This month at Sussan, we are discovering ways to reconnect with nature in the cooler months. During winter, most of us are encouraged to stay indoors, snuggled up in the comfort of home. But a group of remarkable women working in the heart of Australia’s cotton fields are challenging the perception of winter as a time to retreat. Embracing the environment with passion and perseverance, these women have cultivated a harmonious connection with nature. Jenna Bell grew up on an irrigation farm just down the road from her now husband. They purchased their first farm in Gogeldrie, NSW, in 2018. Since then, they have raised three children, balancing the demands of farm life and family life. Here, we talk to Jenna about her experiences, uncovering the impact of seasonal cycles on sustainable cotton farming in Australia and discover how she finds solace and strength through her connection to the land she works and lives on.

How has cotton farming influenced your connection to nature?

We’re fortunate to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking industry. You get exposure to the strategic planning of cotton through CRDC (Cotton Research and Development Corporation) and Cotton Australia, which includes land and environmental sustainability. That opens the door for a deeper understanding and connection with nature and land. You really get to ask yourself questions through their guidance that you’re doing all the right things for land sustainability.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working closely with nature as a cotton farmer?

A particular thing for me is the dirt-to-shirt story, so the traceability within the cotton industry. I get a real sense of appreciation for nature in our ability to create fabrics from cotton plants. It’s pretty incredible. Knowing that we’ve managed all of the season’s natural challenges well when we grow a successful crop is always rewarding too. Regenerating soil health is very important to us, and we are constantly measuring that, which in turn, rewards us with successful crops.

What do you love about being outdoors and working in nature?

For our family, we include the kids a lot. While picking the cotton, the kids and I will go down, and I will play hide and seek with them in the modules. We do fun stuff like that because they aren’t exposed to town parks — we kind of create our own fun out here. We will often sit outside around our fire bucket during the winter months too.

How do you navigate nature’s unpredictable and sometimes challenging aspects, such as extreme weather events?

We use various tools to mitigate our risks in unpredictable and challenging weather events. So, for example, during last year’s high rainfall events, we had massive heavy rainfall in a matter of hours. We were at risk of all our paddocks being flooded. We use really strict premium paddock layouts through what we call a bankless channel system. And we also adopt automation technology where we can successfully drain the water off the paddocks quickly and also remotely, so we don’t have to be there to do that. The water drains into a storage dam, which can then be used in the next irrigation cycle. By by doing that, we’re becoming more water efficient and reducing the risk of water logging in the cotton plant, which reduces your yields.

Do you feel responsible for preserving and protecting the environment as a cotton farmer?

Yeah, absolutely. It’s very important to us. We have three kids who want to become a part of our world. So we want them to have the same appreciation for nature and the environment as we do. All systems that we use in our farming practices are targeted to being the most sustainable and most efficient not only for nature but also for production. So we are quite harmonious in that aspect. The future in technology is really promising, which will maintain an environmentally sustainable future.

How does the change of seasons affect your daily routine as a cotton farmer? Is your work-life balance shaped by the natural rhythms and demands of farming throughout the year?

Our routines are set by the cotton season and other crops on our farm. It can be very demanding, so we have to be very disciplined in our work-life balance and make the time to spend with family. But you also have to love what you do and be committed to the success of it. It’s not something you can just drop whenever you feel like it — you’ve got to be committed to it.

Does the ebb and flow of the farming seasons make you think or feel differently about the “seasons” in your own life?

Seasons can be very challenging and very rewarding. I love the idea of a challenge in my personal and work life. And I’ve had challenges in my life where it hasn’t gone to plan. I don’t see them as a failure but as learning experiences.