Despite the crippling drought there have been cotton growers who have managed to thrive, whether through innovation, efficiency savings, or sheer clenched-teeth determination.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their ingenuity and unbending force of will was recognised at the 2019 Australian Cotton Industry Awards, which was held at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club on Wednesday.
The halls were packed with hundreds of people, who came to recognise the accomplishments and gruelling hard work done by their peers within the cotton industry.
A highlight of the night was when veteran Griffith cotton expert Kieran O'Keeffe took out the coveted Service to Industry award for his lifetime's contribution to the field.
He's worked in agronomy development and cotton extension for almost 30 years, and over that time he's earned the reputation as the "go-to man" for cotton.
He's known as an expert among experts in the field, but he said he was "shocked" when the judges read out his name on the award's night.
"I feel very humbled and overwhelmed," Mr O'Keeffe said.
"It's been a privilege to work with all these growers - they're very supportive, very innovative, and there's plenty of enthusiasm to improve what they're doing."
READ MORE
The Grower of the Year award went to Tom and Charm Arnott from Boggabilla, the Young Cotton Achiever of the Year award went to Murray Connor from Moree, the High Achiever of the Year award went to Jamie Traill and Ashley Tunks from Warra, the Researcher of the Year award went to Dr Linda Smith from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said it had been a tough decision for the judges, who had no shortage of talented individuals to choose from.
"The finalists for the 2019 Australian Cotton Industry Awards are all outstanding role models and advocates for our world-leading industry and are congratulated for their contributions to Australian cotton," Mr Kay said.
"Our industry is incredibly proud of their achievements, and we applaud them for the work they do in keeping Australian cotton at the cutting-edge of agriculture."
Even in the face of skyrocketing water prices and dwindling allocations, Mr Kay said growers had been able to make great strides.
"Despite this terrible drought, the Australian cotton industry has made significant gains across all areas, particularly around our sustainability targets and efficiency measures," he said.
"Our growers continue to produce the best and highest-yielding cotton in the world."
***
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Monday at 6am from The Area News? To make sure you're up to date with all the Griffith and MIA news you can sign up here