BORDER RIVERS
Stuart McFadyen

Above average day degree heat accumulation, absent heat wave conditions has led to a steady increment in boll numbers throughout the season across irrigated fields. Water budgets have successfully matched the crop’s water usage, with substantial contributions from heavy storm rainfall bolstering on-farm water storage levels.

Entering late March, daytime high temperatures have receded below the mid-30s, providing favourable conditions for defoliation as crops rapidly approach maturity. Boll weights look to be smaller this season, attributed to the increased heat accumulation. Nevertheless, boll numbers are holding up, especially in fields that were planted later or suffered hail damage.

The cotton in the Eastern areas of the region is looking the best it has for several years, owing to the warmer weather enhancing the region’s suitability for cotton growing. Wider row-spaced and eastern dryland cotton fields still have the opportunity to benefit from the rainfall forecasted for the end of the month, whereas fields with narrower row spacings are currently being defoliated.

Field preparations are underway for next year’s plantings, with the current dry conditions proving conducive for such activities. At the time of writing, Pindari stands at 50 % capacity. Although allocations for next season are slow and meagre but improving. Many growers in the western areas of the region have healthy on-farm storage levels, positioning them well for the onset of the next season. Accordingly, the area dedicated to the cotton planting area will remain steady.

 

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Kim Stevens

In previous years, the onset of mid- March would traditionally mark a peak period of cotton-picking activity throughout Central Queensland. However, this year is once again different, with only a select few fields have been picked. This season, 80% of the cotton in Central Queensland has been affected by weather events from December to February, causing significant crop losses during crucial growth stages. This led to the cotton plant shedding its fruit in its initial growth phase.

The prevailing conditions featured prolonged periods of high humidity levels exceeding 90%, night temperatures surpassing 24 degrees, overcast skies, and limited sunlight. These factors encouraged growers and consultants to extend the growing season in an effort to mitigate yield losses and secure a satisfactory harvest. Consequently, cotton ginneries across the CQ region have delayed cotton ginning until early May, coinciding with the start of some harvesting activities.

While dryland crops benefited from substantial rainfall up until mid-February, they have needed more in recent weeks. As a result, some of these crops have ceased growth earlier than ideal due to moisture depletion. Nevertheless, they are expected to yield good crops in the forthcoming months.

The season has once again proven challenging. However, if the weather conditions improve during the second growth phase for these irrigated crops, they could potentially yield good harvests across the region, although record-breaking yields are not anticipated.

In the past month, there have been field walks through the varieties containing XtendFlex® in both the Callide/Dawson and Central Highlands regions. These events have provided growers with an opportunity to closely examine these new varieties and assess their performance in the Central Queensland environment. Additionally, cover crop field walks have been conducted across the region, showcasing ongoing research projects with CRDC, QDAF, and Sydney University. These events have been well-attended and received strong support. These events are important for sharing knowledge and supporting the adoption of practices that could improve soil health and crop resilience.

It’s clear that despite the challenges, there is a concerted effort to adapt and make the most of the situation. The community’s support and attendance at these field walks indicate a strong interest in advancing agricultural practices in the region.

In essence, despite the hurdles faced by the Central Queensland cotton industry this season, there remains a collective determination to secure decent yields and embrace innovative farming techniques to overcome the climatic challenges. The spirit of resilience and the pursuit of agricultural advancement are evident in the region’s response to these testing times.

 

DARLING DOWNS
Larissa Holland

In early January, as many crops entered their flowering stage, the season appeared to be gearing toward a condensed flowering window. Retention of bolls was near perfect, with boll accumulation advancing swiftly, leading to a rapid decline in NAWF, despite the plants continuing to prioritise fruiting growth rather over vegetative growth. Since then, the overarching climate on the Downs has shifted to a more ‘tropical’ pattern characterised by high humidity, frequent large storms, and average maximum temperatures in the mid 30’s, with minimums around 18oC.

The climatic shift has resulted in an extended flowering window, in some cases lasting up to six weeks. However, particularly in irrigated fields, the heightened humidity has negatively impacted boll retention. Consequently, despite the prolonged flowering period, boll counts have remained in the range of previous years, approximately 130-160 bolls/m. There are many crops that grew tall and could have used growth regulates, although the frequent storms made it difficult to apply.

