The 2018/19 Australian cotton season is underway, with growers in Queensland’s Central Highlands busy planting this year’s crop.
A total of 3000 hectares of cotton has been planted in the valley so far.
Another 5000 – 8000 hectares is expected to be planted over the coming weeks.
“It’s been a warm start to spring, and that means the soil temperatures are nice and warm, which is perfect for planting cotton,” Cotton Australia’s Central Highlands Regional Manager Renee Anderson says.
“Growers are making the most of these conditions, but across the valley, everyone is hoping for rain because it’s just been so dry.”
Ms Anderson says compared to last season, it’s expected at least half the amount of cotton will be planted, due to the drought.
“Like all farmers, our growers are impacted by this drought,” she says.
“There’s less water available and that means growers have had to make some tough choices about how much they will plant this year.”
“All we can do is hope for rain and hope the conditions will turn around soon.”
Courtesy: Cottonaustralia
