100 Years of Boswell

Auscott Back in 1963, two cotton farmers from Arizona entered into negotiations with the company to acquire their property in Narrabri, Australia. This unexpected offer gave the J. G. Boswell Company an extraordinary op portunity to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position in the cotton industry.

Murrumbidgee gin

At the time, other California cotton growers were exploring the idea of farming in Australia, drawn by gov ernment incentives and the potential for growth. Seizing the moment, Boswell formed Auscott Pty. Limited in northwestern New South Wales to establish one of the country’s first cotton-growing operations. But with growth comes risk, and this was a big one. Australia’s climate is not exactly friendly to farming, with its scorching heat, unpredictable rain, and dry, rugged land. The harsh conditions reminded the Boswell team of a line from Australian singer Slim Dusty: “It’s a hard, hard country, it’s a hard, hard land. To live in it, you’ve got to be a hard, hard man.” That became the team’s rallying cry as they faced a tough first season when heavy rains brought massive weed problems. But JG II and Jim Fisher were not about to back down. Instead, they took things to the next level, growing the operation over the years and installing irrigation systems. Auscott also expanded into three other river valleys and opened its processing (ginning and marketing) to support more cotton growers. Before long, Auscott had grown into one of Australia’s leading agricultural companies. This venture tested the J. G. Boswell Company’s resilience and perseverance. It also challenged the team’s knowledge, pushed their limits, and proved that with determination and adaptability, they could succeed anywhere. But in 2021 and after nearly sixty years, the company made the difficult decision to sell Auscott and refocus on its core operations in California. Over the years, Boswell had built strong relationships with Austra lian farmers, shared invaluable knowledge, and contributed to the industry’s growth. The people of Australia became more than business partners—they were close friends, making the decision to leave bittersweet. Today, Auscott operates under its new name, Australian Food and Fibre (AFF), and remains a thriving part of the cotton industry. A key part of the transition was ensur ing that the new owners upheld Boswell’s long-standing value of putting people first. AFF agreed, continuing the scholarship pro gram that annually provides tuition assistance to students from rural communities near the company’s operations.

While it is impossible to name everyone who played a role in Auscott’s success, a few standout leaders include Bruce Loader, Dave Anthoney, James Fisher, Ashley Power, Sherm Railsback, Leane Ameneiro, and Jack Messick. The Boswell legacy in Aus tralia remains strong, and the friendships built over six decades will always be a cherished part of the company’s history.

Auscott team in cotton field

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