Future Cotton Leaders Program expands with record demand

Strong interest in the 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program (AFCLP) has led to the largest cohort in the program’s history, following an unprecedented number of applications for the industry’s flagship leadership initiative.

This year exceeded the previous record, with organisers receiving an exceptional field of applicants.

As a result, the selection panel expanded the intake to 17 participants, up from the program’s usual 15.

The participants were announced by Cotton Australia last week.

Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said the continued demand reflects the strength and depth of emerging leadership across the sector.

“Each round we receive a very competitive group of applicants, and 2026 was no exception. The standard was extremely high, and extending the intake was the right decision to ensure we continue building strong leadership capability across the industry,” Mr Kay said.

Held every two years, the AFCLP is delivered by Cotton Australia with funding support from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). Since its establishment in 2006, the program has produced more than 130 graduates who now contribute to the industry’s performance, reputation, and long-term sustainability.

Applicants for the 2026 round came from across the cotton supply chain, including growers, consultants, merchants and researchers. CRDC executive director Allan Williams said the program demonstrates how leadership and innovation underpin the industry’s productivity and sustainability goals.

“Record demand for the AFCLP speaks to the passion and interest in working in our industry. By expanding the intake to 17, we’re investing in leaders who will convert their ambition into tangible productivity and sustainability outcomes,” Mr Williams said.

“The program is hands–on — it builds a strong peer network and learning through practical, real–world projects. In partnership with Cotton Australia, CRDC is proud to back a cohort that will lead change on farms, in businesses, and across the industry.”

Leadership is a priority for the industry and Mr Kay said the AFCLP, along with the Australian Rural Leadership Program and Nuffield Scholarships, continues to strengthen the next generation of industry decision-makers.

“The appeal of the Future Cotton Leaders Program continues to grow, and it’s encouraging to see applicants from all parts of the industry putting themselves forward. This year’s group brings a wide range of experience, perspectives and ambition, which is exactly what the program aims to develop,” Mr Kay said.

In 2026, participants will take part in face-to-face forums, interactive online sessions, one-on-one coaching, and engagement with industry activities. They will also complete an individual project aligned with their interests, gaining experience in applying leadership skills in a real-world context.

Previous AFCLP graduates have progressed into senior leadership roles within the Australian cotton industry, including positions on the boards of Cotton Australia and CRDC, and on advisory committees and industry initiatives. The 2026 program will conclude with a graduation ceremony at the Australian Cotton Conference in August 2026.

Meet the Future Cotton Leaders participants from the North West

Hugh Lennon, Merah North

Hugh began his cotton industry experience during university holidays, completing his first irrigating season in Wee Waa in 2017/2018 and continuing for three years. After graduating, he started full-time in 2021, including a short placement at Julia Creek to see cotton development in a new region. He progressed to a manager role in 2023 and became farm operations manager in 2024, developing skills in communication, people management, and task management. Hugh is also involved in industry groups, serving on the Lower Namoi Cotton Growers Association committee.

Georgina Rowlands, Ashley

Georgina joined AFF in February 2022 in a grower operations role based in Moree, NSW, and was promoted six months later to grower services representative for the Gwydir region. In 2023, her role expanded to include grower services for the Gwydir, Macintyre, and Southern QLD regions, managing two operational sites and their grower bases. In early 2025, Georgina completed the International Cotton Association’s Complete Cotton School in Liverpool, UK, enhancing her technical and commercial knowledge of the global cotton supply chain. In her leadership roles—including secretary of the Gwydir CGA, membership on the ACSA Sustainability & Traceability Committee, and the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference Committee—she applies and shares insights to support broader industry growth and engagement.

Natalie Aqualina, Narrabri

Natalie has worked in the cotton industry for five years, starting as a junior agronomist in Goondiwindi, supporting growers across irrigated and dryland cotton systems. She gained experience in crop monitoring, nutrition, irrigation, pest management, and season planning, and developed strong skills in communication, trust, and practical advice. In 2023, she joined Cotton Seed Distributors as an extension and development agronomist, broadening her experience in research, trials, extension, mentoring, and industry engagement. Natalie is also actively involved in grower groups, serving as treasurer of the Upper Namoi CGA, managing communications for the Lower Namoi CGA, and previously contributing to the Macintyre Valley Cotton Field Day Committee.

Megan Baker, Narrabri

Megan grew up in Narrabri with strong family connections to the cotton industry. She has worked at CRDC for over 11 years, progressing from project administration assistant to innovation administration manager, where she manages a team and oversees CRDC’s grant management system, Fluxx. Megan’s team supports the management of approximately $20 million per year in research, development, and extension projects across the cotton industry. In 2026, she also took on the role of program manager for leadership, overseeing CRDC’s leadership investments, program reviews, and participant selection, while building relationships across the industry.

Jessie Schwager, Narrabri

Jessie has been involved in the cotton industry since 2015, beginning after completing the Memphis Cotton School. She works closely with growers, merchants, and ginners to manage ginning and lint selling negotiations, analyse P&D schedules, and optimise outcomes for clients. Jessie is actively involved in industry committees and grower events, delivering marketing presentations and educational sessions for younger farmers. She also contributes regularly to Cotton Grower magazine, sharing insights and knowledge with the wider industry.