The cotton industry has bounced back this season with improved water supplies across most cotton growing regions.
This, in combination with promising lint and cottonseed pricing, has seen many growers opt to plant an increased area.
Cool conditions at planting time impeded establishment and slowed growth into December with a hot dry February boosting average day degrees.
A season with a record number of cold and heat shock days. The recent consecutive heat spell has placed pressure on watering intervals with growers looking to retain reasonable boll loads from which an anticipation of promising yields apparent as we progress to last water and the business end of the season.
Insect pressure has been higher than average with the need to control Mirids, Mites and Whitefly during the season.
As the growing season progresses to defoliation we will look towards good clean and dry picking conditions to aid a smooth transition of cotton from field to gin. Growers will be looking to maximize returns with high yield and good quality fibre.
In excess of 50,000ha of irrigated cotton has been planted in the Gwydir Valley this season, coupled with a significant area planted to dryland cotton.
Total Australian cotton production this season is estimated to exceed 4,200,000 bales however; production levels will be dependent on the resilience of the dryland crop.
Total Australian cotton production this season is estimated to exceed 4,200,000 bales.
The healthier crop size has prompted Auscott to reinvest into the Grower Services Representative role with Ben Jackman in Moree to service both the Gwydir and Macintyre Valleys.
A local identity growing up in Narrabri and now residing in Moree, Mr Jackman boasts fifteen years experience servicing the Gwydir, Macintyre and Balonne cotton growing regional locations.
As always, Auscott aims to provide cotton growers with a key contact who can assist you with all their ginning and marketing needs.
Ben will be based at the Moree office and will be backed up by the existing Auscott team, Rod Gordon, Ashley Power, Peter Webb and Arthur Spellson, who are working together to support and enhance your ginning and marketing services.
