The FastStart™ Cotton Establishment Awards recognise growers who excel in the critical first 70 days of cotton crop establishment. Open to both irrigated and dryland cotton growers, the awards celebrate those who focus on achieving strong, uniform plant stands and making the most of the tools, research and resources available through the FastStart™ program.
Entries are assessed by FastStart™ partners CSD and Syngenta throughout the season, with judging focused on establishment performance rather than final yield. The awards highlight the importance of laying the foundations for an efficient, productive crop through best-practice planting and establishment management.
Growers are encouraged to optimise key establishment factors such as planting conditions, row configuration, seeding rates and planter performance. Particular emphasis is placed on crop uniformity and even emergence, with entries judged on a combination of establishment percentage and Planter Uniformity Index (PUI).
The awards showcase growers who consistently apply proven establishment principles and demonstrate what best practice looks like in the field. By recognising excellence in establishment, the program aims to share practical learnings and encourage the adoption of strategies that support crop efficiency, resilience and productivity.
For more information on enterting the FastStart™ Cotton Establishment Awards, visit www.faststartcotton.com.au.
Case Studies
2021/2022 Irrigated Winner
Terry Ryan, Bowenville QLD
2020/2021 Irrigated Winner
Mark Cowley, Toogoolawah QLD
2019/2020 Irrigated Winner
Angus Doolin, North Star NSW
2018/2019 Irrigated Winner
Todd Farrer, Merah North NSW
2021/2022 Dryland Winner
Will and Ben Coulton, Boggabilla NSW
2021/2022 Dryland Winner
Mitch Brimblecombe, Forest Hill QLD
2019/2020 Dryland Winner
Brett and Kay Enkelmann, Byee QLD
2018/2019 Dryland Winner
John ‘Cowboy’ Cameron, Bongeen QLD