After 19 years on the Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd (CSD) Board, James Kahl has decided to retire and not seek re-election following his term ending at the AGM on the 21 June 2022. 
James served 13 of his 19 years on the Board as Chairman, making him the fourth Chair of CSD in its 55 years, demonstrating the longevity and stability of the CSD Board. 
Throughout his term at CSD, his enthusiasm and interest in the company’s success was evident, showing an interest in all aspects of the business.  Everyone at CSD appreciated James’ dedication to engaging and interacting with all levels of staff. 
James leaves a lasting legacy, and CSD has come a long way under his leadership. His focus has always been on outcomes for the cotton growers of Australia. 
James ensured the future of the Australian cotton seed supply was secured through the development of new facilities at ‘Shenstone’ near Wee Waa which included a cotton seed processing plant fitted with world-leading delinting and treating technology, a laboratory, administration complex and expanded seed storage facilities. 
Through the acquisition of additional land and water on CSD Farms, he made sure the company’s efforts in variety, seed, research and development were realised.
Within his tenure, the longstanding partnership with CSIRO was formalised in 2007, with the Cotton Breeding Australia (CBA) joint venture – a targeted research fund set up to facilitate and secure the research and development of future cotton varieties for Australian growers. 
In 2021, 50 years of collaboration was celebrated between CSIRO and CSD. Maintaining this partnership was integral to the success of the industry through plant breeding and agronomy. Through this collaboration, CSD and CSIRO reached a combined investment milestone of more than $200 million in research, ensuring the long-term profitability and viability of Australian cotton. 
James’ commitment to nurturing and enhancing the relationships with CSD’s major partners, such as CSIRO, was critical to CSD’s success.
In 2012, the Joint Venture with CottonInfo was also established, between Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. The partnership enables positive outcomes for growers through communicating research outcomes, encouraging the adoption of technology and innovation and improving industry practices.
Financially, his success at CSD was evident in the growth of its balance sheet, which went from $40 million to over $300 million.