Cotton ginning is the process of which seed cotton is processed through dryers to reduce moisture content and then again through cleaning equipment to remove foreign matter to ultimately improve fibre quality.

In its 12^th season of cotton ginning, South Cotton will now be able to process 130,000 bales of cotton in their upgraded facility and will be ginning for 20 hours a day.

In 2020, cotton production increased across the southern valleys, the industry remaining relatively unscathed from the economic and business ramifications of COVID-19.

Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cotton, Kate O'Callaghan said the start of the season had been wonderful so far.

"This year, cotton production has doubled in the region," Mrs O'Callaghan said.

Off the back of a very dry 2019-2020 season, it is wonderful to be welcoming growers back to South Cotton."

READ MORE

And whilst this years crop is still lower than other seasons due to large hectares of winter cereals grown, Southern Cotton is still looking forward to processing their 1.5 millionth bale.

"Commodity prices are still firm, with cotton yielding well over $500 for 2021 and 2022. Cottonseed prices are also still over $300," Mrs O'Callaghan said.

Southern Cotton is also expanding their services to assist new growers with converting to cotton in the region to meet the growing needs of the industry.

"This is from the paddock, right through to the finished bale and beyond," Mrs O'Callaghan said.

The rest of the season already has exciting prospects with high dam levels, which could potentially lead to higher water allocations next year and a return to larger cotton production across the Southern Valleys.

Weekday tours of the facility will also now be available to members of the public at 10am each morning.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: