Vale Ralph Schulzé AM

It is with deep respect and admiration that we remember Ralph Schulzé AM, considered one of the founding fathers of the Australian cotton industry.

Ralph’s contribution to cotton began in 1960, when he undertook the first cotton agronomy trials at the Narrabri Research Station (now the Australian Cotton Research Institute, ACRI). His pioneering work helped lay the foundation for modern cotton farming in Australia.

His efforts in research, development and extension, both domestically and internationally, over the next forty years were instrumental in shaping the industry. Ralph's vision and collaboration with global experts brought valuable knowledge and expertise to Australian shores, fostering a thriving cotton community.

As the first Executive Director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) from 1990 to 2004, Ralph's leadership was pivotal in advancing research and development, ensuring the industry's growth and sustainability.

He had an unwavering commitment to progress and innovation, helping to establish or working closely with the industry bodies of the day: Cotton Seed Distributors, the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association, the first Cooperative Research Centre for Cotton, the Raw Cotton Marketing Committee, the Cotton Research Committee and the Cotton Research Council (the predecessors to CRDC), and the Australian Cotton Foundation (now Cotton Australia). He was instrumental in helping to organise the first Australian Cotton Conference, then served as a committee member for the next 22 years, chairing the Conference in 2000. He was also the instigator of the first World Cotton Research Conference, held in Australian in 1994.

In 2015, Ralph’s significant service to cotton research and innovation was recognised in the Australia Day honours with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph was a dedicated community member, advocating for rural causes and supporting local organisations. He was dedicated to his family, wife Merilyn and their children David, Danielle and Sarah Jane.

Ralph legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cotton growers and researchers. We honour his memory and celebrate his remarkable contributions to Australian cotton.

Ralph Schulzé AM
Ralph Schulzé AM

Latest News

May 15, 2025

Engaging the next generation on the Darling Downs

Over the past week, Cotton Australia Regional Manager for the...

May 15, 2025

New NSW Agriculture Commissioner meets with Cotton Australia

Newly appointed NSW Agriculture Commissioner Ms Alison Stone has held...

May 15, 2025

ICAC Executive Director Visits Australian Cotton Industry

Cotton Australia recently hosted Eric Trachtenberg, Executive Director of the...

May 15, 2025

Channel 9’s 60 Minutes Positive About Australian Cotton on Tariff Story

Well-known Boggabri cotton grower Andrew Watson has featured in a...

May 14, 2025

Sydney Ag Students learn about cotton at HSC Revision Day

Students from across Greater Sydney recently came together for the...

May 13, 2025

Kununurra hosts first Teach the Teacher event

The first-ever Teach the Teacher event in Kununurra was held...