This year the gin is expected to process 200,000 bales, up from 177,000 during last year’s cotton harvest.

The first modules arrived at the facility last Thursday after being transported from farms across the Murrumbidgee Valley. This year’s harvest is being predicted as a record-breaking season.

In 2014-15, cotton production has increased to 36,000 hectares, with Southern Cotton expecting to process 200,000 of these bales.

Last season, 32,000 hectares of cotton was sown in the region, yielding 320,000 bales. Southern Cotton processed more than 175,000 of these bales, according to general manager Kate O’Callaghan.

“Since 2011, cotton production has doubled in the region, which is remarkable,” she said.

“As our fourth ginning season gets underway, our team is well-prepared to meet the increasing demand, and deliver fast, timely ginning and maximum return for our growers.”

Southern Cotton has developed new market opportunities for cottonseed, produced as a by-product of the ginning process. More growers have signed up to take advantage of the lucrative option.

“In 2014, cottonseed sales out of Southern Cotton returned to our growers an average of $350 per tonne, and $15 million into the regional economy,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

“This season, both the cotton lint and seed price continues to be strong, with cotton lint prices of greater than $500 for contracts out to 2019.” 

According to Mrs O’Callaghan, the Cotton Club, which is a new name to describe Southern Cotton’s tiered ginning contracts, has underpinned the retention of Southern Cotton’s growers.

“Southern NSW growers are very interested in learning more about the cotton industry, particularly new innovations in technology and sustainability – that’s why we anticipate the Cotton Club will be instrumental in the industry’s continuing growth,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

The cotton club kicked off the season with a host of industry experts presenting to growers at a breakfast meeting on April 16.