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.

  • Steve Wilbur

    Tulare, CA, USA

    Steve Wilbur highlights the changes he’s implemented in the last decade. He describes his adoption of subsurface drip irrigation, as well as how his seed choice affects efficiency.

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  • The Kahl Family

    Wee Waa, NSW, Australia

    With careful land management, the Kahls have surpassed the goal of carbon neutrality – their land sequesters more carbon than it emits.

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  • Donny Lassiter

    Conway, NC, USA

    For Donny Lassiter, farming is both a business and a way of life. He wants cotton buyers and users to understand the care that goes into growing this raw material.

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  • Dr. Stuart Gordon

    Melbourne, Australia

    CSIRO scientist Stuart Gordon works to improve the benchmarking and measurement of key cotton qualities to help Australian growers improve their crop’s performance.

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  • Ramey Stiles

    Lee County, AR, USA

    This fourth-generation cotton grower explains how new equipment and technology have helped him increase irrigation efficiency, reduce costs and improve traceability.

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  • Janelle Montgomery

    Gwydir Valley, NSW, Australia

    Researcher Janelle Montgomery has been at the forefront of improving Australian cotton’s water use efficiency and increasing awareness among growers and consultants.

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  • Nathan Reed

    Lee County, AR, USA

    Third-generation cotton grower Nathan Reed shares how he overcomes challenges and continues his family’s legacy with the help of more efficient, sustainable practices.

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  • Helen and Clive Brownlie

    Pampas, QLD, Australia

    The Brownlies were early adopters of Australia’s myBMP program. Thanks to their willingness to adapt, their farm can continue successfully into the future.

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  • Lacy Vardeman

    Slaton, TX, USA

    For Lacy Vardeman, changes in cotton seed varieties have helped restore a better balance with nature. She can rely less on chemicals and more on beneficial insects.

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  • Ian and Anne Brimblecombe

    St. George, QLD, Australia

    The Brimblecombes see the value of renewable energy, and they’re willing to investigate new technology, such as floating solar panels, on their farm.

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  • Trent and Jason Felton

    Marianna, AR, USA

    This is the sixth generation of Felton stewards on the same land. Learn how evolving management practices have allowed them to be more sustainable and profitable.

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  • Ed Willis

    Thallon, QLD, Australia

    For Ed Willis, cotton production is grounded in data. The results speak for themselves – his farm is a showcase for the Australian cotton industry.

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