Our role

CottonInfo is the Australian cotton industry’s joint extension program. In simple terms, it’s the bridge between cotton research and what actually happens on-farm.

What CottonInfo does

1. Turns research into practical farming advice

CottonInfo’s core job is to deliver research and development (R&D) outcomes to growers, consultants and agronomists, in a form that’s usable, timely and relevant on-farm.

Instead of leaving research in reports or journals, CottonInfo translates it into:
•    Practical recommendations
•    On-farm trials and demonstrations
•    Tools, guides and decision-support resources

2. Provides on ground support through regional extension officers

CottonInfo consists of Regional Extension Officers (REOs) who are based in cotton growing regions across Queensland, New South Wales and in Northern Australia. Our REOs:
•    Work directly with local growers and advisors
•    Run field days, workshops and trials
•    Help apply new practices to real farm systems

This local presence means advice is region specific, not generic.

3. Connects growers with cotton research experts

The program includes Technical Leads, each specialising in key areas of cotton production and sustainability including but not limited to:
•    Soil health and nutrition
•    Water use efficiency
•    Weed, pest and disease management
•    Spray application and pesticide efficiency
•    Carbon, climate and energy use
•    Biosecurity and stewardship
•    Fibre quality, and plenty more!

Tech Leads act as a link between researchers and industry, ensuring the latest findings are communicated clearly and accurately.

4. Supports best practice through myBMP

CottonInfo works hand in hand with myBMP. Through dedicated myBMP experts, CottonInfo:
•    Helps growers sign up for and navigate myBMP
•    Assists with accreditation and benchmarking
•    Encourages continual improvement against best practice standards

5. Runs extension activities and on farm programs

CottonInfo delivers extension through:
•    On farm trials (e.g. fertiliser efficiency, soil health, irrigation)
•    Field walks and grower events
•    Training workshops
•    Manuals, guides and digital tools
•    News updates, seasonal forecasts and technical alerts

These activities are designed to improve:
•    Productivity and profitability
•    Environmental performance
•    Risk management and resilience

6. Improves industry responsiveness

One of CottonInfo’s stated objectives is to help the industry respond faster to emerging issues, such as:
•    New pests and diseases
•    Changes in regulation or community expectations
•    Climate and water risk
•    Sustainability and emissions challenges

Because CottonInfo works closely with growers, researchers and peak bodies, it plays a key role in two-way communication – feeding real world issues back into research priorities.