Expansion will be determined by water availability in combination with markets. Cotton will be considered on its merits like any other crop in the MIA and there will be years where the proportion of cotton will vary compared to other crops such as maize and rice. Like anything the higher the potential for return the higher the risk. Cotton is comparably high in growing cost when

compared to maize and rice. In addition adverse weather conditions particularly at the end of the season could be more costly for cotton in terms of yield and quality compared to maize and rice.

There are inherent risks associated with growing cotton in southern NSW especially south of the Murrumbidgee River. This is why it is essential that there is a capacity for cotton extension to continue in the region. In addition there is a demand for some back to basics research. This season is a prime example with only 1800DD in the southern part of the region yet there are crops that have still yielded over 13bales/ha. Is this high yield attributed to increase day length due to being further south? Cotton is here to stay with many growers investing in new bale picker technology and new ginning operation which will be essential in terms of the areas expansion.