From Field to Fabric: The Cotton Picking Process and Storage of Cotton Seed

Cotton is known to be one of the world’s most widely used textile fibres, and is popular for its versatility, breathability, and strength. As a natural fibre, it is grown in over 70 countries across the globe and has been used for thousands of years for clothing and textiles.

Closer to home, Australia’s history with cotton dates back to its introduction with the First Fleet in the 1700s. However, it was not until the 1960s that the country’s modern cotton industry began to take shape, primarily in the Namoi Valley of New South Wales. From humble beginnings, Australia’s cotton industry has evolved and grown into a crucial agricultural export commodity. Today, cotton cultivation dominates rural landscapes across Queensland and New South Wales, expanding in recent years into northern Victoria, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.

The cotton industry in the country continues to set global benchmarks in yield, quality, purity, and sustainability. Although Australia’s production makes up only about 3% of the world’s cotton output, approximately 900 growers across 1500 farms contribute to this bustling industry. Surprisingly, nearly all of the cotton crop is exported, generating an average annual export revenue of $1.9 billion. Most Australian cotton is used for high-quality yarns for woven and knitted apparel sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. Continually growing new export partnerships, the industry plays a key role in supporting regional and remote economies, providing over 12,000 jobs across 152 communities and contributing economically to our nation.

The stages of cotton picking and storage

While the seeding and farming of the cotton crop is a labour-intensive process, the harvest and the storage involves the majority of processes and steps to be adhered to. Here are the steps involved in cotton picking and storage

Step 1: Cotton picking process

The cotton picking process begins with advanced machinery such as cotton pickers or strippers, which delicately remove the bloomed cotton from plants. This harvested cotton is then formed into round modules using a specialised, stretchy wrap, like the Polytex Round Module Cotton Wrap. This wrap plays a crucial role in protecting the cotton during transport and storage, ensuring it remains intact and protected from environmental elements.

Step 2: Transport to the gin

After harvesting, the round modules are transported to the gin for processing. Often during transit, cotton modules may get damaged. However, any damage to the modules can be swiftly addressed with emergency measures such as an Emergency Cotton Module Recovery Tarp These tarps provide immediate protection against adverse weather conditions, safeguarding harvested cotton until it reaches the gin.

Step 3: Processing at the gin

After the modules arrive at the gin in round bales, the first step of the cotton ginning process involves the harvest being sucked by a duct through a fan force that transports it to a dryer. Because cotton must maintain a moisture level of 5%, this means if the cotton is too wet, it is dried out, and if it is too dry, water is added to ensure optimal moisture. Following this comes the cleaning process, where the leaves, trash, sticks, dirt and other materials are removed.

Step 4: Seed extraction

Once clean, the cotton can now be separated in the gin stand, where the seed is removed from the lint. The raw fibre, now called lint, has any remaining dirt removed. This separation is essential as it allows for the optimal use of both the valuable lint and the seeds, each serving distinct purposes.

Step 5: Compression and baling

Once the seeds are extracted from the cotton, the cotton lint undergoes a meticulous process of compression and baling. This crucial phase involves carefully compacting the lint into standardised bales, ensuring they are tightly packed for optimal storage, transportation, and subsequent processing. By compressing the lint into these uniform bales, the cotton industry facilitates efficient handling at every stage of the supply chain, from field to factory, guaranteeing quality and consistency in the final products manufactured.

Step 6: Cotton seed storage

Simultaneously, the extracted cotton seeds are stored in bunkers, either at the gin or on-farm. Polytex Cotton Seed Bunker Tarps are designed to protect stored seeds from environmental factors such as moisture and pests. These tarps maintain the quality and viability of the cotton seeds, ensuring they remain suitable for various applications, including as feed or for extracting cottonseed oil. They are available in a variety of sizes to suit your storage needs and can be customised with fumigation zips to protect the seed from chemicals used during the fumigation process.

How Polytex can help

Every step in the cotton production process requires careful attention, and particular products must uphold both quality and sustainability standards. At Polytex, we proudly play a pivotal role in the industry by offering a comprehensive range of protective solutions. From innovative covers that shield crops during growth, to advanced materials that safeguard the harvested crop during storage, our products are 100% Australian made and engineered to ensure your cotton retains its pristine condition throughout its lifecycle. By partnering with us, numerous growers and individuals in the cotton sector have benefited from improved crop protection and streamlined storage solutions.

For more information on how Polytex can assist with your cotton storage needs, contact us today at 1300 059 003