The 2003 National Australia Bank Australian Cotton Trade Show, held in the midst of the worst drought in 100 years, was among the best ever. Over 200 cotton specific exhibitors launched and/or promoted at least 80 new products at the Trade Show.

More than 1500 cotton growers from all Australian cotton areas registered at the gate over the two days. The registered grower numbers on the Wednesday totalled 679 — down on last year. We then we saw a record daily attendance of 883 growers on the Thursday. Non cotton industry visitors through the gate were up on last year’s figures taking the total number on site each day to around 3000.

The growers came from all cotton producing areas in Australia but this year there was a significant reduction in overseas visitors. We had several groups from China intending to visit but they were forced to cancel because of SARS related travel difficulties. We did have on site cotton industry personnel from South Africa, USA, and Europe.

2003 Registered Trade Show Attendance — cotton producers and their staff.

Bourke..................37

Southern NSW......45

Downs..................181

St. George............97

Central QLD..........100

Upper Namoi.........70

Lower Namoi.........254

Gwydir...................465

Border Rivers.........217

Macquarie..............96

International..........21

Total.....................1583