The outlook of dryland crops this season, for those that did manage to plant on limited rainfall back in October to December, is notably positive. Good rainfall and near ideal temperatures through flowering have set up good boll numbers, with counts of over 200 bolls up the row being reported in double slip (100 bolls/per m2).

As the season progresses towards picking, several challenges have emerged, including the detection of Alternaria, likely exacerbated by prolonged cloudy weather. Symptoms of fusarium are also present. In terms of late season pests, mirids and an assortment of veggie bugs, as well as whitefly have been observed. An inch of late rain to finish late bolls off as well as wash some honey dew off would be beneficial though the levels of honeydew at this stage are minor.

At the time of writing in mid-March the first applications of defoliants have started to go on with plans to pick around Easter. The bulk of picking is still a way off and there will be late crops extending the end of the season.

 

GWYDIR VALLEY
Stuart McFadyen

Consistent heatwaves and a day degree accumulation significantly above the ten-year average has led to notable fruit shedding in crops cutting out through the last week of January. All varieties have been affected and the shedding has more to do with time of sowing rather than varietal characteristics. Boll counts are being compiled, prompting discussions around boll factors. Sicot 606B3F, trialled in the Gwydir valley for the past three seasons, has experienced La Nina conditions, resulting in slower day degree accumulation and an absence of heatwaves. Consequently, confidence in the current local data for Sicot 606B3F boll factors is low, with figures likely closer to 13 bolls/meter this year, rather than below 11 bolls/ meter. Later planted irrigated cotton is looking terrific and looks to be the best of the fields this season, with many growers who were enticed into planting early given the warm September conditions currently rueing their decisions.

White fly and mites were prevalent in February, though control measures have been straightforward, and aphids remain non-existent. However, the emergence of mealy bug hotspots in northern fields poses a potential threat for next season, despite natural predators keeping their numbers in check this season. With another large cotton planting expected next season, these pests could prove problematic.

Dryland crops have not received the finishing rain they needed to fulfil their early season potential but are still expected to yield successfully, particularly in wider rows and later plantings.

The dry conditions leading into defoliation are favourable for bed preparations for next season. With Copeton Dam at 63% capacity, the irrigated hectares next season will depend on individual operation and water-buying strategies. Despite this, many farms will likely continue with significant back-to-back plantings next season.

 

MACQUARIE VALLEY
Amanda Thomas

The tail end of the season has generally been favourable. The final irrigation has been completed, and the first defoliation is largely finished in the northern end of the valley and commencing soon in the southern end of the valley.

Notably, water consumption has been below initial predictions, attributable in part to sporadic rainfall, varying in effectiveness, across different regions during the season. As of March 12th, general security licenses in the Macquarie and Cudgegong regulated rivers water source have received an allocation of 1% of their entitlement.

As of March 20, 2024, the dam levels were reported as follows:

• Burrendong Dam is 57% full – holding 694 GL.
• Windamere Dam is 92% full – holding 338 GL.

Significant insights include:

• Burrendong Dam received approximately 13 GL of inflows during February 2024.
• A total of 103 GL of Macquarie Environmental Water Allocation (EWA) and a total of 9.2 GL of Cudgegong EWA water was delivered to the end of February 2024 this water year.
• No bulk water transfers are forecast to be required before June 2024.

The next water allocation statement for the Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Water Source will be issued on April 11, 2024.

Plant mapping across the CSD variety trials has highlighted good plant architecture and favourable conditions in March, suggesting a potential for good yield outcomes for the season.

Insect activity has been relatively quiet this year, though interventions were necessary in certain areas to manage Silverleaf Whitefly populations. In most instances, the low levels of insect presence did not necessitate control measures.

The season’s consistent rainfall has exacerbated weed challenges, with record occurrences of Feathertop Rhodes grass alongside roads and fields.  Windmill and Barnyard Grasses have been difficult to control in areas of low plant stands and head and tail ditches.

Two of the three gins in the Macquarie region are set to commence operations in the early part of April, with the third gin following suit in the subsequent week. Reflecting on the season, it commenced with difficulties but gained momentum post-Christmas, positioning the region for an efficient conclusion to defoliation and picking processes, marking the most timely completion observed in recent years.

