The Cotton Australia Board has taken its latest meeting on the road to visit growers and other key stakeholders in the NSW Riverina region.

Four key grower events were held in Whitton, Carrathool, Griffith, and Hillston attracting more than 80 growers with a range of important topics on the table such as water buybacks, marketing the myBMP cotton sustainability credentials, training, spray drift, and access to herbicides.

Cotton Australia Chair Nigel Burnett emphasised the value of the grower and stakeholder meetings. “This week in the southern cotton valleys has been really important for the Cotton Australia Board to connect directly with growers and understand the burning issues in this part of the industry.”

The visit included a board meeting, a visit to the farm of Matt and Daisy Toscan in Darling Point, a tour of RivCott gin , and a visit to Murrumbidgee Irrigation. The board also held briefings with Griffith and Murrumbidgee councils.

Nigel also acknowledged the time growers took to attend the event, noting, “The Board appreciates that growers take time out of their day during this busy period to discuss what is important to them and learn more about the work Cotton Australia is doing on their behalf.”

After a strong season and with good water availability, growers remain optimistic about the coming season, something welcomed by Nigel and the Board. “There was a positive vibe at the meetings, with growers excited about the prospects for the upcoming cotton crop, following stronger yields from the last harvest. Most are preparing to start planting in the next week or so.”