Cotton Grain Cattle program: Enhancing extension capacity to sustain growth of North Queensland cropping systems

Project locations: Mareeba, Georgetown, Julia Creek, Mt Garnet

Project partners: Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd ; Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) ; Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Project summary and impacts

This project supported the sustainable expansion of cotton and broadacre cropping in North Queensland by strengthening local extension capacity and grower support. As cotton production continued to grow in the region, the initiative helped ensure farmers had access to timely, science-based advice tailored to northern conditions.

Delivered in partnership with Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD), the 3.5-year project funded a dedicated extension officer based in Mareeba to support cotton and broader cropping system development in Far North Queensland. The role provided on-the-ground technical guidance to growers, helping improve crop establishment, promote best management practices, and support the integration of cotton with grains and cattle within diverse farming systems.

By building local knowledge, industry networks, and professional capability, the project contributed to more resilient and environmentally sustainable cropping enterprises in the north. It also helped strengthen community confidence in the responsible growth of the region’s cropping industries while positioning industry partners to support future expansion.

More information and resources are available at:

Cotton Seed Distributors https://csd.net.au/

Acres of Opportunity https://www.acresofopportunity.com.au/