BORDER RIVERS
Stuart McFadyen
In the Goondiwindi area, recent weather patterns have presented a mix of challenges and opportunities. Prior to Christmas, isolated storms brought hail to several fields in the local area, removing growing points and defoliating plants. However, as we moved into the new year, continued storm activity has proved beneficial for water budgets this season. With Pindari at 56% capacity, the recent heavy rainfall has been a relief, enabling growers to put back water orders and hopefully add hectares to next season.
In terms of pest activity, mirids have been relatively inactive so far this season. We’re mostly seeing brown plant bugs, but green vegetable bugs are also starting to appear as stock route country hays off. Fortunately, in fields that have escaped storm damage, first position retention rates remain high. White fly remain quiet so far, and the pyriproxyfen window for the region remains unchanged from previous years.
Disease symptoms are expected to express over the next couple of weeks as boll load intensifies, and growers will get a feel for the levels which have been hard to gauge to this point.
Dryland cotton is looking terrific with soil moisture profiles full going into flowering, so hopefully growers can get an extended flowering period and capitalise on the favourable conditions.
BOURKE
Craig McDonald
Almost 3,400 hectares of cotton were planted in the Bourke area this season. Planting extended into early December, thanks to the availability of more water. Fortuitously, early January brought beneficial rainfall, which has significantly aided the crops in reaching maturity. Water has been pumped into storage, a move that not only benefits this season but also lays a positive foundation for the next. This marks a substantial improvement from the early season’s prospects, which had suggested the potential need to drop some fields out.
The later planted cotton, including Sicot 714 B3F, is going well and it will be good to see how a shorter season variety can perform in a late planted scenario. So far, insect pressure has been minimal, necessitating very little spraying. However, with increased rainfall, there has been a need for fallow spraying to manage the burgeoning weed growth effectively.
As the season draws closer to its end, growers are optimistically anticipating a successful defoliation and a dry pick.
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Kim Stevens
The cotton planting season in Central Queensland (CQ) for 2023-24 has wrapped up, with a total of 26,200 hectares of cotton planted, including 1,393 hectares of dryland cotton. In the Dawson and Callide Valleys, 7,074 hectares of irrigated cotton and 240 hectares of dryland cotton were planted. These numbers represent a decrease from the previous 22-23 season, primarily due to insufficient rainfall in winter and spring, which failed to replenish soil moisture levels for dryland fields and impacted water supply for irrigated cotton. Initially, there was no water allocation for irrigated cotton, but this changed dramatically at the end of December, following heavy rains in the Dawson River basin. The allocation increased to 48-68% for the rest of the season, greatly benefiting many cotton fields that had depleted their on-farm water sources.
In the Emerald region, the irrigated cotton area reached 17,963 hectares by the end of the planting period, and the dryland cotton area was 936 hectares. These numbers are also below last season, as the lack of rain in spring and early summer reduced opportunities for more dryland cotton planting. However, irrigated farmers in the region had water allocation from the beginning of the season, fostering a positive outlook for the season. Fairbairn Dam is currently at 27.99% capacity, giving the irrigators full water allocation for the season.
The growing season started with good fruit retention, which led to high fruit numbers on the first, second and third positions. However, the conditions became hotter and more humid than the previous season, with cloudy and stormy weather over the Christmas and New Year period, which resulted in some boll shedding in the crops. The earlier planted crops maintained their set bolls but lost most of their top four nodes to shedding. The later planted crops faced the same conditions, but shed more, as they were at their peak flowering stage and lost some bolls in the middle of the plant, while keeping most of the top ones with the dry and hot conditions that followed. In areas with less water, the crops flowered and cut out earlier than usual, as they were stressed and matured faster under those conditions.
In January, the growing conditions have been very hot, humid, and unfavourable, with night temperatures not falling below 22 degrees. It has been challenging for the consultants and cotton growers to decide on irrigation timing, due to the wet conditions and the sporadic afternoon storms. The early planted cotton crops have all reached cut out, with a reasonably good boll load but retention sitting at 60% for the past couple of weeks. This raises a management question for the growers and consultants, whether to prolong the crop growth to try and increase the potential yield, or to have a conventional crop and pick in February/March. So far, we may see about 75% of the cotton crops in Central Queensland prolong their growth, as a management decision, water availability, or due to the losses caused by the weather conditions. The cotton crops planted in the second half of the window are reaching squaring, and some are at first flower. As I write this, a Cyclone is looming on the east coast that may affect our season in the next few weeks. It seems like CQ may have to endure another extended season pending the 50/50 chance of it affecting us.
