We're Working on
the Program
The Australian Cotton Conference Committee is working on an exciting three day program of engaging and expert speakers - sharing data, knowledge, cutting edge research and practical farm-level advice.
This year’s program will be built around five key pillars:
- Farm Productivity & Risk
- Sustainability
- Innovation & Technology
- People & Skills
- Markets & Global Competitiveness
The official program will appear here a few months before the event, so please check back for updates. In the meantime, a list of developing themes and topics is below - please note this is subject to change.
2026 Program Preview
Basics Of A Telescope
FARM PRODUCTIVITY
AND RISK
30 Years of Transgenic Cotton in Australia - looking back, looking forward.
Farming for Profit - benchmarking, evaluating farm investments, assets and generational change.
Fertilisers - low emissions cotton project, green fert, grower experience.
Fibre and Seed Quality - the manual V HVI classing debate, the future of ginning, seed density and higher yields.
Water Policy - Murray-Darling review, fish screens, water market trends, Irrigator Council policy updates.
Moon Gazing
SUSTAINABILITY
AND CLIMATE
Sustainability, Traceability and Data - responding to global legislation, markets and risk with a roadmap delivering grower and industry value.
Natural Capital - measuring it, valuing it, protecting it and managing emerging risks like feral pigs.
Raingrown Cotton - research, tech, grower case studies and experiences from Northern Australia.
Climate - the trials and tribulations of weather forecasting.
Carbon - soil carbon and productivity, tech for measuring impact.
Glossary Of Stars
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Innovation Pitches - 12 of the best blue sky thinking and tech solutions.
Irrigation - latest research, automation and tech, grower case studies.
Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration presents latest research and solutions.
Entomology - ag tech, biologicals, new techniques for controlling pests.
Ag Tech - AI, 3D printing of machinery parts, autonomy, robotics.
Basics Of A Telescope
PEOPLE
AND SKILLS
The Evolving Role of the Agronomist - the use of AI in crop consulting, digital platforms, environmental measurements.
Health and Wellbeing - Trade Mutt founders, Beyond Blue, psychological safety and tools for managing people on farm.
Moon Gazing
MARKETS
AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
A Look at the Market - futures, demand, outlook, geopolitics, price volatility and evolving trade flows.
Experiences from Brazil - a close look at one of Australia's greatest competitors.
Marketing Australian Cotton - leadership, scale, strategy, evaluating our competition, reframing the cotton conversation.
Brand and Consumer Insights - what consumers value, influencing brand decisions, circularity and microplastics.
Glossary Of Stars
OPENING AND
CLOSING SESSIONS
Mark Bouris - Australian Entrepreneur and Innovator.
Gilbert Enoka - Elite athletes (including the All Blacks) Mental Performance Coach.
ANZ Presentation TBC.
CSIRO Data61.
Cathy Foley, former Chief Scientist of Australia.