Namoi cotton growers are bracing for reduced quality and a hit to prices after last monthΆs wet weather deluge.

Upper Namoi Cotton GrowersΆ Association president Nat Groves said crop quality is expected to suffer after recent rainfall totals of more than 100mm in some parts of the district.

“At this stage the cotton is a quarter to half opened up,” Mr Groves said.

“And in the last two weeks there has been 30-100mm across the valley.

“I wouldnΆt be surprised if there were quality issues.

“ThatΆs going to knock down the price.

“If the quality is downgraded, the cotton price will be affected.”

Mr Groves had received 121mm in 10 days to Friday at his property near Gunnedah and was hoping for a dry spell before picking starts about Anzac Day, April 25.

“Hopefully we can have a bit of a break with this weather and get into it,” he said.

ItΆs not just the weather some growers have their attention focused on, as Cotton Australia (CA) welcomes moves by government to review retail electricity prices.

CA general manager Michael Murray said cotton growers and other irrigating farmers have been subject to rapidly escalating electricity prices for years.

"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has already acknowledged that electricity prices have nearly doubled on top of inflation in most parts of Australia in the past decade,” he said. “Our own research shows some cotton growers have seen their bills rise by 300 per cent over five years."

Mr Groves said apart from a couple of electric lift motors, the electricity spike did not really affect his operation.

“We use mostly diesel, always have,” he said.

But Mr Murray said the time is ripe for a fairer pricing system for farmers.

"It's time to end the electricity death spiral, and we trust the ACCC will deliver a thorough review as a first step to bring it to an end," he said.

The inquiry has until June 30, 2018, to deliver its final report.