Future cotton leaders turn ideas into action as 2026 cohort graduates

SOME local and familiar faces were among the largest cohort in the history of the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program to graduate just before this year’s Australian Cotton Conference kicked off.

Participants have been praised for delivering practical projects designed to strengthen communities, improve industry connections and support the future of Australian cotton.

The 2026 program brought together 17 emerging leaders from across the cotton supply chain including growers, consultants, merchants, researchers and extension personnel hailing from Kununurra and Emerald to Narrabri, Walgett, Merah North and Sydney.

Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said the graduation was an opportunity to celebrate not only the completion of the program, but the tangible contribution participants were already making to the wider industry.

“The Future Cotton Leaders Program is about building confidence, capability and networks, but it is also about action,” Mr Kay said.

“This cohort has embraced the challenge of identifying issues that matter to their businesses, regions and communities, and then developing practical projects that can make a difference.

“From developing planning templates and toolbox meetings to retain staff, to connecting school students with cotton farms, and hosting conversations about women’s leadership and career pathways

in the cotton industry, these projects show the value of investing in emerging leaders.”

In addition to group face-to-face workshops, one-on-one coaching, online learning and industry engagement, Future Cotton Leaders program participants are tasked with developing individual projects that put leadership into practice in real-world settings.

Cotton Research and Development Corporation managing director Georgina Pengilley said the graduation had been a fitting introduction to the Australian cotton industry.

“As I begin my role with CRDC, it’s been wonderful to see first-hand the Australian cotton industry’s commitment to supporting and developing its people,” Dr Pengilley said.

“Programs like Future Cotton Leaders are a great example of the value the industry places on backing the next generation.

“The projects developed by these graduates show what can happen when you give passionate people the confidence, skills and networks to turn good ideas into action.

“The benefits extend well beyond the individuals involved and into the broader cotton industry.”

The Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program is delivered every two years by Cotton Australia with funding support from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.

Since it began in 2006, the program has produced more than 130 graduates across the cotton industry.