Cotton harvesting has begun in Central Queensland, with growers reporting steady results despite a delayed start and late-season rainfall.
Theodore farmer Andrew French, a third-generation grower and myBMP-certified producer, began picking 35 hectares of cotton in mid-February but faced a setback due to 100mm of rainfall that same night. This has temporarily delayed further harvesting.
“We’re hoping to get back into the field this week to continue picking what’s already defoliated. I still have 200 hectares left to harvest, with an additional 100 hectares we’ll allow to grow on,” French said.
Emerald grower Aaron Keily was among the first to begin picking this season, starting on January 31—earlier than in previous years. “So far, we’re quite satisfied with the results, averaging about 11 bales per hectare. The growing season was favorable up until December, though we did lose some fruit due to the weather,” Keily explained.
“With 325 hectares still growing, we anticipate harvesting in mid-May. Yield and quality are looking promising, and with an additional 14% water allocation, we’re optimistic about carrying resources forward into next season.”
Although only a limited portion of the crop has been harvested in Central Queensland and the Dawson and Callide Valleys, growers remain hopeful that yields from the grown-on cotton will surpass 14 bales per hectare.
According to Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray, the national outlook remains positive, with an expected production of over 4.8 million bales.
“Most growers have benefited from favorable weather conditions, though some have faced challenges such as excessive rainfall, hail, or insufficient in-season rain,” Murray said.
“Despite these obstacles, the industry is expected to contribute more than $3.3 billion to the economy through fibre and seed sales, which will directly support regional and rural communities.”
Typically, the Australian cotton season begins with planting in October, though timing varies depending on factors such as soil moisture and temperature.
Murray also highlighted the emergence of new cotton growers in Central Queensland and the Southern Valleys.
“We attended an ‘Acres of Opportunities’ information session last year in Kilcummin, where many farmers were exploring alternative crops due to low sorghum returns. Several have now chosen to plant dryland cotton for the first time, and the initial results are promising,” he said.
“There are also new growers emerging in the Murray Valley, indicating a positive expansion for the industry.”