"Cotton now requires 97% less pesticides and 40-50% less water to grow a bale" with Nuffield Scholar Daniel Kahl

Daniel Kahl, a cotton farmer from Narrabri, Australia, discusses his involvement in the cotton industry and his recent appointment to the board of Cotton Australia. He talks about the resurgence of young people in the town and the collaborative nature of the industry.

Daniel also addresses misconceptions and myths surrounding cotton farming, highlighting the industry's progress in reducing pesticide use and water consumption.

What we chat about:

• The cotton industry in Narrabri has seen a resurgence of young people returning to the town due to the ag opportunities and the close proximity to agricultural universities.
• The cotton industry is known for its collaborative nature, with growers working together to drive the industry forward and overcome challenges.
• The industry has made significant progress in reducing pesticide use and water consumption, with cotton now requiring 97% less pesticides and 40-50% less water to grow a bale.
• The family business is structured with different divisions, each managed by one of the three brothers. They have implemented school-based apprenticeships and gap years to provide development opportunities for their staff.
• His Nuffield scholarship topic focused on the people side of agriculture, reflecting his passion for the industry and the importance of building strong relationships and supporting the next generation. Having diverse perspectives in agriculture, such as a non-agricultural background, can lead to a more robust understanding of the industry.
• Building personal skills and finding ways to connect with people who have different perspectives is crucial for personal development.
• Creating pathways for the next generation in agriculture requires a balance between tertiary and vocational education.
• Implementing learnings from other countries can help improve the structure and development of farm managers in Australia.
• Programs like Ag Career Start play a vital role in providing opportunities and support for young people entering the agriculture industry.

Nuffield episode sponsor:
A message from this episode sponsor, ANZ Agribusiness:

Farming in Australia is never without opportunity, nor challenge. From season to season, and from day to day, producers manage a myriad of risks and rewards as they produce the vast range of commodities global markets now demand. At ANZ Agribusiness, we’ve been supporting farmers to take opportunities and manage through challenges for over 150 years. We’re a proud and long term partner of Nuffield Australia, supporting its goal of capacity building for producers, their businesses, industry and rural community. Our network of regionally based Agribusiness bankers are ready to support both our existing customers, and any farming business seeking a review of their banking arrangements at any time. Find your local ANZ Agribusiness manager now.

What we cover:
Australian cotton industry, Narrabri, young people, collaboration, misconceptions, myths, pesticide reduction, water consumption, family business, team, Nuffield scholarship, agriculture, pathways, next generation, education, vocational, tertiary, farm managers, business structure, personal development

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com