Two exceptional Australian cotton producers have been recognised and celebrated for their contribution to the cotton industry at the 2022 Australian Cotton Conference Industry Awards Dinner.
Narrabri’s Bernie George was awarded the 2022 Cotton Australia Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) Service to Cotton Industry Award; and just last month, Rob Houghton from Leeton was presented as the 2021 recipient of the award at the 2022 Southern Valley Cotton Growers Association Awards dinner.
After Mr Houghton’s award presentation was delayed to this year due to COVID-19 disruptions, he was humbled to participate as a member of the judging panel for the 2022 Services to Cotton Industry Award.
Mr Houghton said it was very inspiring group of finalists.
“They are all exceptional individuals and contributors. What I love about these kinds of people is that they’re about building community and dedicating their life to continual improvement,” Mr Houghton said.
“The volume of work Bernie’s done in agri-politics and water reform is exceptional and shows his dedication to great outcomes for irrigators.
“These awards are really important to recognise the people behind the scenes.”
Sponsored by Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, the Service to Industry Award is presented to an individual who has provided exceptional service and shown significant commitment to the Australian cotton industry; achieved a positive impact on the industry; and contributed to a legacy for the industry’s greater good.
IPF vice president ammonia, liquids and automation, Trent Cosh, said IPF’s sponsorship of the category was a celebration of the wealth of knowledge in the Australian cotton industry.
“As we celebrate 50 years since Cotton Australia was established, and a bumper cotton season this year, it’s timely to also celebrate the people who contribute to the industry with unparalleled enthusiasm and dedication,” Mr Cosh said.
“Both Rob and Bernie are leading the way with a commitment to best practice for the cotton industry. Just as importantly, they have also demonstrated great commitment to their communities.”
Mr Houghton has worked tirelessly on research and extension projects, attracting investment for the progression of technology and innovation and overseeing the design and installation of the first fully automated irrigation system in the Murrumbidgee Valley.
Mr George’s long and successful cotton career in Australia started in 1980, when he was integral to the development of the Auscott ‘Midkin’ aggregation in the Gwydir Valley.
During the last four decades, Mr George has held several senior positions with government and industry organisations with a particular focus on irrigation, advocating for the delicate balance of environmental, economic, and social outcomes.
Mr Houghton said IPF’s sponsorship of the Australian Cotton Industry Awards was an extension of what he saw on the ground in his role as chair of the Murrumbidgee Valley Irrigation and Extension Committee (IREC).
“It’s a really good fit that IPF sponsors the Service to Cotton Industry Award. Without sponsorship, we can’t do all this good stuff,” Mr Houghton said.
“We’ve been supported at the IREC field station by IPF every year. We’re provided with products that allow us to do new and exciting trials on a commercial scale and the IPF team have always been generous with their time to go through products and issues.”
Mr Cosh said IPF’s commitment to the Australian cotton industry extends to all those working to similarly support growers.
“Growers know that good nutrition is needed to achieve good economic returns. Our team works closely with a network of local dealers based in Queensland and New South Wales to support growers all year round,” Mr Cosh said.
“IPF is committed to supplying cotton growers with the right fertilisers for optimum crop nutrition, growth and profit.”
