Ed Jones from Hillston and Hay has been named Southern Valleys Cotton Grower of the Year at the region's premier industry celebration.

The Southern Valleys Cotton Growers Association (SVCGA) hosted 140 guests at its biennial awards ceremony on Friday night, with Hutcheon and Pearce returning as platinum sponsors for the prestigious event.

Jones, a respected figure in regional cotton farming, impressed judges with his innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. His strategic use of cover crops has transformed soil health across his properties, improving water infiltration and providing crucial protection for seedlings on difficult terrain.

"Ed's curiosity drives him to constantly seek better ways of doing things," said SVCGA representatives. His extensive on-farm research spans soil management, plant nutrition, and compaction issues, with particular focus on combating Black Root Rot—a persistent challenge for local growers.

What sets Jones apart is his collaborative spirit. Rather than keeping discoveries to himself, he openly shares research findings and practical insights with fellow farmers, ensuring the entire industry benefits from his innovations. The judges also recognised this contribution by awarding him the Lachlan Valley Grower of the Year title.

Regional Excellence Recognised

The awards celebrated outstanding performers across multiple growing regions:

• Murrumbidgee Grower of the Year: Darrell Fiddler and the DBW Ag Team from Benerembah
• Murray Valley Grower of the Year: Simon Maynard from Jerilderie

Industry Pioneer Honoured

Sam Buster received the coveted Service to Industry Award for his transformative impact on cotton processing and community development. His vision brought the RivCott Gin to Carrathool—now the world's largest throughput facility, processing an impressive 427,000 bales in 2024.

Beyond revolutionising local ginning capacity, Buster has championed essential infrastructure projects, securing funding for the Carrathool Bridge and critical road improvements. His mentorship of emerging industry leaders continues to drive regional innovation and profitability.

Community Impact and Leadership

The SVCGA's influence extends well beyond farm gates. The association's recent charitable efforts raised $18,000 for CanAssist through its 2024 Golf Day, while contributing $4,500 to Country Education Funds, with additional education initiatives in development.

Local representation on the national stage has strengthened significantly, with Liz Stott's appointment as Chair of Cotton Australia and Gavin Dal Broi joining the peak industry body's board of directors.

The association continues advocating for growers across research priorities, training programs, disease management strategies, and water security—critical issues shaping the industry's future.

For more information, contact the Southern Valleys Cotton Growers Association at [email protected]

Ed Jones: Alicia Moffitt (Hutcheon and Pearce) Joe Briggs (SVCGA), Elle Storrier, Ed Jones, Jemima Maslen, Liz Stott (Chair, Cotton Australia).

Darrell Fiddler: Meg Jones, Kayley Fiddler, Darrell Fiddler, Liz Stott (Chair, Cotton Australia), Joe Briggs (SVCGA). 

Simon Maynard: Liz Stott (Chair, Cotton Australia), Simon Maynard, Joe Briggs (SVCGA)

Sam Buster: Liz Stott (Chair, Cotton Australia), Sam Buster, Joe Briggs (SVCGA)