Participants in the field last month as part of CRDC’s inaugural Cotton Course. Photo: Melanie Jenson/CRDC

THE FIRST intake of a new cotton course designed to help shape the future of the Australian cotton industry has been delivered in Narrabri.

Held March 10-12 March, it brought together growers, consultants, researchers and industry professionals for an intensive learning experience.

It marked the launch of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation Cotton Course, developed by the CRDC and the University of Sydney in partnership with CottonInfo and Cotton Seed Distributors.

The program offers a flexible approach to cotton education through three separate micro-credential courses scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027, providing participants with a structured pathway to build and formally recognise their industry knowledge.

CRDC Cotton Course one, Australian Cotton Systems, was delivered at the University of Sydney’s Narrabri campus, the IA Watson Grains Research Centre, by a team of academic and industry experts.

A total of 21 participants attended the inaugural course, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, including growers, agronomists, early-career researchers, professionals working across corporate farming enterprises, and government agency representatives.

The course combined seminars and field-based learning across both dryland and irrigated cotton production systems.

Participants explored key decision points throughout the cotton production cycle and their influence on yield and fibre quality.

Hands-on learning included demonstrations of row configurations in dryland cropping systems, where participants examined soil structure and cotton plant root development through soil pit observation.

Participants also visited the Australian Cotton Research Institute and Cotton Seed Distributors’ laboratories and breeding farms, gaining insight into how cotton varieties are developed and scaled for commercial production.

Industry visits included Merced Farming at Wee Waa and the Australian Food and Fibre farm and gin at Narrabri.

These visits provided exposure to both family-operated and corporate farming systems, highlighting a range of management approaches.

At Merced Farming, participants engaged directly with growers Sam and Daniel Kahl, discussing topics such as grower-led variety trials, water management, and the importance of social licence and natural capital within modern farming systems.

CRDC acting general manager of innovation Susan Maas said the course was designed to provide a clear pathway for people wanting to deepen their knowledge of the industry.

“There is already a wealth of information available to the cotton industry, but this course provides a structured framework for people to build their knowledge and have it recognised as part of their career pathway,” Ms Maas said.

“Built around hands-on learning in real production environments, the course takes participants beyond the classroom and into the field, with no previous experience required.

“By making cotton education more accessible and flexible to a variety of backgrounds, we’re helping shape the future of the industry by strengthening knowledge and accelerating the adoption of innovative practices.”

University of Sydney researchers Guy Roth, Tim Weaver, Ian Simpson and Stephen Cattle were involved in the Cotton Course held last month at sites in Narrabri and Wee Waa. Photo: Melanie Jenson/CRDC

University of Sydney cotton course co-ordinator Ian Simpson said the diversity of participants added significant value to the learning experience.

“The course is a gateway for people who are new to the cotton industry, as well as those looking to deepen their understanding,” Mr Simpson said.

“We had a strong mix of participants, including new industry entrants, agronomy graduates, early-career researchers and professionals working across the cotton supply chain.

“This created valuable discussion, knowledge sharing and opportunities to build networks within the industry.”

Further microcredential courses will be delivered later in 2026 and 2027 as part of the program, continuing to build skills and knowledge across Australia’s cotton industry.

For more information on upcoming courses, including CRDC Cotton Course two, visit Digital and Data Solutions for Cotton Systems.

Enrolments for the course, to be held in Narrabri July 7-9, are now open.

The cost is $950, and includes tuition and catering, with a 10-percent discount for enrolments prior to 31 May 2026.

The price has been kept to a minimum thanks to CRDC support.

For those travelling long distances to attend, CRDC travel support may be available.

Source: CRDC