Cotton picking has started in central Queensland, with early results steady after a season of mixed conditions, according to Agriculture Australia.
Emerald growers Denis and Aaron Kiely began harvesting their 71ha crop on Wednesday, 4 February, reporting clean picking and solid early yields despite variable weather.
In a typical year, the Kielys would plant about 550ha of cotton; low water allocations reduced this season’s program to 93ha. They ultimately increased production by 71ha after removing 22ha from the irrigation cycle, supported by carryover water.
A different watering strategy has also helped manage the dry season. The Kielys pre-irrigated in June to build soil moisture, planted in early August, based on rainfall, then spread water use across five irrigation cycles. Early yield estimates are around 11.5 bales, with no additional in-crop nitrogen applied.
Recent rainfall in the Central Highlands has lifted water allocations from zero to 89 per cent, allowing many growers to restart crops. The Kielys’ previously dropped 22ha has resumed flowering and is now expected to produce successfully.
Picking is also underway in the Brisbane Valley, with Central Highlands harvest expected to expand over the coming weeks. Harvest is forecast to begin in the Dawson and Callide Valleys in late February, with most other valleys expected to start in April as conditions allow.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said uneven rainfall has been the key factor shaping the season, with dryland crops most affected. Despite regional variation, the 2025–26 crop is still forecast at around 4.4 million bales from more than 450,000 green hectares planted nationwide, and is expected to contribute more than $2.9 billion to the Australian economy, supporting 249 regional communities.
IMAGE: Aaron Kiely began picking in Emerald.
SOURCE: Agriculture Australia