Liz Stott has been the Deputy Chair of the Cotton Australia Board for the past two years, and over that time Liz said she has gained many insights into the hard work that’s goes on behind the scenes.

At the AGM recently, held at the Cotton Collective in Toowoomba, Nigel Burnett retired after serving for 4 years as Chair and 12 years on the Board. The Directors elected Liz as Chair of the Cotton Australia Board with Angus O’Brien elected Deputy Chair.

“I am honoured and excited to be elected Chair of the Cotton Australia Board. There are a lot of exciting projects on the go, and we have such a great team on the Board, so I am delighted to be able to lead the Board over this time.”

Liz brings a great deal of experience to the Board with more than 15 years working in professional roles involving water, policy and communication.

“Before coming to the farm full-time, I had a background in water policy. One of my roles was around the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan when I was based in Griffith. It was challenging work, but it piqued my interest in water, and I was involved in that space for 15 years.

“I have an advocacy background and a strong passion for standing up for the interests of farmers, so I am excited to carry on the work already begun behalf of growers in all the areas of importance to the cotton industry.”

Liz and husband Dallas run their irrigated farm near Leeton in the Riverina region of NSW and their first cotton crop was in the 2010/11 season when they planted 120 hectares, eventually planting up to 1000 hectares of cotton when the conditions were suitable.

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course, Liz holds post graduate qualifications in science and rural leadership, completing the Australian Rural Leadership program in in 2014.

Liz has held roles on a number of advisory boards including the National Water Grid Advisory Body and is currently on the board of Riverina Local Land Services.

Earlier this year Liz and Dallas attained their myBMP certification, becoming one of the first farms to be certified in the calendar year. “We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement, embracing technology and research to grow high-quality crops efficiently and sustainably.”

Liz praised myBMP, the Best Practice cotton program, as playing a part in improving their farming outcomes, while streamlining business practices.

Liz and Dallas were early adopters of bankless channel layouts and irrigation automation, sharing their results with fellow growers throughout cotton growing regions.