And such is the case at Moura in Central Queensland, where the Hutchinson family has concluded sowing for another year, in what has turned out to be an extremely staggered plant.

The first of their cotton went in on September 25, while the last of it went in just this week, finished on November 13.

With close to the full area planted on the home farm, Greg Hutchinson said the crop was off to a good start, and had been aided by good rain events last week.

Hot days this week are seeing it race ahead.

Nonetheless, while the Hutchinsons have water up their sleeves, in storage, they are hoping for a run in the Dawson River to ensure a good crop.

Water allocations are currently at zero, and the hope will be for a run in the river by Christmas to see them through to picking successfully.

SOURCE: Extract from full report to appear in Australian Cotton Outlook, out December 13.