2024 Australian Cotton Leadership Program Participants

Angus's journey in the cotton industry began in 2011 with hands-on holiday work, sparking a passion that led him to university studies and various roles within the sector. Currently an Extension & Development Agronomist at Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD), he has experienced the industry's nuances in diverse regions, from the Namoi to Western Australia.

Eager to enhance his leadership skills, Angus sees the Future Cotton Leaders Program as a vital step in personal growth and networking. Notably, he hosts the Cotton Yarns podcast, providing insights into the industry. Drawing inspiration from impactful leaders in his past, Angus aims to contribute positively to both his own development and the broader cotton industry.

With a profound love for cotton and a commitment to embracing the opportunities the industry presents, Georgie is driven to make a positive impact on the Australian cotton industry and mentor future generations.

Georgie's journey began in 2012, bug checking and progressively evolving through diverse roles. Starting as an agronomist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, she now collaborates closely with independent consultant Pablo Vega, offering advice and decision support to growers. Simultaneously running her own consulting business, Georgie contracts agronomy services in both cotton and broadacre. Her dedication extends beyond professional endeavours, serving on the executive Macintyre Valley Field Day Committee and Macintyre Valley CGA. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture and coursework from the Cotton Production course at UNE, Georgie looks forward to furthering her leadership journey through the Future Cotton Leaders Program.

Joining Cotton Growers Services in March 2017 as a Sales Agronomist in Wee Waa, Greg's intrigue in cotton sparked during his time as an irrigator for Auscott on Togo Station. Transitioning to Bayer Crop Science in March 2023 to oversee the Bayer business in the Gwydir, Macintyre, and Mungindi valleys, Greg is actively involved in the cotton industry. Currently serving as President of the Macintyre Valley Field Day Committee and Vice-President of the Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers Association, he showcases his dedication to the cotton community.

Drawn to the Future Cotton Leaders program, Greg aims not only to build on his prior knowledge and skills but also to evolve into a solid leader ready to contribute significantly to the cotton industry's future. His excitement to delve into the program reflects his genuine commitment to personal and industry growth.

Growing up in a family agronomic cotton consultancy business and a family irrigated cotton property in Goondiwindi, Grace has been immersed in agriculture since childhood. School holidays and university experiences were filled with irrigating and bug checking, shaping her deep connection with the industry. Graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Plant and Agricultural Science, along with specialized training in Cotton Production at UNE, Grace returned home to work as an agronomist in the family consultancy business. The journey didn't stop there; she also started her own business, 101 Ag Pathways, sharing agricultural roles and opportunities, particularly within the cotton industry.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Grace actively contributes to the industry's growth. Serving on the Macintyre Valley Field Day Committee and participating in the local CGA, she is dedicated to community engagement and industry events. Embracing increasing leadership roles, Grace anticipates the opportunity for mentorship and professional development at this stage in her career, a sentiment that aligns with her passion for the agricultural sector.

In the 13 years Rhys has spent in the cotton industry, a deep appreciation for its values has taken root. The industry's commitment to innovation and knowledge-sharing, along with the integration of technology for efficiency, has left a lasting impression.

As a farm manager, Rhys recognizes the pivotal role of leadership skills. Joining the Future Cotton Leaders Program is a deliberate step towards honing these skills across the entirety of their career. Building on past mentorships, Rhys envisions the program as a means to emerge as a leader for the next generation, contributing not only within the farm management realm but also making a mark in the broader cotton industry and community.

Passionate about advancing the Australian Cotton Industry through AgTech integration, Alison, with a background in mechatronic engineering, has been a key figure in CRDC research at UniSQ’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering since 2010. Her expertise extends from a CRDC-funded PhD focused on cotton irrigation optimization in 2007 to the 2018 Cotton Seed Distributions Researcher of the Year Award. Actively collaborating with scientists, consultants, and commercial entities defines her impactful work, including the adoption of algorithms in Goanna Ag's GoField canopy temperature sensors and the PestDetect App for automated silverleaf whitefly monitoring.

Eager to join the Future Cotton Leaders Program, Alison aims to share her knowledge and play a crucial role in advancing AgTech adoption in the industry. She sees the program as an opportunity to contribute actively to shaping the future of the industry through innovative leadership, particularly in integrating AgTech solutions.

Brendan's journey, from early work on cotton farms to pivotal roles in agribusiness, reflects a deliberate path guided by a personal development plan. Commencing as a summer irrigator at 15, he quickly found his passion in the cotton industry. Advancing from managing crews to roles such as Irrigation Manager and Operation Manager on large-scale cropping farms, Brendan is now employed in Marketing and Grower Services in St George for Queensland Cotton.

As Treasurer of the St George Cotton Growers Association, Brendan actively contributes to the industry. Eager to further develop his leadership skills, Brendan sees the Future Cotton Leaders Program as a crucial step to building and leveraging skills to benefit the cotton industry and his community.

Having spent five years in the cotton industry, Jacob is keen on expanding both his career and skill set. With positive feedback about the Future Cotton Leaders Program, he sees it as the next step in his professional journey. In his fourth year with Namoi Cotton, Jacob handles lint marketing and ginning for clients in the Gwydir, Namoi, and Bourke regions.

A UNE graduate with a double degree in Agriculture and Business, his foundation is solid, complemented by hands-on experience as a junior agronomist at Cotton Seed Distributors. Beyond managing trials and gaining valuable insights, he ventured to Kununurra before settling into his current role. Jacob envisions the program as a catalyst for personal growth, aiming to contribute more meaningfully to the cotton community through enhanced leadership skills.

