Knowledge is fundamental to improving the competitiveness, responsiveness

and levels of innovation that we see in industries. This research project completed interviews with

90 growers of cotton and grains, consultants, extension workers, government researcher officers,

and irrigation equipment suppliers to determine how information and knowledge about water

management and water use efficiency is being used and managed in irrigated cotton and grains. Four key issues affecting water management were identified as having major impacts on water management. Information, knowledge and knowledge sharing. All groups believed that the industry was

responsive to change, willing to continually learn, and that growers, consultants and extension

officers were very willing to share information and knowledge. There was considerable

information that was available to growers and consultants. A major concern, however, among

growers and consultants, was the need for the information to have been tested and applied to

determine its relevance and applicability to specific regions.