2022 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day

Image: Panelists from major Australian fashion retailers discuss consumer expectations at the Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year field day

Recipients of the Cotton Grower of the Year award in 2022, Sundown Pastoral Company (SPC) - led by co-owners Danielle and David Statham - have made great strides in reducing the environmental impact of their cotton growing enterprise and harnessing technology to trace cotton fibres throughout the supply chain, through their Good Earth Cotton and FibreTrace platforms.
 

Image: Adam Kay and Danielle Statham

The day involved a series of panels that explored a range of topics, including:

• Consumer demands for supply chain transparency 
• Changes in international importation legislation and export market expectations
• Compliance certifications for emissions reduction
• Tools for measuring a farm soil health, water use and carbon storage
• Digital traceability tools for cotton 
• The carbon market as a revenue stream

Image: Drone footage of Sundown Pastoral Company Field Day

With a broad mix of roles, motivations, businesses, advice and experience of attendees in the room, it is clear the need for connectedness throughout the cotton supply chain is now more important than ever. 

The panels were followed by a trip out to the field to look at SPC’s automated irrigation technology and field innovations, led by SPC Farm Manager, Nick Gillingham. 

Image: David Statham, 2022 Cotton Grower of the Year.