Strong demand for the 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program (AFCLP) has delivered the largest intake in the program’s history, following a record number of applications for the industry’s flagship leadership initiative.
Organisers received an unprecedented field of high-quality applicants this year, prompting the selection panel to expand the cohort to 17 participants, up from the usual intake of 15.
Bridget Bender of AGnVET in Emerald, Queensland, said she applied for the 2026 program to build her skills alongside like-minded cotton professionals. She was raised on a mixed farming operation on the Darling Downs that included cotton production.
Bridget, a Bachelor of Agriculture graduate majoring in plant production, said cotton had always stood out during her studies, with the two cotton units at university her favourite subjects, which confirmed her interest in pursuing a career in the sector.
She said the industry’s strong culture of connection and knowledge-sharing was a major drawcard, with growers and advisors alike willing to openly discuss what they were doing and how they had built their businesses, creating a supportive environment for people entering and developing within the industry.
Cotton Australia chief executive Adam Kay said the continued growth in applications reflected the depth of emerging leadership across the cotton sector.
“Each round we receive a very competitive group of applicants and 2026 was no exception,“ he said.
“The standard was extremely high and extending the intake was the right decision to ensure we continue building strong leadership capability across the industry.“
Delivered every two years by Cotton Australia – with funding support from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) – the AFCLP has been running since 2006 and has produced more than 130 graduates who now contribute across the industry in senior operational, governance and advisory roles.
Applicants for the 2026 program came from right across the cotton supply chain, including growers, consultants, merchants and researchers. CRDC executive director Allan Williams said the strong response highlighted the importance of leadership development to the industry’s long-term productivity and sustainability.
“Record demand for the AFCLP speaks to the passion and interest in working in our industry,“ he said.
“By expanding the intake to 17, we’re investing in leaders who will convert their ambition into tangible productivity and sustainability outcomes.
“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 remains a priority for the cotton sector, with Mr Kay saying the AFCLP, alongside initiatives such as 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,“ he said.
“This year’s group brings a wide range of experience, perspectives and ambition, which is exactly what the program aims to develop.“
Participants in the 2026 intake will undertake face-to-face forums, interactive online learning, one-on-one coaching and active engagement with industry activities.
Each participant will also complete an individual project aligned to their interests, gaining practical experience applying leadership skills in a real-world setting.
The program has a strong track record of producing future leaders, with many past graduates progressing into senior roles across the Australian cotton industry, including board positions with Cotton Australia and CRDC, as well as advisory committees and key industry initiatives.
The 2026 program will conclude with a graduation ceremony at the Australian Cotton Conference in August 2026.
Strong Queensland representation
Queensland is strongly represented in the 2026 cohort, with seven participants selected from across the state’s major cotton-growing regions:
Alexander Stephens, McVeigh Partnership Pty Ltd, MacAlister, QLD
Angus Dalgliesh, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Cloncurry, QLD
Bridget Bender, AGnVET, Emerald, QLD
Henry Perry, Perry Farming, Goondiwindi, QLD
Jason Salvetti, Salvetti Farming Co, Arriga, QLD
Lauren Roellgen, Tyunga Farms, Brookstead, QLD
Liam Blackwell, Clark Farming Group, Billa Billa, QLD
They will be joined by participants from agribusiness organisations in New South Wales and Western Australia, reflecting the national scope and diversity of the program.
Emily O’Shannessy, CGS, Kununurra, WA
Ashley Hollis, Cotton Australia, Sydney, NSW
Georgia Carrigan, Australian Food and Fibre, Warren, NSW
Georgina Rowlands, Australian Food and Fibre, Ashley, NSW
Hugh Lennon, Hancock Agriculture, Merah North, NSW
Lachie Holz, B&W Rural Walgett, Walgett, NSW
Jessie Schwager, Priag Marketing, Narrabri, NSW
Megan Baker, CRDC, Narrabri, NSW
Natalie Aquilina, Cotton Seed Distributors, Narrabri, NSW
Sam Ryan, Wingbadge Pty Ltd, Murrami, NSW.
