Upper Namoi cotton growers were celebrated during the Cotton Growers Association’s annual awards dinner on Tuesday evening.

About 130 cotton growers and industry representatives gathered at Gunnedah Jockey Club for the sold-out event, which provides an opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of growers and industry supporters over the past year.

Dalara Pastoral Operations took home the major award for the evening, being named 2026 Grower of the Year, after also winning the 2026 Dryland Cotton Crop’.

The 2026 Irrigation Cotton Crop winner was Josh Carter, ‘Bengalala’ Boolah Farms.

Natalie Aquilina was named the 2026 Young Achiever and Mark Goddard was recognised with the 2026 Service to Industry award.

The 2024/2025 Ginned Yield Results Winners (last season) were:

Damien Haire Memorial Award Highest Farm Yield - Nat Groves, ‘Myalla’ NKG Pastoral Company

Highest Dryland Ginned Yield - Jock Brownhill, Merrilong Agricultural Company