Although cotton farming is a major industry in the Namoi Valley, the status of on farm native vegetation and bird life is poorly understood. This project was implemented to improve that understanding.On farm (mostly cotton farms) remnant native vegetation was inspected and sites representative of the main vegetation types were established. A rapid biodiversity assessment method was used to determine and record the vegetative characteristics. Bird surveys were conducted each summer, autumn, winter and spring season over two years and the bird species and individual bird numbers were recorded.Shannon's Diversity Index H was calculated for the bird population of each site and then compared with the recorded vegetative characteristics, The results showed a clear, positive correlation of the bush bird species richness and abundance with vegetation complexity and at sites where vegetation has become simplified as a consequence of 150 years of livestock and farming activities, bird diversity is lower.The results provide guidance for actions most likely to be productive to protect and enhance both vegetative and bird diversity into the future. Another result is the finding that habitat complexity within a wetland and its water body is more attractive to water bird life than the complexity of habitat around a wetland.In the course of this project, relatively simple methods of observation and recording of vegetation status and bird survey were developed which are within the capacity of people not necessarily scientifically trained or with only limited available time yet which will deliver scientifically valid assessment over time. These findings and developments will assist practical management of farm biodiversity into the future.

This report outlines the results of the Cotton Consultants Australia Grower Feedback Survey. The survey was sent to cotton growers across the industry with a response rate of approximately 17 per cent or slightly less than 19 percent of the area of cotton planted in the 2005-2006 season. The 2006 survey included a series of questions specifically for collecting information from growers on water monitoring and Water Use Efficiency (WUE), soil monitoring and management, grower interaction with Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and equivalent bodies, fertiliser use, management of native vegetation and riparian zones, and monitoring of native and feral animal species.

This project was an integral component of the Education and Training sub-programme as it aimed to encourage an increase of primary and secondary students into science and agriculture based fields of study. This project has potentially alleviated some of the common misconceptions and misunderstandings that exist in schools and the community, surrounding science and agriculture especially with regard to the cotton industry. The project complemented other Cotton CRC education projects which specifically focused on professional and tertiary education. The benefits to the industry from this project will be long term but would hopefully lead to a continued supply of educated workers to the industry and a more science and agriculturally aware community.The project has benefits to the industry by securing an advantage for the industry in the future through access to better educated, professional and loyal employees, and through a community that better understands one of the key industries that underpin its economy.The project has benefits to the community as a whole by attracting and retaining qualified workers and building a professional, profitable and sustainable community.

Final Report - Nutrient release to vetch in cotton systems

Wincott, in conjunction with GTT, facilitated three workshops in Goondiwindi with renowned organisational psychologist, facilitator and social researcher Ian Plowman. The purpose of the workshops was to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of rural communities by providing affordable and accessible training for a broad cross section of key rural stakeholders from the NSW Northern Inland and Border Rivers regions. The interactive workshops provided an opportunity to train, upskill and scaffold the participants to allow them to build their own capacity which will in turn build the capacity of their rural communities.The interactive workshops aimed to build resilience and educate the participants by raising their awareness of the benefits and effectiveness of robust yet respectful community conversations. The workshops were also designed to teach practical skills and strategies that will enable the participants to play a lead role in their organisations and communities.

This study set out to compile data from a wide suite of published and unpublished research and monitoring data sets to provide and overall picture of the sustainability trends of the Australian cotton industry. It should be regarded as the beginning of the journey, rather than the end.

AS ANYONE WHO HAS TRIED TO KILL COTTON WILL KNOW, CONTROLLING UNWANTED PLANTS GOES FROM BEING DIFFICULT WITH SMALL PLANTS, TO ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITH LARGER PLANTS. HOWEVER IT IS A SKILL ALL COTTON GROWERS NEED TO BE ON TOP OF.

Final Report Genetic variation in cotton for tolerance to waterlogged conditions

FR

Final Report - Sprays for surviving Helicoverpa larvae in Bollgard II® survey