Australian cotton crop is predicted to fall short of last year's record result of 5.6 million bales, with weather conditions impacting yields in New South Wales and Queensland.
Cotton Australia GM Michael Murray confirmed around 85% of cotton crop has now been picked.
“With good rainfall leading to healthy soil profiles and good water storage results, we had forecast a positive result in 2022 and we achieved some of the best yields on record in some areas,” Murray said.
“That rainfall became a problem in parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland in late 2022 with severe flooding recorded in many growing areas as well as crop and infrastructure damage. The conditions at that point led to a downgrade in expectations.
“I’m pleased to say that better conditions, including a warmer than expected start to 2023, resulted in a boost for growers and the results are now becoming clear.”
Cotton quality is currently measured by a variety of factors including colour, strength, contamination by leaf and other plant matter, staple length and micronaire - which is a measure of fibre maturity.
These crop results come as Cotton Australia note more growers are considering cotton in north Queensland, the Northern Territory and northwest Western Australia.
Murray said cotton can grow across a wide geographical range and climatic conditions with scope for growth in many areas north of the Victorian and NSW border.
“We are hearing reports of growers in coastal Queensland locations adding cotton to their rotations and doing very well,” he said. “And while some areas are considered ideal because of the rainfall and temperatures, cotton can thrive in other conditions and provide a profitable alternative.
“Some growers see the lack of nearby cotton gins as an issue - but with a gin close to completion in the NT, a commitment to build one in the Ord River area, and plenty of positive industry talk about one for North Queensland, those transport costs will become less of an impediment.”
myBMP cotton has also recorded that over a third of its crop is certified under the program - myBMP cotton qualifies as Better Cotton under an agreement between Better Cotton and Cotton Australia.
Murray said the timing for Australian growers is good this year, with crops processed through gins lining up with the increased shipping capacity as shipments traditionally ramp up through to September.
“Industry forecasts suggest that while US and Brazilian cotton is being traded at significant volumes to some of our trading partners, our cotton is considered to be of the best value when you take into consideration the quality, the lower transportation costs and the turnaround times.”
Murray added the global market remains very positive for Australian cotton.
“We sell every bale we grow, so clearly the global demand is there - and as global economic conditions improve, so too will demand for our cotton which is seen as among the highest quality produced.”
Amid the growth in industry and cotton quality, Cotton Australia, Australian Cotton Shippers Association and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation are collaborating to develop a ‘strategic roadmap’ for the cotton industry. Murray said this will help the industry remain competitive in a changing fashion and textiles market.
Five key topic areas will be addressed alongside broad consultation across industry, farmers and stakeholders, including traceability, industry data, sustainably certified cotton/myBMP program and Australian cotton marketing.