Meet Sharna Holman

Our cotton extension officer Sharna Holman spends a third of her year in cotton fields in Australia’s north.

“I work with the cotton industry to improve our understanding of insect pests relevant to tropical production systems, enabling more effective pest management and support for northern Australia cotton growers,” Sharna said.

Sharna is currently doing her Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)-funded PhD on cluster caterpillar – an endemic pest that can cause damage to a wide variety of crops, and has a higher tolerance to some control measures.

Her research will help inform management practices for this pest in cotton crops across northern Australia.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how the outcomes generated from experiments in the laboratory, glasshouse and field can be implemented as strategies and adopted by Australian cotton growers.”

In addition to her PhD work, Sharna is the Biosecurity Technical Lead for CottonInfo.

She plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of biosecurity farm plans across Australian cotton farms, ensuring the industry remains prepared for biosecurity threats.

“Biosecurity is essential for safeguarding our industry from emerging threats,” Sharna said.

“By helping growers develop and implement farm biosecurity plans, we’re increasing capability across the industry to mitigate biosecurity risks posed to farms.”

Her dedication to the cotton industry was recently recognised when she was awarded the CRDC Chris Lehman Young Cotton Achiever of the Year award at the Australian Cotton Conference.

The prestigious award recognises rising stars making a positive contribution to Australia’s cotton industry.

“It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised in this way,” Sharna said.

“I’m grateful to be part of a community that constantly strives for innovation.”