About 100 growers and industry representatives came together at Hancock Ag’s “Warra Warra” property at Warra on the Darling Downs on Tuesday 24 March for the Darling Downs Grower of the Year Field Day. The event recognised 2025 winners Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll, who were announced at the annual awards dinner in September last year.

The day featured a mix of on-farm insights and industry updates. Mitch Brimblecombe from Moira Farming, Forest Hill, shared an overview of their operation as the Darling Downs High Achiever Award winner. The Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration (ACDC) team, led by Dr Linda Smith, also presented, along with market and input updates from Matt Leeson (Integrated Commodity Management) and Tim Johnston (Dalby Rural Supplies). Cotton Australia Board Director Matt McVeigh provided an update on current and future industry activities.

Attendees also took part in a bus tour of CSD trial sites, with presentations from Rhys Herbert, Larissa Holland (CSD Dalby) and Nick Fritz (Internode Agronomy).

Western Downs Regional Council Councillor Megan James also attended the day, noting the importance of cotton to the region. “The Western Downs is the second most productive agricultural region in Queensland and cotton production is a significant part of that story,” she said.

The day was well supported by sponsors, with morning tea provided by Queensland Cotton and a barbecue lunch by ANZ.