Contents - Greenmount Press

Print Post Approved Publication No. PP 424022/1583
October–November 2012
Contents
Editorial 2
Cotton Research Roundup 4
www.cottongrower.com.au
The Australian Cottongrower
P.O. Box 766, Toowoomba, 4350.
Ph: (07) 4659 3555. Fax (07) 4638 4520.
Email: cotton@greenmountpress.com.au
Website: www.cottongrower.com.au
DELIVERIES: 120 Herries St, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350.
EDITOR:
David Dowling
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Lloyd O’Connell
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mick Allan
OFFICE MANAGER: Catherine O’Connell
ADVERTISING: Steven Ainscow
Ph: (07) 4659 3555
Fax: (07) 4638 4520
CONTENTS OF ADVERTISEMENTS are the responsibility of the
advertisers. All statements and opinions expressed in The Australian
Cottongrower are published after due consideration of information
gained from sources believed to be authentic. The following of
advice given is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is
accepted for the accuracy of the matter published herein. No portion
in whole or part may be reproduced without permission of the
publisher. Copyright 2012.
Published by Berekua Pty. Ltd., 40 Creek Street, Brisbane.
Registered by Australia Post Print Post Approved Publication
number
PP 405518/00026. ISSN 1442–5289.
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY, APRIL, JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER,
DECEMBER. COTTON YEARBOOK PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER.
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Cotton’s myBMP on track 8
Vale Ken Arnott 12
Preventing contamination in round modules 14
Planting windows – investing in cotton’s future 16
Water Matters…
Water policy strikes at the heart of our food industry 18
Overwintering strategy of solenopsis mealybug 22
Spraying Feature…
Adding depth to weed sensing science 25
Phenoxy protection with CottonMap 28
New self propelled sprayer series boosts cropper capabilities 30
Where we’ve been and where we’re going 32
Marketing…
World Commodity Watch 36
The World Cotton Market 38
Ginning & Fibre Series…
Predicting the influence of harvest aids on fibre quality 42
Sicot 74BRF – What have we learnt 48
Classic Tractor Tales…
The perilous cable plough 52
Germinating Ideas 56
News & New Products 58
District Reports 61
Front Cover…
OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2012
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INSIDE
Predicting the Preventing
influence of contamination
harvest aids in round bales
on fibre quality
Spraying
Feature
Emerald identity Cameron Millar (left)
generously passes on several decades
of cotton growing experience to South
Australian grain farmer, John Bridger.
Cam and John are pictured in a Turkish
cotton field on their recent farm study
tour. See article pages 32–34.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 1

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Editorial…
David Dowling, Editor
The law of unintended consequences. Which may be a law,
or more often, a convenient excuse to explain why things go
wrong when the culprit is really just bad planning. But according
to Wikipedia, it is a concept first popularised by sociologist
Robert Merton in the 1930s.
The accepted use is that an intervention in a complex system tends to create
unanticipated and often undesirable outcomes. A second cousin of Murphy’s
Law, it is an ironic warning against the belief that humans can fully control the
world around them. In Australian agriculture, one only needs to look at the
introduction of rabbits and cane toads to understand that new ideas which look
good on the surface can often have serious negative effects – often the direct
opposite to the original intention.
In the cotton industry, there are surely plenty of examples. For instance, the
introduction of GM technology is just about universally seen as a totally positive
result for Australian cotton farmers. Much less spraying, fewer environmental
problems and an easier and probably more interesting management system.
Yields have increased and cotton growing is booming in new areas such as
southern NSW – a development which probably would not have occurred before
the introduction of GM. There were potential negative consequences of GM
technology such as herbicide and Bt resistance – but at least they were identified
early and hopefully can be managed accordingly.
But GM has also produced an explosion of cotton production in countries such
as India, because the crop is now much easier to grow. Instead of spending most
of their time, and destroying their health, by spraying a small plot of cotton with
a knapsack, an Indian farmer can start to concentrate on other management
issues. The result is higher yields, massive increases in production and a world
price which is arguably less than it would otherwise have been.
In this issue there are a couple of less dramatic examples. Sicot 74BRF is a
fantastic variety which has taken the industry by storm. But it requires good
early season management to get a desirable plant stand and the longer fruiting
period can lead to later crops. New round modules have many management
advantages, but there may be some emerging issues with contamination and
with moisture levels, especially with protracted ginning seasons.
Managing new technology – and limiting the unintended consequences – is
one of the real attractions in working in such a fast changing environment as the
cotton industry.
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2 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

In this issue...
Preventing contamination
in round bales
In a topical session at the Cotton
Conference, Andrew Vanderstock
highlighted the plastic wrap on the round
modules as an area that needs to be carefully managed so
that sections of plastic do not find their way into the ginning
process and contaminate the lint.
See story................................................................... Page 14
Planting windows – investing in
cotton’s future
Bollgard II is arguably the most valuable
technology the cotton industry has ever
known, guarding itself with insecticidal
toxins all day, every day. The cotton
farming system has changed in response to this product, in
ways that were not predicted before its release.
Stories start.............................................................. Page 16
Overwintering strategy of solenopsis
mealybug
Insects use overwintering as a strategy
to survive adverse weather condition
such as cold winter. An effective
overwintering strategy maximises an
insect’s chance of surviving adverse weather conditions. Insects
have a range of overwinter strategies.
See story................................................................... Page 22
Influence of harvest
aids on fibre quality
Immature bolls will usually contain
immature cotton fibres which are
prone to the formation of neps. Neps are small entanglements
of cotton fibres that are created during mechanical processes
like machine harvesting and ginning. Immature fibre and neps
even in small amounts are undesirable as they decrease mill
processing efficiency.
See story................................................................... Page 42
Sicot 74BRF – What have we learnt
Sicot 74BRF from its release has
moved to dominate the variety
choice of Australian cotton growers.
At present it represents up to 64
per cent of all seed planted within
Australia.
See story................................................................... Page 48
In the August–September issue, some gremlins attacked
the story by Grant Herron on aphids and mites – deleting
the last line which should read… Bean spider mite all but
vanished from Australian cotton but now seems to be
making a resurgence.
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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 3

Cotton
Research
Roundup…
Bruce Finney
Bruce Pyke
Have your say on future of R&D
There is an open invitation to growers, researchers, industry
participants and the Australian Government to contribute to
CRDC’s future direction for research in the cotton industry. CRDC
is progressing with the development of its next five-year strategic
R&D plan to establish goals and priorities for cotton R&D from
July 2013.
CRDC, industry organisations and research partners are all
utilising the industry vision, Vision 2029, as a valuable guide to
the longer term future directions. CRDC has mapped its strategic
role responsibility against Vision 2029.
Global changes in digital reality, data capacity, personalisation
and social networks have implications for the Australian cotton
industry and its research investments. At the industry level,
concerns for profitability, workforce availability, production
and price volatility are front of mind in an increasingly complex
and uncertain operating environment. That these issues are
occurring at a time of record production, emphasises their critical
significance. It is foreseeable that even stronger relationships and
better knowledge sharing along the industry supply chain will
be key factors in effectively understanding and addressing these
issues.
With the situation analysis phase of the Plan concluding,
CRDC will identify R&D focus areas and draft a proposed strategic
direction in consultation with stakeholders in coming months.
Once the feedback has been considered, CRDC will consult with
Cotton Australia before a plan is finalised in early 2013 and then
submitted to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
for approval before July 2013.
If you would like to have your strategic input into the Plan, contact CRDC
Executive Director Bruce Finney on 02 6792 4088 or bruce.finney@crdc.com.au
Minister backs rural R&D
Despite a recent Productivity Commission recommendation
that the Federal Government cut funding to rural R&D in a bid
to drive private investment, the Federal Government has pledged
to continue to match industry expenditure dollar for dollar, while
driving private investment by other means.
The Productivity Commission reviewed the research and
development corporations’ (RDC) model, examining the rationale
for government investment in RDCs. In addition to this the Rural
Research and Development Council produced an investment
plan outlining a rationale for balancing Australian Government
investment in rural R&D. In July, government responded to the
review in its Rural Research and Development Policy Statement.
The statement outlined the Australian Government’s
enduring commitment to world-class rural RD&E and our strong
partnership with industry.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Joe
Ludwig said our rural research, development and extension
system is unique and held in high regard both in Australia and
internationally. He said RDCs provide a strong link between
government, industry and the research community, and the
government will continue to support them and a key pillar of the
RDC model is the government’s matching contributions, which it
has pledged to continue.
The policy statement reflects four key themes for
improvements to the RDC model: increased transparency and
accountability in the RDC model; improved coordination and
priority setting across the rural RD&E system; an increased
range of mechanisms for pursuing productivity growth; and
increased operational efficiencies and value for money on RD&E
investment.
“R&D is central to our rural industries remaining internationally
competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
The importance of rural R&D to our agriculture sector cannot be
underestimated, nor should it be taken for granted,” Minister
Ludwig said.
Cotton course part-scholarships
CRDC is offering five part-scholarships to enroll in The
University of New England (UNE) Cotton Production course
to begin study in 2013. Scholarships can be undertaken at
home over a one to two year period, depending on personal
or time commitments. The course is ideal for farmers, advisors,
consultants, cotton processors, researchers and existing students.
“All people in the course share a passion for the industry and
cite improving their knowledge and capacity to advance their
own skills in a vibrant industry as reasons for applying for a CRDC
part-scholarship,” CRDC Program Manager Bruce Pyke said.
Course co-ordinator and lecturer Brendan Griffiths has been a
field cotton agronomist and consultant for 21 years.
Since its inception it has been the only cotton industry specific,
academic based course available.
It offers a scientific based course, delivered in an applied
manner to equip students with the knowledge and skills to hit
the ground running, or generally broaden their knowledge of the
cotton industry, and cotton production.
To apply for a part-scholarship download your application form from the CRDC
website www.crdc.com.au and return to CRDC by COB December 1.
Bruce Pyke CRDC 6792 4088, bruce.pyke@crdc.com.au
Brendan Griffiths bgriffi2@une.edu.au
Come clean. Go clean.
While the industry’s “Come clean. Go clean.” slogan was
coined amid the initial fusarium outbreak in the 1990s, the
reasons it is still important are now broader, but equally clear,
according to CRDC’s Disease, IPM and Biosecurity Specialist Susan
Mass.
In advance of the 2012–13 season, the industry’s Development
and Delivery Team (D&D Team) has reiterated the Come clean. Go
clean. campaign and will work with insurance company AgriRisk
to communicate the importance of best practice farm biosecurity.
As a result the Come clean. Go clean. campaign is back, and is a
4 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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AgriRisk Services Managing Director John van der Vegt
and Susan Maas, CRDC at the recent Australian Cotton
Conference. AgriRisk has agreed to work with the cotton
industry’s D&D Team to communicate the importance of best
practice farm biosecurity.
top-level priority for the cotton industry in 2012–13.
“Come clean. Go clean. is about preventing the spread of
problems that already exist, such as known soil borne pathogens,
and the hard to control weeds including herbicide-resistant
weeds,” Susan said.
“Beyond that, it is also about managing the risk of future
incursions bearing in mind that once a biosecurity breach
occurs and a disease, pest or pathogen is in the country and
being spread around, it is too late to suddenly introduce farm
biosecurity measures.”
Agririsk has agreed to produce signage for the farm gate
and around the farm yard, and print machinery stickers to alert
farmers and visitors to observe best practice and always put
Come clean. Go clean. into daily practice.
“It is another great example of how we are working with
agribusiness to reach common goals and to apply the leverage
best provided by companies already well engaged on farm.
Agribusinesses such as AgriRisk have the ‘legs’ that we find it
very hard to replicate in the R&D services area.
“Farm gate signs will be reminding operators to stop and
clean down before moving to another location. AgriRisk are
also providing the Come clean. Go clean. farm signs to ensure
all visitors are aware of the farm’s commitment to good farm
biosecurity and best practice.”
Go to agririsk.com.au to order your stickers and signs. For
more information about how to come clean, go to myBMP or
www.crdc.com.au to get a copy of the new Come clean. Go
clean factsheet or e-mail susan.maas@crdc.com.au
CGAs encouraged to apply for Grass
Roots Grants
CRDC’s Grass Roots Grants Program is designed to stimulate
grower-led projects that build the capacity of industry players and
improve the communities in which they operate. Cotton Grower
Associations and informal grower groups are encouraged to
apply. All applicants are encouraged to get endorsement from
their local CGA.
Upper Namoi CGA Network Development Officer KiriIly
Blomfield has been employed with the support of the CRDC
Grass Roots Grants program and is pictured with Sally Hunter
from FundBase who is helping CGAs navigate the world of
grants and funding.
CRDC is aiming for one application from each of the 14 CGAs
so are encouraging them all to think of projects and contact Sally
Hunter (contact details below) to talk them over and get them
going.
The grant criteria are deliberately broad to encourage a range
of projects from across the region. The program seeks projects
that:
■■
Help with ground truthing and testing of R&D findings;
■■
Help improve the levels of adoption of R&D outcomes;
■■
Help improve the levels of adoption of myBMP;
■■
Grow the skills and knowledge base of cotton growers and
their communities;
■■
Grow the economic and/or social base of cotton grower
groups and their communities;
■■
Increase networking between growers, consultants and
researchers;
■■
Encourage new growers to the cotton industry; and,
■■
Strengthen collaboration across communities, across industries
and regions.
Examples of projects already undertaken are the purchase of
a weather station allowing Walgett Growers to participate in
the IrriSAT Project, the employment of a Network Development
Officer to facilitate information/knowledge exchange between
existing and new growers across cotton and grain farming
systems in the Lower Namoi, and the Macquarie Cotton Growers
Welcome Back Project in response to a resurgence in new
growers and a lack of engagement in the industry.
Applications are open until June 2013 with the maximum
funding level $10,000, however projects that demonstrate
collaboration with more than one partner or that cover a wider
geographical area may be considered for higher levels of funding.
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss potential projects with Sally
Hunter of FundBase.
Sally Hunter – sally@fundbase.com.au, 0459 944 778.
6 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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Cotton’s myBMP on track
■■By Jim Wark, Cotton Australia
Globally and domestically, the cotton industry has
adopted a vision of ecological, environmental and
economic (EEE) sustainability.
Only a few weeks ago, at a Plenary Meeting in Switzerland,
the International Cotton Advisory Council (ICAC) revealed
that the global cotton industry has made great strides in these
segments over the past 30 years.
This includes reductions in:
■■
Land usage: 30 per cent.
■■
Soil loss: 68 per cent.
■■
Water usage: 75 per cent.
■■
Energy usage: 36 per cent.
■■
Greenhouse gasses: 30 per cent.
Of course we know that Australia’s record in environmental
sustainability in cotton is second to none, with insecticide use
reduced by about 80 per cent in the past decade and a 40 per
cent increase in water productivity over the same time period.
myBMP leads the way
Within Australia, the general custodian of cotton’s
sustainability is the myBMP program, managed by Cotton
Australia, with Jim Wark in the driver’s seat and an extensive
industry support team including a number of field officers
providing stewardship in cotton growing regions.
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Johno and Katie Haire, proud owners of the first myBMP
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The myBMP program is not only a repository for sustainability,
but a place for growers and the cotton industry to access the
latest scientific knowledge, information and resources, find
solutions to challenges, and access a wide variety of tools to help
operate at optimal efficiency.
It provides comprehensive grower support – on the phone,
in person or by email – hence an online filing cabinet keeping
individual grower records in one place.
The best part is that myBMP is a free, on-line farm
management tool that helps cotton growers manage their
responsibilities to the natural environment and their workers. It
helps reduce risks around the farm, meet legislative requirements
and keep the paperwork in order.
Grower benefits
“Undertaking myBMP provides growers with the confidence
that you have covered your on-farm practices in relation to
meeting identified legal requirements ranging from the storage
and use of chemicals to the requirements of human resource
management,” Jim says.
Jim says that being web based, myBMP has done away with
clunky manuals and paper-based assessments. All information is
lodged electronically and stored in your confidential farm record
for you to access as and when required.
“myBMP allows you to work through the program modules in
the order and to the levels that suit your business priorities. For
growers who have already undertaken significant work on BMP,
some old BMP information can be imported and stored under
your new confidential myBMP grower records,” Jim said.
This is enhanced by an Action Plan feature, which provides
8 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 9

