Raingrown cotton in Northwest NSW and Southwest Queensland is not grown on metre beds, rarely has aerial applications, relies to a large extent on stored water, uses little or no fertiliser and large areas are harvested with brush strippers. Whilst this production system seems a far cry from its irrigated cousin, the production costs and returns on a per bale basis are similar. Since the early 1980's raingrown cotton has grown from a fledging industry to become established as a reliable dryland summer crop. Dryland cotton producers now possess cotton specific planters, cultivators, spray rigs and harvesters. They have adopted management practices to ensure returns in all but the toughest of seasons. They forward sell cotton using innovative marketing tools. Only a major reduction in the price of cotton or a strong recovery in grain prices will see the expansion of dry land cotton stifled.