THE 2025 Bayer Cotton Growers of the Year, Merrilong Agricultural Company, will host the Australian Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day at their Spring Ridge property on March 18.

The day will focus on how resilience, teamwork and communication support decision-making in a large, family-run farming business.

Registration for the Field Day is now open HERE.

The event will be hosted by brothers Hugh and Jock Brownhill and their cousins Oscar and Archie Brownhill.

Together, under the Merrilong Agricultural Company banner, the Brownhill family manages a total of 10,700ha, comprising 1850ha of irrigation, 6750ha of dryland farming and 2100ha of grazing country on the Liverpool Plains near Gunnedah in north-west New South Wales.

(from left) Archie, Jock, Oscar and Hugh Brownhill. The family will host the Australian Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day at their Spring Ridge property on March 18.

The Field Day will give attendees the opportunity to see how the Brownhill family blends legacy and teamwork to achieve success across generations. The day will also include a farm tour, guest speakers and a panel session featuring the Brownhill family, members of their advisory board, and key consultants to the business. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about farm management structures, team leadership, communication, and long-term business and succession planning.

Jock Brownhill said teamwork and shared decision-making are central to how the business operates.

“We work closely together as a team and divide responsibilities so we can collaboratively make decisions that ensure the farm’s success in the long term,” Jock said.

“Implementing an advisory board structure was a game-changer for Merrilong Agricultural Company and a key initiative we have brought through the business transition.

“This has allowed us to keep our focus on what’s happening on the farm day-to-day while also planning for the future,” he said.

Visitors will also have the chance to learn about the property’s history, from when Gordon Brownhill Snr, his wife Mary, their son David and his wife Julia first purchased “Merrilong” in 1959, through to how that heritage continues to shape the farm today.

These insights will be reinforced during the farm tour, offering a practical view of the business operations and strategy.

Hugh Brownhill said Merrilong Agricultural Company’s approach is built on teamwork and shared knowledge.

“We have a strong team of 13, and their experience and skill are central to our success,” Hugh said.

“We work closely as a team and communicate regularly to make sure we are aligned to achieve our shared goals.”

The event program will also feature insights and perspectives from the 2025 AgriRisk High Achievers Tyson and Rosie Armitage, and from Boggabri grower and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Service to the Cotton Industry Award recipient Andrew Watson.

These will be complemented by guest speakers Tim Curtis and Ian Prior from Mettle Global, providing additional perspectives on leadership, teamwork and building resilience.

Registration for the Field Day is now open HERE.