The Macquarie Cotton Growers Association held its first field day of the year earlier this week at Tim Gainsford’s Narromine property, Central Farm. The event focused on managing red soils in flood irrigation, building on presentations delivered 12 months ago. Tim Gainsford and his agronomist, Ryan Pratten, shared their findings and experiences, discussing the use of cover crops and bankless irrigation to improve water efficiency and increase cotton yields.

Tim, who runs the family farm in western New South Wales, has gained recognition for his innovative approach to addressing the challenges posed by the region’s red soil and hard clay. By implementing cover cropping and a bankless irrigation system with a zero-profile design, Tim has tackled water infiltration and crop penetration issues. This approach has enabled less frequent irrigation, more efficient water use, and increased yields.

The event drew a strong turnout, with over 40 growers in attendance, including some who travelled from the Lachlan region. It marked a successful start to 2025 for the association and highlighted the growing interest in sustainable farming practices for cotton production.