Jess Strauch – Macquarie and Lachlan Valley General Manager

Jess is currently the General Manager and Account Manager for the Macquarie, Lachlan & Murrumbidgee Valleys. Prior to Jess’s relocation to the Southern Valleys she was managing the Darling Downs, Dawson and Central Queensland regions, and assisting in the Macintyre, Mungindi and Gwydir regions for Namoi Cotton.  The passion, enthusiasm and innovation within the industry is what Jess believes is truly incredible and is what underpins her love for, and commitment to the industry. Jess enjoys building new relationships and has been involved in local CGAs, field day committees and Wincott; all of which have given her the opportunity to develop strong friendships and connections within her local community.  Eager to learn all she can about cotton, she recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Cotton Production with the University of New England to complement her Bachelor of Environmental Management degree, undertaken through Griffith University in 2015.  Jess’s bright cheerful personality makes her approachable and ready to assist growers with all their ginning and marketing needs.

Owen joined Namoi Cotton in 2008 based in the Namoi Valley. Having previously studied a Bachelor of Commerce/Laws, and holding a position with Elders Rural Bank as the Agribusiness Banking Manager, he quickly picked up the Namoi Cotton essentials and made his way north taking up the role of Area Manager for Mungindi and Western Qld. Owen and his family, while based in Goondiwindi, have actively joined the community, schools and are often attending and assisting with charity events. Owen’s 14 years of cotton industry and agribusiness finance experience allows him to confidently and efficiently accumulate lint bales, ginning and seed from growers in the Macintyre Valley, Mungindi and Western Qld.

Jacob is a Narrabri local with a business and agricultural Bachelor degree from the UNE. 

At the completion of University he returned home and spent 2 years learning the ins and outs of cotton agronomy. From there he has spent some time operating machinery and gaining further on farm knowledge in Narrabri and even spent some time in Kununurra, Western Australia. 

Simon is a Wee local who following completion of his Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness/Accounting) moved to Proserpine. 

When in Central Queensland he gained close to 5 years experience with Wilmar Sugar in grower pricing and account management. Whilst at University Simon also worked on a number of farms around Wee Waa.

Bill Dawson – Gin Manager

Bill started his journey with Namoi back in 1984. He showed his willingness to learn and just how stubborn he could be for a permanent position. He has been an asset to the company ever since. Bill prides himself on his work ethic, but also enjoys his carefree view on life outside of work. He loves his job but is working towards retirement closer to the coast.

Mike Murray – Gin Manager

1987 was a great year for Mike, that is when he started working for Namoi Cotton. In that time he progressed his career doing many different roles, and his been a manager since 2009. Over the last couple of seasons, Mike has instigated key changes to the cleaning and moisturisation functions of the gin. He is excited with the new machines that have been added and knows that the benefits to the growers will be evident in times of drought. When Mike isn’t working, he enjoys golf, fishing and spending time with his family.

Shane Towns – Gin Manager

Shane has brought to the company many years of Cotton Ginning experience, over 40 years. He has successfully managed many of Namoi Cotton sites in the past. Shane is currently the Manager of the Boggabri gin site.

Mark Russell – Gin Manager

Started working at Namoi Cotton back in 1988 as a trainee ginner. Mark worked hard and soon graduated to a ginner shortly after. He is the only Namoi Cotton employee with a Certificate IV in Cotton Ginning. In his time with the company, he has worked at many sites, including Merah North, Yarraman as a manager and North Bourke for his maiden year. Mark moved to Trangie over 3 years ago and is the Gin Manager. Mark is very approachable and an asset to the team. In his down time, he enjoys watching sports, especially footy. And cherishes his time with his grandchildren.

Neil Towns – Gin Manager

Neil started ginning with Namoi as a Trainee ginner in 1984 at Tulladunna for 5yrs. He then went ginning with Auscott from 1994 to 1997 but returned to Namoi as a ginner at Mungindi in 1998 where he progressed to Site Manager at Moomin in 2000. During his time as a cotton ginner he has been involved with the erection of Moomin, Wathagar (Namoi) Gins 8 & 9 at Auscott Narrabri.

Ernie Silcock – Gin Manager

Ernie has been a pivotal Namoi Cotton employee. He started with Namoi in November 1990 as a casual working on Mac 2 gin construction. He became a permanent employee towards the end of 1991 and worked as a Ginner in Mac 1 and Mac 2 until 1999. Ernie then relocated to Hillston as Gin Manager in 1999 and managed that site until end of 2008. The opportunity arose to relocate back to Goondiwindi in 2008 as MacIntyre Gin Manager, which is his current role.

Away from work Ernie enjoys Rugby League, trying to get value for money out of his golf club membership and holidays at the Gold Coast with family and friends.