ������������������������������� 202 Training ����������������������������� 203 Tyres ��������������������������������� 204 Advertisers’ Index ������������� 204

S E C T I O N

TRADE DIRECTORY

Ag Chemicals & Fertilisers � 186 Classing ���������������������������� 189 Education �������������������������� 189 Employment ���������������������� 189 Ginning ����������������������������� 190 Ginning & Marketing �������� 191 Insurance �������������������������� 191 Irrigation ��������������������������� 192 Machinery ������������������������� 195 Marketing ������������������������� 199

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u AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS u

Leading the way in cotton technology Australia’s largest and most trusted range of cotton crop solutions Including: • Albatross • Cotogard • Escalate UltraMax • Lascar • Oracle • Primal • Promote Plus 900 • Pyrinex Super • Receptor • Reward • Skope • Wizard ®

®

®

®

®

®

AVAILABLE IN 2017 Collarenebri Goondiwindi Moree Mungindi Narrabri North Star

02 6759 5500 07 4670 0010 02 6750 7000 02 6753 2143 02 6790 5101 07 4676 3240

®

®

®

www.bwrural.com

®

®

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

adama.com 186 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Barmac Announcement:

“We are the proud distributors for SmartBox” SmartBox a Smart Start for Better Yields

®

Central QLD Brett Hansen: 0429 448 315 Southern QLD Graeme Champney: 0409 623 919 South West QLD/North West NSW Robert Lomman: 0417 786 681 Namoi Valley and Bourke Peta Miguel: 0418 905 613 Macquarie and Lachlan Valleys Stuart Moncrieff: 0429 461 205 MIA and Hillston Ben Hogg: 0429 660 031 State Manager - QLD Marg Castleden: 0429 888 822 State Manager - NSW Shane Rudd: 0448 734 844 Market Development Manager - QLD Jonathan McDonald: 0408 206 601 Market Development Manager - NSW Harry Pickering: 0428 236 654

a division of Amgrow Australia Pty Ltd

Safe Closed Handling System Application Accuracy Primed for Precision Farming Hay Coleambally Griffith Trangie Gunnedah Dalby Toowoomba Jandowae Theodore Emerald

02 6993 1007 02 6954 4388 02 6969 2900 02 6888 7599 02 6748 3000 07 4662 2511 07 4690 7777 07 4668 5304 07 4993 1355 07 4982 1055

www.elders.com.au

Thimet 200G For the control of sucking insect pests and mites in various crops For more information on these products contact your local Barmac Territory Manager on 07 3802 5050 Barmac (A Division of Amgrow Australia Pty Ltd) ABN 22 069 900 456, A: 82 Christensen Road, Stapylton, Qld 4207 W: www.barmac.com.au

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u AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS u

Why go past…

For the best Crop Inputs & Precision Ag Services: • Dependable supply.

• Competitive pricing.

• Full range of quality products.

Ground Up Protection for the Australian Cotton Industry

Australia is 100% Australian Owned All Products QA Tested Proven Reliability Assured Economical

Backed with:

• Professional advice and service from qualified and experienced people.

COTTON GROWERS SERVICES Pty. Ltd. Head Office Gunnedah Hay Hillston Moree Narrabri Warren Wee Waa Dalby Emerald Dirranbandi Goondiwindi St George

Phone

Facsimile

02 6795 3100 02 6742 6444 07 4625 2294 02 6967 1133 02 6752 6500 02 6792 2022 02 6847 4703 02 6795 4055 07 4662 4933 07 4982 2255 07 4625 2294 07 4671 3517 02 6993 4155

02 6795 4275 02 6742 6440 07 4625 2295 02 6967 2909 02 6752 2065 02 6792 2866 02 6847 4998 02 6795 4469 07 4662 4930 07 4982 3986 07 4625 2295 07 4671 3552 02 6993 4166

See: www.cgs.com.au for more information.

1300 781 649

www.echem.com.au

Contact us now for the full trial write up and more information on how B&B Flow-fine can fit into you existing fertiliser regime.

And keep a look out for more information on the registration of the exciting new bio-insecticide Sero-X from our sister company Innovate Ag.

