Spinning trials conducted at CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE) has

highlighted the superior fibre properties of a new Long Staple (LS) Upland variety

called Sicala 350 B, produced by breeders at CSIRO Plant Industry. Initial trials

conducted in 2004 showed that Sicala 350 B fibre produces superior Ne 42 (14 tex)

and Ne 35 (17 tex) ring-spun carded and combed yarn, and subsequently fabric

(single jersey) knitted from it. Performance was measured in terms of process

efficiency and quality relative to yarn and fabric produced from standard Upland

cotton. Subsequent spin limit trials conducted in 2005 showed that Sicala 350 B could

be used to process high quality fine count carded and combed ring-spun yarns in the

range of Ne 60 to 70 (8 to 10 tex). The Premium Blends project in 2007 further

highlighted the fact that a 70/30 blend of Pima/Sicala 350 B did not cause a practical

deterioration in yarn quality and processing efficiency when compared with yarn

spun from 100% Pima. The primary advantage for the spinner using Sicala 350 B

fibre is a substantial savings in raw material costs.

Reflections of Mark Mortons person journey and discovery as a participant on the 2009 Australian Rural Leadership Program. Questions and challenges for the industries leaders are a major focus. "Growers are looking for an answer as to how they deal with what is before them; the responsibility of leaders is to identify the opportunity and table strategies to progress that opportunity. It is also a challenge to deal with those who are reluctant to accept that the cotton industry is entering a new phase where the previous structures and practises may not apply."

CRDC's Annual Operating Plan for 2013-14 (AOP): the first annual operating plan under the CRDC's Strategic R&D Plan 2013-18.

2015 marks 25 years of CRDC: 25 years of driving continuous improvement and transformation in our cotton industry. Over the past 25 years, CRDC has invested more than $280 million into RD&E on behalf of the industry, delivering a $1.9 billion benefit back to Australian cotton growers on their farms. In 2014-15, CRDC invested $22.826 million in 239 RD&E projects on behalf of Australia’s cotton growers and the Australian Government, continuing our long-standing commitment to deliver real outcomes for growers and enhance the industry’s performance.

The CRDC Strategic Plan 2003-2008 outlines CRDC's investment priorities and strategy for this five year period.

The 2013–14 year also marked the first year of investment under the CRDC’s new Strategic R&D Plan 2013–18, which has a strong focus on improving the industry’s profitability, sustainability and competitiveness. During the 2013–14 year, CRDC invested a total of $21.9 million on behalf of cotton growers and the Australian Government in RD&E with more than 200 projects across five key program areas: farmers, industry, customers, people and performance.

CRDC's Annual Operating Plan for 2012-13 (AOP): the fifth (and final) annual operating plan under the CRDC's Strategic R&D Plan 2008-2013.

The Peter Cullen Trust Science to Policy Leadership Program is an annual

program which is designed to specifically equip participants with the skills to bring

about positive change in urban or rural water management in Australia. It aims to provide

graduates with enhanced capacity to lead informed debate and influence policy related water, land

and environmental management.

The Impact Assessment of CRDC Water Use Efficiency Investments 2011-15 is one of a series of qualitative and quantitative impact assessments of CRDC investments, conduced by Agtrans Research.

CRDC has commissioned the series of impact assessments in important areas of investment, including nutrition, water-use efficiency , Bt technologies and sustainability projects. The purpose of the evaluations is to determine the success of CRDC’s investments against the stated Strategic Plan goals, and to inform future investments.

The Impact Assessment of CRDC Water Use Efficiency Investments 2011-15 found that CRDC’s investment of $4.90 million on behalf of cotton growers and the Australian Government into six water-use efficiency projects during 2010-15 delivered major economic benefits to cotton growers. This investment provided a return benefit of $40.62 million to growers, a benefit-cost ratio of 8.29 to 1.

Presentations CD from Climate connect conference 2006