DARLING DOWNS
Larissa Holland
The onset of the planting season on the Darling Downs presented several challenges, particularly for dryland farmers who faced an anxious wait for rain and, in some areas, the need to replant. Consequently, some of the later planted cotton is yet to reach flowering, but the overall condition of the crops is currently doing well. The total planted area is down from the previous two years but has seen an increase from earlier predictions made after a dry winter.
Finishing up 2023 saw many isolated storms roll across the Darling Downs. The effects of these storms have been mixed, with some lucky growers receiving rainfall and being able to delay irrigation, whilst some missed. Sadly, some growers had their cotton crops battered by hail. As we move into the new year, the forecast for the Downs indicates favourable conditions, with predictions of continued rain in the form of storms.
Crops are progressing well, with many nearing or already flowering. Some early planted crops are even approaching cut-out. Whilst it’s still early to confirm boll numbers, early indications suggest the crops are well positioned for a good yield, provided current conditions persist. Pest activity includes reports of mirid nymphs and the occasional veggie bug, beneficials such as ladybugs have been reported in large numbers.
Control of early weeds and volunteer cotton has been front of mind for many growers with the common culprits sesbania, peach vine, bladder ketmia, and nut grasses all being found. Volunteer cotton, a result of the lack of winter rainfall, was widespread but is now under control. Spray drift damage has been detected as a result of ongoing spraying activities, although its impact remains minimal at this stage.
As the season moves forward there are high hopes for a good yield and quality result though it is still early in the season.
FAR NORTH QLD
Jodie Pedrana
Planting conditions were dryer than last season in Far North Queensland (FNQ) when planting commenced in the first week of December. However, that changed promptly for the Tablelands, when Tropical Cyclone Jasper crossed the coast on the 13 December 2023.
Cyclone Jasper hit the FNQ coast as a category two cyclone, but it took the system almost five agonizing days to move west across Queensland. More than a century of flood records was broken in rivers as ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper dumped unrelenting rain over the region, with many areas along the coast recording more than one to two metres of rain.
Following the cyclone, growers were back planting between Christmas and New Year.
A small area of cotton that was planted in the Tablelands prior to the cyclone, received over 500mm rain over a few days and had to be replanted in early January.
Areas outside of the Tablelands, further south and west into the Gulf, were spared from the extraordinary weather event that struck the FNQ coast in December. Here, most planting was completed before Christmas, under relatively dry and extremely hot conditions, despite a few passing storms. Subsequent localised rainfall in the Gulf has been beneficial, maintaining adequate moisture levels for the rain-grown cotton crops.
During Mid-January we are experiencing the build-up of the next monsoon and possible cyclone, with some farms around the Tablelands receiving between 100mm and 170mm of rain in 48 hours.
The heavy rainfall received to-date in FNQ has posed challenges for cotton establishment during the eight-week planting window. We are now observing early indications of some leaf spot diseases developing, attributable to the wet and humid conditions.
GWYDIR VALLEY
Stuart McFadyen
This season’s cotton crops are flourishing under the combined effects of low insect pressure and consistent mid 30-degree daytime temperatures. First position retentions are up across the valley, resulting in nitrogen budgets being revisited to keep the crops flowering, particularly in back-to-back fields. Many crops are currently holding at six nodes above white flower, but with a forecast of a week of 40-degree daytime high temperatures in late January, its anticipated the early crops will cut out, potentially capping their top-end yield.
In terms of pests, sucking insects so far have been quiet. However, there has been a noticeable increase in Helicoverpa egg lays in early January, correlating with the stormy weather. As a result, some pin squares have been dropped as the neonates take a mouthful to ingest the insecticide. White fly are present in the western paddocks and populations are being carefully monitored as control is expected for them this season.
Disease presence is subtly increasing in fields with heavy spore loads. The upcoming heat wave conditions, coupled with the rapidly increasing boll load, will soon provide a clearer picture of the extent of infection in these crops.
The consistent rainfall since the start of November has benefited the dryland crops, which are now entering the flowering stage with replenished soil moisture profiles. Plant stands are excellent and yield forecasts are building. If another substantial rainfall occurs at the start of February, dryland cotton growers could experience a particularly successful season.
MACQUARIE VALLEY
Amanda Thomas
The season had relatively cooler start but has now settled around the average temperatures we’ve seen over the last decade from Forbes to Warren. Crop development is powering along despite a large number of storms impacting most of the regions, from first flower until now. In most cases, growers will have saved around 0.8 of an irrigation, and in some cases 1 – 2 irrigations. The Burrendong Dam is currently at 67% capacity.