Growth Agriculture Pty Ltd 77A Rose Street Wee Waa NSW 2388

Free Call: 1800 440 438 E: info@growthag.com.au Web: www.growthag.com.au

S E C T I O N 11

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 187

TRADE DIRECTORY

HEAD OFFICE:

52 Boolcarrol Rd, Wee Waa NSW 2388 Ph: (02) 6795 3100 Fax: (02) 6795 4275

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T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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u AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS u

ROHAN SIPPEL Regional Business Manager Central Queensland & Dawson/Callide 0400 299 985 rohan.sippel@monsanto.com

MICK FING Regional Business Manager Darling Downs & St George/ Dirranbandi 0417 305 717 michael.fing@monsanto.com

RETAIN MONSANTO WARRANTIES

TOM LUFF Regional Business Manager Gwydir, Macintyre & Mungindi 0400 491 902 thomas.bernard.luff@monsanto.com

OUTSTANDING CROP SAFETY

PAUL BRADY Regional Business Manager Namoi & Walgett 0409 935 513 paul.1.brady@monsanto com

PROVEN WEED CONTROL PERFORMANCE

LUKE SAMPSON Regional Business Manager Lachlan, Macquarie, Bourke & Southern NSW 0427 701 986 luke.sampson@monsanto.com

MARK DAWSON Sales Lead

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

0428 106 090 mark.m.dawson@monsanto.com

®

www.monsanto.com.au 188 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

For more information contact your local Sinochem Area Sales Manager:

QLD & NORTHERN NSW Scott Campbell 0448 813 300 CENTRAL & NORTHERN NSW Hugo Graesser 0499 015 110 SOUTHERN NSW Kevin Sternberg 0428 657 781

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u AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS u u CLASSING u

Professional Independent Classing

Independent classing for the Australian cotton industry Tel: 07 4671 0333 Fax: 07 4671 1333 Mobile: 0428 710 333 Email: jon@proclass.com.au ProClass Pty ltd 7 Troy Drive Goondiwindi Qld, 4390

Mirids & Aphids sucking your profits?

Insist on MainMan.

u EMPLOYMENT u From Emerald to Victoria

WE KNOW COTTON

Labour Solutions Australia can provide all types of ginning staff, machine operators and irrigators...

MainMan is the highly active new insecticide that’s deadly for aphids, myrids and other sucking pests, yet environmentally safe to foraging honey bees, other beneficial insects, and all crops.

T: +61 7 4671 0325 F: +61 7 4671 0125 www.laboursolutions.com.au

Yara Crop Nutrition

MainMan works on direct contact and ingestion, controlling both adult and immature stages.

It has low dosage, it’s long lasting and economical to use. MainMan has no documented cross-resistance with existing insecticides, and is suitable for all IPM and IRM programs.

- Crop Knowledge - Portfolio Combinations - Application Competence

bleed

MainMan has a new mode of action for the innovative control of sucking pests.

It’s easy to use and eliminates Aphids and Mirids fast. Visit your local accredited distributor today!

Yara Australia Pty. Ltd. Level 1, 6 Holt Street McMahons Point NSW 2060 Toll Free: 1800 684 266 Website: www.yara.com.au

www.uplaustralia.com

u EDUCATION u

Keeping your property clean is easier than you think...

Register your eligible agvet chemicals online for collection with ChemClear

Pegister at

www.chemclear.com.au

or call 1800 008 182

® Registered Trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 189 Directory ad_Mono.indd 1

28/10/2015 1:34 pm

S E C T I O N 11

Phone: 1800 610 150

TRADE DIRECTORY

For further information please contact UPL Australia Limited.

•

u EDUCATION u

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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u GINNING u

LOOK UP

NORTH WEST GINNING

FOR YOUR MATES

PTY. LTD.

Contact with overhead powerlines can kill.

So for your sake and your mate’s, please look up and live.

For electrical safety information specific to your industry, visit ergon.com.au/lookupandlive

“LARGE ENOUGH TO SERVE, BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE.” Lummus Corporation is the world’s leading full-line supplier of machinery and replacement parts for the cotton ginning industry worldwide, under our Lummus, Consolidated, and BeltWide brands. We also provide design, installation, field and technical service support for our customers throughout the world.

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

The Cotton Production Course: Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Courses in Cotton Production Educating today’s cotton industry for tomorrow!

For further information visit

www.une.edu.au or www.crdc.com.au Brendan Griffiths – bgriffi2@une.edu.au 0427 715 990 Taking enrolments now for 2017

190 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

LUMMUS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD One of Australia’s largest stockists of Timken Bearings & Gates Belts.

Visit us instore today at 55 Tycannah Street Moree.

