Print This PageSt George and Dirranbandi Cotton Growers Trip
St George growers visit Namoi and Gwydir regions
On the 25th-26th February, 19 growers from St George and Dirranbandi cotton growing districts were involved in a field visit to the Namoi and Gwydir regions organised by the St George Cotton Growers Association. The two day visit was sponsored by a number of companies including Monsanto.
The aim was to give growers an opportunity to learn about the latest research and varietal information. By visiting cotton farms outside their own region it was hoped that growers would gain an insight into how other farms use new technology and approach various issues.
James Thomas, President of the St George Cotton Growers Association, said the visit was an outstanding success for the cotton growers of Dirranbandi who participated.
“It proved to be a great opportunity to learn from suppliers, researchers, and growers from other valleys. The experience was definitely worthwhile and we are very thankful to all the sponsors who provided support to allow it to happen,” said Thomas.
The trip visited two property’s including Auscott, Narrabri and “Keytah” near Moree, where Cotton Industry’s Big Day Out was held, the focus of these visits being on reduced tillage and irrigation management.
A tour of Monsanto’s Deltapine breeding facility at Locharba was included in the visit. Growers heard about Monsanto’s breeding strategy, the breeding effort and concluded with a tour of the glasshouse and field. In the field, Monsanto’s Associate Breeder Brenton Brooks and Meredith Herring went through evaluations for new varieties, which may be available as early as next year.