The upcoming picking phase will also provide the valley with insight into the performance of the new varieties containing XtendFlex®, with trials conducted in Condobolin, Forbes, Narromine, and Warren. These evaluations are anticipated to provide valuable insights for next season’s growing strategies.

 

NAMOI VALLEY
Natalie Aquilina

The growing season for the Namoi Valey has been progressing well, with January characterised by hot, humid conditions, a trend that persisted into March. The Upper Namoi region has benefited from optimal conditions for flowering and boll filling, with temperatures remaining below 40°C and one single night exceeding 25°C. In contrast, Walgett and the Lower Namoi have faced warmer conditions, with some weather stations recording an above-average frequency of days above 40°C and up to seven nights of elevated temperatures.

Rainfall has been sporadic, with some growers benefiting from summer storms, while others have not been as fortunate.  A lack of rainfall, coupled with warm and humid conditions, has resulted in some crops experiencing fruit shedding and boll cavitation. Unfortunately, some crops have not been able to recover from these major shedding events, and this will be reflected in final yields. However, other regions within the valley have witnessed conditions conducive to compensating for any fruit loss, with current crops now holding and filling bolls on the top section of the plant, maintaining positive yield estimates for both dryland and irrigated growers.

This season has seen moderate insect pressure throughout Namoi Valley, with consistent mite pressure, particularly in crops grown near corn. Low levels of late season mirids, whitefly, veggie bugs and aphids have been reported. Disease has proved to be a challenge again for many, with Verticillium Wilt symptoms on display early in the season and now more apparent across the valley. Alternaria has also been reported in areas of the valley, with crops showing symptoms later in the season. This stands as a good reminder of adhering to ‘Come Clean Go Clean’ practices as we draw closer to picking.

Defoliation efforts have commenced for early planted crops across the valley, while later planted dryland crops await a bit more time before undergoing defoliation, with many still in need of additional rainfall for optimal boll filling. The outlook for the season’s end is positive, with favourable conditions anticipated for defoliation processes, and many growers expecting to initiate picking by the end of April.

Recent valley activities have included three XtendFlex® field walks and the CSD Farms Field Day, attracting considerable attendance and offering insights into the performance of new varieties. Further opportunities to observe variety trials prior to final defoliations and picking are scheduled, showcasing the promising potential of the new Bollgard® 3 XtendFlex® varieties to the industry.

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY & WA
Angus Marshall

In marked contrast to the previous report, the wet season has lived up to its reputation throughout January and February. The Northern Territory experienced its first monsoon trough in mid-January, which delivered up to one metre of rain in certain areas. While the rain was welcome, it resulted in both flash flooding and prolonged inundation across the northern regions.

The rain delayed agricultural activities, keeping tractors off the fields until the latter part of January. Consequently, the planting of crops was conducted up to the very end of the planting window. Some crops, especially those in low-lying areas were inundated with floodwater throughout the remainder of January and into February and have unfortunately been written off. The rainfall also hampered crop management with many fertiliser and Mepiquat Chloride applications going on later than intended.

The monsoon’s persistent cloudy weather substantially reduced solar radiation for several weeks, triggering numerous shedding events from mid-squaring to mid-flowering stages. Despite the low pest pressure due to regular downpours, the decreased number of predators poses a risk of a rapid increase in pest numbers.

Following this period, a series of sunny days interspersed with afternoon storms, have facilitated a quick recovery for many crops, enhancing potential yields. With ample growth potential heading into March, late-planted crops will depend on favourable conditions in March and additional late wet season rainfall in April to achieve high yields.

Western Australia

In the Ord region of Western Australia, planting commenced at the start of February, capitalising on the prevailing dry conditions. Within approximately 4-5 days, two-thirds of the crop area was planted before rain interrupted further planting activities. The initial crops established well, though their growth was slightly hampered by the subsequent wet weather conditions.

The current condition of the cotton varies, with the more robust crops being two nodes ahead of the less fortunate fields. Some growers are now awaiting dry conditions to plant the remaining crop areas. However, the rain forecasts predicting continued precipitation through March, the completion of planting hangs in the balance.