Insect activity has been relatively low this year, however we have seen some occasional pests such as brown shield bugs emerge, becoming problematic in some areas. Flowering commenced relatively on time this season, considering the slow start we had. Crops are currently sitting around 16 – 20 nodes and cut-out Mepiquat is being applied in the next two weeks. All varieties have responded well to the favourable conditions from December onwards. Variable rate Mepiquat has had some good results, and many crops are looking the most even and consistent crop growth we’ve seen in the last five years.
Unfortunately, off target hormone damage has occurred over most of the growing areas. Thankfully, the crops are generally growing through it, thanks to ideal growing conditions we’re currently experiencing at the moment. Retention remains very high, but with a hot week forecasted, there’s a possibility of shedding smaller squares in some places.
We have seen pockets of Verticillium and Fusarium Wilt present in some fields in the first half of January. Growers need to remain vigilant and remember to come clean and go clean to stop the spread of disease on farms.
NAMOI VALLEY
Natalie Aquilina
This year truly exemplifies the saying that no two seasons are ever the same. This time last year much of the valley was recovering from flood. In contrast, this season we’ve seen the weather shift away from the early dry conditions, with many parts of the valley receiving good rainfall. The rain in December saw most of the valleys 31,000ha of dryland cotton go in, as well as smoke drifting up and down the valley from the Piliga bush fire. This dryland planting opportunity brought the valley total to almost 84,000ha of cotton. Storms also brought hail with them across the valley, causing damage that ranged from a few leaves to complete crop loss. All these natural events serve as a reminder of the power of mother nature, which is also reflected in cotton’s compensatory ability.
Regarding that, crops are growing nicely and recovering well from early season thrips damage, and flowering is underway across most fields. Unfortunately, there is evidence of spray drift damage across areas of the Namoi. Please remember to map your cotton fields on Satacrop and report drift damage if you experience it. A few fields in the valley are starting to show early symptoms of verticillium wilt. If you have any disease concerns or would like to submit samples for correct identification, then get in touch with NSW DPI’s Duy Le at ACRI.
Despite a challenging start, prospects for the remainder of the season, and possibly into the next, are looking more promising. Variety trials of the current XtendFlex® lines are developing well, showing exceptional retention levels. These developments will be closely monitored, especially with reports of mirids making their way into the valley. For those keen to observe these developments firsthand, a number of field days and walks are being planned across the valley. One notable event is the CSD farm event on the 28th of February. Details for upcoming events can be found on the CSD website, participation is highly encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the valley.
NORTHERN TERRIROTY & WA
Angus Marshall
Planting in the Northern Territory (NT) commenced on the 1st of December, with growers eager to leverage the early storms of the wet season for crop establishment. Early indications estimated around 14,000 hectares to be planted, contingent on rainfall. Unfortunately, the start of the wet season has been drier than usual in most parts of the NT, leading to some replanting of crops sown in early December.
In contrast, the northern parts of the Douglas Daly region benefited from early storms and commenced planting after the first week of December. These crops emerged very well, with minimal areas needing replanting, and have since received good rainfall. However, only 50km to the south, the situation differed markedly, with farms receiving as little as 45mm of rain in December. Crops in this area were planted and replanted in anticipation of forecasted rain, but unfortunately, the storms failed to deliver substantial rainfall.
A similar scenario unfolded around Katherine and further south, where rainfall in December and early January was even scarcer. Dryland growers in the Katherine area have either been unable to begin planting or have had to replant. As I report this, some much needed anticipated monsoonal rain is falling in the Douglas Daly and Katherine regions. However, a subsequent dry spell will be necessary in the coming weeks to allow tractors access to fields before the closure of the Bollgard® 3 planting window.
On a lighter note, it was great to see the opening of the Northern Cotton Gin before Christmas. This gin represents a significant milestone in the development of the cotton industry in the Northern Territory, boosting the confidence of both existing and potential growers.
Western Australia
Over in Western Australia, growers are preparing for the start of their planting window on the 1st of February. Recent rain, which is expected to continue into the latter half of January, is aiding in the final stages of ground preparation. Weather permitting, there’s little doubt that planters will be in full swing come the 1st of February.