a useful ‘to do list’ that automatically identifies those practices
required to complete the assessment.
A new feature of the myBMP system is that you can compare
your on-farm practices relative to the industry.
With the introduction of a web-based Grains BMP in
Queensland, cotton’s myBMP has the ability to cross reference
your BMP practices against one another, automatically populating
those practices that you have completed from one system to the
other.
Industry benefits
Jim says a myBMP program also exists for the benefits of
ginners and classers, offering similar best practice templates,
information storage, benchmarking facilities, compliance and
auditing procedures, and links to resources.
He says myBMP can also be continually updated to support the
latest research and resources developed by the industry. Recent
improvements to the myBMP system will remove impediments
to grower uptake, encouraging greater on-ground adoption of
sound environmental practices.
“Overall, myBMP gives the community confidence that the
industry is managing natural assets in an efficient and effective
manner. In addition, a new HR module has been added to ensure
a better workplace environment for employers and employees,
filtering through to the wider community.”
The 11 modules of myBMP
■■
Human Resources (best management practices for staff and
contractors);
■■
Energy and Greenhouse Gases (more efficient use of energy
inputs such as fuel and fertilisers);
■■
Fibre Quality (for growing the best quality cotton that you
can);
■■
Biotechnology (for GM cotton varieties);
■■
Pesticide Management (for all aspects of pesticide storage and
use);
■■
Integrated Pest Management (for weeds, pests and diseases);
■■
Water Management (covering water quality, efficiency of
storage and distribution as well as both dryland and irrigated
farming practices);
■■
Natural Assets (managing the vegetative and riparian assets on
your farm);
■■
Petrochemical Storage and Handling (for all aspects of
petrochemical storage and use on farm);
■■
Biosecurity (covering the avoidance, management and control
of pests and diseases); and,
■■
Soil Health (how to best look after one of your most important
assets).
The values of getting to accreditation
If a grower chooses to be myBMP accredited the process
is relatively simple. While this is not a compulsory part of the
program, some growers have used this to their best advantage.
Many report that going through the accreditation process
‘keeps them on track’ and pushes them to get those little jobs
done that have been on the ‘to do’ list for a while. Growers
who get accredited tend to report that they found the process
good for business, and nowhere near as onerous as they were
expecting!
Cotton Australia is also beginning to see some market
response to the myBMP cotton brand and its associated values,
particularly with retailers and brand owners. While this hasn’t
translated into a guaranteed premium price, it can provide
security and marketing opportunities to individual growers
keen to go down this path and set up relationships directly with
customers. From a traceability and accountability point of view,
accreditation is an essential part of any deal with customers
further down the cotton supply chain.
From a community perception point of view, the more growers
who are accredited the better. It’s one thing to demonstrate
practice changes on farm, but Cotton Australia finds that
audiences such as politicians and the media respond far better to
hard numbers of accredited growers and accredited hectares.
User flexibility
At the core of myBMP is the ability for flexibility for all users. If
you’re just starting out all you need to do is register, log on and
get started.
In just one hour or so you’ll be able to assess whether or not
your farming practices meet current regulatory requirements. If
you work through all the myBMP practices you’ll have taken the
‘myBMP Challenge’, at the end of which you’ll be able to see if
you’re at best practice standards and identify where you can do
better.
Rather than having to complete the whole process, you can
also select those modules that have the most relevance to your
operation right now.
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10 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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Vale Ken Arnott
■■By David Dowling
The Australian cotton industry lost one of its greatest
characters when Ken Arnott passed away on September 1, at
the age of 71. Ken was one of the pioneers of the irrigation
and cotton industries in the Gwydir Valley, a larger-than-life
character who devoted a vast amount of time to industry issues
– particularly related to water.
My first recollections of Ken were, when as a young, knownothing
bug checker, I regularly checked trials at the Ken
Arnott managed property, Telleraga in the lower Gwydir. Ken
always had time for a friendly chat and an ability to impart
some useful knowledge in a few short words.
In those days, most people just knew him as the “Big
Biscuit,” a nickname which belied his talent and ability. Perhaps
his greatest strength was being able to communicate with
everyone – from a young tractor driver to a British Lord.
What follows is largely taken from an interview I did with
Ken in 1987, plus some recollections (in the blue text) of their
father by his sons Charlie, Kenny and Tom who delivered the
eulogy at his funeral.
The Ken Arnott story started at Murrurundi in the Liverpool
Ranges of Northern NSW on his father’s grazing property.
After boarding school in Sydney and a stint of jackarooing
in the Riverina and the Northern Territory, Ken returned to take
up a section of the family property. He married the love of his life,
Susie, and settled down for a few years of intensive sheep raising
with some limited farming.
“Very early on I decided that this was not the sort of farming
that I wanted to do,” said Ken. “I could see that the interesting
and successful agriculture of the future would involve spending
money and taking risks.”
One morning, after the normal “get up, it’s
time to get going”, one of us had the hide to ask
“where are we going, Dad”
“Listen boys, if you are not making dust you are
eating it. So get up, and get going.”
He didn’t have the financial backing to fulfill his dreams, but
was introduced to some English investors who did, and managed
to convince them that he was the person to manage their
Australian operation. The company was called the First Heritable
Trust, and the land they chose was Midkin South, 15 kms west
of Moree. In 1969 they bought the 5000 hectare property and
commenced a staged development.
Dad convinced Mum that a two door car was
safer than a four door, because we couldn’t fall
out, and bought a 327 Monaro.
Ken learned a lot about investment from them. “Some of the
families have been looking after their money since 1066,” he
said. At that stage, Copeton Dam was being built, but wasn’t
due to come into operation for some years, so they decided to
put bores down in the meantime.
“Apart from being good country, it was right in at the Gwydir
Raft, which had to receive irrigation water from Copeton
whichever streams eventually carried the water,’’ said Ken.
The irrigation country was envisaged to include crops of corn,
sorghum and combining irrigation with livestock activities. Cotton
was not considered an economic possiility, and was specifically
excluded from the early licences in the Gwydir.
When water from Copeton Dam became available, there was
very little demand for licences, or recognition of their value. Ken
Arnott did recognise the value of the water and established 800
hectares of river irrigation on Midkin South. It was around that
time that he started to realise the possibilities of flood irrigation,
especially the use of large volumes – a technique with which he is
closely associated.
Dad always seemed to weave into every day
activities, important life lessons.
Once when leaving for a pig shooting trip to
Goodooga, I was packing supplies. “Should I pack
all these boxes of bullets Dad” Packed already
were enough bullets for a month of shooting.
“They will be no use to us here in the cupboard
at home when we are out at Goodooga will they
boys,” he would say. “Pack everything.”
Ken Arnott.
“In the early days of Midkin South, I was changing most of
the syphons by myself, so I soon recognised their shortcomings,
especially when irrigating cereal crops on cold winter nights,”
12 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

Mum was unaware of this arrangement until
she heard Tom calling her on the 2-way late at
night from the Drive-In reporting that the movie
had finished, the gates were being locked and the
guard dogs were about to be let out. Tom said he
was happy to drive, but Dad had not left him with
the keys!
The late Ken Arnott (centre) with Jeremy and Caroline
Francis, Annabelle Simpson and Hugh Livingston at the
Moree Plains Art Gallery in 2010. (Photo: Moree Champion)
Ken recalled. He enlisted the aid of Bob Christianson, probably
the best irrigation development man in the country. The idea was
to save money in both development and operation, to cut labour
costs and to grow better crops.
They moved to using 12 inch pipes through the bank, and had
to find an efficient valve to control the water flow. “We tried beach
balls and plastic buckets in the end of the pipe before settling on
lengths of Hydro flume tied up to iron stakes,” said Ken.
The idea caught on, and many cotton farms in northern NSW
started using the same or similar systems.
After seven years at Midkin South, it became obvious that cotton
was going to be the crop to grow in the Gwydir. By the mid 70s the
beef boom was well and truly over, and coarse grain prices were on
the way down, while cotton promised high returns. For a couple of
years, Ken grew some cotton on the property, but a big injection of
capital was needed to finish land development and buy machinery.
“It became obvious that the best decision was to let Auscott
sharefarm the country,’’ said Ken. ‘’Even though it left me out
in the cold a bit, I knew the owners would be happier doing
business that way, and that the arrival of Auscott would be good
for the industry in the Gwydir.’’
Within 12 months, a new opportunity came in the form of an
enquiry from National Mutual in Melbourne who were interested
in getting involved in cotton. Ken had looked at Telleraga during
his previous investigations and considered it the best still available
in the Valley. They bought the property, hired Ken, and provided
him with a tight budget and a target of 1600 hectares of planted
cotton within a year.
Dad was an avid supporter of bringing young
men through the ranks. He set up an assistance
program funded by National Mutual to get young,
keen blokes through university and then employed
on one of the properties. It gave Dad immense
satisfaction to see young people succeed; this was
another example of his unselfish attitude.
Ken characteristically credited much of the success to the
people around him – people like Bob Christianson, Don Saunders,
Barry McKay and Bucky Rowlands at the start, followed by a long
line of others in the same mold.
Ken spent a lot of time on water issues, particularly as
Chairman of the Gwydir Valley Water Users Council, and was also
on the board of the Namoi Cotton Co-operative. He was also an
active member of the NSW Irrigators’ Council.
Dad was Chairman of the Moree Art Foundation
from 2000 to present. Kenny Arnott and art you
may ask Yet this brought out one of Dad’s most
brilliant skills; his ability to inspire and connect
with people from many different social groups.
He could move from a conversation at the
Moree Art Gallery to the Telleraga workshop
effortlessly. You would never know where he was
more comfortable. He could be helping aboriginal
artists in the morning and in the afternoon
debating with Sinclair Hill about funding for the
next exhibition.
As successful as he was, Ken’s philosophy on life was not
a single-minded drive for achievement – far from it. “I think
everyone is here to have a bloody good time,” he said. ‘’You
should work your guts out, but when you’re not working, enjoy
yourself. This is not a dress rehearsal, but the real thing, and you
should make the most of it.”
In his lifetime Dad had such an invigorating
presence that it is easy to forget that below the
surface of the larger than life Kenny Arnott, was a
gentle and yet very determined individual.
Dad taught without teaching, he could lead
from behind and would drive a team of bullocks
with no whip.
To all of you a friend; to Susie’s loving husband,
and to the three of us, our father, Kenny Arnott
had values that are strong; they are timeless; and
they will endure.
Farewell old friend, we will miss you.
Development started in February, 1981 and 1850 hectares
were planted in October. The target had been achieved, and
under budget as well, and to top it off, yields and prices were
both excellent. It became one of the great success stories of
cotton development.
Continuing his unorthodox lessons, Dad and
Donny (Saunders) decided that the Moree Drive-In
was an excellent child minding centre for Tom and
Donny’s boys to study some visual arts while they
went to the pub.
Ken (centre) at the opening of North West Ginning.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 13

Preventing contamination in
round modules
■■By Andrew Vanderstock, Australian Cotton Ginners Association
With conventional modules, the key areas to consider
regarding contamination are:
■■
The type of tarp (fitted or Valeron);
■■
The condition of the tarp;
■■
The fitting of the tarp and use of ropes; and,
■■
Inspection and storage of tarps during the off season
Contamination
The important thing to remember is that anything that is
not cotton is contamination, and can cause major problems for
ginners, spinners and to Australia’s reputation as a supplier of
quality cotton.
The main reasons for contamination in traditional cotton
picking and handling systems are:
■■
Carelessness;
■■
Poor housekeeping;
■■
Placement of module builders;
■■
Machine failures such as module builder hydraulics; and,
■■
Disgruntled staff.
TABLe 1: Uptake of round bales
Gin/Season 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
MacIntyre 0% 0% 0% 41% 62%
Mungindi 0% 26% 29% 73%
Ashley 24% 40% 39% 48% 75%
Wathagar 0% 0% 20% 45%
Moomin 0% 0% 0% 28% 69%
Yarraman 0% 26%
Merah 0% 0% 0% 0% 34%
Boggabri 0% 0% 0% 24% 38%
Trangie 0% 0% 65%
Hillston 0% 0% 0% 57% 74%
In brief…
In a very topical session at the Australian Cotton Conference
in August, Andrew Vanderstock, Operations Manager with
Namoi Cotton and current Chair of the Cotton Ginners
Association looked at contamination and quality issues in
Australian cotton. He highlighted the plastic wrap on the
round modules as an area that needs to be carefully managed
so that sections of plastic do not find their way into the ginning
process and contaminate the lint.
The problems caused by contamination throughout the supply
chain can range from annoying to catastrophic. They include:
■■
Downgraded cotton;
■■
Merchant discounts which can cost plenty;
■■
Gin fires;
■■
Gin machinery damage; and,
■■
The international reputation of Australian cotton.
Round bale pickers
The situation has totally changed with the introduction of the
John Deere 7760 Round module picker in 2008. By 2010-11, 35
per cent of the Australian crop was picked with a JD7760. Within
a year (this past season) this had risen to about 70 per cent of the
crop and that figure is expected to increase further next season
(see Table 1).
This massive change in technology has also meant a change
in the contamination threat to Australian cotton. Most of the
problems are now likely to come from contamination by the
polyethylene wrap itself. Everyone involved in the handling,
cartage and storage of round modules needs to ensure that the
integrity of the wrap is not damaged prior to ginning.
Care needs to be taken at each stage of the handling of the
round module from the picker through to the gin stand. Everyone
involved must appreciate the importance of preserving the
integrity of the plastic wrap. The key areas are:
■■
In the field – wrapping and storage of the modules with an
awareness of any problems which may occur;
Some of the more serious contamination from conventional
modules.
Double wrap in round module.
14 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

FIGURE 1: Grade versus preburner moisture (%)
■■
During transport – damage can occur from unsuitable trailers
or restraints. Refer to the Cotton Australia guidelines on the
transport of bales and modules (http://cottonaustralia.com.au/
uploads/resources/Cotton_Restraint_Guide_for_Carriage_of_
Bales_and_Modules.pdf)
■■
Module storage in the gin yard – gin operators need to look
at module yard allocation of round and conventional modules
and be vigilant for wrap contamination.
Not all plastic wrap is removed in the module feed area by
operators or the mechanised systems used to remove the wraps.
The yellow plastic has contaminated Australian export bales.
The ginning industry led by the Australian Cotton Ginners
Association (ACGA) has initiated a project with CSIRO, the CRDC
and Loptex Italia to develop systems that detect and remove
contamination from cotton during ginning before baling. The
aim of the project is to have sensors that detect and remove
fragments of the plastic wrap in the gin process.
The project, which started in April 2012, is developing sensor
systems to detect and allow removal of contaminants at two
positions in the gin; in the module opening bay and between the
gin stand (after the Super-J Cleaner) and the first lint cleaner.
The module feed sensor (camera) system is relatively
inexpensive and easy to incorporate into most gins. But
this system is unable to alert ginners of small contaminants
embedded in both round and square conventional modules that
enter the gin. The system for the position between the gin stand
and lint cleaner, albeit more expensive, is hoped to provide the
ultimate guarantee of contaminant-free cotton.
High moisture levels
High moisture levels in round modules are a problem of
themselves, and can also contribute to contamination problems
with torn wrap. High moisture levels can lead to downgrading
problems.
The ideal module moisture level is from 6-10 per cent. Eleven
or 12 per cent is marginal while 13 per cent or more is poor.
What growers can do about moisture
■■
Control picking times to limit moisture levels;
■■
Measure moisture – in the field, in the picker and in the
module;
■■
Notify the gin of any high moisture modules; and,
■■
Be careful with on-farm storage.
High moisture levels can lead to downgrading.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 15

Planting windows – investing in
cotton’s future
■■By Sally Ceeney 1 , Sharon Downes 2 , Tracey Leven 3 and Susan Maas 3
Bollgard II is arguably the most valuable technology
the cotton industry has ever known, guarding itself with
insecticidal toxins all day, every day. The cotton farming
system has changed in response to this product, in ways that
were not predicted before its release. A common expression of
this shift is the preparedness of growers to drive crops on later
into the season to compensate for an early or mid-season set
back. Confidence to utilise the last of the autumn heat to fill late
fruit wasn’t a viable proposition with non-Bt cotton when the
pest had the upper hand.
But what calms the nerves of cotton growers and consultants
raises the heart rate of the cotton industry’s Helicoverpa ecology
and resistance researchers. Constant expression of the Bt toxins
constitutes a massive selection pressure event each season,
testing the mettle of the product and daring the industry’s pest
nemesis, Helicoverpa armigera, to evolve to survive.
Why use planting windows
Planting windows are a key component of the Resistance
Management Plan (RMP) for Bollgard II which was established
Cereal stubble is important in the establishment of dryland
crops – it improves moisture infiltration and protects the
young seedlings from sandblasting.
Current status of
Bt resistance…
How many moths in the field carry a gene for resistance to
the Bt toxins in Bollgard II
Cry1Ac: 1 in 2000 (both spp.)
Cry2Ab: 1 in 15 (both spp.)
How many moths in the field carry a gene for resistance to
the new toxin in Bollgard III
VIP3A:
1 in 20 (H.armigera)
1 in 50 (H.punctigera)
to mitigate the risks of resistance developing to either of the
proteins contained in Bollgard II cotton.
The purpose of planting windows is to confine crop
development and maturity to limit the number of generations of
Helicoverpa spp. exposed to Bollgard II cotton each season. This
measure effectively restricts the selection pressure on key pests to
develop resistance to Bollgard II.
Limiting selection pressure is a primary principle of any
resistance management strategy. An extended growing season
increases the length of time that Helicoverpa spp. are exposed to
the Bt toxin, thereby increasing the risk of resistance.
The planting window concept was originally part of the
voluntary Insecticide Resistance Management Strategy (IRMS)
and was based on a scientific understanding of the ecology
of Helicoverpa spp. The start date of the planting window is
based on the date that moths are likely to emerge in a region
using long term temperature data and the window length is
one lifecycle of the pest, based on daily temperatures around
the start date, which is about 42 days. Imposing a start date
is especially important in warmer regions where pupae do not
necessarily enter a diapause over the winter and where there is
no climatically driven restriction on when planting can begin.
There are usually three to four generations of Helicoverpa spp.
in a cotton growing season, depending on temperatures for that
year, so the risk strategies around the RMP have been developed
based on these numbers. But in recent years seasonal conditions
have led to extremely late crops with up to six generations
of Helicoverpa spp. exposed to Bt cotton in a region, placing
additional pressure on the technology. It is important to note that
the presence of Bt volunteers and ratoon cotton on farms outside
of the growing season also effectively extends the season length
and increases the risk of resistance. Because there is not always
a climatic limit on how long crops can be grown, the RMP now
includes an end date for crops in Central Queensland, and all
Bollgard II and associated trap crops must be destroyed by July 31.
The population biology of Helicoverpa spp. also informs the
16 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

elationship between planting windows in different regions.
Research has shown that H. amigera from different regions on
the east coast of Australia are from the same population, rather
than individual colonies, and moths can fly very long distances.
This means that moths exposed to Bt cotton in one region can
have offspring that encounter Bt cotton in neighbouring regions.
So although there is some variation and flexibility in planting
windows among regions within the RMP, resistance risks are
assessed at an industry level.
The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) is
investing in research aimed to review and assess the effectiveness
of using planting windows as part of a pre-emptive resistance
management strategy so that the industry can be better informed
when establishing future RMPs.
Protecting our future
When the RMP for Bollgard II was developed the frequency
of resistance to both of the toxins that it expresses (Cry1Ac and
Cry2Ab) was expected to be low. Screening for resistance in H.
armigera and H. punctigera began around the time that Bollgard
II was commercially released, revealing that frequencies were
much higher than anticipated.
While in both H. armigera and H. punctigera the first
isolations of alleles conferring resistance to Cry1Ac were recently
detected, these alleles remain rare (less than 1 in 1,000). But,
since developing the RMP for Bollgard II, CSIRO’s monitoring
has shown that in both of the main target species, resistance
to Cry2Ab is present, is higher than expected, and is probably
increasing.
This is the case not only for H. armigera which has a track
record of developing resistance to conventional insecticides, but
also for H. punctigera which has shown limited ability of evolving
resistance to conventional insecticide sprays.
The industry’s third generation Bt technology is being
developed. It is based on the same platform as Bollgard II but
with a new protein (Vip3A) added. An important question for
developing the RMP for Bollgard III is the frequency of Vip3A
resistance genes in the population before exposure to cotton with
this protein. For the past three seasons CSIRO performed screens
against Vip3A in H. armigera and found that the frequency
of alleles conferring resistance is around 1 in 20. Not only is
this higher than expected, it is much greater than the starting
frequencies for Cry2Ab. Vip3A resistance alleles have also been
detected in H. punctigera at a frequency that is higher than
expected, and higher than the starting frequencies for Cry2Ab.
Work is underway to characterise this Vip3A resistance. This
information, along with data on the efficacy of Bollgard III against
Helicoverpa (also underway), will be used with information on the
frequencies of Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A to determine the RMP
for Bollgard III. At this stage it is almost certain that we will not
be developing a RMP with a clean resistance slate.
Chair of the cotton industry’s TIMS Committee, Andrew
Parkes stresses that “Managing resistance to Bollgard II in the
lead up to commercial release of Bollgard III is critical for the
industry to get the best long term value from the new third
generation technology.” Andrew went on to explain, “The lower
the resistance frequencies are when Bollgard III is introduced,
the more confidence the TIMS Committee will have to support
significant changes to the Resistance Management Plan.”
1
Cotton Industry Development and Delivery Team.
2
CSIRO.
3
CRDC.
October–November TPS-009_OmniSTAR_CottonGrower_AD_186x125mm_0912.indd 2012 1
The Australian Cottongrower 9/11/2012 3:37:05 — PM17

