Cotton Australia is pleased to announce John Deere as the official sponsor of the prestigious Service to Industry Award, to be presented as part of the 2026 Cotton Industry Awards at this year’s Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.

The John Deere Service to Industry Award recognises individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the Australian cotton industry through leadership, advocacy, innovation, research, education or long-term support for growers and the broader industry.

Boggabri grower and 2025 Service to Industry recipient Andrew Watson, who was also named 2008 Grower of the Year, said the cotton industry is built off the back of people who are willing to put their hand up and contribute because they care about the future of the industry.

“The industry wouldn’t be where it is today without some of the people who have received this award and been recognised in other ways,” Mr Watson said.

“A lot of this work is unpaid and done in people’s own time, whether that’s sitting on committees, attending meetings, spending hours on teleconferences and reading submissions – we need to recognise the people who do this because they just put so much into the industry which we all love.

“Awards like this matter because they acknowledge that effort and encourage others to get involved.”

Mr Watson comes from a family with a long history of service to the cotton industry, with his own father John Watson a recipient of the Service to Industry Award in 2007 after decades spent shaping research direction through the former Australian Cotton Growers Research Association.

“Dad certainly set a precedent for me and watching him contribute to the industry reinforced the importance of giving back,” Mr Watson said.

“There is a whole lot of support and fellowship and friendship and a feeling of doing things together which makes it a great industry to be a part of and I’ve always enjoyed that.”

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay welcomed John Deere’s sponsorship and said the continued support of industry partners helps ensure individuals’ meaningful contributions and achievements are formally acknowledged.

“The cotton industry’s strength comes from collaboration. By supporting this award, John Deere is helping us celebrate the people who invest their time, expertise and energy to keep our industry strong and future focused,” Mr Kay said.

“The Service to Industry Award is about recognising leadership, integrity and long-term commitment to Australian cotton, and John Deere is a fitting partner for that message.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Incitec Pivot Fertilisers for its longstanding support of this award over the past 12 years.”

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Production and Precision Ag Marketing Manager Royce Bell said John Deere is delighted to help recognise the people who have dedicated their careers and lives to leading the continual improvement and growth of the cotton industry.

“The Australian cotton industry is a global leader in food and fibre production, and John Deere is a global leader in the delivery of equipment and technology that supports the crop production in our unique operating conditions,” Mr Bell said.

“We are proud to continue that great partnership by celebrating with Cotton Australia those wonderful individuals who are the heart of the industry.”

The 2026 John Deere Service to Industry Award will be presented at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards Dinner on Thursday 6 August 2026. Registrations are currently open for the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference at www.australiancottonconference.com.au