Cotton Farming

Fiber quality versus yield is a topic that will never become outdated for discussion at a cotton industry meeting. And what better venue for an update on this subject than the 2008 Beltwide Cotton Production Conference at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel?

That is precisely what attendees can look forward to during the week of Jan. 8-11. In what may be one of the more anticipated presentations, Kater Hake, Cotton Incorporated’s newly appointed director of agricultural research, will give a broad overview on “germplasm changes that have contributed to the quality and yield of cotton.”

Hake, who previously worked as vice president of technology development at Delta & Pine Land Co., says his presentation will be a broad snapshot of the past, present and future as it pertains to fiber quality.

“I think I’ll try to take a detailed look at how the scientific community has tried to separate yield and fiber quality and look at them independently,” he says. “In other words, we are trying to remove the linkage between the two.”

Impact Of Weather Extremes

Besides looking at quality and yields and their relationship with various germplasm, Hake will closely examine how weather trends varied in each region. He says most computer projections point toward a 2008 season where excessive precipitation and drought will continue across the country.

Hake would also like to give some historical perspective on cotton breeding in the United States. He is convinced that breeders were proceeding in the right direction when a majority of U.S. cotton was produced for the domestic textile mill market. That sector relied on rotor spinning, and fiber strength was considered the top priority.

When a majority of cotton moved into the export market during the last five years, Hake says it was sold to overseas mills that used ring spinning. In those mills, fiber length became the top priority.

“I think our cotton breeders had to make a big switch, and we’re just now seeing the fruits of their labor,” he adds. “Yields and fiber quality have improved across the board in most of our varieties. More importantly, I think producers are even more aware of what our our new overseas customers want today.”

Hake has a broad perspective on the fiber quality/germplasm issue – mainly because he has worked in nearly every industry sector. He began his career in research and Extension in California and Texas. In addition, he was employed at the National Cotton Council in the early 1990s in the Technical Services department where he helped found the highly successful Cotton Physiology Education Program.

“I’m looking forward to giving this update at the Beltwide,” says Hake. “We have had some exciting breakthroughs on the cotton breeding and fiber quality fronts. And I think it’s important to have an idea of where we’re headed.”

A Link To The Past

Ironically, Bill Robertson, who is the current coordinator of the Beltwide Cotton Production Conference, is handling many of the responsibilities of the conference that Hake had nearly 15 years ago.

He believes Hake will bring a unique perspective to the fiber quality issue, because he has been involved in the issue from every conceivable angle.

“Kater was on the turnrow with the producer, and he continues to be a part of the industry and research side,” says Robertson.

“I can’t think of anybody who could give a better report on this topic. There aren’t many people who have this kind of broad perspective, and that’s why this will be an informative session. You don’t want to miss this one.”

Contact Tommy Horton at (901) 767-4020 or thorton@onegrower.com.

- PRODUCTION - Fiber Quality – Always A Timely Topic
By Tommy Horton Editor
Fiber quality versus yield is a topic that will never become outdated for discussion at a cotton industry meeting. And what better venue for an update on this subject than the 2008 Beltwide Cotton Production Conference at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel? That is precisely what attendees can look forward to during the week of Jan. 8-11. In what may be one of the more anticipated presentations, Kater Hake, Cotton Incorporated’s newly appointed director of agricultural research, will give a broad overview on “germplasm changes that have contributed to the quality and yield of cotton.” Hake, who previously worked as vice president of technology development at Delta & Pine Land Co., says his presentation will be a broad snapshot of the past, present and future as it pertains to fiber quality. “I think I’ll try to take a detailed look at how the scientific community has tried to separate yield and fiber quality and look at them independently,” he says. “In other words, we are trying to remove the linkage between the two.” Impact Of Weather Extremes Besides looking at quality and yields and their relationship with various germplasm, Hake will closely examine how weather trends varied in each region. He says most computer projections point toward a 2008 season where excessive precipitation and drought will continue across the country. Hake would also like to give some historical perspective on cotton breeding in the United States. He is convinced that breeders were proceeding in the right direction when a majority of U.S. cotton was produced for the domestic textile mill market. That sector relied on rotor spinning, and fiber strength was considered the top priority. When a majority of cotton moved into the export market during the last five years, Hake says it was sold to overseas mills that used ring spinning. In those mills, fiber length became the top priority. “I think our cotton breeders had to make a big switch, and we’re just now seeing the fruits of their labor,” he adds. “Yields and fiber quality have improved across the board in most of our varieties. More importantly, I think producers are even more aware of what our our new overseas customers want today.” Hake has a broad perspective on the fiber quality/germplasm issue – mainly because he has worked in nearly every industry sector. He began his career in research and Extension in California and Texas. In addition, he was employed at the National Cotton Council in the early 1990s in the Technical Services department where he helped found the highly successful Cotton Physiology Education Program. “I’m looking forward to giving this update at the Beltwide,” says Hake. “We have had some exciting breakthroughs on the cotton breeding and fiber quality fronts. And I think it’s important to have an idea of where we’re headed.” A Link To The Past Ironically, Bill Robertson, who is the current coordinator of the Beltwide Cotton Production Conference, is handling many of the responsibilities of the conference that Hake had nearly 15 years ago. He believes Hake will bring a unique perspective to the fiber quality issue, because he has been involved in the issue from every conceivable angle. “Kater was on the turnrow with the producer, and he continues to be a part of the industry and research side,” says Robertson. “I can’t think of anybody who could give a better report on this topic. There aren’t many people who have this kind of broad perspective, and that’s why this will be an informative session. You don’t want to miss this one.” Contact Tommy Horton at (901) 767-4020 or thorton@onegrower.com.

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