The entire Australian cotton family is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Ian Burnett and his much‑loved grandson.

Ian was more than a respected cotton grower – he was a leader, a mentor and a quiet powerhouse of Australian agriculture. To lose him so suddenly, alongside his young grandson, is a tragedy that has shaken the agricultural community in Queensland, particularly all those who know the family.

A third‑generation farmer, Ian dedicated his life to the land. He has been growing cotton since moving to Emerald from Clermont in 1983 and since then has played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening cotton production in Central Queensland.

Ian’s influence reached far beyond the farm gate. Over more than four decades, he gave tirelessly to industry organisations including Central Highlands Cotton Growers Association, AgForce Queensland, National Farmers Federation and numerous local and regional boards. He was passionate about his local community and was a member of Rotary, the Rural Fire Brigade and had been actively involved in fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Emerald. His efforts were instrumental in securing funding for the construction of a new patient transfer facility at Emerald Airport. Ian was never one to seek recognition, yet his leadership was widely felt and deeply respected.

At the heart of everything Ian did was family. He was immensely proud that his sons, including Cotton Australia’s immediate past Chair Nigel Burnett and current CRDC Director Ross Burnett, were continuing the farming legacy he worked so hard to build.

On behalf of Cotton Australia, I extend our deepest sympathy to Ian’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Emerald and cotton‑growing communities. Ian leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service and integrity and he will be deeply missed.

Adam Kay, Cotton Australia CEO