Field cropping systems in southern NSW have traditionally been associated with the production of grain crops. However since the 1998-1999 growing season there has been a rapid expansion in the area of cotton grown from approximately 1000 ha to a peak of 16000 ha in the 2001–2002 growing season. Due to the drought conditions experienced in the 2002–2003 season plantings of cotton declined due to water shortages. However, it is expected that dependant on the availability of water, the area of cotton production within the region will continue to rapidly increase in at least the short to medium term. The southern cotton growing region in eastern Australia faces production and environmental issues that differ from more northern areas. The main driver behind the differences is the short growing season experienced in the region. This means that production systems that have high inputs and have little tolerance to insect or pathogen damage. Furthermore production may be based on systems using ultra narrow row (UNR) and 15 inch row spacings and the strategic use of plant growth regulants in an effort to minimise the period from planting to harvest, (i.e. maximise earliness).