MANAGER@LUMMUS.COM.AU 61 02 67511 088

YOUR

QUALITY AND

SERVICE

GINNING COMPANY FROM FIELD TO BALE Talk to Wayne Clissold or Robert Kennedy about your individual ginning requirements

Whittaker’s Lagoon, PO Box 916, MOREE, NSW, 2400 Ph: 02 6752 3966 – Fax: 02 6751 1067 E: manager@nwgin.com.au

•

T R A D E

u GINNING & MARKETING u

www.namoicotton.com.au

For all your Cotton Ginning, Cotton Seed & Marketing needs…

Macquarie Valley Kylie Edwards: Trangie Gin: Nth Bourke Gin:

0429 092 902 (02) 6888 9729 (02) 6872 1453

Gwydir Valley David Lindsay: Sandy Young: Ashley Gin: Wathagar Gin: Moomin Gin:

0428 657 294 0429 920 980 (02) 6754 2150 (02) 6752 5200 (02) 6796 5102

Namoi Valley Ross Brown: Sandy Young: Merah Nth Gin: Boggabri Gin: Yarraman Gin:

0429 903 047 0429 920 980 (02) 6795 5124 (02) 6743 4084 (02) 6795 5219

D I R E C T O R Y

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u INSURANCE u

Achmea Australia – helping you manage and insure against risk.

Achmea Australia, the fastest growing agricultural insurance company in Australia, is committed to helping our clients manage and insure against risk. Specialising in general insurance with our All-In-One Farm Pack, we believe in forging genuine partnerships with our clients.

Your local Achmea Australia Risk Specialists are Renae Wynne, based in Griffith, and Greg Peet, based in Dalby.

Please contact Renae or Greg to discuss your rural insurance needs.

Renae Wynne Achmea Australia Risk Specialist Level 1, 110 Yambil Street, Griffith, NSW 2680 T 02 6969 7710 M 0437 968 787 E renae.wynne@achmea.com.au Greg Peet Achmea Australia Risk Specialist 25 New Street, Dalby, QLD 4405 T 07 4660 8712 M 0428 374 017 E greg.peet@achmea.com.au www.achmea.com.au

Lachlan & Murrumbidgee Kylie Edwards: 0429 092 902 Ross Brown: 0429 903 047 Hillston Gin: (02) 6967 2951

0427 790 056

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 191

S E C T I O N 11

Darling Downs Jessica Strauch

This advertisement is general in nature. You should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and any relevant Product Disclosure Statement, before making any financial decisions.

Product Disclosure Statements are available on our website www.achmea.com.au Achmea Schadeverzekeringen N.V. ABN 86 158 237 702 AFSL 433 984

TRADE DIRECTORY

Goondiwindi & Mungindi 0488 080 254 Owen Webb: Jessica Strauch 0427 790 056 (07) 4671 2277 MacIntyre Gin: Mungindi Gin: (02) 6753 2145

•

u INSURANCE u

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

•

u IRRIGATION u

u IRRIGATION u THE T-L DIFFERENCE

PROVEN TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS!

COTTON 2017

Do it Right Do it Once It’s Cheaper

Safe Hydraulic irrigators • Centre Pivots • Repipes • Lateral Irrigators • Spare parts

The Choice is Simple.

Clean your water BEFORE it gets to the pump

Qualified local engineers with over 50 years experience are ready to help you get the best from your irrigation system.

Narrabri Warren Jim Purcell Anthony Fairfull

02 6792 1265 02 6847 3446 0429 902 584 0428 921 265

www.aquatechconsulting.com.au

A rotating, water driven, self-cleaning screen that dependably delivers good water quality from depths as low as 4 inches.

BOXBLADE

Boxblade Finishing Scraper / Land Leveller

Pump stations and infrastructure DESIGN MANUFACTURE INSTALLATION

Prices start from

$13,200 INC GST 20ʼ - 45ʼ

China pumps and pump exchanges—24/7 Water meter verifications and sales Call 1300 477 483 www.irritek.com.aux Supplier of

High Speed Tillage

BEST VALVES

Channel Gates and Check Valves • Best Quality • Best Design • Best Price

Australia wide Call 1300 477 483

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

744 Carnarvon Hwy Moree NSW 2400 Contact us on 1300 477 483 or Email: administration@irritek.com.au www.irritek.com.au 192 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Eagle i Machinery Pty Ltd Newell Hwy (PO Box 189) Finley NSW 2713

