Featured Achiever

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Good plant moisture status is critical in the first 20 days after flowering to allow potential fibre elongation rates.

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Featured Achiever

At regular intervals the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Gregg, will profile an Cotton CRC Achiever. The Cotton CRC Chief Scientist Award recognises excellence in research and /or extension. Winners of this award are acknowledged for their significant contribution in their field and toward the overall achievement of our Cotton CRC Strategic Goals.

Achiever December 2011

James Hill -Southern NSW Regional Extension Officer and target lead for new growers.

The December 2011 Achiever of the Month is James Hill, Southern NSW Regional Extension Officer and target lead for new growers.

The Southern NSW cotton growing regions experienced rapid expansion in area from approximately 3300ha in 10/11 to 23,000ha in 10/11 and57,000 ha this season, with over 50% of growers having not grown cotton previously.

Through James’ extension role he has greatly assisted local growers in the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Valleys through two successful cotton growing season. The key to his success has been;

Having the experience to focus the field walks on key risks that cotton growers face and often when new to the industry are un- aware
Strong support for the community process to solve the cost and lack of options for Ginning in these 2 valley. There is now a Gin under construction in Griffith
Held around 15 field walks per season focusing each on the issue’s to be addressed next in the crop. These have been very well attended and over 100 growers at some of these
Worked closely with The DPI extension team and held the first ever Southern Cotton Expo, which was a combination information and machinery update
Handling many phone enquiries from growers and giving information on research findings, how to use them and where to find them
Instrumental in planning and writing some of the “Australian Cotton Production Manual”
Combining his D&D role with a Cotton Australia role has increased his face to face time with growers

In recognition of his abilities the Cotton Growers Association awarded James the Greg Toole “ Service To Industry Award” in 2011.