Finalists in the 2008 Australian Cotton Industry Awards were announced today by Cotton Australia, following a strong field of over 30 entries despite the impact of drought on the entire industry.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce such a strong field of finalists for this year’s awards from every sector of our industry,” Cotton Australia CEO Mr Adam Kay said.
“We have 12 finalists in four categories who are at the top of their field, and have shown remarkable innovation, leadership and resilience through what have been some the industry’s toughest years,” he said.
“Congratulations to all our finalists. It’s time to salute the people that have made a positive contribution to the cotton industry and the communities in which they live. Because of their dedication and hard work, the Australian cotton industry is leading the world in the global cotton industry’s environmental best practice.”
The winners of each category will be announced at a gala dinner on 14th August, 2008 at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.
The finalists in each category are:
Monsanto Grower of the Year
Richard Cathcart, Wee Waa
Chris Henley, Goondiwindi
Andrew Watson, Boggabri
AgriRisk Innovative Grower of the Year
Graham Clapham, Cecil Plains
Glenn Fresser and Family, Dalby
Andrew Parkes, Moree
CSD ACGRA Researcher of the Year
Michael Bange, Narrabri
Mark Hickman, Toowoomba
Rene van der Sluijs, Belmont VIC
Cotton Industry Young Achiever of the Year
Tracey Farrell, Narrabri
Will Kirkby, Moree
Hamish Millar, Emerald
Incitec Pivot Service to Industry Award
Please note that there are no finalists in this category. A winner will be announced at the Cotton Industry Awards on 14th August, 2008 at the Australian Cotton Conference Dinner on the Gold Coast.
Tickets and further information to the Conference and Awards dinner are available at www.australiancottonconference.com.au
Case studies and photographs of all finalists are available.
Media Contact:
Helen Dawes
Step Communication
Ph: (02) 9380 2555