Dear Grower,

Welcome to the December edition of this monthly update.  

Cotton in Central NSW is now starting to take off as squares develop.  It has pushed through what has been some very heavy thrip pressure. Irrigations are now in full swing as the season is shaping up to be hotter and drier than what was forecast not that long ago. 

The CSD Variety trials and Try Before You Buy sites are all progressing well. There will be opportunities to check them out as the season progresses. 

Tips for success

As the season develops, I thought it would be a good time to share the top 5 things that Jon Carter from AFF Darling Farms at Bourke believes to be the most important considerations. Jon and his team at AFF Darling Farms Bourke won the John Grellman Highest Variety Trial Award with CSX1257B3XF, which yielded 18.43 bales/ha last season. It was a high yielding trial, and the results are available on the CSD Website under Grower Information. Jon has been growing cotton for over 21 years in the Namoi, Gwydir and Bourke regions. 

1. Good ground preparation.
2. Use good quality water both for Irrigation and spraying. Test your water.
3. Get a good plant stand established at planting. Pay attention to the details.
4. Work closely with your advisors, especially your consultant.
5. Manage your irrigation program well. Know your soil types and time the irrigations to suit them.

ThryvOn™ Field Walk 

A field walk was held at Muntham, Nevertire on the 27th November 2025 and it was well attended. 

There were many questions and a lot of discussion re the impact on mites later in the season, how much earlier can the crop be using the ThryvOn technology, and its fit in more southern regions. There are multiple trial sites across much of the cotton belt this season to continue testing this technology to help provide more information to manage crops for earliness and control thrips from delaying early season growth.  

The important watch out is that crops will still need to be actively monitored and decisions will need to be made around crop growth and pest management. It is not a ‘set and forget’ program. 

These trial sites are being closely monitored right through to picking to gather more information on how best to grow it and how it can provide benefits for growers. 

Don’t forget to check the CSD website and use the STEFF tool to estimate the timing of first flowers for your crops. This is based on your nearest weather station and the date of the crop’s seed moisture imbibation. 

CottonTracka 

What's on?

• Bug Checking Course – Narromine on the morning of December 11th.  
• Cotton Catch up – Nevertire on the afternoon of December 11th 2025. 
• Contact Rochelle from CottonInfo for further information. 0417 860 673 
• CSD Variety Trial Field Walk – Tuesday 20th January morning 2025 at Jedburgh, Warren in conjunction with CGS Warren.  

Best Wishes for Christmas and 2026.  

Cheers,

Craig

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