Water Matters…
Series supported by Valmont
Water policy strikes at the heart
of our food security
■■By Julian Cribb 1
If Australia’s security agencies got wind of a terrorist plot to
destroy vital national infrastructure, eliminate companies and
thousands of jobs, cost the Australian public billions of dollars
and undermine the health of the community, our governments
would – presumably – mobilise all our national resources and
defence forces to prevent it.
The trouble is the perpetrators in this scenario are Australian
governments themselves – federal and state and of both political
complexions. And the scenario is real.
As the world grapples with its third food price crisis in four
years, our governments and their bureaucracies are steadily
dismantling one of Australia’s most productive and important
industries – the irrigation sector that supplies most of our daily
needs for milk, fruit, vegetables, cotton, rice, meat and other
products essential to a healthy diet and living standard.
Irrigation channels that have fed Australians for a century are
being bulldozed and farmers’ water supplies turned off or sold
off for non-food uses. Water prices are soaring. Food industries
are contracting, local food companies being sold offshore or shut
down, around 100 regional towns are dying and many farmers
are quitting agriculture for good. A growing flood of overseas
food – grown cheaply in Asia often using water horribly polluted
with industrial poisons, heavy metals and pesticides – now lines
the shelves and freezers of our shops and supermarkets.
Not content with this, federal and state governments have
also methodically demolished Australia’s irrigation science efforts:
the Irrigation Futures and e-Water CRCs, the National Program
for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI), the CSIRO Irrigation Division,
Land & Water Australia have all been wound up while state
irrigation research and extension has been decimated. This will
ensure Australians will not have the knowledge we need to grow
more food with less water as the climate changes.
It may be that our governments and bureaucracies do not
know it takes over 1000 tonnes of water a year to feed an
Australian.
Or maybe they simply do not care if Australian food prices
go through the roof and scarcities erupt as we increase our
dependence on imports as the world food supply becomes less
secure. But it is hard to find any rational explanation for why this
vital sector is being cut down.
In the Olympics of shortsighted decision-making, jeopardising
the backbone of the nation’s future food security has to be a
Gold Medal contender. We now rely on overseas suppliers for 30
per cent of our fruit, 20 per cent of our vegetables, three quarters
of our fish – and there is growing economic pressure to shift the
dairy industry to China or NZ.
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18 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 19

Irrigation is worth $9–$11 billion a year at the farm gate and
maybe five times that in the shops; along the food chain it helps
keep half a million Australians in work. It manages two million
hectares and roughly two thirds of our available freshwater. It is
highly efficient in what it does – turning water into good food
and fibre. In the last drought it cut its water use by 43 per cent,
while cities cut theirs by just one per cent. But because it consists
of a gaggle of regional industries and jurisdictions prone to
argue among themselves, it lacks political influence, a national
vision, and has no effective voice. This makes it easy meat for
government razor gangs, populist politicians and self-seeking
bureaucracies.
Northern Victorian Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman
Stone is one who is deeply concerned as spur lines off the main
irrigation channels are shut down and channels ploughed in,
while local dairy and fruit manufacturers downsize. “This socalled
‘Foodbowl Modernisation Project’ was set up to justify
piping farm water to Melbourne during the drought.” Sharman
explains. “The project was so ill-conceived that a damning State
Ombudsman’s report saw the agency dismantled and the CEO
resign. But the project lives on now managed by the similarly
inept State-owned Goulburn Murray Water Authority, which is
on track to ‘reduce the infrastructure footprint... by 50 per cent’.
This will halve the local irrigation system by 2015,” she warns.
At federal level, Sharman adds, the Commonwealth
Environmental Water Holder is also targeting food producers’
water in the Murray Darling Basin, in what she describes as ‘a
non-scientific raid aimed at pleasing urban green voters’.
Similarly, in Queensland and NSW, farmers in key foodbowl
regions like the Liverpool Plains and Darling Downs are up in
arms over state governments apparently determined to hand
their water resources to coal seam gas, coal and other resource
companies in search of a quick profit – potentially trading off
centuries of reliable food production for a few years of cheap
energy.
Australians need to understand that the real victims of this
process are not so much farmers, who can sell their water and
land and walk away – though most do not want to. The real
victims are 22+ million Australian consumers who will face
increasingly erratic and high food prices, sudden shortages and a
growing assault on their health due to the offshoring of our food
supply. And, of course, the taxpayers who will inevitably be asked
to pay billions to rebuild and restore food production when the
penny finally drops, the public gets angry and governments are
forced to backtrack.
The Bruntland definition of sustainability is handing the
country to your kids in the same, or better, condition than you
received it. In the case of food production, and especially irrigated
food production, this will not happen in Australia under current
policies. We will pass on, at best, a brow-beaten, downsized, deskilled
and demoralised system at a time when global food crises
are multiplying and prices soaring.
Australia has enough water for all its food and export needs,
to protect and sustain its native landscapes and to embark
on new industries in aquaculture, algae culture and irrigation
potentially worth $30 to $40 billion – but to do that we need,
above all, good science, technology and education to redouble
water use efficiency and second, policies which foster sustainable
water development and investment.
We should be building low-loss distribution systems (that
do not require half the present network to be shut down). We
should be recycling up to 100 per cent of our urban water. No
Australian city or frivolous user should be allowed to touch
food’s supply of water. We should bank water by recharging our
aquifers nationwide, plan mosaic irrigation in the north and seek
to double productivity in the southern irrigation industry – instead
of crushing it. We should share best practice and innovative
water management the length and breadth of the land. We
should build a billion dollar export sector in sustainable water
knowhow and technology, like the Israelis.
The Australians of the 19th and 20th centuries built our
modern irrigation sector to sustain the nation in its growth. In
a world where food supplies will become increasingly scarce,
expensive and unreliable as it surges toward 10 billion ravenous
global consumers, the impact of our own neglect of this vital area
will be borne by our children and grandchildren.
What sort of parents, indeed what sort of Australians, does
that make us
1
Julian Cribb is a Canberra-based science and agriculture writer, and
author of ‘The Coming Famine’ (CSIRO Publishing 2010).
This article was originally published in The Canberra Times on October 5.
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20 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

The perfect pair.
To protect your Cotton all season there’s no better combination than Altacor ® and Steward ® . When used in rotation the dynamic
duo can beat the cotton socks off a range of cotton pests. Use Altacor ® early on to attack Heliothis and Rough bollworm. Then
follow up with Steward ® for Heliothis and Green mirid protection.
For more information on rotation plans talk to your local agronomist or visit www.dupont.com.au
DuPont
TMAltacor ® and Steward ®
ALWAYS REFER TO THE LABEL BEFORE USE.
Copyright ©2009 DuPont. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont , The miracles of science ® , Altacor ® , Steward ® and Rynaxypyr ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of
DuPont or its affi liates. Du Pont (Australia) Ltd. 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ACN 000 716 469. Hotline 1800 257 169. All rights reserved. DP1411/ACYB
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 21

Overwintering strategy of
solenopsis mealybug
■■by Moazzem Khan 1 , Melina Miles 1 , Susan Maas 3 , Kristy Byers 1 and Gail Spargo 2
Insects use overwintering as a strategy to survive adverse
weather condition such as cold winter. An effective
overwintering strategy maximises an insect’s chance of
surviving adverse weather conditions.
Insects have a range of overwinter strategies. Some enter
diapause, such as Helicoverpa armigera diapausing as pupae,
while others may continue development but at very slow pace as
in green mirid. Understanding overwintering strategy is the key
to developing a management strategy for the pest. For example,
pupae busting exploits an opportunity to control H. armigera
without insecticides; resulting in population management and
reducing carryover of insecticide resistance.
Solenopsis mealybug is an emerging pest of cotton in
Australia. The first outbreak occurred in the 2008–09 and 2009–
10 seasons in the Burdekin and Emerald. In 2010–11 another
outbreak occurred in Byee, 40 km north of Kingaroy, in dryland
Bollgard cotton. Solenopsis mealybugs cause damage to cotton
from emergence to maturity by sucking sap. Overwintering
populations within a field with a history of mealybug probably
will start colonising emerging plants. Therefore, a better
understanding of solenopsis mealybug overwintering will
contribute to the development of a management strategy for this
pest.
How does solenopsis mealybug overwinter
To understand the solenopsis mealybug overwintering strategy
we conducted a survey from August to October 2011 in Byee in
the same field where the outbreak occurred and again from July
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to September 2012. In 2011 the survey commenced after pupae
busting. In 2012 the survey commenced when cotton still was in
the field, prior to picking.
Solenopsis mealybugs were found on non-crop hosts including
stagger weed, bind weed, rasp weed, marshmallow, verbena,
pigweed and wild radish. The survey showed that solenopsis
mealybug overwinter mainly as nymphs (86 per cent in 2011 and
94 per cent in 2012) (Figure 1) but develop at a slow pace. At the
end of August as temperatures start to rise, adults start emerging
and infest cotton once it is planted.
The survey also revealed that more than 70 per cent of
mealybugs were found in the root zone of the overwintering
hosts. Under the soil, temperatures are higher and more
consistent than air temperatures, which is probably why
mealybug colonise roots during the winter. In a clean fallow,
solenopsis mealybug can survive under the soil for quite some
time without any plant host. Once plants start to emerge after
rain the mealybug quickly colonise on that plant (Photos 1 and
2). We also noticed that solenopsis mealybug use any plants to
survive – even plants which are not a preferred host. For example
FIGURe 1: Numbers of solenopsis mealybug on
overwintering hosts at Byee in 2011 (A) and in
2012 (B) – an average of mealybug found on all
plant species shown for each sampling date
A:
B:
22 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

we have seen small nymphs on the root zone of liverseed grass
and on fleabane which are not preferred hosts (Photos 3 and 4).
Will off-season operations reduce overwintering
solenpsis mealybug populations
Cotton fields with a history of solenopsis mealybug infestation
are more likely to have infestations of seedling cotton the
following year. Overwintering hosts in the field play a key role in
carrying solenopsis mealybug from one season to the next, and
enabling them to establish on seedling cotton. Mealybug needs
several weeks to build up to a population level that will cause
significant damage to cotton plants. The earlier they establish on
cotton plants the greater the potential for damaging populations
at later stages of the crop development. Therefore any operations
that kill or reduce overwintering populations will reduce the risk
of early establishment.
To test what operations may have an impact on overwintering
populations we conducted a trial during the 2011–12 season in
a Byee field where there had been an outbreak in the 2010–11
PHOTOS 1 and 2: Solenopsis mealybug colonise weed hosts in
fallows soon after emergence, following rain. A single wild
radish in the middle of the field, close up showing a young
adult on the base of the stem close to the soil surface.
PHOTOS 3 and 4: Solenoposis mealybug can use any plant to
survive hard times, including liverseed grass and fleabane.
These are not preferred hosts.
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FIGURe 4: Effect of off-season operations on establishment of solenopsis mealybug on early stage
cotton
season. Operations were targeted at controlling overwintering
hosts. Three treatments were tested. Each treatment involved a
combination of operations. The treatments were:
■■
Mulching, deep cultivation/pupae busting, light cultivation,
two herbicide applications (Roundup and Zulu and
Gramoxone) plus Cruiser treated seed.
■■
Mulching, deep cultivation/pupae busting plus Cruiser treated
seed.
■■
Mulching, deep cultivation/pupae busting plus untreated seed.
The paddock was mulched on May 18, 2011, following
picking. On August 6, the field was pupae busted. Herbicide was
applied twice to treatment 1. The cotton was planted on October
24. All treatments were assessed four times from emergence to
early boll setting stage (January 9).
Solenopsis mealybug is an emerging pest of cotton in
Australia.
The results are summarised in Figure 2. It clearly shows that
treatment 1 plots had a significantly lower solenopsis mealybug
population at the early stages of growth than treatments 2
and 3. The figure also shows that plots with treatment 2 had
significantly lower population than plots with treatment 3. The
only difference between treatment 2 and 3 was seed treatment.
This result suggests that seed treatment reduces the early
establishment of solenopsis mealybug on cotton.
Conclusions
Our study on the overwintering of solenopsis mealybug shows
that they can survive during winter, using whatever plant species
is available. They can survive in the soil for some time without
any plant host. This overwintering strategy makes solenopsis
mealybug a difficult pest to manage. But we have seen natural
enemies such as lady beetles and lacewings active in the field
during winter. Potentially these beneficials can keep solenopsis
mealybug under control, particularly if they are not killed by
insecticides targeted to control pests such as mirids.
Off-season operations trial results emphasise the importance
of farm hygiene (see The Australian Cottongrower 31 page 18-
22). Keeping fields clean after harvest until planting is critical
to reducing subsequent infestations of solenopsis mealybug.
Fields without any weed hosts or ratoon cotton will reduce early
establishment on cotton. In addition to farm operations, seed
treatment will also reduce solenopsis mealybug establishment
on seedling cotton. But it is not yet clear whether there are any
differences in effectiveness of seed treatments. A trial is planned
for this season to explore this.
We thank Michael and Andrea Stuart of Byee for allowing us to conduct the
trial in their property and for helping with the operations. We also thank
Adam Quade, DAFF, Toowoomba for helping with the trial. The Cotton
Research and Development Corporation provided funding (DAQ 1204)
1
DAFF Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld 4350.
2
DAFF Queensland, Emerald, Qld 4720.
3
CRDC, Emerald, Qld 4720.
24 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

Spraying
feature…
Adding depth to weed sensing
science
The next generation of precision weed sensing technology is
a step closer to reality, giving hope to the grains and cotton
industries of targeting a wider range of problem species
and further reducing their herbicide usage.
Results from commercial spot sprayers show 50–90 per cent
reduction in herbicide when used in fallow situations, but takeup
of weed sensing machinery by cropping industries has been
limited due to its inability to discriminate between different plant
species.
But new research conducted by PhD student Steven Rees
and Dr Cheryl McCarthy of the National Centre for Engineering
in Agriculture (NCEA) based at the University of Southern
Queensland, has developed an improved imaging system that is
a major step forward towards automated species specific weed
spraying.
“Our research demonstrates that discrimination of weed
species in real-world on-farm conditions is achievable using
combined colour and depth image analysis,” Cheryl said.
“The proof-of-concept technology demonstrates
discrimination of weed species by using cameras to detect
broadleaf and grasses, and even has the potential for individual
broadleaf or grass species to be identified automatically.
Current commercial weed sensing technologies only look at
the spectral response of vegetation compared to background -
green from brown (i.e. plant from soil and stubble).
The NCEA machine vision is able to differentiate weed and
crop based on a number of attributes including shape, texture,
depth and colour.
“It is an important breakthrough because alternative weed
control strategies are required as the cotton and grains industries
face growing herbicide resistance in minimum and no-till farming
systems.
“This technology will contribute to integrated weed
management practices and might be used ultimately to scout,
map and selectively spray on-farm weed infestations and inform
management strategies and tank mixes.”
But does adding this new layer of information add to the
complexity of the machine Will it be less rugged and suited to
the rigours of the field Another thing to break down
“Robustness of a commercial unit is a consideration for
commercial development by a third party,” says Steven, “but
we don’t envisage any physical reliability concerns as the
technologies are all solid state. We are currently undertaking field
trials under real world conditions in the sugar industry.”
The research was funded by the Rural Industries Research
and Development Corporation (RIRDC), which managed
the Australian Government’s National Weeds Research and
Productivity Program.
Weeds cost Australian agriculture more than $4 billion each
year, including control costs and lost production.
The RIRDC Weeds Program, which concluded on June 30 this
year, invested more than $12 million in over 50 projects that
would improve the knowledge and understanding of weeds, and
provide land managers with tools to control weeds and reduce
their impact on agriculture and biodiversity.
New research conducted by PhD student Steven Rees and
Dr Cheryl McCarthy of the National Centre for Engineering
in Agriculture (NCEA) based at the University of Southern
Queensland, has developed an improved imaging system
that is a major step forward towards automated species
specific weed spraying.
Weed images taken using the new identification system.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 25

