The role of a Trainee Industry Development Officer working with grower groups in the Border Rivers region, has given a good understanding of cotton industry issues and grower practices. The formal training in the Cotton Production course and the other extension courses has given me a good technical background in production and extension. By participating in various industry updates and conferences I was able to gain understanding of the current research and problems within the cotton industry. Maintaining a network of contacts within the cotton industry allows me to keep up to date on issues within the industry as well as a broad source of information to call upon.

Training in all aspects of cotton production with particular attention given to the following disciplines.

• Integrated pest management

• Plant physiology and nutrition

• Soil and irrigation management

• Establishing effective growers groups and networks.