WITH a record cotton crop in the ground this year, the crop is continuing to expand its footprint in NSW.
However, at Dubbo this season new growers discovered they need council approval to grow the crop.
First-time cotton grower Ross Pedrana said he was surprised to discover he needed a development application (DA).
"I was unaware that it was a rule, and many other people to whom I’ve spoken were also unaware," said Dr Pedrana, also a local vet.
While he said council had been helpful, it had been an unexpected hurdle to cross.
Subsequently they planted on a risky soil moisture profile, reluctant to commit water to the crop in case it wasn’t approved.
He had also held off locking in a forward contract for the crop, during which times forward price offers had dropped.
Dubbo City Council confirmed a DA was required for cotton, horticulture, turf farming and viticulture activities as they were deemed to have a potential impact on adjoining land owners.
Environmental services director Melissa Watkins said council had received just one DA in 10 years for a cotton crop, and she was aware of only two crops planted this year.
"This is about an assessment process, not a veto on cotton farming," Ms Watkins said.
"Council fully supports the agricultural industry in our local government area and adjoining areas."
Cotton Seed Distributors extension and development officer Bob Ford said broadacre growers were starting to test the water for cotton in areas it had not been grown before.
He estimated about a third of the seed for NSW’s 593,000-hectare planting this season had gone into southern NSW.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Hillston district agronomist Barry Haskins said new varieties and technology were expanding cotton growing areas, with genetically modified (GM) varieties offering higher fruit loads earlier in the season and higher fruit retention at critical periods.
It meant crops with higher yield potential could be shut down earlier, and picked in April instead of May making it viable in more districts.
"This coupled with good in-crop agronomy and fertile soils makes cotton a viable crop choice in southern NSW," Mr Haskins said.