T (03) 5883 2391 F (03) 5883 3179 E office@www.eaglei.com.au

www.eaglei.com.au

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

•

u IRRIGATION u

ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT SHIFTING WATER

THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE

IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS THAT INCREASE YOUR PROFITS For more information talk to your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer or visit www.precisionirrigation.co.nz/fieldnet

0458 967 424

infoaustralia@lindsay.com

IF YOU DON’T OWN AN ORNEL®, THEN PROBABLY NOT ORNEL® – SERIOUS WATER TRANSFER SINCE 1960

Eliminate syphons with Padman Stops labour saving pipe ends Padman Stops with over 26 years’ experience, can provide you: l Maximum labour efficiency l Cost effective irrigation systems l No ongoing pumping costs l Water savings between 30% and 58% l Durable, low maintenance outlets

Check out the Padman Stops website for a full range of our products

www.padmanstops.com.au

www.ornel.com SMK CONSULTANTS PTY. LTD. surveying – irrigation – environmental

Contact Ralph Kinsella, Mike Henderson

Innovative Irrigation Solutions COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 193

S E C T I O N 11

Contact: Paul Covell, Peter Taylor

GOONDIWINDI: Ph (07) 4671 2445 Fax (07) 4671 2561 Email: qld@smk.com.au

Padman Stops

TRADE DIRECTORY

MOREE: Ph (02) 6752 1640 Fax (02) 6752 5070 Email: ptaylor@smk.com.au

42 Bridge Road, Griffth, NSW 2680 02 6962 9601 pumps@floodlifter.com

MAKE THE CHANGE TODAY

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

•

u IRRIGATION u

“Leaders in Irrigation Efficiency” Gunnedah Mark Schmitt 0408 089 036

Goondiwindi Richard Gower 0408 089 619

www.pivotirrigation.com.au

The leader in precision irrigation CENTRE PIVOT and LATERAL MOVE IRRIGATION

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

VALMONT IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA www.teamirrigation.com.au Dubbo

PH: 02 6885 5220 194 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

PO Box 3192, Darra, Qld 4076

Ph: 1800 VALLEY www.valley-au.com vaus@valmont.com

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T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

u IRRIGATION u

•

u MACHINERY u

DRIVING

YOUR COTTON HARVEST

SPECIALISTS IN:

FURTHER

Water Metering - Water Metering Technology M.A.C.E. - Krohne - Flexim Clamp on Meters Pumps - Grundfos - Southern Cross - Lowara - Onga Sub Surface Drip Fertigation Certifed Meter Installers Certifed Meter Validator Farm Management - Tank Monitoring - Pump Controls - Soil Moisture Monitoring - Weather Stations - Rain Gauges

- Simple, adjustable track width - Proven low compaction track system - Versatility of a compact-sized tractor - Handling Australian conditions for over 30 years

Bonfiglioli's advanced design and quality gearmotors deliver outstanding performance, efficiencies and overall cost savings.

As a world wide leader in Industrial Power Transmission Gearboxes, Bonfi glioli is committed to enduring qualit y and excellence.

Bonfiglioli’s extensive range of Planetary, Helical, Bevel and Worm gearmotors and their modular combinations provides unprecedented choice. Our compact gearmotor range has been engineered to deliver real savings and is backed by a 2 year warranty*

110 Gwydir Street Moree NSW 2400

(02) 6752 5077

All is supported by a dedicated Drive Service Centre, extensive local warehoused stock and a team of highly qualifi ed technicians, safe-guarding product selection, CNC assembly and quality control. * Subject to application and selection verification by BTA

Branches Australia Wide

Ph 1300 656 757

www.bonfiglioli.com.au

S E C T I O N 11

TRADE DIRECTORY

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 195

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u MACHINERY u

“We knew that our conventional ‘cotton reel’ spacers were weakening the front axle assembly and messing with the steering.

We had to offer our customers something else...”

Some twenty five years ago, C&C Machining and Engineering (named Tasweld at the time) were approached by Jamie Grant to extend the axles of his John Deere tractor to three metre centres for Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF). Since then, a lot has changed. The number of farmers practicing CTF has increased and so has the variation in machine types.

“We knew that our conventional ‘cotton reel’ spacers were weakening the front axle assembly and messing with the steering. We were worried about the new independent front suspension systems being offered

by Fendt and John Deere. We had to offer our customers something else. After an extensive R&D process we are happy to give farmers the option to use front weights and heavy implements on wide spacing without fear of damage”.

