Brett Corish, Mundine, Goondiwindi, was awarded the prestigious Monsanto Cotton Grower of the Year award for 2018 at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards on Thursday night.
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Announcing the award, Monsanto’s managing director, Tony May, said that this year each of the finalists had demonstrated a deep commitment to water conservation, environmental responsibility as well as to their industry peers and local communities.
“The award nominees are a true reflection of the cotton industry and provide inspiration to our next generation of cotton growers,” he said.
“The cotton industry is a lead innovator within the agricultural sector and through honoring best practice standards has established itself as a profitable, sustainable and responsible farming option.
“I am proud that the winners of the award this evening, and all previous winners and finalists, represent the excellence and dedication of Australia’s cotton farmers.”
Brett said it was a huge honour to receive the award and that he was shocked by the announcement.
“To be recognised amongst the whole industry is fantastic,” he said.
“I'm very proud of the operation we run, but I believe some of the operations that we were up against were the top of the industry, from a number of different areas and their operations are second to none.”
In accepting the award, Brett thanked the men who work by his side and make it all possible, while also paying tribute to his family.
“Family is probably the most important thing in our operation and it’s why we do what we do,” he said.”
Cotton Australia chief executive officer, Adam Kay, said each of the award recipients excelled in their field.
“The one thing all the recipients have in common is that they are constantly testing the boundaries of what can be achieved in their respective fields,” Mr Kay said.
“Whether it’s making improvements to sustainability and water efficiency on farm, delivering crucial new research to farmers, making outstanding contributions to industry or leading the next generation of cotton growers - they’re all making significant advancements.
“The Australian Cotton Industry Awards are an important way of showcasing those who are achieving great things, and also a way of discovering new ambassadors for the industry.
“It was an extremely strong field of finalists and I congratulate them all.”
Mr Kay said the awards dinner was a huge success, bringing together growers and industry representatives from all corners of Australia’s cotton-growing valleys.
Check out our gallery of pictures from the evening.