The full schedule for the Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day, one of the most anticipated on-farm events for the cotton industry in 2025, has been made public by the event’s organizers.
The 2024 Bayer Grower of the Year winner, Scott Balsillie, farm manager for Eastern Australia Agriculture in Dirranbandi, will host the Field Day on his land.
Scott is the manager of Eastern Australia Agriculture’s myBMP-certified enterprises at Kia Ora in St George and Clyde in Dirranbandi. Kia Ora grows up to 4,500 hectares of irrigated cotton, while Clyde produces up to 2,000 hectares.
Since his grandfather and uncles began cultivating cotton in the Miles/Chinchilla region in the 1980s, Scott’s family has been active in the cotton industry. He is enthusiastic about increasing water use efficiency.
Under Scott’s leadership, Clyde has implemented many major farm improvements including the bankless conversion from siphons, achieving huge benefits in labour and water savings, machine efficiencies and yield benefits.
The Grower of the Year usually hosts the Field Day the following year, and in 2025, Scott will host the event at Clyde, close to Dirranbandi, on March 5th from 9am. Buses from Moree, Mungindi, and Lightning Ridge will be available for anyone wishing to attend. (Seating is limited.)
A farm visit, panel discussions, and many speaker sessions are all part of the day, which provides industry-relevant information on new Ag technology, workforce concerns, environmental, social, and governance issues, as well as global market trends for Australian cotton.. (click here for the full agenda)
While Scott himself will speak at the Field Day and make himself available for any questions, other speakers include Nuffield Scholar Catherine Marriott, and Bec Fing who will speak on ‘Overcoming Workforce Woes – What Employers of Choice Do Differently!
One of the keynote speakers, is the Royal Flying Doctors Service ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ Campaign Champion Brendan Cullen, who manages a sheep station east of Broken Hill with his wife Jacinta and their 3 kids.
Brendan is a well-known farmer, fitness fanatic and mental-health advocate who is using his own journey through depression to help people, particularly in rural and remote locations. His mindset and dedication to mental health issues led him to swim from England to France (The English Channel) in 2022, covering a total distance of 64km in 17 hours.
Anyone interested in attending the Bayer Grower of the Year Field Day for 2025 is asked to register their RSVP here. Assistance and advice can be provided with transport and accommodation needs.
