CRDC supports Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year award

Published

March 16, 2023

In 2023, CRDC is supporting the cotton industry awards, via the CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award.

This award recognises and celebrates our rising stars - those aged 35 and under making a positive contribution to Australia's cotton industry.

The recent recipients of this award include Jess Strauch (2022), manager of the Border Rivers region for Queensland Cotton; Emma Ayliffe (2021), co-founder of Summit Ag Agricultural Consulting and the Yacker app; Murray Connor (2019), cotton grower and farm manager with Australian Food and Fibre; and William Back (2018), farm manager and president of Crop Consultants Australia.

Applications are now open for the 2023 award: apply today via Cotton Australia's website.

Publications

Spotlight magazine - Autumn 2026

Date: March 20, 2026

The Autumn 2026 edition of Spotlight edition highlights the next phase of on‑farm action through Cotton Low Emissions Intensity Farming Systems (Cotton LEIFS), with grower‑led trials now underway across Qld and NSW. From enhanced efficiency fertilisers and smarter nitrogen use to cover crops like sunn hemp, these projects are testing real-world solutions to cut emissions while maintaining productivity.

News + Events

Fuel and nitrogen inputs: what cotton growers need to know right now

Date: April 7, 2026

Many cotton growers are picking, or about to start picking, with the focus firmly on getting the crop off. At the same time, growers are dealing with ongoing fuel supply pressure and high input costs, adding extra stress during an already time‑critical part of the season. Here’s what the cotton industry is doing – and what’s practical for growers right now.