GROWERS of one of St George’s best cotton seasons on record were honoured at an annual awards evening on Friday, March 4.
The Awards, hosted by St George Cotton Growers Association at the race course, saw growers and agronomists recognised for their outstanding efforts in the 2014/2015 season across six prize categories.
The Knights family, who own a number of properties including Iona, took out the coveted prize for Grower of the Year Over 400 hectares, joined by their agronomist Jamie Street.
Grower of the Year Under 400ha was awarded to the McIntosh and Hill families of Goorarooman, Thallon, along with their agronomist John Mulholland.
Speaking at the event St George CGA president Scott Armstrong said this year’s prize winners “can truly claim an exceptional crop” given the calibre of the season.
“I think this time last year we were doing our best to celebrate on of the worst seasons,” Mr Armstrong said.
“But tonight, we’re celebrating 2015 and it was one of the best seasons ever.”
The 2014/2015 cotton season saw reduced area planted, but finished well with impressive yields and increased bale prices.
The event also saw tribute paid to former grower Ray Kidd, who passed away in September 2015 after picking his 50th cotton crop earlier that year.
Guests also heard from St George agriculture teacher Ash Stuart as she shared her story of battling a brain tumour since being diagnosed in 2015.
Ms Stuart had long been supportive of educating St George State High School students about cotton and money raised on the Awards night will go towards supporting her treatment.
Full list of recipients:
· Innovative Grower of the Year – Allan and Kerrie Neale
· Service to Industry Award – Dallas King (Agronomist)
· Grower of the year under 400ha – Goorarooman, Thallon, (McIntosh and Hill family)
· Agronomist of the year under 400ha – John Mulholland, Mulholland Ag Consulting
· Grower of the year over 400ha – John and Jo Knights
· Agronomist of the year over 400ha – Jamie Street, Street Agricultural Services