Spraying
feature…
Field testing of the prototype system was conducted on
farms in southern Queensland.
Cheryl said more research was needed to further advance the
technology so that it could be integrated with a weed classifier
system linked to the spray trigger.
If the technology was realised, she said the reduction in
herbicide usage, coupled with precise knowledge of the
species of weeds present, would enable a much larger range of
herbicides to be viable, therefore reducing the risk of herbicide
resistance developing.
Existing weed sensor imaging technology struggles to
segment leaf from weeds – a difficult task when more than one
weed species are growing together, often at different heights.
Commercial systems therefore target any green vegetation on a
soil or stubble background.
Researchers in this field have been seeking to improve
machine vision-based weed discrimination by targeting the
analyses of colour, shape and texture.
A 2008 review of weed control systems found that although
results between 65 per cent and 95 per cent accuracies can be
achieved, this can only occur in ideal conditions. The systems
were found to be unsuitable to real-world conditions where leaf
shape can be distorted by numerous factors and crops and weed
leaves often occlude each other.
Against this background, the NCEA project set out to create
a prototype machine which could identify problem weeds in
a real-world setting – this meant dealing with issues including
inconsistent light sources, interference from ground cover (i.e.
stubble) and occlusions.
Cheryl said the challenge was to develop a precision
sensing system with the “capability to extract whole leaves for
classification from a scene containing many weeds.”
The team tested two camera systems – a combined colour and
depth camera and a high resolution colour camera – for their
ability to capture effective images of weeds for analysis in realtime.
A three-metre unit was developed to house and provide
shading for the two camera systems while being towed in the
field in paddock trials on the Darling Downs. The unit was used
to collect weed images under expected operational conditions
of the machine vision system and targeted fleabane, sowthistle,
liverseed, feathertop Rhodes grass, wild sorghum and wild oats.
The results encouraged the researchers to develop a new
image analysis technique that can discriminate between grass
and broadleaf species, and between different broadleaf species.
Both active and passive methods of depth data generation were
investigated so that weed segmentation based on height could
be used as a pre-process to the more “computationally-intense”
colour-based image analysis.
“Automated analysis of colour images enabled extraction of
individual grass leaves (liverseed, wild oats, feathertop Rhodes
grass and wild sorghum) and discrimination of grasses from
broadleaf weeds (sowthistle and fleabane),” Cheryl said.
“But a greater resolution was required for the extraction of the
features of broadleaf species, than for grass species. So an active
depth sensor was found which reduced image complexity by at
least 80 per cent for images containing weeds at a distinct height
– for example, standing grass amongst low-lying broadleaves and
grasses.”
The subsequent results demonstrated that discrimination of
weed species in real-world on-farm conditions is achievable by
using combined colour and depth image analysis.
It is anticipated that a commercial unit would carry tank mixes
for grasses and broadleafs. And longer term, perhaps a variable
rate machine with different rates for different weed sizes and
growth stages.
The NCEA is now further testing its research through grants
from the Sugar Research & Development Corporation (SRDC),
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and Botanical Resources
Australia (BRA), which it hopes will develop the technology from
the proof-of-concept stage towards commercialisation.
Spray App
This is a very easy system to incorporate into any operation,
because the Spray App is a very simple but valuable and
important tool to add into the cabin of a sprayer.
The bonus is you get to take the Spray App back to base every
night – so when it rains your carbon book is not stuck in the field
with all the information!
Farmers like to have something that just ‘works’ and the Spray
App may be the answer – so the ‘KISS’ method applies. What’s
more, it’s built by farmers for farmers
The Spray App works offline – so when you drive into range
the PDF, which is a legal document with date and time features,
will automatically be sent back to the office. It also has CSV
export capabilities.
You can:
■■
Record weather conditions as many times as required.
■■
It is a tool that manages spray drift.
■■
A tank calculator that tells the operator how many litres of
chemical is required per tank.
■■
It can identify all your spraying details: sprayers, operators,
nozzle codes etc.
■■
It is robust and reliable – you can run your business from it.
■■
If audited the Spray App gives you a complete account of
what’s happened in any field or paddock.
www.eziapp.com.au
26 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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Spraying
feature…
Phenoxy protection with
CottonMap
If some of your cotton plants look like those in the photo nearby,
they may have been affected by spray drift from a Group I (such
as Phenoxy) herbicide. Young cotton is particularly susceptible,
at a time when the use of phenoxys can increase for weed control
in summer fallow programs. The problem is further exacerbated
following summer rainfall that causes rapid weed germination and
growth, needing timely control.
Cotton Australia runs an annual campaign to help protect
Australia’s cotton crops from this problem that includes educating
users of phenoxy herbicide products and working with the
regulators to ensure the application directions are followed.
Cotton growers are encouraged to help overcome this
problem by:
■■
Writing to neighbours to let them know your cotton plans for
the season (there’s a template letter to make this easier on the
Cotton Australia website);
■■
Mapping cotton fields at www.cottonmap.com.au so that
neighbours can be made aware of susceptible cotton crops
nearby; and,
■■
Reporting any incident (or suspected incident) as soon as it
occurs to your closest Cotton Australia Regional Manager. It is
critical that incidents are properly logged and investigated and
Cotton Australia has a straightforward process that is simple
and confidential. A reporting form is available on the Cotton
Australia website.
More about CottonMap
CottonMap is a website where cotton fields are mapped online
so that potential users of Group I products are alerted to the
proximity of cotton fields to any area requiring weed control over
summer. The 2011–12 season saw 640,393 paddock hectares
Cotton plants damaged by 2,4D drift.
mapped by 368 registered users of CottonMap, a very significant
effort.
CottonMap is now accessible on smart phones and tablet
devices, thanks to a joint effort between Cotton Australia, the
Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), Grains
Research Development Corporation and Nufarm. There’s also
been some improvements made:
■■
Mobile devices will be redirected to www.cottonmap.com.au/
mobile, the smart-phone version of the site.
■■
Field submission updates have been added to better inform
users of the status of mapped fields.
■■
A ‘news’ item area has been added to the home page that will
host CottonMap updates.
■■
An email system has been added that allows all users to
receive email updates (opt-out option is available).
■■
Last season’s fields will be in the accounts of registered users,
so simply delete the non-cotton fields for this season (red X
button) then add any new ones and resubmit at the bottom of
the my-fields column.
■■
We know CottonMap passwords are not top-of-mind! Just
remember your user name is your email address and you can
force a system email containing your password as you log back
in. Look for the “Forgot Password” link.
■■
Current users with new email addresses (in 2012) will need to
create a new account.
■■
New users will be prompted to register after they submit a
new field(s).
To find out more and to map your fields, go to
www.cottonmap.com.au
Users of Group I Herbicides are asked to
remember the Phenoxy checklist
■■
Read and follow label requirements – it’s a legal requirement
■■
Only spray in suitable weather conditions;
■■
Use coarse to very coarse nozzles on your rig to ensure large,
heavy droplets are applied;
■■
Check www.cottonmap.com.au for cotton fields that could be
potentially impacted by your herbicide spray; and
■■
Notify your neighbours of when and where you intend to spray.
The Cotton Australia website has some important resources
and tools available to help growers:
■■
Letter for cotton growers to send to neighbours notifying
them of their cotton crops this season;
■■
Pesticide adverse experience incident report form;
■■
Herbicide damage information and identification guide;
■■
Spray drift fact sheet (Grains RDC);
■■
Best practice spray application (article by Bill Gordon);
■■
Surface inversions for Australian agricultural regions; and,
■■
Surface temperature inversions and spraying surface
temperature inversions and spraying.
28 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

NOW
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FOR
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WHITEFLY.
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THE SIMPLE SOLUTION.
Managing early season sucking pests just got a whole lot
simpler. That’s because Canopy ® has added yet another
string to its bow with registration for suppression of
silverleaf whitefly in cotton.
So give your resistance-risky insecticides a break, dodge secondary
pest flaring, and maybe avoid an expensive late season clean-up
spray by using Canopy ® at every early season spray opportunity.
This way you’ll keep on top of aphids, green mirids, and now
silverleaf whitefly all at the same time.
With registered uses through the whole cotton season and beyond
into winter cropping, Canopy ® is clearly the simple solution.
Download a free QR Code reader
App from your App store and scan
this QR Code with your smartphone.
This will take you directly to the
most up-to-date information about
Canopy ® for cotton.
For more information contact Caltex Precision Spray Oils: David Johnson, 0401 140 536 or www.precisionsprayoils.com.au

Spraying
feature…
New self propelled sprayer series
boosts cropper capabilities
Cropland’s brand-new RG series of RoGator Self Propelled
Sprayers are already making a strong impression with
farmers around the country.
“The big winner is the new drive system,” says Jeremy
Rennick, Croplands Self Propelled Sprayer Specialist.
At the core of the new RoGator RG series drive package is an
advanced, Tier 4i, 8.4 litre engine with SCR technology and new
seven-speed fully integrated drive system.
“We’ve put a lot of work into making sure the whole hydraulic
system on the RG series runs cooler and more efficiently, making
it a more reliable machine,” adds Jeremy.
The RoGator’s flex frame negates the need for traction control
that is fitted to other makes of sprayer. This in turn means that
hydraulic lines can run seamlessly to each individual wheel-motor
with the whole system generating significantly less heat. Couple
this to larger hubs, wheel motors and hydrostats and the result is
less maintenance, less down time and lower running costs.
The new Croplands RoGator sprayer.
The new RoGator RG series machines are designed to offer
significant advantages over comparable equipment in the big
machinery class.
According to the latest ‘Boom Times’ guide, released in May
2012 by independent agricultural research specialists Kondinin
Group, operators are also showing a preference towards
machinery systems that can handle wider boom configurations.
The new RoGator RG series will not disappoint. “The RG Series
booms are proven and have passed rigorous field tests with flying
colours,” says Jeremy.
Credit for the RoGator RG series’ big boom handling capability
goes to a well thought out ‘goal post’ or rear mast mounted
design, which not only allows the boom to easily slide up and
down to adjust height but makes the weight distribution on the
unit remarkably better than parallelogram mounted systems. The
mast mount design offers extra stability, adjustability and ease of
operation to help customers apply their chemical with the highest
accuracy, an important feature when coverage and drift concerns
are paramount.
“We’re very excited about the new RoGator series – boom
stability and handling is fantastic,” Jeremy adds.
Thanks to new chassis design and flexible build specifications,
Croplands are able to offer 24 to 36 metre boom options across
all three RoGator RG models.
As operators look to their all-in-one big machinery
requirements, performance, smart design and big boom
capabilities are on top of the list. Those seeking out a top end
machine with plenty of clever features and new performance
enhancements will find the impressive new RoGator RG1300
especially appealing.
“There’s a lot of extra power in the ride,” says Jeremy.
On the feature list, across all three models, is a solid boost of
extra horsepower and enough torque range to easily pull through
the toughest of field conditions, or ride comfortably across firm
ground.
Excellent visibility from the dedicated ‘sprayer’ cabin, generous
layout of controls, precision-turning, smooth airbag suspension
and a sleek new hood design on an easy to service machine
round out a highly sought after package.
Operators will also appreciate a considerably quieter, more
fuel efficient engine and smoother transmission than on previous
series machines. Along with significant reductions in in-cab
noise levels, machine diagnostics and monitoring have also been
improved via an ‘all in one’ console located for easy viewing
while in operation.
“The new RoGator RG is a machine you need to experience,”
says Jeremy.
To arrange a demonstration or for more information about Croplands new
RoGator RG Series of Self Propelled Sprayers call 1800 999 162 or visit
www.croplands.com.au
30 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

He’s at the top of his field.
Congratulations to Nigel Corish of ‘Yambocully’ near Goondiwindi, Queensland,
who is the 2012 recipient of the Monsanto Cotton Grower of the Year Award.
‘Yambocully’ is an excellent example of an all-round cotton farming enterprise, using industry best
practice across the entire operation. In fact, since Nigel took the reigns in 2007, yields have increased
every year and water use efficiency has doubled since 2005.
We’d also like to congratulate the runners-up, Steve Porter and Geoff Miller from Mungindi, Queensland,
and Scott Brimblecombe from St George, Queensland.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 31

Where we’ve been and where
we’re going
I
nternational agricultural study tours – enjoyed with a
group of like-minded farmers – are unforgettable social and
learning experiences. While a look over the international farm
fence can do wonders for a better appreciation of what you
already have, the experience can sometimes give you reason to
be a little careful in what you might wish for. Our overseas farm
study tours this year have done this, and much much more, with
the agricultural, scenic, cultural and political faces of South and
North America, Africa, Asia and Europe being magnificently on
display.
South America
South America was the first cab off the rank in February when
24 members of the Mingenew-Irwin Group from WA’s northern
agricultural region, jetted off to Brazil, via South Africa. The
impact of visiting huge cropping farms in the Brazilian interior
was matched only by the realisation that there are even more
vast areas of magnificent (non-Amazon) farming country yet to
be brought into production. The group also discovered that the
superb quality and reliability of the 75 million plus hectares of
the Argentine pampas stood in stark contrast to the quality and
unpredictability of the current Argentinean government.
The scenic magnificence of Patagonia and Chile were hits and
Peru and Bolivia simply breathtaking ... literally.
North America
Another group set off for North America in early July and
found that one of the far reaching effects of the GFC was to ‘fizz
down’ the famous Macey’s July 4 fireworks display in New York
City. This disappointment was soon erased when we met Joe and
happened across a much more spectacular – and probably illegal
– display in the backyard of a loggers’ pub in upstate Maine. Joe,
the fireworks fanatic, was also our pub manager, Maine lobster
chef and all round good ole farm boy.
Eastern Canada provided plenty of examples of high input/
high return and highly sophisticated farming. This sophistication
extended to the gentile towns and cities of the French/Canadian
No, It’s not the familiar first tee at Moree but Jim and Dibs
Cush and Bernie Toohey doing their best to not let the
Canadian Rockies distract them on a day off during their US/
Canada study tour.
region. Group members started to feel a bit more at home
when we hit the rolling prairies and family farms of the western
provinces. This familiarity was soon replaced with eye-opening
intrigue when we were privileged to meet with members of
a Hutterite colony in western Alberta and to see their highly
modern and integrated farming business in operation.
A spectacular train journey from the magnificent Rocky
Mountains through to the grain port, tourist and grizzly bear
hotspot of Prince Rupert on the northern Pacific coast of British
Columbia, was a great way to complete the US/Canada tour.
Asian Odyssey
From the steamy tropical jungles of the Mekong Delta to the
highest train ride across the roof of the world, the 2012 Asian
Odyssey Study Tour had it all – even an unscheduled few hours
in Shangri-la. Unscheduled and unexplained, although we later
surmised it involved fighter jet training exercises at our politicallysensitive
destination of Lhasa.
The capital of Tibet had lots of armed Chinese soldiers who
were there to limit the number of Buddhist monks setting fire
to themselves. From a practical viewpoint it meant we couldn’t
wander the streets by ourselves, because we had given our
passports to a ‘ticketing agent’ in order to get tickets on the
famous Lhasa Express train across the Tibetan Plateau.
“Why not just go to the station and buy a ticket” you may
ask. Unfortunately, that’s not the way things work in Tibet (or
the rest of China) and the locals tend not to ask such difficult
questions.
The hospitality of Canadian farmers Gilbert and Wilma
Giesbrecht (centre) was a wonderfully ironic welcome to the
Alberta badlands.
Harvest was well under way in the Red River delta.
(Photo: Annette Coward)
32 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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TOP: Visiting the pandas at Chengdu in south west China.
BOTTOM: The cascading rice paddies at Sa Pa, Vietnam.
(Photos: Annette Coward)
But after a ticketing process which defies imagination, we
boarded the Lhasa Express for one of the most exhilarating
journeys available on this earth. By then though, we had already
had some great adventures.
Our intrepid group of 25 travellers had assembled from
around Australia in July to take in the sights (and agriculture)
from Cambodia, through Vietnam and into China. Not just the
tourist route in China though. After walking across the border
in southern China, we travelled through the remote southwest,
then to Tibet and the huge agricultural hub of Xinjiang in the
north west of the country.
As far as western visitors goes, we had most of these areas
to ourselves – because of their remoteness, and it was also
low season for European travelers. Unfortunately, it was school
holidays in China, and the Chinese are now very good tourists
indeed.
The farming ranged from families making a living from a
couple of hundred square metres of vegetables in Vietnam, to
some high yielding cotton farms around Turpan, to an excellent
integrated feedlot and associated restaurant in Beijing itself.
There is a stark contrast between the remote farming areas
of China and the up-market modern cities such as Beijing, Xian
and Shanghai. But even in the remote areas there are six lane
highways being built and a high speed rail network, although
sometimes it is hard to see the demand for such infrastructure.
And masses of cranes are a feature of the skyline of even the
small towns (population one million or so). Worrying though,
for Australia’s exports, many of the cranes did not seem to be
moving.
Overall, it was an intriguing “Odyssey” with a sensational
group of people. The farming was interesting, the sights superb
and the food was great. Although there are a few people who
may consider they have passed their lifetime quota of rice
consumption.
A morning’s hard work on tour (top) is often rewarded by some
pretty special lunch spots such as Assos in Turkey (bottom).
Mediterranean Europe
Mediterranean Europe was the destination for an intrepid
group in August-September. Istanbul and Gallipoli were highlights
of western Turkey while the tenacity of Greek cotton and grain
farmers, in very uncertain times, also tugged at the heart-strings.
Italy showed off it’s scenic and cultural side beautifully while the
vitality and hospitality of some very switched on farmers left a
lasting impression on us all.
The clinical efficiency of Austrian and German farming
operations drove home the point that Europe is a very complex
melting pot of cultures, economies and farming businesses. Our
group members were very pleased to be looking in – rather than
out – at the unfolding political and economic dramas faced by
Europe.
Plans for 2013
Plans are already well underway for some great tours in 2013.
We will start with an African Safari in February, then to the UK
and Ireland in July, South America in August and Turkey, Ukraine
and Poland in late August–early September. Keep an eye on the
website www.greenmounttravel.com.au for all the details.
34 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

