Two inspirational cotton leaders have been recognised through the John Deere Service to Industry Award
Two cotton leaders whose contributions left a lasting legacy have received the 2026 John Deere Service to Industry Award, presented at the Cotton Industry Awards Dinner during the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.
Cotton Research and Development Corporation Executive Director, Allan Williams, and Central Queensland industry advocate, the late Liz Alexander, who was honoured posthumously, were recognised for decades of service that strengthened farm businesses, rural communities and the broader cotton industry.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler confirmed the award highlighted the depth of leadership and practical service that had helped Australian cotton become one of the most productive and resilient agricultural industries in the world.
“John Deere has worked alongside Australia’s cotton industry for decades, and in that time, we have seen first-hand the people, innovation and commitment that have made it one of the country’s great agricultural success stories,” Luke Chandler attributed.
“Our sponsorship of this award reflects the deep respect and commitment we have for the industry and the people who have, and will continue to, shape its future.
“Both Allan and Liz devoted an extraordinary amount of time, expertise and energy to Australian cotton, and these awards are an important opportunity to honour their service and acknowledge the lasting legacy of their work and commitment.”
Across more than three decades in cotton research, development and industry leadership, Allan Williams has helped turn complex research, policy and sustainability challenges into tools and systems growers can use on-farm.
“Allan Williams has helped build many of the foundations that support current Australian cotton, from best-practice programs to research investment and international sustainability standards,” Luke Chandler assured.
“His work has helped connect science with practical decision-making, strengthening the industry’s reputation for productivity, innovation and continual improvement.”
Luke Chandler added that similarly the late Liz Alexander’s legacy reflects more than 20 years of advocacy, leadership and support for cotton and irrigation communities across her home region of Central Queensland and throughout Australia, including as a Cotton Australia Board Member.
“She was also known for bringing people together, encouraging emerging leaders and backing practical ideas in regional business, AgTech and community-led problem solving,” Luke chandler noted.
Together, the recipients reflect the breadth of service that has shaped Australian cotton, from research and sustainability systems through to regional advocacy, grower support and community leadership.
John Deere Production and Precision Marketing Manager, Royce Bell, said both award recipients consistently extended themselves beyond their individual roles to deliver lasting benefits for Australian cotton growers, the industry and the wider agricultural community.
“For John Deere, partnering with the Australian Cotton Service to Industry Award demonstrates our strong relationships with growers, dealers and industry partners, and we will continue to support and recognise people like Allan Williams and the late Liz Alexander, who have kept Australian cotton moving forward,” Royce Bell concluded.
