THREE emerging leaders who are making a significant contribution to the Australian cotton industry have been named as finalists for the 2026 Cotton Research and Development Corporation Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award.

The 2026 finalists are Natalie Aquilina, a Cotton Seed Distributors technical agronomist from Narrabri; Louis Dreyfus Company Grower Services representative for Central Queensland, Alexandria Doyle, from Emerald; and Darling Downs cotton grower Lauren Roellgen.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the award highlights the depth of talent, commitment and leadership emerging across the industry.

“The judging panel was humbled by the opportunity to engage with such a wonderful cross-section of applicants for this award,” Mr Kay said.

“Natalie, Alexandria and Lauren are all highly capable young professionals who are already contributing through leadership, innovation, community involvement and a genuine commitment to the long-term success of our industry.

“Alexandria is a graduate of the Cotton Australia and CRDC Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program, while Natalie and Lauren are part of the 2026 cohort of Future Cotton Leaders.

“These three young women go beyond their day-to-day roles to help build a stronger industry for the future,” he said.

Their professionalism, expertise and approach to the industry left the judging panel inspired and very confident in the future of Australian cotton. They are excellent ambassadors for Australian cotton and very deserving finalists for this award.”

The CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award recognises outstanding young people who are demonstrating leadership and commitment to the future of the Australian cotton industry.

It is named in honour of the late Chris Lehmann, one of the industry’s early consultants and a passionate supporter of young people in cotton.

Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award finalist Lauren Roellgen works full-time on her family’s farm, Tyunga, on the Darling Downs.

CRDC Executive Director Allan Williams said the award continues to highlight the contributions of cotton’s emerging leaders.

“This award recognises people who are not just doing their jobs well, but actively shaping the future of the cotton industry through leadership, innovation and a willingness to get involved,” Mr Williams said.

“Natalie, Alexandria and Lauren are already making a strong contribution on the ground, not only in their roles, but through the time they put back into their local industry and communities, bringing practical skills and new ideas that will help carry the industry forward.”

The CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award will be announced at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards Dinner on Thursday, August 6. The Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year Award, AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year Award, Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award, and John Deere Service to Industry Award will also be announced at the dinner, the final event of the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference.

Registrations are currently open for the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference HERE.

Finalists

Natalie Aquilina

Natalie is a Technical Agronomist with CSD in the Namoi Valley, supporting growers and agronomists through her work in extension, research trials and industry service. She is currently Treasurer of the Upper Namoi Cotton Growers Association and President of the Narrabri Ag Collective and has

contributed to crop judging and industry events including the 2026 Grower of the Year Field Day and the 2024 Australian Cotton Conference Committee. Natalie is a 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leader and her leadership and commitment to the industry was most recently recognised when she was named the Upper Namoi CGA 2026 Young Achiever of the Year.

Alexandria Doyle

Alexandria is a Grower Services Representative with Louis Dreyfus Company, based in Emerald Queensland, and President of the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association. Her contribution to the industry spans agronomy, grower engagement and community leadership, with a strong focus on strengthening cotton communities, encouraging participation from the next generation and supporting growers through practical advocacy and connection. Alexandria has also contributed through volunteer roles with Wincott, the Cotton Awards Dinner Committee and is a 2021 graduate of the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program.

Lauren Roellgen

Lauren works full-time on her family’s farm, Tyunga, on the Darling Downs and has become a strong voice for the cotton industry and agriculture more broadly. Alongside helping drive best practice on-farm, Lauren serves as secretary of the Darling Downs Cotton Growers Association, chairs the Future Farmers Network Board and is Deputy Vice Chair of the RNA Future Directions Committee. She has helped deliver industry events, foster collaboration for young growers and advocate for the importance of leadership renewal, innovation and strong community connections across agriculture. Lauren was last year named the Darling Downs CGA’s Young Achiever of the Year and is currently a 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leader.