Stories: on the farm

Cotton production

Leadership is built from the ground up. That’s why the Cotton LEADSSM program is driven by Australian and U.S. producers, scientists and other professionals dedicated to sustainable cotton production. Get to know the growers and researchers who, season after season, are investigating and implementing solutions that improve cotton’s environmental footprint.

  • Andrew Burleson

    Richfield, NC, USA

    Soil conservation benefits both crops and the environment in a myriad of ways. Hear from Andrew Burleson about his experiences adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

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  • Scott McCalman

    Mullaley, New South Wales, Australia

    A cover cropping program has resulted in improved soil health, yield and reduced input costs for NSW cotton farmer Scott McCalman.

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  • Nick Gillingham

    Moree, NSW, Australia

    Leading the operation is farm manager Nick Gillingham, who oversees “Keytah” at Sundown Pastoral.

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  • Scott Hogan

    Coleambally, New South Wales, Australia

    Why are these farmers standing in a huge puddle of water? They’ve irrigated a natural wetland to help save the endangered Southern Bell Frog.

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  • Ashley Geldard

    Miles, Queensland

    On the Western Downs in Queensland, Ashley Geldard has converted his previously rainfed farming operation to irrigated thanks to a constant supply of treated wastewater from a nearby coal seam gas plant.

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  • Tony Quigley

    Macquarie Valley, NSW, Australia

    The Quigley Family in the Macquarie Valley NSW have been awarded Australian Cotton Grower of the Year for their production that covers all aspects of farming for a sustainable future.

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  • Kim Byrnes

    Moree, NSW, Australia

    From the ground up, women are involved in every aspect of the cotton industry, and they’re doing a great job too.

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  • Renee Anderson

    Central Highlands, Queensland

    Renee Anderson is a farmer from the Central Highlands in Queensland, and tells us about her journey as a woman in the industry.

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  • Col Blackley

    Bowenville, Queensland

    Cotton farmers are all for efficiency and reducing chemical use, which is why an infrared precision spray unit has become a valuable asset to a Queensland farming operation.

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  • Rich Lindsey

    Centre, AL, USA

    Rich Lindsey is dedicated to serving his cotton-growing community. He knows data is essential for sustainable operations there, so this fifth-generation farmer and ginner integrates new technology to minimize inputs and maximize fiber quality.

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  • Grant Porter

    Darling Downs, Queensland

    Farmers on the Darling Downs have reported an increase in yield and a reduction in the required amount of synthetic fertiliser after spreading human effluent ‘biosolids’.

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  • Howard Rowther

    Darling Downs, Australia

    Investing in drip irrigation has not only saved water, but increased yield for this Darling Downs farmer.

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