Three Rivers Machinery (02) 6847 3111
Black Truck & Ag (07) 4671 3512
T.I.S.C.A. (07) 5441 5677

World COMModity Watch
US
The crop remains behind last year in terms of harvest progress, but
recent favourable weather should allow the harvest to ramp up in
pace and move along in the South East and Mississippi Delta. After
a disappointing start to quality in West Texas, the overall outlook
has improved with tenderable quality now at 47% of the 3.1 million
bales that has been classed as we write this report. There was
active grower selling in the US as the recent spike provided a short
opportunity for higher prices, but much cotton remains unsold with
many growers still looking at the Loan as a viable marketing solution.
Cert stock remains at the lowest level since 1995 when it fell to 1,311
bales, but history suggests that between now and December, the cert
stockpile will re-build once more new crop is harvested.
Brazil
Early this month, CONAB released their
first set of estimates for the 2012–13
row crops. Soybeans area is forecasted
at 26.9 million hectares (up 7.3% year
on year), while corn is expected at 14.7
million hectares (down 2.7%) and cotton
at 1.06 million hectares (down 23.8%).
Accounting for better than average yields,
CONAB has cotton lint production at 1.56
million tons (down 17.3% y-o-y). This
lint production estimate is about 10%
higher than the average estimate of the
trade, mostly due to the assumed yields.
As a note of interest, total soybeans
output is forecasted at 81.4 million tons,
an increase of 22.7% from the 2011–12
season. Favorable weather conditions
have prevailed across the country over
the past several weeks. Soybeans planting
is now well underway across the main
growing regions. Cotton planting is set to
commence in mid-November, and will go
all the way through mid-January for those
planting it as a second crop, immediately
after soybeans are harvested. As for the
current crop, it could be added that it is
100% harvested, about 70% ginned, and
quality has been satisfactory/average, and
certainly better than last year’s.
From the field to t
Queensland Cotto
Queensland Cotton has the longest supply

World COMModity Watch
India
As of the final planting progress report on
October 11, the Indian crop was reported
to be 100% sown, coming in at 11,730,000
hectares, which is a 3% reduction on the
previous season. Although monsoonal rains
came through in the end, a nationwide rainfall
deficiency of 8% still exists, with the key
cotton production state of Gujarat recording a
72% deficiency. New crop seed arrivals have
recently commenced with approximately 41,000
equivalent lint bales delivered to date. Mid-point
of ex-gin asking rates for S6 (Shankar 6) is
approximately 81.50 USc/lb.
China
Physical demand in China has tapered off slightly since the recent spike in the market.
With the lack of freely available import quota, the physical market is still dominated by
the reserve which is buying and selling cotton at the same time. Volumes of reserves
procurement keep climbing which steadily build on China’s already large stockpile.
This season, the reserve has procured over 1.15 million MT to date. With the Chinese
Reserve’s Stocks to Use Ratio sitting around 70%, the highest in history, it is easy to
see how this Government has the cotton industry in its grip. Despite the government
sitting on large stockpiles, mills’ inventory levels are low, so hand-to-mouth buying
is prevalent when futures are in the lower end of the 70s. Cotton harvest is in rapid
progress as 55% is estimated to have been picked. Conditions have been favourable
and percentage harvested is up approximately 20% more than last year.
Australia
Planting is progressing well with all
Bollgard planting windows now open.
Despite a brief cold snap in mid-October,
emergence is strong with very few reports
of replanting being required. At this stage
it is felt that a total of 460,000 ha will be
planted to cotton this season which is
a 28% drop year-on-year. Most of this
decline is felt in dryland planting, as
conditions remain very dry in Queensland
and growers look to sorghum as a more
viable alternative in view of current prices.
The Darling Downs will continue to plant
Bollgard until the end of November, but if
no rain falls within the next few weeks, we
may see very little dryland cotton planted.
Current estimates for irrigated planting are
around 390,000 ha, a 20% decline from
the 2012 season. At this stage acreage in
the Gwydir will remain stable with a slight
increase forecast in the Upper Namoi, but
all other valleys are looking at reduced
cotton acreage. At this stage it appears
we will still be producing a 4 million bale
crop which is still a historically large
production!
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The World Cotton Market
■■By Alice Robinson, Cotton Outlook editorial staff
Since our previous contribution to The Australian
Cottongrower in early August, stability in international
markets has waned. After making gains in August,
international raw cotton prices retreated the following month.
The Cotlook A Index fell to a low point of 80.45 on the last
trading day of September. At the time of writing, the Index is
hovering just above the 81.00 cent mark.
Prices have been influenced by a succession of bearish supply
and demand estimates of late. In August, the state of Northern
Hemisphere crops was in doubt; Texas was suffering drought
conditions and large-scale abandonment seemed likely; the
Southwest monsoon was sorely deficient over India and Pakistan
and eastern Chinese provinces were waterlogged following
excessive precipitation. In spite of this, USDA’s August estimation
of world ending stocks was revised upwards to 16.3 million
tonnes.
In the immediate aftermath, New York futures fell sharply,
but they recovered quickly and even rose to a three-month high
on August 21. This firmness of prices seemed at odds with the
evolution of cotton fundamentals during the period. Changes in
Cotton Outlook’s own production and consumption estimates
were also equally bearish in tone. It had already seemed likely
that supply would outstrip demand by some margin, even with
the unhelpful climatic influences on some crops, but the scale of
potential surplus was not apparent until the state of crops began
their turnaround in September.
The Southwest monsoon was vigorous from the last week in
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38 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

marketing
August. The important Saurashtra and Kutch regions of the key
Indian producing state Gujarat were 88 per cent deficient on
August 20. But the rains began in earnest when they were most
needed, with some regions receiving up to five times the daily
average rainfall. In just four weeks, the national rainfall deficit
was narrowed to a single figure percentage. The lateness of
moisture has curtailed sowings in Saurashtra and is likely to affect
yields throughout Gujarat, but a greatly increased sown area in
the peninsular state of Andhra Pradesh is predicted to make up
for some of this loss.
In the US, Hurricane Isaac, far from damaging crops, proved a
boon to alleviate parched soils in cotton producing areas. There
had been reports of fields browning but on September 17, USDA
reported that 70 per cent of US cotton was in fair condition
or better. But since then, more adverse weather events have
occurred, rendering it unlikely that US sellers will offer further
quantities of higher grades from all regions in much volume, at
least in the short term.
The China Cotton Association’s latest crop forecast was
unchanged, despite unhelpful weather across much of the
cultivating area. Beijing Cotton Outlook, for its part, has restored
its figure to around CCA’s level, having previously lowered it to
reflect the inclement conditions prevailing in some mainland
regions. The autonomous region of Xinjiang in northwest China
is predicted to achieve record yields, and looks set therefore to
offset the losses in mainland provinces.
The disparity between production and consumption has
become more apparent. The A Index continued to retreat
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 39

marketing
throughout September, losing around seven per cent of its value.
Cotton Outlook’s estimates for world ending stocks this season
see a surplus in excess of 3.9 million tonnes, over 1.7 million of
which will reside in China.
The influence of China on international trade is not lessening;
the state reserves began auctioning 2011–12 cotton on
September 3, but sales were suspended on September 29. State
procurements of 2012–13 crop were also triggered and at the
time of writing, the government has bought substantially more
new crop cotton than the quantity sold. Chinese mill enquiries
for imported cotton have meanwhile focused either on cotton
that can still meet the quota deadline at the end of the year – to
the obvious benefit in recent times of Australian supplies – or on
cotton for which the buyer is willing to pay the full 40 per cent
import tariff, and thus avoid the import quota restrictions. But
import quota restrictions suggest that 2012–13 will see much
smaller imports – perhaps less than half in volume – than those
recorded in 2011–12.
The support mechanisms employed by the Chinese
government have presented difficulties for the domestic textiles
industry. Spinners, faced with comparatively inflated prices for
domestic raw cotton, but restricted by the imposition of import
quota, have been unable widely to procure cotton at a price
that affords them a profit. In consequence, cotton yarn imports,
which are unrestricted by quota, have risen substantially and
could breach one million tonnes, for the first time, by the end of
the calendar year. Another significant factor in the word cotton
market has been the delayed announcement of export policy
by India, which eventually has been clarified as unchanged, in
that exports are free for the time being of overall quantitative
limitation, but a restriction remains on the amount an individual
company can register within a specified time period.
Spinners in the subcontinent, and in other markets in South
East Asia, have continued to benefit from China’s turn to larger
cotton yarn imports. Many references have meanwhile been
made to the attraction of outward investment by Chinese textile
enterprises in lower cost producing countries, both in terms of
access to cheaper raw cotton supplies and lower labour costs.
Looking ahead, although much could yet change, next
year seems likely to see farmers in some Northern Hemisphere
producing countries turn away from cotton, owing to the relative
strength of prices for competing commodities, disappointment
at this season’s returns and fears of renewed cotton market
price volatility. Nearer to hand, in Brazil alone, a planted area
reduction of 30 per cent already seems likely, while some farmers
in Zimbabwe have apparently shown a preference for growing
tobacco.
A sharp reduction in global output next season could begin
to see a correction in the world oversupply position, something
which would be intensified if recovery in the global economic
climate should eventually begin to materialise.
But for the time being, buying confidence is generally low
and demand has been focused on prompt or nearby shipments,
to cover immediate requirements and bridge the gap between
old and new crop supplies. Some tentative forward business has
been done, but bearish supply and demand fundamentals appear
to be preventing merchants from going long.
China’s position seems likely to remain at the crux of the
global price direction. The Chinese government seems to have
embarked on a course that many believe cannot be maintained
indefinitely, and Beijing’s decisions may therefore continue
to have a significant influence on the extent of volatility and
uncertainty during the months ahead.
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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 41

Ginning & fibre quality
Series supported by ECOM Commodities
Predicting the influence of
harvest aids on fibre quality
■■By Michael Bange 1 and Robert Long 1
Immature bolls will usually contain immature cotton fibres
which are prone to the formation of neps. Neps are small
entanglements of cotton fibres that are created during
mechanical processes like machine harvesting and ginning.
Immature fibre and neps even in small amounts are undesirable
as they decrease mill processing efficiency and ruin the
appearance of finished yarns and fabrics.
Immature fibres and neps absorb less dye and reflect light
differently, and consequently appear as under-dyed patterns and/
or ‘flecks’ on finished fabrics. Their presence in large quantities
can negatively affect an industry’s reputation when cotton arrives
at spinning mills.
The impact of defoliation timing on the maturity of cotton
fibre (Adapted from Long and Bange, 2011). Note that the
fibre walls are thicker with the later harvest aid treatment.
Precise identification of cotton crop maturity is important for
maintaining yields and fibre quality when preparing for harvest.
Delayed harvest increases the chance of fibre weathering and
harvesting more leaf trash; while prematurely harvesting cotton
with significant amounts of immature bolls may lower lint yield
and micronaire, and increase neps. Methods employed by crop
managers to identify when cotton crops are mature include:
■■
When the crop has 60 per cent or more open bolls;
In Brief…
To optimise both yield and fibre quality, boll cutting can
be used by cotton managers to determine when crops are
mature and ready for defoliation. A study conducted in three
seasons varied the timing of defoliation to vary the amount of
immature, mature, and open bolls to assess:
■■
The fibre quality of open, mature, and immature bolls;
■■
The variation that exists within and across seasons; and,
■■
If quality of immature, mature, and open bolls taken at the
time of defoliation is related to final micronaire.
As expected there were differences between the classes
of bolls with the immature bolls generally having lower
micronaire. The greatest variation in micronaire within a boll
class with different defoliation times was also associated with
the immature bolls. When data were combined across seasons,
relationships were successfully developed that predicted
micronaire at harvest using the micronaire of the immature
bolls measured at defoliation (r2 = 0.73). Relationships were
significantly improved when per cent open bolls was also
included as a factor (r2 = 0.86).
The ability to estimate defoliation timing influences on
micronaire may help avoid discounts. But this concept requires
more testing and would be enhanced with access to reliable
and simple methods to measure quality of small field samples
taken prior to harvest.
Ginning & Fibre Quality
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42 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

■■
When there are four or fewer nodes above cracked boll
(NACB); and,
■■
When the majority of bolls can be defined as mature using the
colour of the seed coat by cutting bolls open.
Nodes above cracked boll and 60 per cent open bolls are
reliable indicators of crop maturity for uniform crops and
those that have a regular distribution of bolls. The boll cutting
technique is often used in conjunction with these monitoring
approaches, and is generally accepted as the most reliable
methodology as it directly quantifies per cent boll maturity. This
was supported in an investigation of defoliation timing affects
on neps (see The Australian Cottongrower Vol. 31 No. 4 August–
September 2010). While the development and growth of seeds
and fibre in individual bolls have been studied in detail), we
aimed to:
■■
Better understand the variability in fibre quality of mature and
immature bolls as defined by the boll cutting technique; and,
■■
Establish whether the fibre quality of these bolls defined as
immature, mature, or open at different times of assessment
related to final fibre quality.
Knowledge of these effects may help to refine harvest
management strategies to optimise quality.
Methods
Defoliation timing field experiments were conducted over
three seasons at the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI)
at Narrabri from 2005 to 2008. Replicated experiments (four
reps per experiment) consisted of five to seven defoliation
application dates with a control which allowed all bolls to fully
mature. A mixture of leaf defoliant (0.2 L/ha Dropp Liquid) and a
boll opener (3 L/ha Prep 720) with 2 L/ha D-C Tron was applied
at approximately five day intervals in 2005–06 (Sicot 71BR),
2006–07 (Sicot 71BR), and seven day intervals in 2007–08 (Sicot
71) from low to high per cent open bolls. Initiation of defoliant
treatments was targeted to generate treatments with increased
immature fibre, so the first defoliant treatment was at five per
cent to 20 per cent open bolls.
To establish crop condition when defoliant treatments were
Crops were subjected to different defoliation times to induce
differences in the number of immature, mature and open
bolls.
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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 43

applied per cent open bolls were recorded on control plots. At
the same time five plants were taken from each control plot
and all bolls (regardless of size or age) from each plant were
separated into open, mature, and immature bolls using the boll
cutting techniques. Seed cotton was removed from the bolls and
lint collected for HVI analysis after ginning using a miniature hand
operated gin.
At harvest, yield was determined from machine picking.
Samples were ginned and again HVI tested at CSIRO Narrabri.
Results
Changes in the timing of harvest aid application and
differences in conditions across experiments created considerable
variability and inconsistency in fibre quality among boll classes
(Table 1). Generally across experiments, immature bolls had
consistently lower micronaire compared to the mature and
FIGURe 1: Micronaire of the immature bolls
taken at defoliation related to the micronaire
measured at harvest time. Note that the
relationship was improved when the per cent
open bolls was added. Relationships are fitted
to data taken from all experiments combined.
open bolls, and there was greater variation in micronaire across
defoliation times with immature bolls. Fibre quality of boll classes
at similar defoliation times also varied among experiments, and
most likely reflected the differences in the seasonal growing
conditions by all bolls in each class.
Temperature during boll-filling is known to affect micronaire
and each experiment was exposed to differences in their late
season temperatures (February to April). During this period, the
2006–07 experiment 2 had the highest daily average temperature
(24.5˚C) followed by the 2005–06 experiment (23.5˚C), and the
coolest was the 2007–08 experiment 3 (21.3˚C). Micronaire
across harvest aid treatments for all boll classes was lowest in
2007–08 and was highest in 2006–07.
This significant variation and lack of consistent changes in
micronaire with defoliation times within and across boll classes
is conceivable. Samples collected for quality assessment at the
time of defoliation would firstly, differ in their number and
age, and secondly, most likely were exposed to differences in
growing conditions during their development. These factors
would influence fibre quality. Therefore the use of the boll cutting
technique that classifies bolls of similar classes does not imply
that fibre quality will be similar when comparisons of boll classes
are made within a season or between seasons. Nor does it mean
that quality between boll classes will be different. Overall the
TABLe 1: Micronaire for immature, mature,
and open bolls measured at various per cent
open bolls in all experiments at the time of
defoliation
Defoliation
treatment
% open
bolls
Micronaire
Immature Mature Open
Experiment 2005–06
1 29.2 3.75 4.00 4.20
2 41.9 3.60 4.75 4.50
3 56.0 3.45 4.78 4.63
4 68.4 3.35 4.88 4.48
5 76.9 3.95 4.98 4.35
6 85.9 3.42 4.74 4.70
7 93.0 3.73 4.93 4.63
Mean boll class 3.61 4.72 4.50
Experiment 2006–07
1 1.6 3.90 5.53 5.01
2 14.2 4.38 5.23 5.08
3 29.9 4.15 5.43 5.10
4 45.6 4.55 5.23 5.10
5 58.2 4.65 — 5.20
6 73.8 — — 5.18
7 89.5 — — 5.05
Mean boll class 4.33 5.36 5.10
Experiment 2007–08
1 0.6 2.45 4.58 —
2 9.0 2.48 4.35 4.71
3 16.4 2.93 4.08 4.65
4 25.5 2.95 4.08 4.43
5 36.3 3.70 4.00 4.33
6 53.5 3.26 3.88 4.33
Mean boll class 2.96 4.16 4.50
44 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

