The CQ Cotton IDO is the key to delivery of emerging, cutting edge research information and knowledge to the Central Queensland Cotton Industry. The direct relevance of southern research to cotton production under the conditions experienced in CQ always has been an issue of debate. This project links the national research to the region through development and extension, with a strong focus on the major industry production issues including but not limited to; disease, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soils, nutrition and integrated weed management. This project has facilitated locally based research into the CQ Cotton Farming System, in particular focussing on optimising planting date, in terms of yield, quality and use of in-crop rainfall. The CQ IDO position also supports the implementation of national industry-wide programmes such as Best Management Practices (BMP). The CQ IDO position has contributed to the National Cotton Extension Team. This team works on an industry-wide scale and takes a knowledge management approach to deliver grower focused adoption and extension programmes primarily through the Cotton CRC National Priority Teams.