NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Southern Cropping director, Deb Slinger, has announced the appointment of industry specialist, Steve Buster, to a new cotton research position based at the Yanco Agricultural Institute.
“DPI, in partnership with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, has funded the position as part of our commitment to meet the needs of southern cotton growers in Hillston, Condobolin, Griffith, Coleambally and Berrigan districts,” Ms Slinger said.
“Steve comes to the job with an impressive set of industry skills and knowledge, enriched by a broad range of achievements, from lecturing at the University of New England to managing commercial operations.
“As the manager of large irrigated cotton, grain and horticulture operations and a cotton gin he has gained extensive agronomic and business management skills and has been awarded both Cotton Grower and Cotton Achiever of the Year.”
Complementing the strengths of the DPI cotton team, Mr Buster will apply his knowledge of cotton physiology to address issues of germination and emergence specific to southern growing systems.
“With a cooler start to a shorter season compared with northern cotton, it’s important to balance the need for early heat and the length of the season,” Mr Buster said.
“New cotton growers in the south have already made valuable contributions to a developing industry and we’re not reinventing the wheel.
“We’re modifying proven systems and strategies, which were developed over the past 60 plus years, to suit the local conditions.
“Our research team works closely with teams in the north to review how effectively those strategies fit southern production systems.”
DPI’s team of cotton insect pest, weeds and agronomy specialists are working hand-in-hand with CottonInfo, the industry’s extension program, to deliver research findings and recommendations to growers.