The bolt-in kits take a few hours to assemble and are fully reversible if the customer wants to sell the tractor or kit separately.

C&C now offer wheel spacing solutions for nearly every machine out there.

“It’s a constant R&D process. These days everything is computer designed and tested and then CNC machined. We have just designed a kit for a Claas header so we are excited to see how that goes.”

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

More of C&C’s work can be found at www.ctfextensions.com

196 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

Achieving more using less with the G4 Crop Cruiser

Meeting the challenges farmers face today takes more than innovative technology and equipment.

It takes committed people.

Our commitment is to keep you going around the clock, season after season.

To climb aboard a Crop Cruiser is to climb aboard Australia’s own world class self propelled sprayer. Designed to the requirements of Australia’s unique and diverse broadacre farming community, the Crop Cruiser has established a reputation as the smart farmer’s sprayer of choice

Because the heart of farming beats red.

Connect with us!

Visit www.caseih.com

DEALER HOTLINE 1300 301 853 goldacres.com.au

SAVE TIME, FUEL & LABOUR! IDEAL FOR COTTON, CORN, SORGHUM AND CEREALS

• Efficient pupae control • Reduce field preparation time • Effective weed and regrowth control • E xcellent crop residue and stubble incorporation

Phone 1800 CASE IH 1800 227 344 Search for Case IH Australia on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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u MACHINERY u

• Uniform spray quality and control in all applications • Superior coverage in large, dense canopies • Drift control benefits • Available on current Miller Condors and Nitros, including the new 6000* series

*Large frame only

Free call 1800 635 199

www.westfieldaugers.com.au/ac

S E C T I O N 11

TRADE DIRECTORY

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 197

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u MACHINERY u

Agricultural Superstore - Sprayers - Tractors and Attachments - Harvesters - Headers - GPS and Autosteer Software - Mulchers, Slashers, Spreaders - Lawn Mowers & UTVs - Parts, Service and Used Equipment

YOUR SIMPLICITY — DISPLAYED YOUR WAY Don’t want to learn or buy a new screen just to control your new Simplicity Air Seeder — now you don’t have to!

smsales@serafin.com.au serafinagpro.com.au

02 6964 4777 Moisture Meter mounts on any JD round bale picker

Now connects to

Green Star Bale Track

Building on our reputation for simple flexibility, Simplicity is pleased to offer our most flexible control platform yet. The Topcon ‘Apollo’ control module is designed to control your seeder with purpose-designed software on a screen you already own.* Using ‘Virtual Terminal’ display, the ‘Apollo’ module gives the operator full in-cab rate control and also allows for precision application from prepared maps. Recording of product application rates and monitoring all standard functions like your fan speed and bin levels offer piece-of-mind on platforms you’re already familiar with.

Our latest VT compatible system joins our existing controller options; the simple and reliable E15 Eagle console and the Topcon X30; for the ultimate in seeder control and functionality.

Speak to your local Simplicity dealer today to secure your Simplicity Seeder the way you want it for 2017 Seeding. *Screen must be ISO compliant and have unlocked Virtual Terminal display function

Please contact us to find out more www.vomax.com.au

Richard Millyard: 0428 573 511

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

richardm@vomax.com.au

Simply check our website for your nearest dealer!

198 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

ON COTT R OU N I S I DNA Fast Response Robust Backup Qualified People Early Order Planning Precision Farming Solutions Call us about our service plans, parts programmes and of course John Deere Finance

Toowoomba St George Chinchilla Emerald Biloela

07 4631 4800 07 4625 3666 07 4662 7006 07 4982 1556 07 4992 1800

1 300 VANDER vanderfield.com.au

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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u MARKETING u

COMMITTED TO COTTON SINCE 1788 For all marketing enquiries please contact

Tim Storck on 0417 269 063

Raw Cotton

A LOCAL PRESENCE – OUR STRENGTH FOR OVER 100 YEARS

For marketing and ginning enquiries: Central QLD / All Valleys Cathy Cook – 0407 253 784 Michael Thompson – 0407 712 880 Darling Downs Tobin Cherry – 0418 244 699

Tim Whan: 0448 444 015 Peter Horton: 0448 777 358 Ian Grellman: 0448 333 959

Reinhart Australia Pty Limited Unit 10A, Central Plaza 532-542 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Ph: +61 (7) 4637 9070 Fax: + 61 (7) 4613 0947 E: mail@reinhart.net.au

