From the Desk of CHDC

AG DINNER DATES

19 March 2025

The air crackles with anticipation as CHDC and local producers prepare for the next Central Highlands Farm to Fine Dining showcase, which reaches its 10-year milestone in 2025.

Meticulous attention is being paid to every detail. The culinary team is nearing completion on planning a bespoke, three-course à la carte menu, featuring produce from our region’s agriculture industry.

The annual advocacy showcase, which we co-host with Central Highlands Regional Council, takes place in Brisbane and the 2025 event is locked in for June.

The idea is to bring together an influential audience and use the gastronomical experience as a conversation starter about the Central Highlands.

From planning a fine dining experience to attending one, CHDC CEO Peter Dowling and I were delighted to join over 200 guests at the Central Highlands Cotton Awards Dinner last Friday.

The annual event, hosted by the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigation Association (CHCGIA), celebrates the hard work and dedication of the region’s cotton growers and the vital contributions of their supporting service providers.

The evening was a testament to the exceptional quality and yield achieved by Central Highlands cotton farmers in the past season.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of top-performing growers. Leanne and Ross Burnett took home the first-place award for top irrigated cotton yield. In the rain-grown (dryland) category, Keeley Ag’s team at Kingower secured first; Colorada Cotton’s Nigel and Beth Burnett, with their Denlo Park property managed by Matt Anning, were awarded second place.

The awards also acknowledged excellence in cotton fibre characteristics, including colour, strength, length, and micronaire, highlighting the region’s commitment to producing high-quality cotton.

The prestigious Ian Mackay Memorial Service and Non-Grower Service to Industry Award was presented to Ian Grayson, recognising his tireless dedication to training the next generation of cotton farmers and his invaluable industry knowledge. In a heartfelt announcement, it was revealed that from 2026, this award will be renamed the Ian Mackay and Liz Alexander Memorial Service to Industry Award, honouring the late Liz Alexander, a respected advocate, former CHDC team member, and much-loved community member who passed away in July 2024.

The Cotton Growers Service to Industry Award was presented to Greg Kauter, who was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to adopting industry best practices and his dedication to mentoring aspiring cotton farmers.

We congratulate all the award winners and commend CHCGIA for hosting such a memorable event.

JESSAMINE DAVISON
AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Contact: jdavison@chdc.com.au or (07) 4982 4386.