FIVE cotton growers from across New South Wales and Queensland have been named finalists for the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year and the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year awards, to be announced at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast in August.

From large-scale operations to family-run farms, this year’s finalists highlight the strength, adaptability and forward-thinking approach of Australia’s cotton industry.

The 2026 finalists from New South Wales are Angus and Matt Whittaker from Whittaker Family Farming, Warren, and Bruce Mennie from Dalara Pastoral Operations, Blackville.

Lucas Wuersching from Wuersching Acres, St George, Mitch and Mariah, and Linton and Melinda Brimblecombe, from Moira Farming in the Lockyer Valley and Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll from Pastoral Properties (Cropping) in Warra have been announced finalists from Queensland.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the finalists demonstrate the innovation and resilience that underpins Australia’s reputation as a global leader in cotton production.

“These awards recognise the best of the best in Australia’s cotton industry, and this year’s finalists are all highly deserving,” Mr Kay said.

“They represent a diverse cross-section of the industry – across different business sizes and production systems – but all share a commitment to continuous improvement and producing high-quality, sustainable cotton.

“These growers are leading the way in sustainable cotton production, embracing new technologies, refining their systems and investing in their people to ensure the long-term success of the industry,” he said.

Featuring a mix of irrigated and dryland operations, the finalists employ a range of approaches tailored to their environment, from precision agriculture and automation to diversified cropping systems and innovative water management.

Macquarie Valley growers, brothers Angus and Matt Whittaker, have significantly increased their yields and efficiency over the years through disciplined water management, practical innovations, and a focus on getting the fundamentals right.

Angus and Matt Whittaker from Whittaker Family Farming, Warren, are finalists for the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year and the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year awards.

In the Upper Namoi, Bruce Mennie is leveraging precision technology, targeted spraying and on-farm trials to lift efficiency and sustainability, supported by soil testing and integrated pest management which has seen steady yield improvements.

St George grower Lucas Wuersching has embraced automation and bankless irrigation systems to optimise water use and labour efficiencies, while the implementation of new technology and a focus on soil health has enhanced farm productivity and yields.

In the Lockyer Valley, the Brimblecombe family operates a highly diversified enterprise, integrating cotton and vegetable production while investing in advanced irrigation systems, water recycling and spray technology to maximise resource efficiency.

On the Darling Downs, Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll manage a large-scale operation with a strong focus on data-driven decision making, precision technology, irrigation upgrades and workforce development, leading to improvements in both yield and input efficiency.

Mr Kay said each of the finalists credits their team and positive workplace culture to playing a key role in the success of their business.

“What stands out this year is not just the innovation on display, but the focus on people – building strong teams, investing in safety, and supporting their local communities,” he said.

As part of the judging process, finalists will host industry representatives and previous award winners on-farm, providing insight into their operations and the strategies behind their success.

The Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year and the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year awards will be announced at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards Dinner on Thursday 6 August 2026.

The CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award, the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award, and the John Deere Service to Industry Award will also be announced at the awards dinner, the final event of the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference.

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