The boll cutting method in this study was used to differentiate bolls that were mature or immature and the micronaire of
these boll classes was assessed. (Photo: Courtesy Cotton Seed Distributors)
degree of difference in mean fibre micronaire (across harvest
dates in each experiment) of immature, mature, and open bolls
varied, ranging between 1.06 and 1.53.
Although fibre quality varied among per cent open bolls across
defoliation times within experiments and among experiments for
the same boll class, when fibre micronaire of these boll classes
were combined across experiments, significant relationships
could be developed that predicted micronaire measured at
harvest. There was a significant linear relationship for micronaire
at final harvest with micronaire (r2 = 0.73) of immature bolls at
defoliation time (Figure 1).
For the mature and open bolls, the responses were still
significant but substantially poorer in predicting final micronaire
(r2 less than 0.41).
The reason for the quality of the immature bolls better
estimating final micronaire over a range of harvest aid application
times compared with using the quality of mature and open bolls
maybe due to the combined ability of the immature bolls to
reflect quality in early and late developing bolls. At early harvest
aid applications, immature bolls dominate and reflect final quality.
With late harvest applications there are less immature bolls, but
these bolls not only contribute to differences in final quality,
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 45

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ut also reflect the later growing conditions of bolls that have
matured or are close to maturity. The growth of immature bolls
late in the season may also be indicative of conditions that have
persisted during the whole crop boll filling period as their growth
will depend on the condition of the crop canopy affecting crop
photosynthesis, as well as the overall demand for assimilate that
varies with boll load.
The relationship was significantly improved when per cent
open bolls measured at the time of each defoliation was included
in the response (r2 = 0.86) (Figure 1). The inclusion of per cent
open bolls most likely improved predictions because it accounted
for the proportions of both mature and immature bolls. The
proportion of immature bolls to total bolls present on a crop is
linearly related to per cent open bolls.
The prediction of final micronaire from the micronaire of the
mature or open bolls was significantly improved by including
per cent open bolls at defoliation but these predictions were still
not as useful as the relationships that used the micronaire of
immature bolls alone.
Outcomes
Results from this study can potentially be applied to predict
the micronaire at harvest following a defoliation event. While
the quality of immature bolls in this study provided the greatest
precision in predicting micronaire at harvest following defoliation,
there was some precision with the use of the fibre quality taken
from the open bolls taken at the same time. The collection
of open bolls is much simpler and the ease of employing this
methodology may compensate for some loss of precision in fibre
quality prediction.
There also may be opportunities to refine this approach by
targeting specific times of sampling of open bolls (e.g. 40 per
cent open bolls) to improve precision. This refined approach
would require testing across more seasons and crops, but
warrants further investigation.
Previously end of season fibre sampling methods to estimate
micronaire have relied on assumptions of average development of
bolls with adjustments made for cooler or warmer seasons. The
concept presented here avoids these assumptions; but it requires
further testing in a greater range of environments with crops that
have differences in canopy structures and boll loads. This concept
would also be enhanced by access to reliable, simple, and quick
methodologies to measure micronaire. New instruments that
measure fineness or maturity ratio from small samples (such as
the CSIRO CottonSCOPE) could be used.
Knowledge of final fibre quality and the impact of defoliation
timing may help to improve quality. If estimates of micronaire
are low, and climatic conditions are favourable, defoliation
could be delayed to allow further boll development and
increase micronaire. Conversely, if micronaire is high, harvest
aid application may occur earlier, and safely avoid issues such as
increased neps.
1
CSIRO Plant Industry (Narrabri) and CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering
(Geelong).
Thanks to J. Caton, D. Hodgson, R. Warnock, S. Miller and G. Kozdra for
technical assistance. The CRDC and the Cotton CRC both provided financial
support for this work.
Article adapted from Bange, M.P. and Long, R.L. (2011). Optimising timing of
chemical harvest aid application in cotton by predicting its influence on fiber
quality. Agronomy Journal 103 (2): 390-395.
Other related article: Long, R.L. and Bange, M.P. (2011). Consequences of
immature fiber on the processing performance of Upland cotton. Field Crops
Research 121: 401-407.
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October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 47

Sicot 74BRF – What have we
learnt
■■CSD Extension and Development Team with Mike Bange, CSIRO
Sicot 74BRF from its release has moved to dominate the
variety choice of Australian cotton growers. At present
it represents up to 64 per cent of all seed planted within
Australia. It has become popular for its 0.2 to 0.3 bale per
hectare improvement in yield over Sicot 71BRF as well as have a
good fibre quality, disease resistance and being partially regionally
adaptive.
Previously the Australian cotton industry was predominated by
varieties from the Sicot 71 family. A variety suite with high yield
potential, wide regional adaptability and excellent responsiveness
to the inputs of management.
But although there are similarities between Sicot 71BRF and
Sicot 74BRF, it is in the subtle differences between the two
varieties where growers and consultants can fine tune their
management to achieve the most from this excellent variety.
How does Sicot 74BRF differ from Sicot 71BRF
There has been a lot of speculation and comment about the
establishment of Sicot 74BRF in past seasons, due to its lower
seed density. This has resulted in below par establishment in
marginal conditions, but this is widely known and can and should
be compensated for quite easily.
The CSD variety trial program allows an excellent opportunity
to examine the relative establishment between Sicot 71BRF
and Sicot 74BRF. This data compares like with like, the varieties
are planted into the same field, on the same day, at the same
seeding rate and depth. No adjustments are made to the planter
between the varieties. Therefore difference in plant stand is a
direct indication of how a particular seed type has coped with
field conditions. From over 70 comparisons we have witnessed an
average reduction of plants established of 11 per cent between
Sicot 74BRF and Sicot 71BRF.
FIGURe 1: Relative yield of Sicot 74BRF and
Sicot 71BRF and the relationship to difference
in plant stand
In brief…
■■
Aim for and create conditions to get Sicot 74BRF off to a
good start. Have the plant growing strongly into first flower.
■■
Concentrate on minimisation of plant stress during the
flowering period to extend this for as long as possible,
stress minimisation during this period will also improve boll
weight.
■■
Allow the plant to grow out for as long as the season allows.
There are some benefits in aiming to get the plant stand of
Sicot 74BRF equal to what would normally be accepted as a
good stand for Sicot 71BRF on your farm. On average, the yield
differential between Sicot 74BRF and Sicot 71BRF is 0.21 bales
per hectare (in 95 CSD trials). When the plant stands are similar,
Sicot 74BRF outyields Sicot 71BRF by 0.5 bales per hectare.
Over the past three seasons, the CSD extension and
development team has been examining the growth habit and
yield components of Sicot 74BRF to gain further insight into how
to extract the maximum from this variety.
The CSD Extension and Development team has stressed that
it is crucial to get Sicot 74BRF off to a good start. If we can
generate a healthy actively growing seedling into squaring and
first flower than we have set the crop up to achieve its full yield
potential.
Squaring nodes
There is no difference between the two varieties in the
production of squaring nodes. This is not a startling revelation
as squaring node production is temperature respondent. But it
FIGURe 2: No difference between the varieties
in production of squaring nodes
48 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

FIGURe 3: Sicot 74BRF holds higher NAWF
figures through the flowering period
contradicts the popular opinion being that Sicot 74BRF is slow
early season. As will be mentioned later in this article there
is a difference early season in the way this variety sets fruit,
but in terms of reproductive structures the timing and rate of
development Sicot 74BRF is no different to Sicot 71BRF.
How can we exploit this
By driving the Sicot 74BRF plant early to get vigourous growth,
planting into well prepared beds and warm temperatures and
paying strict attention to signs of plant stress pre flowering so as
to time the first irrigation well.
This strategy is going to be the same to extract the most out
of any cotton variety but with Sicot 74BRF it is more appropriate
as you desire to have the plant hitting first flower with a high
NAWF value (8+). To achieve maximum yields out of Sicot 74BRF,
we want to extend the flowering period for as long as possible to
maximise the number of fruiting sites.
Nodes above white flower (NAWF)
Between Sicot 74BRF and Sicot 71BRF there is a significant
difference between the NAWF, not only in recorded number for
any particular time of the season but also in the duration of the
flowering period.
NAWF is an important measurement as it is a barometer of
plant health or stress. The number of and the rate of descent of
NAWF indicates the apparent health or lack thereof, of the crop.
The longer the period for flowering can be extended, the greater
the opportunity to set and retain fruit and therefore the higher
the yield potential of the crop.
Firstly, Sicot 74RF will begin flowering ever so slightly higher
than Sicot 71BRF and then the two varieties diverge with Sicot
74BRF holding onto higher NAWF figures throughout the
flowering period. Analysis has shown that the decline in NAWF
between Sicot 71BRF and Sicot 74BRF is significantly different.
Sicot 74BRF is able to flower for approximately 146 day degree
difference (up to one week) for that period of the summer.
How can we exploit this
By minimising stress on the plant, and creating a happy plant.
There is a dramatic increase in the demands of the crop during
boll fill. Major inputs which management has an influence on
are irrigation and nutrition. Make sure that the plant experiences
minimal water and water logging stress through irrigation timing
and efficiency and have the nutrients available for the plant to
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FIGURe 4: Significant differences in the
accumulation of bolls between the varieties
FIGURe 5: There are major differences in
fruiting patterns
utilise without having to work too hard. Monitoring of the NAWF
number plus the rate of decline will allow objective evidence to
ensure stress is minimised
Boll number
Significant differences were witnessed in the accumulation of
bolls between the two varieties, in how fruit was accumulated
and the final number. Within these trial sites, the Sicot 74BRF
amassed extra bolls over Sicot 71BRF if it was allowed to.
Sicot 74BRF is slow to begin to amass fruit when compared
to Sicot 71BRF, and it is not till the season progresses to
approximately 1800 day degrees that Sicot 74BRF equals and
finally overtakes Sicot 71BRF. Growers and consultants should
be mindful of this pattern as this difference in fruit accumulation
will affect nutrient and moisture requirements of the crop. It
is also clear that the longer into the season that Sicot 74BRF is
kept growing and producing fruiting sites, the better the yield
potential will be.
The technique of segmented picking of cotton crops has
been a wonderfully effective tool in helping understand the
components of yield and how fruit is stacked on a plant.
What the segmented picking data has shown is that there
are major difference between Sicot 74RF and Sicot 71BRF in the
amount of fruit retained on the bottom fruiting nodes, the upper
and also the vegetative nodes as well. This data backs up the fruit
accumulation curve where Sicot 74BRF is slow to put on fruit but
then finishes the season quite strongly.
If we first concentrate on fruiting branches one to four – not
only are there not as many bolls within this segment of Sicot
74BRF but the weight of these bolls is considerably lower as
well when compared to the other first position bolls on the Sicot
74BRF plant. It is theorised that this deficiency may be overcome
by getting Sicot 74BRF off to a good, vigourous start to the
season. Transition the plant from early vegetative growth into
flowering with more vigour, size and leaf area to support early
boll development and retention.
Interestingly the middle two segments on the plant (fruiting
branches 5 to 12) are very similar in their make up of the final
yield. Boll numbers within these segments are lower in Sicot
74BRF but the boll weight is heavier which therefore makes up
for the lower boll number. Bolls coming from the fruiting branch
nodes 5 to 12 have the heaviest bolls on the plant.
By far the highest percentage of yield in both Sicot 74BRF and
Sicot 71BRF comes from this section of the plant.
When looking at the fruit produced on the upper fruiting
nodes and also on the vegetative branches, Sicot 74BRF has the
ability to retain more fruit on these partitions when compared to
Sicot 71BRF. These segments are important in the improvement
of yield potential over Sicot 71BRF, and all effort should be made
to take advantage of this trait.
The lengthening of the flowering period will have a vital role
on the number of fruit retained in these segments of the plant.
But you cannot grow the crop forever, and the last effective boll
date will need to be determined for a given season and region
to ensure that energy is not wasted in initiating and developing
fruit which will not be picked. It may be more advantageous to
stop additional growth and concentrate the plant’s efforts on
increasing the weight of the retained bolls.
What does this mean for management
Promoting good early growth to encourage retention of early
fruit in the first four nodes, not only improves the contribution to
yield of this segment in Sicot 74BRF but also establishes a robust
plant for the entire flowering and boll development period.
50 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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The perilous cable plough
■■By Ian M. Johnston
CLASSIC TRACTOR TALES
When the first Homo-sapiens arose from the mists of
time and began colonising the planet, in order to survive
they were obliged to hunt for meat and scratch the earth
and plant seeds. So logically therefore, this was the
rudimentary commencement of farming.
For aeons a farmer’s life was one of hard physical toil, eased to
some extent when he learned to yoke beasts to the cart and then
the plough. In the most recent few seconds of the millennium
clock, farmers were introduced to the blessings of firstly steam
followed by internal combustion power.
Reminiscences
I can recall as a youngster, on a Scottish farm, sitting leaning
against a hay stack, surrounded by an assortment of elderly farm
workers, all munching cheese sandwiches during our one hour
lunch break, when this somewhat philosophical subject of the
origins of farming was raised.
These mainly septuagenarians had been pressed back into
their labouring jobs during the war years, in order to replace
the younger men who had been drafted into the armed forces.
Despite their cheerfulness, their well weathered countenances
and arthritic bones told their own story of years of back breaking
toil and deprivation. Yet they each were the repository of a Stoic
wisdom that only the aged can acquire.
Like all the others, Auld Tam had been put to work as a mere
twelve year old child in the latter part of the 19th century. As is
the tendency of many old timers, he would often acquire a far
away expression as he reminisced about ‘how things used to be’.
Of one thing Tam was certain! The worst job ever on a farm
was riding a balanced cable plough!
So what is a balanced cable plough
John Fowler
Synonymous with the evolution of the cable plough is the
name of John Fowler, who was born in 1826 in the village
of Melksham, which nestles deep in the English Wiltshire
countryside. At an early age he exhibited considerable agricultural
Please note: The indifferent quality of the graphics
illustrating this article is due to them originating over a century
ago. They have been selected from the author’s archives.
engineering talent. In 1846 he experienced first hand the
problems facing the Irish Peasants during the Great Potato
Famine. It seemed obvious to Fowler that the solution lay in
draining the vast boglands and converting them into healthy and
productive fertile farming country.
Back at Melksham he drew up plans for the design of a large
diameter mole drainer which, he believed, would successfully
create an underground drainage system capable of transforming
thousands of acres of Irish wasteland. Thus it was in 1850 that
the Fowler Mole Drainer, capable of laying a drain 2 foot 6 inches
deep in tight soil, was demonstrated to a committee of the Royal
Agricultural Society of England (RASE). The drainer was pulled
through the ground using a cable, hitched to a two horse team.
The RASE committee members were impressed by the
demonstration and deemed the drainer as a likely solution for the
Irish problem.
Three years later he introduced a larger mole drainer capable
of a greater depth, pulled by a four horse team. But the work
was slow and punishing for the horses.
Fowler’s Mole Drainer. Note the exposed section showing
the cutting share- blade slicing through the soil and the mole
being dragged 30 inches below ground level, thus opening a
tunnel through which the sodden moisture would drain.
The accompanying line drawings illustrate: (Upper) Fowler’s
original steam ploughing engine. (Lower) Fowler’s original
Balanced Plough.
52 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

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This interesting scene (circa 1869) is of a German Lanz plough engine (complete with water tank), but note the cable is
returned after passing through an anchor pulley positioned at the opposite side of the field. Utilising an anchor negated the
necessity of having a second steamer, but in practice was not as efficient as the twin plough engine set.
Fowler then turned his attention to steam power and the
design of cable drawn ploughs.
In 1866 John Fowler teamed up with a wealthy financier
named William Hewitson. Together they created a small
engineering firm, which rapidly involved into John Fowler &
Co. (Leeds) Ltd. and became one of England’s most prestigious
manufacturers of steam engines and cable ploughs. By 1910
there were 650 sets of Fowler steam ploughing tackle operating
An early 20th century scene. A seven disc Fowler balanced
plough being winched up to the steamer. The man sitting on
the rear of the plough is the foreman who is observing the
accuracy of the plough operator’s skill.
on British farms, in addition to scores more sold overseas
(including Australia).
The cable plough
The cable plough constituted a revolutionary concept of
tilling the soil. This was particularly so in Britain, where the single
furrow mould board plough, pulled by two horses, was the
mainstay on the majority of farms.
In simple terms – the cable plough consisted of a number of
either mould boards or discs which engaged the soil whilst being
hauled in one direction. A second set attached to the other end
of the contraption, engaged the soil on the return crossing of the
field. Accordingly, the forward set, depending on the direction of
the crossing, was always raised out of the soil.
Steam traction engines equipped with winding gear (see
illustrations) were located either side of the field and inched
forward in unison as they winched the plough to and froe across
the landscape.
The original ploughs designed specifically for cable ploughing
were termed balanced. When a balanced plough was drawn
across the field the mould boards or discs at the ‘rear’ engaged
the soil. Upon its arrival at the headland the plough was prepared
for its return journey. An initial jerk was required to cause the
‘other end’ of the plough to drop and engage whilst lifting the
opposite end out of the ground. Being a two way plough the
furrow was always turned in the one direction.
The problem with the balanced plough, in addition to the
necessary stressful jerking action, was that it had a fixed axle and
was extremely prone to jumping out of the ground.
An anti-balanced Fowler mould board plough, capable of
working to a depth of 10 inches. Capacity up to 30 acres per
day.
Pictured is a Fowler steam plough engine. The winding winch
is clearly evident.
54 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