Cotton Seed and Grains Dan Quigley: 0420 983 887

General Enquiries: Roger Tomkins: 07 3399 4890 admin@sgcotton.com.au

u PACKAGING u

St George / Dirrabandi Juanita Park – 0428 753 282 MacIntyre Valley, Gwydir & Namoi Valley Andrew Cook – 0428 441 676 Macquarie, Bourke & Southern Valleys Rodney St. Clair – 0438 768 609 For cotton seed enquiries: Richard Porter – 0418 750 973

Comprehensive Innovative Packaging and Unitizing Solutions

THE JENGLO™ MODEL 100 Automatic Bagging System will:

• One Person Operation • Pull two USDA, JCIBPC required pre-cut samples and deliver to the operator • Cycles at over 100 BPH • Can be Operated in Manual

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 199

S E C T I O N 11

Contact Nic Thomson at (04) 3114 7898 or visit us on our website www.samuelstrapping.com

TRADE DIRECTORY

Ph 07 3367 1801

•

u PACKAGING u

NEW TECHNOLOGY

GinFast is Signode’s revolutionary new cotton bale packaging system.

GinFast introduces a paradigm shift • Frees up the press in under 5 seconds • Increased productivity – up to 90 bales per hour • Robust design – limited maintenance interventions • Bags are made from highly orientated woven PET tapes – no contamination

Modular quick change strapping heads • Most efficient strapping machine with modular M-634Z heads • Modules changed out between bales without the use of tools • Heads are serviced while production continues unaffected at full capacity

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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u PETROLEUM u

• Depots run by locals in cotton growing regions including St George, Goondiwindi, Duaringa, Hillston, Moree and Dalby • Diesel, Petrol and Aviation fuel deliveries available in bulk • Variety of self-bunded fuel tanks including aviation solutions • A network of over 60 unmanned 24/7 Diesel Stops across Australia • Convenient IOR Tag fuel access with no monthly fees Depending on your requirements, IOR can establish a private Diesel Stop for your own use in your yard or depot to cut your operating time and costs.

This is the same technology and quality fuel utilised in all IOR 24/7 Diesel Stops.

People you can Trust and Service you can rely on

Leading the way in fuel + lubricant distribution since 1977

At Lowes, we are commited to the local community, providing quality products and more effective solutions to our customers lowespetrol.com.au

1300 4 LOWES

u PIPES u

Australian Made PET Strap for Australian grown cotton • Shorter lead time from order to delivery means easier planning for you • Top-up orders are an option – no strings attached

Minimize Downtime

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

Maximise Productivity

Proudly Australian Owned & Operated

200 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

E-mail: ron@cmpmanufacturing.com.au Mob: 0427 740 284 www.cmpmanufacturing.com.au

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u PIPES u

STEEL PIPE

T R A D E

Ph: 02 6792 2701 Fx: 02 6792 1256 Mob: 0427 922 701 E: colin@bnbeng.com.au

We stock a large range & tonnage of steel pipe from 168mm od to 2000mm od in various wall thickness, plus we are able to source almost any steel section you could have a requirement for in irrigation and most other rural industries As an independent trader, we have accounts with most of the major steel manufacturers and importers, so our access to new steel stocks is potentially infinite.

We don’t receive commissions – our trading history and buying power allows us to negotiate the best deals for our clients, what this means for you is, we work for you.

BnB Engineering also Stock & Repair many different styles of pump including: • China pumps • Axial flow pumps • And much more We don’t just stock Steel Pipe we also stock Irrigation Gates in sizes ranging from: • 450mm to 1800mm • 2 metre (Low head) to • 10 metre (High head)

Specialists in the Sale and Valuation of Rural Properties • Rural Properties • Auctions • Water Trading • Property Management Paul Kelly Cliff Brown Michelle Tucker Sandy Bailey

• Town Sales • Clearing Sales • Registered Valuers • Cargill Cotton Agents

u SEED SUPPLIES u

Leaders in the field

0428 281 428 0428 669 173 0427 522 585 0406 109 492 Fax: 02 6766 5801

RURAL VALUATIONS URBAN VALUATONS SPECIALISED VALUATIONS

Website: www.opg.net

Email: tamworth.info@opg.net

Ray White Rural Moree Ray White Rural International

Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) has a proud heritage of supporting the Australian Cotton Grower.

Being member owned and grower focused, no one knows the needs of the Australian Cotton Grower like CSD.

