Central Highlands Cotton Awards Celebrate Top Growers

The Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association held its annual awards night in Emerald last week, bringing together industry members to recognise top-performing growers.

The Burnett family’s Barwin property and the Keeley family of Keeley Ag took top honours for their achievements in the 2023/24 season.

Cause for extra celebration is that all the winners are myBMP-accredited or currently working towards accreditation.

Award recipients

Yield (Irrigated)

1st – Barwin Ag, 15.2 bales/ha (Ross & Leanne Burnett)
2nd – NRG Ag ‘Stewart Park,’ 15.1 bales/ha (Neek & Robyn Morawitz)
3rd – NRG Ag ‘Currimundi,’ 14.9 bales/ha (Neek & Robyn Morawitz)
(District average: 11.2 bales/ha)

Yield (Raingrown)

1st – Keeley Ag, 3.6 bales/ha (Andrew & Jennifer Keeley – Myamba Farming)
2nd – Colorada Cotton ‘Denlo Park,’ 3.2 bales/ha (Nigel & Beth Burnett)

Quality

1st – Keeley Ag
2nd – NRG Ag
3rd – Arcturus Downs (Sam & Lizzy Bradford)

Service to Industry Awards

The Ian Mackay Memorial Service and Non-Grower Service to Industry Award was presented to Ian Grayson for his dedication to the next generation and his industry knowledge. It was also announced that from 2026, the award will be renamed in honour of Liz Alexander.

The Cotton Growers Service to Industry Award went to Greg Kauter, who was recognised for his commitment to adopting industry best practices and mentoring the next generation.

The event was well attended and celebrated the region’s strong results.

Find out more and see event photos on the Queensland Country Life site.