Irrigation trials have been conducted at Byee over the last two seasons as part of a Statewide project funded by the Cotton Research Council.

As the first presentation on this topic I would like to very briefly outline the major advantages of producing an early crop.

To the question "Can nutrition affect earliness?" the answer must be a definite Wes". Further, it will be just as important a factor as irrigation or pest management.

In addressing this topic I have been asked to consider the development of management strategies for farmers faced with a shortage of irrigation water, a situation that appears endemic in the Gwydir Valley.