Cotton Seed Distributors is proud to announce the first funded project as part of the new Richard Williams Commercial Research Initiative.
The Richard Williams Initiative is a program supporting research and development of grower facing issues in a timely and responsive manner to deliver meaningful impact.
The first funded research initiative is a project focused on researching long season cotton in Central Queensland. This initiative originated from growers and consultants in the region with the aim of identifying opportunities for management improvements and for improving yield, fibre quality and resource use efficiencies.
Dr Michael Bange, CSD’s commercial research manager said Central Queensland has seen significant changes in production systems in the region where some cotton growers have adopted the ‘long season cotton’ system to adapt to these changes.
“Growers have identified more research is needed to understand the opportunities, challenges and risk mitigation associated with these systems.
“This investment led by CSD extension and development agronomist Stewart Brotherton will support more detailed monitoring of crop growth and associated resource use efficiencies to inform current practice or to identify the need for further research.”
This research initiative honours the late Richard Williams for his outstanding contributions to the cotton industry and creation of CSD. Richard was a pioneer of the modern Australian cotton industry and continues to shape the industry today. In 1967, Mr Williams supported the formation of Cotton Seed Distributors, becoming a director of CSD. Later, he became Chairman in 1968 remaining in this role for 21 years.
The Richard Williams Initiative was established to support applied and innovative research investment, to directly benefit Australian cotton growers. Research initiatives that will enhance yield, fibre quality, planting seed quality and the future of the Australian cotton industry will be the focus of this program.
Research and development is one of six key focus areas in CSD’s Strategic Plan. The plan has a vision of ‘Growing the Australian cotton crop through innovative solutions beyond seed’. To meet these objectives, Dr Bange was appointed in December as the commercial research manager to drive research outcomes supported by CSD, including the Richard Williams Initiative.
Dr Bange said, “We are really excited about bringing this initiative to the industry, it helps to complement and expand existing industry research efforts by having a strong grower focus with a direct and more immediate impact.
“This initiative will be principally guided by the cotton grower and their agronomists; we want to ensure we have meaningful engagement with the growers so we can understand their local issues and needs, this is all about serving them, what they want and what they need.
“A key to this initiative will also be to work closely with others in the industry investing in research; we want to add to what is being achieved already,” he said.
Any ideas for future investment initiatives can be shared with your local CSD Extension agronomist or CottonInfo team member.
CSD will support innovative ideas and opportunities in the areas of emerging innovations, grower-led innovation, development, and applied research.
