Ron Harris of Ravensworth Shares Sustainable Cotton Farming Advice

Australia produced roughly 3,900,000 bales or 1,273,687 metric tonnes of cotton in 2014. Overall, Australia is the fourth largest global exporter of cotton, averaging about $2.5 dollars in export revenue over the last two seasons.

One of the reasons why Australian cotton is in such high demand is due to its quality. Australian cotton is among the best in the world due to the texture and health of harvested cotton, as well as the fact that their contamination rate is significantly lower than those produced in other countries. This is why the cotton grown and harvested by Ron Harris of Ravensworth and other top cotton producers in Australia are always a sought-after commodity.

Naturally, cotton farmers are able to produce high-quality cotton because they practice sustainable farming methods. Some of these methods include:

Crop Rotation

Although crop rotation has been around since the time of feudalism, it is still one of the most effective ways to ensure the growth of healthy crops. Crop rotation works under the idea that different plants require different nutrients present in soil. On the other hand, certain crops introduce different nutrients into the soil. By rotating the crops grown in a certain plot of land, farmers provide soil enough time to naturally replenish vital nutrients for lush and high-quality cotton.

Organic Pest Control Solutions

Cotton is a delicate crop. Unfortunately, insects enjoy feasting on cotton plants, forcing cotton farmers to use a variety of pesticides to ensure their crops aren’t devoured by pests. The smartest farmers, however, know that the use of chemical pesticides can easily rob the soil of vital nutrients, as well as poison nearby water sources they may be using. This is why top cotton producers turn to effective organic pesticides.

Cotton is the most fibre used when manufacturing clothes, diapers, and beddings. Since these items are used every day, it is important for farmers to produce cotton of the highest quality on a consistent basis. By following the sustainable practices shared by Ron Harris from Ravensworth mentioned above, Australian cotton farmers can continue to produce the high-quality cotton the country is known for.