A McLaren seven disc balanced cable plough.
Eventually the balanced cable ploughs were replaced by the
extraordinarily named anti-balanced units, which were fitted with
a clever sliding axle designed to move forward or aft, depending
on the direction being pulled. The benefits of this system were
two-fold. No structurally destroying jerking was required and the
plough dutifully remained level and in the ground.
At the commencement of opening up a new job, the two
plough wheels were kept level until the initial furrows were
opened. On the return and subsequent crossings the furrow
wheel was set lower than the land wheel. The skill was to retain a
level bottom at all times. This involved precise depth trimming of
each wheel.
A cable plough set consisted of two steam traction engines
equipped with winding wheels (winches), a mobile kitchen, a
men’s sleeping wagon, a water wagon and the plough. The
team included two steam engine drivers, a foreman, a cook, an
orraman (lackey), and the unfortunate plough rider! Obviously
this constituted an expensive outlay and could only be afforded
by agricultural contractors or wealthy land owners.
A Fowler eight furrow mould board cable plough in action,
with a side mounted Dutch hoe.
Ian’s Mystery Tractor QUIZ
Question: Can you identify this old classic tractor
Clue: The segmented drive belt is a give way.
Degree of Difficulty: Piece of cake to a true blue vintage
tractor enthusiast.
Answer: See page 64.
Auld Tam’s worst job!
Auld Tam’s comment: “The worst job ever on a farm was
riding a balanced cable plough!” was based on his own
experiences. Apparently, being a plough rider, he was obliged
to perch precariously on an iron seat located midway along
the frame, whilst manipulating a large steering wheel thus
endeavouring to prevent the plough yawing from its true and
straight course.
His main concern was to hang on like grim death and not be
thrown off the bouncing and pitching piece of ironmongery. A
fall between the sharp discs or polished mould boards would
mean a certain and very unpleasant death. As Tam explained, the
plough was often enshrouded in a cloud of dust and the steamer
operator would likely be unaware of any immediate necessity of
stopping the winch!
In the midst of all this he still had to control the level of the
plough by constantly working the massive levers which adjusted
the furrow and land wheels.
Arriving at each headland Tam had only seconds to scramble
from his perch and dash to the seat at the ‘other’ end. Then
it was a question of holding on tight as the plough received
its massive jerk from the return winch causing the opposite
end to rise whilst his end was unceremoniously slammed on the
ground!
Auld Tam said that in the 1920s, in return for his fatalistic
dedication to the job, he was grateful to receive £12 per month,
free milk, two stone of potatoes each fortnight and be granted
one week’s holiday at year’s end! He added, he was totally happy
in his job, particularly when he considered the alternatives, either
working down a coal pit or slaving in a quarry!
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 55

Germinating
ideas
By CSD Extension and Development
Team
Welcome to this edition of Germinating Ideas. In this
edition we address the issues associated with when to
plant and how to get the best plant established
Establishing an even plant stand is very important so that yield
potential is maintained. Skips of greater than 50 cm have an
impact on overall yield, thus making timing of planting one of the
most important management decisions.
In the northern warmer regions, planting is aligned with rising
soil temperatures with very few cold shock days past October 10.
FIGURe 1: 2009 Macquarie soil temperatures
FIGURe 2: Gwydir establishment trial – soil and
air temperature
In southern and eastern regions of the cotton belt, temperatures
fluctuate more in late September and early October which can
impact on germination and can cause delays in establishment and
potential seedling death.
The old rule of monitoring soil temperature at 8am in the
morning, and only planting once temperatures are at 14°C and
rising is true with many of the cotton regions that have good soil
temperatures in late September and early October. Places like
Bourke, St George, and Emerald are examples of this.
In areas where temperatures fluctuate during late September
into October the old rule can have some issues keeping to the
letter of the law. An example of this is in the southern regions
like the Macquarie, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and the Upper
Namoi. Temperatures can be 14°C for three consecutive days
and quickly go back to near frost conditions on the fourth day
as seen in Figure 1 in early October. In Figure 1 if we kept to the
letter of the law, the middle of September would have had better
temperatures than in early October.
This complicates the decision process of when to plant.
Another way of looking at when to plant is to look at the five
to seven day weather forecast and try picking the week that has
a rising plane of temperatures which will heat beds up and be
conducive to good germination and establishment.
Some work that was carried out in the Gwydir last season
supports this theory. In Figure 2 we have two planting dates
highlighted. The first was September 23. The second was the
replant on October 19.
On September 23 the following occurred:
■■
Moisture fine (rain);
■■
Soil temp fine – but declining; and,
■■
Forecast terrible
– Temperature declining
– Eight cold shock days.
This differed from the planting on October 19:
■■
Moisture fine;
■■
Soil temp fine – and rising; and,
■■
Forecast rising
– Temperature increasing
– No cold shock days.
The affect of a poor weather after planting with cool soil and
air temperatures impacted on germination and establishment.
Further it took 19 days to look like emerging, versus seven days
for the replant that was planted on a rising plane of soil and air
temperature.
Picking the best forecast for the next five to seven days may
help with making that decision of when to plant, particularly in
those areas where temperatures fluctuate in late September and
early October. In turn it may be wise to stop planting if a cold
spell is forecast and wait for better temperatures.
56 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

Outside of the weather, which we know can be hard to
control, the number one impact on plant establishment is the
management that is applied at planting time.
Some work that was carried out by Dr Steve Allan from CSD
last season in southern NSW picked up a number of issues that
were occurring when planting. In Figure 3, look at the sowing
depths for Condobolin and Whitton.
In this example, four by one metre soil transects were evaluated
showing the depth of seed in a side profile. In these examples, we
are seeing a range of depths from two to five cm at the same sites
in the same transects, which can only be caused by one thing. The
planter is travelling at speed, and ‘popping’ is occurring with the
seed being bounced in the soil profile. This causes a number of
issues such as seed not planted into moisture, late germination,
and gappy stands due to seedling death.
FIGURe 3: Emergence and establishment
assessment southern NSW
FIGURe 4: Soil temperatures at Hillston, Whitton
and Jerilderie
FIGURe 5: Population trials at Hillston,
Darlington Point and Narrandera
Planting dates and time of emergence
Sites at Whitton, Dpt1, Jerilderie, Hilt1, HilH3 and HilM3 took
from 18 to 24 days to emerge with the Jerilderie site being a
replant and the others sites being late in maturity. In comparison
Condobolin, Dpt2 and HilJ1 that are highlighted were planted
into October only took seven days to emerge. This supports the
theory of picking the best forecast for rising temperatures and
planting on that. This is supported by the weather data for the
region. Late September and early October temperatures were
very cool as seen in Figure 4.
Soil Temperatures at these sites were cool up until October
11 when temperatures began to rise. The Jerilderie site that was
replanted was estimated to cost the grower two bales per hectare
in yield.
Another way of ensuring that a good even plant stand is
obtained is to plant slightly heavier than what would be normal
on your farm. There is no significant yield loss by having extra
plants in your plant stand up until a point (around 15–16 plants
per metre), but as mentioned before, a skippy stand will cause a
reduction in yield. This was supported by work that was carried
out last season with three population trials conducted in southern
NSW. Planting rates of 20, 16, 12 and eight kg per hectare were
evaluated. In Figure 5 we see the results of these trials.
There was no significant difference in yield between each of
the populations at all three sites. A slight increase in yield was
seen in the eight kg per hectare treatment at Darlington Point,
but was not significant. In the trial planted at 20 kg per hectare,
plant stands came out between 15–16 plants per metre and
similarly the eight kg per hectare treatment had plants stands
between five to seven plants per metre.
The results suggest that if there are rough planting conditions,
or for instance moisture is slightly variable, a heavier planting rate
could be used with no yield reduction so that a consistent plant
stand can be obtained.
This work is supported by results from population trials
conducted in the northern growing regions as seen in Figure 6.
There is no significant yield difference between populations
from six to 17 plants per metre.
Other things to consider at planting time:
■■
Soil bed preparation;
■■
Irrigation scheduling – pre-water or watering up;
■■
Planter inspection and calibration;
■■
Temperature monitoring of the soil at 10 cm;
■■
Protecting the seed from insects using a suitable seed
treatment; and,
■■
Making staff aware of planting issues through training.
For further information in relation to any of the topics mentioned in this
article, please contact your local CSD Extension and Development
Agronomist or visit the web site www.csd.net.au
FIGURe 6: CSD plant population trials
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 57

news & new products
Persistence pays off for 2012
SPRAY Awards winner
A
commitment to continuous improvement has paid
off for 2012 Syngenta SPRAY Awards winner Robin
Krieg. Robin, a grower and spray contractor from South
Australia, took out the 2012 top prize in the peak spray industry
awards program following a number of changes to his operation
prompted by his first entry in the awards three years ago.
“I kept an eye on the winner that year and after reading
about their spraying program, I saw a number of areas where I
could improve,” said Robin, who went on to construct a $30,000
purpose-built chemical storage unit, improve his record keeping
procedures and upgrade to new spraying equipment before reentering
this year.
The SPRAY Awards were established in 2009 and aim to
identify the industry’s leading spray applicators. The overall
winner earns the title Sustainable, Productive, Responsible
Applicator of the Year and their prize is a $15,000 overseas
study tour, including a visit to Syngenta’s state of the art research
and development facility at Jealot’s Hill in the United Kingdom.
The awards are sponsored by Fairfax Rural Media and Westpac
Agribusiness.
Robin edged out three other state finalists to win this year’s
top honours. The judging panel was impressed by his impeccable
record keeping, his level of expertise and the professionalism of
his operation.
The finalists were scored across six categories ranging
from safety and environmental sustainability to training and
accreditation. The four-member judging panel considered written
entries, on-farm assessments and detailed interviews to choose
the winner.
They agreed that the common factors among all the finalists
was a passion for continuing to learn and improve their operation
and a genuine commitment to stewardship.
Lead judge Jason Sabeeney, Syngenta Technical Services
Manager, said one of the impressive features of Robin’s operation
was his careful approach to chemical wastage.
“Robin ensures he only mixes the amount of chemical he
needs for the area he’s spraying any one day, so he’s not having
to deal with chemical disposal. He is also down to two cm
accuracy with his spray rig so there’s very little wastage.”
Robin runs a 2500 hectare continuous cropping operation,
along with a contract spraying, urea spreading and hay baling
business within a 30 km radius of his family property at Kangaroo
Flat near Gawler.
“All chemicals are stored safely and I moved from paper copy
recoding of data to electronic collection. All material safety data
sheets, chemical label details and details on wind, humidity and
crop conditions are now recorded on the go via an iPad, ensuring
quick access to key information from the cab,” he said.
Robin uses a 36-metre Case 4430 Patriot sprayer with AIM
Command. His rig is modified with a recirculation system fitted
to assist with cleaning. “I can clean the system without putting
anything on the ground. All the flush water goes back into the
tank, rather than having to sit in the corner of the paddock and
clean it out,” he said.
“Our neighbours and clients trust us with their crops and
the expense of chemicals so we strive to achieve best practice
spraying to protect both the crops and the environment.”
While Robin has a high quality new spray rig, the judges
agree that being a great sprayer is about more than equipment.
Jonathan Pearson, ChemCert trainer and new judge this year,
says a quality operation is more than the sum of its parts.
“You don’t need to make a huge investment in equipment
to be effective. You can have the most expensive sprayer on
the market but without the right set up, you’re no better off
than if you have a cheaper sprayer. For example, choosing the
right nozzle technology doesn’t cost a lot but it can make a big
difference to your results.
“What really set Robin and the other finalists apart was not
how much they invested in their spray operations but their
appetite for new ideas and their understanding of spraying
conditions,” Jonathan said.
The Sustainable, Productive, Responsible Applicator of the Year for 2012 is South Australian grower and contractor Robin Krieg.
58 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

news & new products
Conference
attracts crowds
The 2012 Australian Cotton Conference attracted a record
attendance of more than 1300 delegates, indicating a
strong resurgence in the industry over previous events.
The strong roll-up was welcomed by the associated cotton
conference trade show exhibitors, among them Caltex Precision
Spray Oils.
Caltex Precision Spray Oils Technical and Marketing Manager,
David Johnson, said the Caltex stand experienced strong interest
from conference goers, among them growers, researchers,
consultants and rural resellers.
Highlights of this year’s Caltex exhibit were the appointment
of a new National Sales Manager, Michael Knight who flew in
from the USA to attend the event, plus a new registration for
suppression of Silverleaf Whitefly for Caltex’s flagship Precision
Spray Oil, Canopy.
David said there was increasing recognition by all in the
industry from advisors, researchers, rural resellers and cotton
growers that Canopy was now a mainstay of integrated pest
management programs (IPM).
“Not only has Canopy proven flexible and effective in a range
of conventional and Bollgard crops, but it is playing an increasingly
bigger role as part of the endorsed insecticide resistance
management strategy (IRMS) in each cotton growing region.
“Recent years have seen a dramatic growth in the usage
of Canopy as a result of its expanded registrations and the
realisation that Bollgard crops are also susceptible to longer term
resistance, meaning effective chemical control options need to
be managed carefully to ensure a long term future in cotton pest
management,” David said.
This warning was supported by a number of speakers at the
conference sessions who called for vigilance on crop rotations,
crop hygiene and insecticide resistance management strategies
including use of alternate chemistries and products with a low
beneficial disruption index (BDI).
Vision for
laterals
Lindsay Corporation, maker of Zimmatic irrigation systems,
announces the addition of Vision for laterals, automatic
control for lateral irrigation systems.
“Vision for laterals creates an entirely new experience for
growers thanks to its user-friendly design that allows irrigators
to automatically control their systems with just the touch of a
button,” says Richard Hall, Lindsay Regional Manager, Southeast
Asia, Australia/New Zealand. “It’s 15 times faster to program than
other laterals panels and has a user-friendly interface that gives
the operator a quick view of key information and reduces errors
with easy, accurate programming with GPS positioning.”
Vision’s “EZ Water Wizard” saves water and labor by
automatically varying the water rates so that the lateral never has to
complete a dry run, and no area is over- or under-watered. Up to 20
water zones can be created in just a few steps with the product.
Vision for laterals features enhanced shutdown diagnostics,
works on multiple field options and is designed specifically for
Zimmatic 9500L irrigation systems.
“The system’s versatility is really unmatched. Our patentpending
EZ Water Wizard is a breakthrough in a grower’s ability
to work smarter thanks to the system’s intelligent operation. Plus,
the software is tailored to square and rectangular fields, so it
fully automates normal lateral functionality,” Hall says. “We are
excited about this addition to our product line that gives growers
another tool to improve field management in a user-friendly and
efficient way.”
To learn more about Vision for laterals, contact your local Zimmatic dealer
or visit www.visionforlaterals.com.
ACRI Director and Principal Researcher, Robert Menshah,
Caltex Precision Spray Oils Technical & Marketing manager,
David Johnson with Moree cotton grower, Peter Glennie and
QDAFF researcher, Moazzem Khan at the Cotton Conference.
Vision for laterals allows automatic control for lateral
irrigation systems.
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 59

news & new products
Canopy now registered for
whitefly in cotton
The popular Caltex precision spray oil, Canopy, has been
granted added label claims for suppression of Silver Leaf
Whitefly (SLW) in cotton and suppression of aphids in
canola and pulses.
These latest additions to the Canopy label make it a genuine
all-rounder for pests of summer and winter crops. In addition,
Canopy can also be used as an adjuvant, at the same rate as
Hasten with a range of selective grass herbicides commonly used
in winter crops.
Caltex Precision Spray Oils Technical and Marketing Manager,
David Johnson, said Canopy has become a very strategically
Squeezing out
that extra bit of
yield
At the recent excellent Australian Cotton Conference there
was an interesting talk on Current Economics of Irrigated and
Dryland Cotton Production and the general message was that
there is a Top 20 – the most profitable 20 per cent of growers –
who are doing well. They are followed by a large percentage of
growers who are going to be struggling as cotton prices remain
relatively low. The talk looked at what put a grower in the Top 20
and, not surprisingly, it was controlling input costs and squeezing
out that bit of extra yield that takes growers into the profit zone.
TwinN is a microbial bio-fertiliser that fixes nitrogen into the
crop and increases root growth, enabling more efficient capture
of applied nitrogen fertiliser. This technology aligns exactly with
the Top 20 goals since it can be used to decrease N requirements
by about 30 kg to provide cost savings, or can be applied on
top of standard N rates when cotton prices are high and yield
maximisation is the only goal. Growers who used TwinN in their
2012 crop are recording a 0.5–0.8 bales per hectare yield increase
with cuts to N ranging from no cut to 30–40 kg per hectare
reductions.
Managing Director of Mapleton Agri Biotec, Rob Bower, says
“When cotton prices are very high it doesn’t take a lot of thought
to work out the economics of what to apply to the crop – just about
everything. But when prices are low it becomes vital to get that extra
yield without increasing costs and TwinN does exactly that.”
TwinN is applied by overhead irrigation, via liquid injection
under knife point, or water run up the furrow. Rob Bower
commented “it has taken us a while to work out how to apply
TwinN in cotton farming systems and we are grateful to a number
of growers who worked out how to use the product in their
systems then told us how it was done.” Application is generally at
the start of squaring although later applications are also effective.
Information on TwinN and results from trials in various crops are available
on www.mabiotec.com
important insecticide for cotton pests as well as a popular low
rate defoliation aid.
“Canopy provides an economically and scientifically sound
way of managing resistance problems and tackling emerging
insect pests such as SLW in cotton, in addition to controlling other
common sucking pests such as green mirids and cotton aphids.
“Growers at the recent Australian Cotton Conference on the
Gold Coast were urged to be mindful of the need to control
chewing and sucking pests in both Bollgard and conventional
crops, and to avail themselves of all available options to manage
aphid and SLW resistance to neonicotinoid and OP insecticides.
“Because of its physical modes-of-action, Canopy does not
trigger any resistance mechanisms and greatly enhances the
activity of some key biological products which are important to
maintain integrated pest management strategies.
“When used before insect numbers build-up, and strategically
throughout the season, Canopy delays SLW population
development and growers can avoid being locked into more
costly options later in the season.
“Importantly, use of Canopy at every spray opportunity may
avoid insect damage and reduce spread of diseases such as
Cotton Bunchy Top caused by aphid infestations.”
David said the latest registrations for SLW suppression, oilseed
and pulse pest control and as a grass herbicide adjuvant, made
Canopy the product of choice in a range of situations, and by far
the most versatile oil-based product to stock.
Best value oil
A survey of Australian cotton consultants who between
them manage more than 360,000 hectares, or about 60 per
cent of the total 2011–12 planting, has provided resounding
endorsement of the role of Canopy.
Canopy was compared with four other oils registered for
pest control and defoliation in cotton in an end of season survey
conducted through Crop Consultants Australia (CCA).
Canopy was the top ranked product in five of the seven
categories surveyed, namely:
■■
Best value for money;
■■
Most useful during the growing season;
■■
High quality product;
■■
Most trusted brand; and,
■■
Easily accessible information.
Caltex Precision Spray Oils National Sales Manager, Michael
Knight, said the survey results were very pleasing and indicated
the widespread acceptance and uptake of Canopy by growers in
a range of situations from early to late pest control, defoliation
and as a spray adjuvant.
In addition, Caltex D-C-Tron Cotton was the most strongly
identified with defoliation, indicating the strong market fit of this
product among growers.
Both D-C-Tron Cotton and Canopy achieved similarly high
scores for having the most credible label claims.
More information on Canopy is available from Caltex Precision Spray Oils
website www.precisionsprayoils.com.au or from your Caltex representative.
60 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

