Jessica Strauch from Goondiwindi is the ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Cotton Achiever of the Year.
Jessica currently manages the northern NSW region, as well as cotton pricing for Queensland Cotton and is also part of the industry’s premier entry-level initiative, the Australian Future Cotton Leaders’ Program.
She said she was “beyond humbled” to receive recognition.
“It is still so surreal to be recognised for something you love doing,” Jessica said.
“I suppose I’ve had quite a short but rewarding career so far in cotton.
“I did have a background in agriculture but, prior to my employment within the industry, I’d actually never walked into a field of cotton.
“But because of the guidance, mentorship and endless opportunities the industry has provided, I was quite quickly able to move through a range of diverse roles across different growing regions, which has led me to where I am in my current role at Queensland Cotton.
“My position provides me with the opportunity to work in a global sphere with export sales and trading teams, while remaining regionally based, so that I can still immerse myself in what’s going on within our local community.”
Born and bred in Gympie, where she completed her primary and secondary schooling, Jessica then studied a Bachelor of Environmental Management at Griffith University in Brisbane.
Her first position in the cotton industry was as a grower services representative for Namoi Cotton, a role she said gave her incredible insight into the role of merchants and ginners.
“Looking back now, I’ll be forever grateful for the chance the company took on my employment,” Jessica said.
“It’s a testament to the opportunities, on-the-job training and mentorship that the industry has to provide.”
In 2020 Jessica relocated to Dubbo in NSW for Namoi Cotton, as the general manager of customer operations for the Macquarie and Lachlan Valleys.
She said the role presented a “fantastic opportunity” for her to immerse herself in the operational aspects of bringing teams together, building new grower- and industry relationships and expanding on her ginning knowledge.
Another career highlight had been her involvement in industry organisations and, in particular, the McIntyre Valley Cotton Field Day Committee.
“For me, one of the really memorable events that I was able to assist with was the organisation of the 2019 Baylor Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day,” Jessica said.
“It was not only a fantastic event from an industry advocacy and educational perspective, it was also a great networking opportunity for all involved.
“What I love about the industry is the people, whether it’s growers or industry personnel, we have such a progressive and nurturing culture within the Australian cotton industry.
“I love the warmth that the industry has and this real desire and need to share what we have and to educate those around us with our day-to-day practices.
“The industry implements collaboration in a ground-up format that enables the sharing of key learnings and developments, which I feel has been essential in keeping the industry informed, progressive and agile in its endeavour to implement change at a sustainable pace.”
Jessica said she had learned the gift of leadership through the mentorship and guidance the cotton industry had provided.
And her goals for the future?
“To one day be able to give back the opportunities that have been given to me is my ultimate goal of industry contribution,” she said, adding “And to share our story and highlight the wonderful career opportunities this industry has on offer.”
