WITH La Niña making its mark on south-eastern cropping regions, some of the shine has come off what was predicted to be Australia’s second biggest cotton seasons but, thanks to large crops and high cotton prices, most growers aren’t complaining. In addition to causing minor crop damage in some districts, recent rain and cooler conditions has also resulted in delays to picking and start-ups at some gins.
It is expected delays will only be between a few days and a few weeks, depending on the growing region. One of the worst hit areas is the Darling Downs in southern Queensland, which has seen two high rainfall and localised flooding events in the recent weeks. Darling Downs Cotton Growers’ president Dave Walton said the wet weather, combined with cooler temperatures has put a dampener on whatwas expected to be a bumper season.
“It was shaping up to be pretty big, but lately it has been quite cold and wet, which is not ideal,” Mr Walton said. “I still think it is going to be a reasonable year; I don’t think there are going to be too many people who have had a complete wipe-out, or who are going to lose 70 per cent of their crop.” He said most Downs growers are not expected to begin picking until May. A self-described “glass half full kind of bloke”, Mr Walton said there were some positives to come out of the season. He said the rainfall, coupled with high cotton prices, currently sitting over $800 a bale, prompted some retired dryland growers to try their luck this season. He said this contributed to a larger overall crop size in the region. Mr Walton said the rainfall will also set up growers for a decent winter crop, as well as for the next cotton season. “Most people in the area have their dams full and things look good for the upcoming winter season and next cotton season; you have to look at the positives.”
The on-farm conditions have meant gins in the district will be opening slightly later than usual. Queensland Cotton owned gins on the Downs are expected to be three or four weeks late, commencing operations in the last week of April for Dalbyand early May for Cecil Plains. It is anticipated that the LDC Dalby site will start accepting cotton slightly earlier in the next week or two. Late ginning expected in NSW. Also copping prolonged rainfall periods and cooler conditions, northern New South Wales growers will be commencing their pick later than usual.However, with less flooding in the growing regions, NSW growers are expected to see higher quality and a larger crop overall compared to their Queensland counterparts. Moree farmer and Gwydir Valley Cotton Growers’ Association chair, Mick Humphries, said it is expected to be one of the largest crops on record for his region