District Reports…
Central Queensland
Planting is well underway in CQ. About 17,000 hectares
of irrigated cotton are expected to be planted in the Central
Highlands, and about 6000 hectares in the Dawson/Callide.
The Central Highlands started planting on September 15. To
date there have been nine cold shocks, and three hot days during
the planting window. The Planting window for the Dawson/
Callide opened on September 29, and day degrees and there
have been 11 days.
While the cooler start has slowed growth dramatically, the
number of replants hasn’t been quite as bad as last year, with
growers paying more attention to planting conditions. The dry
spring, and good attention to farm hygiene has meant that
early season pest pressure has been generally very low. The first
irrigations will probably commence next week.
The recent dry spell has been good for the winter crop
harvest. Wheat yields are variable, with some getting quite good
yields, but variable proteins. Unfortunately the late frost did a lot
of damage, and some low lying crops were badly affected.
Susan Maas
October 22, 2012
St George and Dirranbandi
Well the saying ‘once bitten, twice shy’ certainly appears to
have held true for the 2012–13 cotton season. After the large
areas of replant last season (close to 25 per cent of the area) due
to a combination of poor winter rains causing poor soil tilth and
cold temperatures, growers have made a very obvious decision to
hold off this year until conditions are more suitable for planting.
Generally most years a large number of growers will begin
planting around September 20 to 25 and then continue through.
But as mentioned, growers that have begun planting before
October 5, 2012 are certainly in the minority, with the greater
majority of pre-irrigated fields being ready to plant during the
next few days (October 10–15). The main reason for this is the
fact that at least 80–90 per cent of the area will be planted to
Sicot 74BRF. This and the fact that with the bale price back below
$400 per bale who can afford to replant at $120 per hectare
Considering the decent rains during the winter, the earlier
picked fields which were worked before the rain have resulted in
very good soil tilth for planting. Currently fields that have been
pre-irrigated have taken around 0.8–1 ML per hectare. A number
of growers throughout both the St George and Dirranbandi areas
have actually pre-irrigated fields so as to spray out the volunteer
cotton and break down some of the larger clods which have
resulted from the lack of rain during the latter part of the winter.
These fields have then been planted dry into the top and are
about to be watered up.
Once again even with the depressed bale prices we will have
close to 90 per cent of the areas planted to cotton, so close to
58,000 hectares between St George, Dirranbandi and Thallon.
Unfortunately ,as Mr Murphy would say, the best laid plans
sometimes go awry and as I type this after having had a week of
extremely warm weather we are just beginning to experience a
cool change coming through with a few 5 and 6ºC mornings. It’s
certainly cool enough here to justify breaking out the ugg boots
one more time.
All going well the temperatures are set to increase quite
quickly with some above 30ºC days forecast for next week, so
hopefully no replants this year. All the best for all of the valleys
for hopefully a kind cotton season and prices to hit $500 per
bale (yeh, I know – wishful thinking but someone has to be the
optimist).
Dallas King
October 9, 2012
Border Rivers
This season has started off very differently than the past
two with no rain of consequence since July and cotton prices
lingering below $400 per bale.
Catching up at the 2012 Macintyre Valley Cotton Industry
Golf Day is Goondiwindi State High School Principal Brett
Hallett, Goondiwindi State Primary School Principal Gerard
Quinn, Macintyre Valley Cotton Growers Association
President Nigel Corish and local farming contractor Craig
Thompson. (Photo courtesy of Amy Billsborough, Cargill Cotton Australia)
District Reports
are proudly supported by
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 61

District Reports…
The early indications of the consequences of these two factors
are a 10–20 per cent decrease in the irrigated cotton area and a
50 per cent or more decrease in dryland plantings.
The wet early winter and a dry finish allowed for a good land
preparation of the irrigated area with most fields being planted
into back-to-back cotton – in many cases for the third year
straight. There has been a mixture of pre-irrigation and watering
up. Pre-irrigating began in mid-late September with the first of
the early planting starting on the western end of the district in
the last week of that month. A bulk of the planting started in the
first and second weeks of October.
Planting conditions have been variable – soil temperatures
have generally been good since mid-September apart from a cool
change in the first week of October and one that is occurring
now.
Dryland cotton this season will be mainly back to the growers
who regularly use the crop as part of their long-term rotation.
To date, planting opportunities for these growers have been very
limited with only a couple of people being fortunate enough to
land under some storms.
In late August, more than 100 keen golfers attended the
2012 Macintyre Valley Cotton Industry Golf Day. The event
raises funds for a student bursary which assists students from
the Goondiwindi State High to attend tertiary studies at the
university of their choice.
David Kelly
October 11, 2012
Darling Downs
Good general rain across the Downs on October 11 and
12 has been widely welcomed following a very dry winter.
The rain has provided moisture to a very stressed winter crop,
significantly improving the yield potential as well as opening up
Enjoying the awards evening L to R: Allyse Morris (Qld
Cotton), Esme Armstrong, Meg Kummerow (Young Achiever
Award), Geoff McIntyre (DAFF).
Some of the 350 guests enjoying the 2012 Darling Downs
Cotton Growers Awards night.
Pictured L to R: Vanderfield Machinery Darling Downs Cotton
Grower of the Year award winners Rhonda and Kevin Conlan,
Katrina and Tim Conlan, Geoff Rudd(consultant).
the opportunity to get the summer cotton and gain crop off to a
good start.
Total cotton planting is expected to be significantly down on
last year. Low cotton prices and reduced available land are having
a significant impact on the decision making process. Sorghum is
looking very attractive to many growers particularly dryland. The
need to rotate land out of cotton and high prices make it a very
attractive option.
The Darling Downs cotton growers celebrated a record
year on September 7 at the Annual Awards Dinner. Over 350
growers, their families, industry representatives, industry service
providers and businesses came together at Oakey Cultural Centre
to recognise outstanding grower achievement and celebrate
the successes of the year. The highly successful evening clearly
demonstrated the strength of the industry on the Downs and its
importance to the regional economy.
The Darling Downs Cotton Growers Association would like to
sincerely thank all those who attended and the sponsors for their
strong support that they provided in making the night such a
wonderful event. The association would also like to congratulate
all the entrants and the worthy winners. The quality of the
entrants clearly demonstrate the exceptionally high standard of
Down’s growers, their professionalism and skill levels.
62 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012

Award winners included:
■■
2012 ANZ Highest Yield Irrigated:
Jason Sinclair 14.61 bales per hectare.
■■
2012 ANZ Highest Yield Dryland:
Brett Kelly 9.91 bales per hectare.
■■
Greg McVeigh Outstanding Yield Trophy: Brett Kelly.
■■
2012 Darling Downs Service to Industry Award: Ian Walton.
■■
2012 Darling Downs Young Achiever Award:
Meg Kummerow.
■■
Dalby Rural Supplies Dryland Grower of the Year:
Scott Reichelt.
■■
Dryland Consultant: Geoff Rudd.
■■
Chesterfield Machinery Irrigated Grower of the Year:
Hamish Bligh.
■■
Irrigation Consultant: Mathew Holding.
■■
Vanderfield Machinery Darling Downs Cotton Grower of the
Year: Tim and Katrina Conlan, Kevin and Rhonda Conlan.
■■
Grower of The Year Consultant: Geoff Rudd.
Duncan Weir
August 21, 2012
Gwydir Valley
Gins still have cotton in the yards and there are some
instances of cotton still on farm, as the Gwydir Valley cotton
industry tries to put the 2010–11 season to bed prior to
commencing the 2012–13 season.
Dry conditions have persisted in the Gwydir Valley since the
middle of the year. Winter crops have held on with good levels of
sub soil moisture but as the temperature increases, signs of stress
are increasingly visible. But the dry conditions have enabled many
growers to finishing of their ground preparation for the coming
season.
The general consensus at planting will be that the back
to back paddocks will be pre-watered to enable a chance at
volunteer control prior to the emergence of plant lines. Whereas
the paddocks coming out of fallow situations will be watered up.
Planting began in the last week of September, mostly in fields
to be watered up. There was some concern about the cool
change predicted for the long weekend, with some leaving the
planters in the sheds till after the weekend.
Sicot 74BRF is by far the predominant variety choice for
growers in both irrigated and dryland conditions this season.
Conditions for planting irrigated cotton in the early part of
October have been quite good. Soil temperatures have remained
high and even the colder fronts passing through or the addition
of water have not significantly dropped the temperature.
Cotton is up and out in six to seven days which is encouraging
considering some of the difficulties encountered last season.
Cold weather associated with a front mid October will test the
resilience of the soil temperature.
Dryland planting opportunities have been very limited to date,
some cotton has been planted on lucky storms but many will
need more than an inch to get the moisture to join up.
James Quinn
October 12, 2012
Namoi Valley
Up until mid October planting conditions have been good for
irrigated crops. Well over half the crop is planted in the lower
Namoi and about 20 per cent of crops in the upper Namoi are
District Reports…
in the ground. A very cold change on October 12 has held up
further planting for a few days and will challenge crops already
sown. It has been dry in most parts of the valley and very few
dryland crops have been planted. At least 30 to 40 mm of rain
will be required before dryland planting can get underway.
Winter crops that looked great four weeks ago are now
under severe moisture stress. Yields will be average at best. Bad
virus infection has taken the shine off local chickpea crops. They
looked great 3 weeks ago.
Planting intentions have been revised down as some growers
include sorghum and corn in their summer cropping program.
The irrigated cotton area in the upper Namoi will drop back
to around 18,000 hectares and rain will be needed soon for
dryland cotton to be planted. In the lower Namoi, an irrigated
area of about 48,000 hectares seems likely. Some dryland in
the north east and southeast has been planted but more rain is
needed within the next four weeks for the full area to be sown.
The dryland cotton area will range between 5000 and 25,000
hectares – depending on the rain.
Early seedling disease is evident following the cold conditions.
We have had a week of cold shocks in October. We need some
warm weather to get the crop moving.
Weed germinations have been far less than last season but
fleabane remains a significant problem. Over 99 per cent of the
crop is BRF with Sicot 74BRF the main variety in the lower Namoi,
while Sicot 71BRF is the most popular in the upper Namoi.
Early season insects have been light so far. Whitefly can again
be found in home gardens around the Namoi.
The water supply situation is excellent. Keepit dam is at 100
per cent, and Split Rock dam is over 80 per cent full. On farm
storages on the Barwon are generally in good shape and most
fields have full profiles.
Current cotton prices are most discouraging and higher grain
prices have taken the shine off cotton. Growers will be looking
for high yields to make up for the price.
Robert Eveleigh
October 15, 2012
Macquarie Valley
Cotton planting is progressing cautiously with growers
now wanting some warm weather to ensure good seedling
emergence. Around 60 per cent is planted in the valley with
many fields emerged. By the end of this week all fields should be
planted. There are some small areas of dryland cotton to go in
and more rain will be needed to top up the profile.
Most irrigated fields are being watered up as there has not
been sufficient rainfall to completely fill field profiles.
The total planted area will be down on last season due mainly
to the reduction in the cotton price. Some growers have been
increased and others have reduced their area and are planting
alternate crops such as corn. There are a number of growers who
will not be planting cotton this season.
The current general water security allocation is 58 per cent.
There is also access to carry over water. Burrendong dam is
October–November 2012 The Australian Cottongrower — 63

District Reports…
currently at 94 per cent of capacity with daily releases of up 6000
megalitres.
The annual general meeting of Macquarie River Food and
Fibre was a full house on September 24 and Senator Barnaby
Joice was the guest speaker. The extensive range of topics
covered many issues including the Murray Darling Basin plan and
Barnaby answered multiple questions. Troy Grant, State Member
for Dubbo and Mark Coulton, Federal Member for Parkes were in
attendance also.
Ginning is still progressing at some of the gins in the valley
and this will continue into November. A massive module fire
on September 5 at the QC gin yard at Warren destroyed many
modules and round bales. It was an exceptionally hot and windy
day and a large number of people helped to reduce the impact
of the fire on surrounding areas.
A bug checking training day will be held again this year to
help new and experienced crop checkers to identify what they
can find in fields and work out whether they are friend or foe.
Due to the extended ginning period, the Macquarie Valley
Cotton Awards night will be held over until mid February 2013.
This will allow for all yield results to be calculated and for people
to get through the busy Christmas and New Year period. The
2011–12 season can then be celebrated by all with a good night
out.
Winter crops are progressing quickly towards harvest. Early
canola crops are now being swathed. There has been extensive
spraying for aphids and heliothis larvae in canola fields. Winter
crop growers are hoping for a dry harvest.
Craig McDonald
October 13, 2012
Answer to Ian’s Mystery
Tractor QuIZ
The tractor is an Australian historic icon. It is a 1921 10 h.p.
Jelbart manufactured in Ballarat, Victoria. Interestingly, the
single cylinder engine features a twin diameter stepped piston.
This fine example has been meticulously restored by the
Cunnington family. (Photos IMJ)
Southern NSW
The 2012 cotton season went well for growers in Southern
NSW, with some growers reaching 16 bales per hectare and
the area having the largest plant on record. But this is placing
pressure on the ginning capacity at both gins, with ginning
expected to still be going until February 2013.
With the low cotton price and issues surrounding cash flow
due to the extended ginning season, the area is expected to be
reduced by about 25 per cent (to 42,000 hectares), with most of
this reduction coming from the southern areas of Coleambally
and Conargo. This is mainly due to the reduction in profit due to
the additional cost of freight with a low cotton price.
Planting for the 2013 season started in the middle of
September, but most growers held off for a rise in soil
temperature followed by a rise in air temperature, and so started
at the end of September/early October. Last season there was a
large amount of re-plant in the district. This was mainly due to
growers planting too early and watering up the crops in the cold
weather. To-date some early cotton has emerged in 12 days with
very little seedling disease.
There has been a mix of pre-irrigated and dry sown cotton
this season, with a large percentage of the pre-irrigated country
requiring a flush after planting. The expected rainfall hasn’t
occurred, so the only delay in plantings this season has been due
to cold fronts coming across and the odd minor frost.
The area is still seeing new growers entering the industry, and
with good water allocation expected for the next few years it is
only the price of cotton holding the area back from expanding.
Trial work in Southern NSW this season is focusing around
planting establishment. Work is being conducted using plastic
and bed slope to harvest the heat as well as fertiliser seed
dressings (replacing liquid pop-up fertilisers). Early work is
encouraging seeing some plots emerging three to five days
earlier.
Aquatech Consulting....................22
BMC Partnership............................3
Cargill Cotton...............................38
Caltex..........................................29
Case IH........................................ 11
CGS............................................ IFC
Charlton......................................40
Convey-All.....................................8
Cotton Outlook.............................46
Croplands....................................27
CSD...............................................5
Countryco Training.......................47
Digquip Earthmoving..............Insert
Dinner Plain............................1, 49
Dupont........................................21
Ecom Commodities.......................43
John Deere...................Insert, 9, 53
Mapleton Agri Biotec....................20
Monsanto .....................................31
Advertiser’s Index
Jorian Millyard
October 10, 2012
Moree Real Estate........................38
Namoi Cotton...............................41
Neils Parts...................................10
New Holland..................................7
Omni Specialities.........................23
Omnistar.....................................17
Pioneer Hi-Bred.......................Insert
Queensland Cotton.......................39
S&G Cotton.................................IBC
SLTEC Fertilisers...........................33
SMK Consultants............................2
Study Tours..................................51
Sumitomo................................. OBC
The Appointments Group................2
TISCA...........................................35
Ultimate Agri-Products.................45
Valmont.......................................19
Williams River Steel.....................47
64 — The Australian Cottongrower October–November 2012