Cotton Australia said it has hired two new senior staff members, naming Richard Gray as Regional Manager for Northern New South Wales and Annette McCaffery as its myBMP Sustainability Implementation Officer.
Gray brings nearly three decades of experience in the cotton sector, combining hands-on farm management with roles in agribusiness, including fertiliser and merchandise supply chains. With a strong agricultural pedigree, he said he aims to leverage both technical knowledge and long-standing community ties to strengthen Cotton Australia’s regional operations. Outside work, Gray is father to four daughters and enjoys golf and family life.
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McCaffery, who hails from Collarenebri and has worked across major cotton and irrigation areas in New South Wales, joins after a 30-year career with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Her work spanned rice research, natural resource and weed management, and extension roles. More recently, she held leadership roles in the Dryland Cotton Research Association and participated in the Stop Off-target Spraydrift initiative. In her new role with Cotton Australia, she is expected to oversee and strengthen implementation of the industry’s myBMP (best management practices) framework.
“Both Richard and Annette bring extensive field, research, and stakeholder experience,” a Cotton Australia spokesperson said.
“Their combined expertise is critical as the industry seeks to heighten sustainability, efficiency, and compliance through myBMP and other programs.”
Cotton Australia said the appointments are effective immediately.