Kate, a seasoned consultant based in Moree, brings a wealth of industry experience to the table. Working with Poole Ag Consulting, she navigates the complexities of the cotton, grains, and citrus sectors, servicing both corporate and family farming enterprises.

Kate's leadership roles in her workplace and various community and industry groups, including the Gwydir CGA and Young Aggies Moree, showcase her commitment to the cotton industry. Her aim is to continue leveraging her extensive knowledge for both personal and industry advancement. Recognising the potential for further growth, Kate envisions the Australian Future Cotton Leaders program as an excellent opportunity. Positioned in her career to make the most of training programs, she sees this initiative as a crucial step in enhancing her skills and contributing meaningfully to the cotton community.

Growing up on a cotton farm, Sam is closely tied to the industry. Keen on improving leadership skills and expanding professional networks, he decided to join the Future Cotton Leaders Program. As a fourth-generation farmer ingrained in the cotton legacy, Sam sees the program as crucial for enhancing his role in the family farm business. He believes the skills gained will not only benefit the farm but also enable active participation in upcoming industry initiatives.

Sam's cotton journey started with his grandfather, an early adopter of cotton. Working on the family farm with his father and grandfather provided hands-on experience during his formative years. Pursuing industry advancement, Sam attended Marcus Oldham Ag College under the Upper Namoi Cotton Growers scholarship, completing a gap year at a property near Boggabri.

Now managing the farm's cotton growing and irrigation, Sam uses his knowledge for sustainable growth. Actively participating in groups like Namoi Water, he understands the importance of youthful representation in steering positive change within the Cotton industry, especially in their region.

Growing up immersed in the cotton industry, George's journey has evolved from childhood days on module builders to actively participating in university research with Oliver Knox at UNE. Learning invaluable lessons from his father, Scott, an active industry member and grower, George understands the day-to-day challenges faced within the cotton sector.

In his second year back full-time on the family farm in Gunnedah, NSW, following three years with Rabobank in Moree, George is keen to deepen his knowledge of the cotton industry. With a focus on continued learning and industry engagement, his goal is to enhance his leadership capabilities, build new networks, and make a positive impact on the Australian Cotton Industry. Eager to contribute beyond the farm gate, George looks forward to participating in the Future Cotton Leaders Program and playing a role in advancing its objectives.

Growing up in Wee Waa, Sarah developed a passion for farming and cotton, working hands-on in the industry for five years. Eager to expand her knowledge, 2024 marks a shift as she focuses on education and skill development in her evolving career.

Beyond her role as a farmhand, Sarah actively participates in courses and events to deepen her understanding. Embracing the cotton industry's welcoming atmosphere, she navigates challenges with resilience. Sarah aspires to inspire others, recognizing the privilege of being part of the competitive yet supportive cotton community. Enriched by experiences on multiple cotton properties, she looks forward to the journey ahead.

Hayden is a Cotton Consultant based in Leeton, NSW and has experienced six seasons in the cotton industry, commencing as a cotton research agronomist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Leading CRDC projects, he gained unique insights by setting up irrigation layouts and conducting field trials at the Yanco Agricultural Institute. Eager to delve into crop management and logistics, he transitioned to consulting with Summit Ag in 2021.

Hayden is driven to improve his leadership skills to take on more expansive roles within the agricultural industry. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Southern Valleys Cotton Grower Association, Hayden is committed to providing growers in his area with a stronger voice in the wider cotton community.

Angus, born and raised on a cotton farm in the Macquarie Valley, is deeply ingrained in the agricultural landscape. Stepping into an Area Manager role with CFM and expanding responsibilities on the family farm, Angus sees the Australian Future Cotton Leaders program as a catalyst for personal development and career growth in both the cotton and broader agricultural sectors.

His roots in the family enterprise run deep, complemented by a partnership with his brother, Matt, who successfully graduated from the AFCLP in 2021. Currently, Angus serves as the Area Manager for a farm overseeing the cultivation of 600ha of cotton in the Riverina. With a hands-on background and an eye on the future, Angus is eager to leverage the program to further his skills and contribute meaningfully to the cotton industry.

Growing up amidst cotton farming, Prue has been immersed in the industry since the 1980s, thanks to her parents' legacy. Her summers were dedicated to hands-on tasks like irrigating and ground preparation, and she furthered her experience with a bug-checking stint at Sundown Pastoral. Eager to expand her horizons, Prue seeks to participate in the Future Cotton Leaders program. Her goal is to connect with like-minded individuals within the industry, gaining valuable insights and experiences in emerging technological practices.

Prue envisions contributing to a successful and sustainable family farming business. Additionally, she aspires to leverage her skills to simplify the myBMP accreditation process for fellow farmers.

Jack's journey in the cotton industry began on his family's farm north of Narrabri in Northern NSW. Working holidays and weekends alongside his parents, who have been cotton growers for 30 years, he experienced the industry's evolution, from his first job in cotton chipping to witnessing the advent of round-up ready cotton.

Earning a bachelor's degree in Business at Marcus Oldham, he gained industry experience with ECOM cotton in Sydney. A two-year stint with the ANZ bank in the agribusiness department deepened his understanding of diverse farming businesses.

In his current role as a farm manager for his parents, Jack leverages his accumulated knowledge for sustainable growth. Inspired by leadership challenges, Jack seeks continuous improvement. His interest in the Future Cotton Leaders Program, sparked at the 2022 cotton conference, reflects a commitment to enhancing his leadership skills and contributing meaningfully to the cotton industry's future.