SOUTH EAST QLD
Chris Barry
Burnett Region
The cotton in the Burnett has been growing well this season, showing overall good retention. We are beginning to see a rise in mirid numbers, however remaining below the threshold. Luckily, we have also seen an increase in beneficial numbers in the last two weeks. Roundup Ready Flex growers have had to apply insecticides to control Helicoverpa, following three egg lays since the season began.
Irrigations were in full swing until the region received around 150-300ml of rainfall in December. The recent hot and humid weather in the last few weeks has spurred considerable growth in the cotton. Fields are beginning to dry out now, allowing growers to get much-needed weed and mepiquat chloride sprays done before resuming irrigation again. The cotton ranges from 9-21 nodes and 30cm to 110cm. The early planted cotton reached its first flower around mid to late December and is getting close to cut out, with around five nodes above white flower.
Fraser Coast
On the Fraser Coast, cotton is progressing well, though regular rainfall has impeded some activities such as weed sprays. In some areas, the persistent rain has led to waterlogging. There have been clusters of Monolepta Beetles in the crop that have been quite aggressive.
The region received good rainfall in December, allowing late crops to be planted into good soil moisture. Unfortunately, along with the rain, some areas faced a severe hailstorm which took out a couple of paddocks, including the XtendFlex® trial. The crop in the area varies from 9-13 nodes and 35-60cm. The first mepiquat chloride applications have just been sprayed. Overall, the area is progressing well.
Lockyer/ Somerset Valley’s
Weather in both the Lockyer and Somerset Valley’s has been very warm and humid to date, coupled with some good rainfall. Unfortunately, as was the case in the Fraser Coast, parts of the Lockyer and Somerset region had received some big storms with large hail, taking crops out. As the rain has predominantly been storm-based, some growers have unfortunately missed out on this moisture.
In the Lockyer and Somerset Valley’s, the crops range from mid-flower to cutout. The earlier planted crops have formed a good boll set and are likely to start showing open bolls in the upcoming weeks. These crops are currently at 22-24 nodes. Late-planted cotton, sown around mid-December, is now beginning to show significant growth, currently at about 12 nodes. Due to the high vegetative growth rate, some growers have been applying increased rates of mepiquat chloride to control excessive growth.
RIVERINA-SOUTHERN NSW
Michael Taylor
After a challenging start to the season, the Riverina crop has responded to good growing conditions through November, December and January. As of January 19th, many crops have been cut-out or are about to be this coming week. First flower per meter row had been reached in the better crops in the first week of January, predominantly around Hillston, whilst the best of the crops further south, reached this stage in the 2nd week of January.
As for flowering progression, better crops have set bolls on 7-8 nodes and have as many nodes above white flower (NAWF), whilst retention rates sit around a healthy 85%, with no impacts to be seen from the overcast and wet days seen on January 16th and 17th.
Apart from early Thrip numbers, insect pressure has been minimal, to date.
Despite predictions of an El Nino event, crops are in a good position for moisture as most centres have recorded above-average rainfall for November, December and January. Totals in January, in many cases are three to four times LTA’s and some reports of falls around Carrathool on January 17th exceeding 150mm’s were reported.
This will push the next irrigation events into the back end of January and put growers in a comfortable position with water availability, currently sitting at 54% for the MIA and 46% for Coleambally.
Below is a summary of current season growing conditions compared to last season and the 10 year mean at Hillston and Hay.
| Hillston (Cowl Cowl Station) CSD Day Degree Calculator Comparison. | ||
| October 1st to January 19th 2024 (111 days) | 10 Year Mean | October 1st to January 19th 2023 (111 days) |
| 703.8 (1532DD) | 519.6 (1532DD) | 481.4 (1532DD) |
| 34 Cold Shock Days | 29 Cold Shock Days | 43 Cold Shock Days |
| 22.6 C Av temp | 21.7 C Av temp | 20.0 C Av Temp |
| Hay (CSIRO) CSD Day Degree Calculator Comparison. | ||
| October 1st to January 19th 2024 (111 days) | 10 Year Mean | October 1st to January 19th 2023 (111days) |
| 643.9 (1532DD) | 637.2 (1532DD) | 445 (1532DD) |
| 38 Cold Shock Days | 36 Cold Shock Days | 45 Cold Shock Days |
| 21.2 C Av temp | 21.1 C Av temp | 19.6 C Av Temp |
In general, growers are happy with the current crop conditions and looking forward to a significantly better outcome than last season’s disappointment. Not one to predict yields, I will say, however, there should be some pleasing results to report when the season is wrapped up. Let’s hope the 10-year mean can stay in play or be exceeded over the next 70 days.