SE QLD

BURNETT REGION
Chris Barry

In the Burnett region the cotton season is advancing positively. Early planted cotton is progressing well, with bolls starting to open, indicating that defoliation activities will soon commence. However, the bolls on later planted cotton are yet to open, suggesting a staggered picking season ahead.

Insect pressure was high for mirids during mid to late squaring but has since eased off. Predator insect numbers, particularly spiders, have increased significantly possibly contributing to the reduction in mirid populations.

This season has been characterised by less-than-ideal cloudy conditions, which have not favoured cotton growth. This has led to the widespread shedding of squares and small bolls. Additionally, the humid and cool weather conditions prevalent this season have resulted in boll rot affecting many fields.

Given the challenges of boll loss through pest activity and shedding, the cotton plants have exhibited significant growth, necessitating the application of mepiquat chloride as a key management strategy. Continuous wet weather and challenges accessing fields have led to some crops growing taller than desired. Additionally, signs of senescence are appearing as the crops progress towards maturity.

FRASER COAST
Chris Barry

The cotton season on the Fraser Coast has been marked by variability, largely due to challenging weather conditions including hailstorms and extended periods of overcast weather. The absence of aerial spray planes and reliance on a single drone operator for crop spraying has resulted in some crops growing taller than is ideal. However, growers have been able to pull the crop up and keep it under control. Areas

Despite these challenges, where conditions have been more favourable, the outlook for cotton yields is positive. However, the constant wet conditions have led to an increase in disease presence, particularly within the lush, thick canopies of the cotton plants. The earliest cotton crops are approaching the defoliation stage, while the later-planted crops are still in the growth phase, yet to complete their cut-out.

LOCKYER/ SOMERSET VALLEYS
Chris Barry

The cotton crops in the Lockyer/Somerset Valleys are progressing nicely towards the picking stage, with early-planted crops already undergoing their first round of defoliation. The remainder of the crops are not far behind.

The region boasts of impressive irrigated and dryland cotton crops, with boll counts exceeding 130 bolls per meter at cut-out. However, the benefits of this season’s sporadic storms have been unevenly distributed, with some growers more fortunate than others in receiving rainfall.

Additional rainfall in March could assist in filling out the later-set fruit, rounding off what has been a generally decent season, albeit with some variability experienced by individual growers.

 

RIVERINA/ SOUTHERN NSW
Michael Taylor

The 2024 Season has proven to be very forgiving when reflecting on the difficult start to the season.

Highlights for the January to March period include:

• Weather data is tracking the 10 Year mean.
• High probability of acceptable micronaire.
• Ideal conditions in February and March have led to higher-than-average fruit retention
• All irrigation is now complete.
• Defoliation is on track for a late March-Early April start.

Predicting yields is always a complex task, but the positive end to the season gives rise to optimism. Feedback from growers and agronomists suggests that yields could be on the higher side of average, offering a path to recovery from the difficulties of the 2023 season.

To date, some defoliation has been completed in the Condobolin area, with picking expected to commence in mid-April. For the majority of the Southern valleys, defoliation will start from Easter onwards, leading to picking from early May. If all goes to plan, this will allow many growers to plant wheat on time, in May, and put any residual water and nitrogen to good use by producing a high-yielding crop.

Looking ahead, the sentiment for the next season is predominantly positive, bolstered by well-prepared fields, the availability of carry-over water, anticipated water allocations, and strong market prices.

Below is a summary of current season growing conditions compared to last season and the 10-year mean at Hillston and Griffith (Airport).

Table 1

Hillston (Cowl Cowl Station) CSD Day Degree Calculator Comparison.
January 1st to March 19th 2024  (79 days)	10 Year Mean	January 1st to March 19th 2023 (79 days)
701.3     (1532DD)	699.7    (1532DD)	603  (1532DD)
748 Predicted by March 31st
25.8 C Av temp	26.1 C Av temp	24.6 C Av Temp

 

Griffith  CSD Day Degree Calculator Comparison.
January 1st to March 19th 2024   (79 days)	10 Year Mean	January 1st to March 19th 2023 (79 days)
673.0   (1532DD)	649.0  (1532DD)	565.6 (1532DD)
737 Predicted by March 31st
25.1 C Av temp	24.1 C Av temp	25.3 C Av Temp