GWYDIR Valley Irrigator Association’s executive officer and CottonInfo technical lead, Lou Gall, has been named a 2025 Cotton Industry Researcher of the Year finalist.

Cotton Australia on Monday announced the award finalists for the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award, which also includes Dr Katie Broughton, a research scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food at Narrabri and Dr Murray Sharman, principal plant pathologist at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland.

The award recognises intelligence, commitment and passion researchers have for the Australian cotton industry.

“This is an incredible honour, which has taken me totally by surprise,” Ms Gall said.

“It has been a real privilege to have been able to conduct trials in the cotton industry for over 30 years.

“I have been able to work in agrochemicals, seed and most recently irrigation efficiency, all of which are essential to the viability of the industry.

“The most rewarding aspect is that all my research has been on-farm, in partnership with producers,” she said.

“I strive to find practical options for growers so that they can enhance their businesses and adapt to the challenges we face in Agriculture.

“This is becoming increasingly important in the irrigation space, where we are under constant pressure to improve water-use efficiency and to meet global sustainability standards.

“Critical to any research is making sure producers know about it, how to apply it and where they can go to find out more,” she said.

“My role as Irrigation Technical Lead with CottonInfo has helped ensure this happens, and working with the regional extension officers has been wonderful.

“I am incredible grateful for the support I have had from growers, and from industry organisations such as CRDC and Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association,” Ms Gall said.

CottonInfo technical lead, Lou Gall, has been named a 2025 Cotton Industry Researcher of the Year finalist.

Ms Gall has been involved in the cotton industry since 1990 and is the current CottonInfo Technical Lead and executive officer for Gwydir Valley Irrigator Association.

She led the irrigation extension program to improve on farm water use efficiency by extending the latest research and demonstrating irrigation technologies, automation and designs.

Working closely with CRDC researchers, research organisations, irrigation designers and engineers, Lou continues to play an important role developing campaigns, workshops, field days and research forums to deliver irrigation information.

Cotton Australia general manager Michael Murray said the three finalists, all current or previous CRDC-supported researchers or extension officers, have demonstrated a combined commitment of close to 80 years in their efforts to improve the cotton industry in Australia.

“Research is at the core of the current strength and global competitiveness of Australian cotton so the efforts and importance of all involved in research cannot be overstated,” Mr Murray said.

“We are very honoured that the Australian cotton industry attracts very bright and dedicated individuals playing an integral role in advancing cotton in very different ways, and history shows that when you work in the rewarding field of cotton research, many stay for years, knowing their excellent work is making a real difference to farmers.”

This year the finalists were chosen from a diverse range of backgrounds, with every nominee making exceptional contributions in their chosen field.

The nominees cover such areas as climate change and its impact on cotton production, sustainable agronomic practices, then use of novel plant growth hormones in cotton systems to optimise plant growth and yield, and virology diagnostics and research in biosecurity preparedness for viruses that may affect the cotton industry.

“It’s understandable that growers are celebrated whenever we produce a national crop of top-level sustainable cotton thereby making an important economic contribution to our economy and their own local economies,” Mr Murray said.

“This Cotton Seed Distributor sponsored award recognises the role that science and research plays in the process, and the important part that growers themselves play in feeding back their own needs into the research decisions.”

Dr Ian Taylor, CEO of Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD), said the organisation is proud to sponsor the Researcher of the Year Award in recognition of the vital role research plays in the future of Australian cotton.

“Research underpins everything we do, from seed development to supporting growers with tools and knowledge that helps them adapt and succeed in an ever-changing environment,” Dr Taylor said.

“We have enormous respect for our research community. This year’s three finalists highlight the breadth and depth of cotton research in Australia, from enhancing biosecurity and disease diagnostics, to improving irrigation efficiency, and developing strategies to adapt to climate variability. Their work is not only advancing scientific understanding, but delivering practical, on-farm solutions that improve productivity, sustainability and long-term resilience for our growers.

“The CSD Researcher of the Year Award celebrates these achievements and shines a light on the scientists and innovators who are helping deliver meaningful outcomes for cotton growers and ensuring the industry remains globally competitive and future focused,” he said.