Major award for cotton researcher
A THREE-bale per hectare increase in cotton yields is no small feat but when you can also claim an improvement in quality and colour, it’s worth an award.
Toowoomba-based Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries researcher Dr Paul Grundy did just that, earning himself the prestigious Researcher of the Year award at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards.
The accolade, which he received in conjunction with research partner Dr Stephen Yeates from CSIRO, was one of only a handful distributed at the awards.
More than 380 cotton growers and industry representatives gathered in Griffith, New South Wales, to celebrate the recipients of the 2017 Australian Cotton Industry Awards.
The two doctors analysed temperature, solar radiation, rainfall and the farming system to determine how this could be manipulated to provide better returns and a more sustainable, profitable system for central Queensland growers.
“Paul and Steve conducted a huge volume of work delivering massive research
impact, particularly for growers in the north and central Queensland,” the judging comments read.
“They demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities in agronomy, physiology, entomology and extension.”
The awards program recognises excellence and achievement in Australia’s cotton industry throughout the supply chain, from growers and ginners to product suppliers, consultants, agronomists and researchers. Other award winners:
Monsanto Grower of the
Year: Cavaso Farming – Tony, Joyce, Matt and Daisy Toscan, Darlington Point, NSW
AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year: CSD Farming – Mark Cathcart, CSD Farms, Wee Waa, NSW
ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year: Fiona Norrie, Moree, NSW
IPF Service to Industry Award: Michael Bennett, “Killowen”, Narromine, NSW.
Cotton Australia chief executive Adam Kay said all entrants were of an extremely high standard.