In most of Australia’s cotton-growing regions, planting has already started. In warmer climates, some growers have already pulled their crops out of the ground, while others in tropical regions will wait to plant until it starts to rain.
The outlook for this season is promising, according to Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray. The country’s 1500 cotton growers—90% of whom are family farmers—anticipate producing about 4.4 million bales, or one million tonnes, of high-quality fiber that will be exported, along with a comparable volume of cotton seed.
About 400,000 green hectares are anticipated to be planted with crops this year, mostly in Queensland and New South Wales, but also in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
“If the outcome meets projections, the national economy will generate over $3.1 billion, with the majority of that amount going toward the 249 communities that directly benefit from the growing of cotton.”
In the key growing areas, planting for cotton typically takes place in early October, however planting dates vary widely because cotton is currently grown in a wide range of geographic locations.
With a recent spike in cotton futures linked to possible damage to the US crop from storms and heavy rain as well as an unexpected drop in US output estimates, the worldwide outlook for cotton is solid.
“We are still selling our cotton to a market that wants high quality product, and we are experiencing good buyer support from across Asia, including China,” Mr. Murray stated, referring to the current state of affairs globally.
“With favorable soil profiles, moisture contents, and water allocations, our growers are optimistic about this season’s crop. For the majority, the current price still represents a profitable outcome with all its knock-on benefits.”
Planting is well underway in the Central Highlands of Queensland, where producers can choose to begin as early as August 1. Some growers have already observed excellent plant development as crops emerge from the ground.
Growers are confident because of carryover from the previous season and a welcome allocation from Fairbairn Dam, according to Nigel Burnett, an Emerald grower and Chair of the Cotton Australia Board.
“A large portion of the region could have been moisture planted thanks to August’s unseasonal rainfall, which spared farmers from having to do the initial flush-up irrigation. The crops are already out of the ground and look fantastic.
The weather has warmed up since planting, and growers are optimistic about the season’s chances at this point.
“I would look at planting more cotton into late October, November, or even December if there is more rainfall over the next weeks and months. I have already planted more than 700 hectares.”
As of September 27, the following regions have the most recent reports from Cotton Australia’s regional managers, who are stationed in each of the cotton-growing regions:
Central Highlands:
Cotton has been planted for a few weeks now; in certain places, the cotton is already out of the ground, and some producers have already started watering it. The plant stand appears sturdy and the cotton appears healthy, which pleases the growers. Because of the excellent planting conditions—many people were able to plant in the rain—and the high temperatures, plants were emerging from the ground in a matter of days.
An estimated 20,000 hectares of irrigated cotton and 4000 hectares of dryland are anticipated. Some cotton from growers in northern Queensland will still be carried into the gin until November.
Dawson and Callide Valleys
Some growers have started planting the expected 8500 hectares of irrigated cotton with some already finished planting, while others will plant in October. Dryland growers are expected to plant in November. There has been a good start to planting with full allocations helping growers with a positive start to the cotton season.
Darling Downs
One grower has already planted 400 hectares of cotton for this coming season with 30,000 hectares of irrigated and 5000 hectares of dryland expected.
Some recent rain has been welcomed but the weather is cooler so most growers will hold off planting until warmer temperatures in October.
Macintyre Valley
In the Macintyre, growers will be looking to start planting after the long weekend when soil temperatures increase.
Growers are expected to plant about 20,000 hectares irrigated and 8000 hectares dryland. There has been recent rainfall but this won’t affect cotton plant at the moment.
St George/Dirranbandi/Mungindi
Conditions have been unusual with below average temperatures. In St George one grower has already planted 350 hectares of cotton with the majority expected to begin planting by the 7th of October.
In St George 22,000 hectares of cotton is expected to be grown with 15,000 hectares in Dirranbandi and 18,000 hectares in Mungindi.
Northern NSW
There has been some minor rainfall which has been welcomed by growers. Generally speaking, growers are getting ready for planting which will start in the first two weeks of October. The Valleys would like some more rainfall however soil profiles beneath the surface are satisfactory.
Bourke is expecting to plant 9000 hectares of cotton this season. Walgett 8000 irrigated and up to 8000 for dryland. Lower Namoi is around 25,000 dryland and 30,000 irrigated with Upper Namoi expecting 15,000 irrigated and 17,000 dryland, Gwydir 45,000 hectares irrigated and 33,000 dryland.
Macquarie Valley
There has been some rainfall recent but not significant with some growers pre-watering and planting expected to start for most growers from the 18th of October onwards. This has been a different season with one grower picking the last of their cotton crop as others plan to start planting for the 25 season.
Ginning is still going but is expected to end at the end of October. Close to 30,000 hectares is expected to be planted in the Macquarie Valley.
Southern NSW
Up to 25ml of rain has fallen recently in the area and some growers have already started planting this week but the majority will start planting in early to mid-October.
Around 85,000 hectares is expected to be planted this season with growers hopeful of a good season.
Northern Australia
Up to 80mm of rain has fallen recently in parts of the Top End and temperatures are up around 40 degrees. Crop destruction is underway and will continue into October. The planting window opens in the Northern Territory on December 1 and can continue into January depending on the tropical rain system. In Kununurra planting is expected in February with 8000 hectares expected to go in and 18,000 hectares expected in the NT.