Ray White Rural Moree Tim Lyne 0428 657 174 tim.moree@raywhite.com Ed Wisemantel 0423 070 103 ed.wisemantel@raywhite.com

CSD actively invests in local research and breeding to ensure the Australian Cotton Growers are leaders in the field in a competitive global market.

Contact your local CSD Agronomist today to discuss your growing options.

NAMOI

GWYDIR

ROBERT EVELEIGH

JAMES QUINN

0427 915 921

0428 950 028

roberte@csd.net.au

jquinn@csd.net.au

Ray White Rural International

SOUTHERN NSW

CENTRAL NSW

0428 667 831 bruce.gunning@raywhite.com

JORIAN MILLYARD

BOB FORD

0428 950 009

0428 950 015

jmillyard@csd.net.au

bford@csd.net.au

QUEENSLAND SAM LEE

DARLING DOWNS & CENTRAL QLD

0427 437 236

CHRIS BARRY 0491 212 705

saml@csd.net.au

cbarry@csd.net.au

SUPPORT AGRONOMIST BEC COPE 0428 950 054 bcope@csd.net.au

Fax (02) 6795 4966 Web www.csd.net.au

COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 201

S E C T I O N 11

Phone (02) 6795 0000

TRADE DIRECTORY

Give us the opportunity to save you money – at the very least we can confirm if your current supplier is looking after you!

•

u REAL ESTATE u

Phone: 02 6766 3442

ENGINEERING

D I R E C T O R Y

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

•

u SPECIALIST TUNING u

u TILLAGE u

Maximize your picker’s fuel efficiency, ground speed and productivity with Agri Tune’s custom software solutions • • • • • • • • • • • •

Advantage Tuning specialises in diesel engine software management or remapping/tuning electronically controlled engines in all modern diesel applications. We strive to increase performance, reduce fuel consumption, optimise torque and maximise efficiency. Our target audience is, but not limited to, heavy industry which includes agriculture, on-highway trucking, mining, construction and civil as well as marine. Essentially any industry, where diesel engines can be optimised, to increase profit margins through lowering customers’ input cost.

• • • •

• • • • • •

EURO 3, 4, 5, 6

Tuning solutions are available for most Euro 3, 4, 5 and 6 engines as well as Tier 3, 4 and 4B engines. Alterations to the software controlling these engines can dramatically decrease machine downtime and increase overall efficiency.

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

If you have questions regarding out running options for late model diesel engines please feel free to contact us via the webpage, facebook or phone.

Advantage Tuning

www.advantagetuning.com.au 202 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

MORE THAN

250 PICKERS TUNED DEDICATED SOFTWARE ENGINEERS SPECIALISING IN: Caterpillar, Cummins, John Deere, Case, New Holland, Fendt & more Facebook.com/AgrituneAustralia Find your local nationwide dealer at:

Agritune.com.au

•

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

•

u TILLAGE u

SERAFIN M AC H I N E RY The No-Till Specialists

- Disc Seeders - Offset Discs, Tandem Discs - Garlic Equipment - Rotary Hoes, Mulchers - Parts, Service & Used Equipment

smsales@serafin.com.au serafinmachinery.com.au

1300 737 586 u TRAINING & EDUCATION u Countryco Training Pty Ltd Geoff Paton 76 Russell Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350 Tel: (07) 4639 4919, Fax: (07) 4639 4920 Mob: 0428 667 939, Email: countrycotrain.audit@bigpond.com www.countryco.com.au

TRAINER: Ag Chem Accreditation Vet Chem Accreditation Supervision Skills

Contact us for information on our dryland cotton removal solutions 86–96 Industrial Avenue.

Toowoomba. QLD 4350

07 4634 0800

www.the-gate.com.au COTTON YEARBOOK 2016 — 203

S E C T I O N 11

Sales & Service

So to get the ball rolling on solving your short-term labour needs, go to www.the-gate. com.au and register (for free) on The-Gate’s database or contact Catherine on 0408 717 459

