The Bourke Sustainable Irrigated Cropping Systems project (B.S.I.C.S.P) was implemented in 1993-94 as an initiative of the Bourke Cotton Growers association and the Bourke Cotton Growers Landcare group. The project received half of its .fimds from the National Landcare programme. The need for the project was ~onceived tbrol!gh the desire of growers t? see. research and extension carried out locally. This was to alleviate the problems of percerved melevance of research carried out in Narrabri where grow:ing conditions are markedly different. Because the position was to be only a part time, many of the outcomes relied on strong grower cooperation and much of the research was to be an analysis of current grower records rather than 'in .field' research. Tue aim of the project was to develop and promote best practice in the sustainable production of cotton in the Bourke Jni.gation area. Tue areas of focus highlighted were: * insect pest management * optimum sowing w:indow * cultivation practice * nitrogen management * soil conditioners * chemical application * crop rotations