TRADE DIRECTORY

www.ttq.net.au

Short term, skilled labour available now

•

u TYRES u

07 4699 9722 www.bigtyre.com.au

TRADE DIRECTORY

S E C T I O N 11

Tyres Wheels & Rubber Tracks

204 — COTTON YEARBOOK 2016

T R A D E

D I R E C T O R Y

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Advertisers’ Index Achmea Australia ������������������������17,191 Adama �����������������������113, 173, 175, 186 Advantage Tuning �����������������������27, 202 Agri Tune ������������������������������������23, 202 AgriRisk Services ��������������������������2, 192 Aquatech Consulting �������������������94, 192 Barcoo �������������������������������������������������60 B&W Rural – Elders ��������������������31, 186 Barmac ����������������������������������������69, 186 Big Tyre ����������������������������34, 35, 47, 204 BnB Engineering ��������������������������99, 201 Bonfiglioni ������������������������������������9, 195 Bridge Commodities ������������������111, 199 C & C Machining & Engineering ���������������������������135, 196 Case IH �������������������������������������105, 196 Challenger �����������������������������������13, 195 Charlton’s Fishing ������������������������������142 CMP Manufacturing ��������������������18, 200 Cotton Equipment ������������������Insert, 196 Cotton Grower Services �������������IFC, 187 Cotton Seed Distributors ������61, 67, 201 Countryco Training ��������������������106, 203 Dinner Plain �����������������������������������������48 drumMUSTER ����������������������������119, 189 Eagle I �������������������������������������������1, 192 eChem �����������������������������������������15, 187 Ergon Energy �������������������������������81, 190 Essential Energy ������������������������107, 190 Excel – Gyral �����������������������������4, 7, 203 Filtermax ������������������������������������26, 197 Floodlifter ����������������������������95, 102, 193 Gessner Industries �������������������OBC, 202 Goldacres ����������������������������������131, 196 Growth Ag �����������������������������������25, 187 Incitec Pivot Fertilisers ���������������117, 122, 123,188 IOR Petroleum �����������������������������21, 200 Irritek �����������������������������������������192, 192 K-Line Industries �������������������������43, 196 Labour Solutions �������������������������77, 189 Lindsay Irrigation ����������������������114, 193

Louis Dreyfus Company ��������������45, 199 Lowes Petroleum ����������������������181, 200 Lummus Australia ��������������������133, 190 McIntosh Distribution ����������������109,197 Measuring and Control Equipment �������������������������96, 98, 193 Monsanto ����������������������������������11, 188 Moree Real Estate ����������������������74, 201 Namoi Cotton ����������������������������161, 191 Neil’s Parts ����������������������������������71, 197 New Holland ������������������������39, 41, 197 North West Ginning ������������������169, 190 NuFarm ������������������������������������������������29 OmniCotton �������������������������������167, 199 Opteon Property ����������������������������8, 201 Padman Stops ��������������������97, 127, 193 Pivot Irrigation & Pumping ����������93, 194 Proclass �������������������������������������164, 189 Queensland Cotton �������������������159, 191 Ray White Rural ��������������������������64, 201 Reinhart Australia ���������������������166, 199 Rodney Industries �����������������������33, 194 S & G Cotton Australia ������������� IBC, 199 Samuel Strapping ���������������������149, 199 Serafin Ag Pro �����������������������������87, 198 Serafin Machinery ���������������������177, 203 Signode �������������������������������������163, 200 Simplicity Australia �������������������129, 198 Sinochem �������������������������145, 147, 188 SMK Consultants ������������������������72, 193 Team Irrigation ����������������������������83, 194 The Gate ����������������������40, 153, 179, 203 Tillage Traders Queensland ���������85, 203 UNE CRDC Cotton Production Course �����������������������������������112, 190 UPL ���������������������������������������������19, 189 Valmont Irrigation �����������������������91, 194 Vanderfield ����������������������������������73, 198 Vomax �����������������������������������������24, 198 Waterquip �����������������������������������75, 195 Westfield Auger ��������������������������12, 197 Yara Australia ���������������������������183, 189

Your direct link to China Raw Cotton Tim Whan – 0448 444 015 Peter Horton – 0448 777 358 Ian Grellman 0448 333 959 Cotton Seed Dan Quigley – 0420 983 887

• Chinese Based Raw Cotton & Cotton Seed Buyers.

• Backed By One Of The World’s Leading Cotton Apparel Manufacturers.

• Standard Ex Gin Buying Terms With Industry Competitive P&D Sheet.

General Enquiries:

Roger Tomkins or Katy Huang 07 33994890 admin@sgcotton.com.au

www.sgcottons.com

THE BEST DECISION YOU WILL MAKE ALL YEAR!

Gessner Rowcrop Equipment:

Centre Buster, Side Buster, Fertiliser Rigs, Root Cutter, Predator Cultivator, Loftness Mulcher and Rhino Deep Ripper