Industry News

Cotton Board Elects Larkin Martin As Chairman

Alabama producer Larkin Martin was recently elected as the new chair of the Cotton Board. This marks the first time in history that a female cotton producer has chaired the Cotton Board. She will serve a one-year term.

Martin has been an active member of the Cotton Board for more than 15 years. In addition to serving on the Board, she works with other family members to manage the operations of two family owned businesses, Martin Farm and The Albemarle Corporation. These operations involve row crop farming and the management of other rural real estate.


USDA Announces Signup For DCP and ACRE Programs

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that enrollment for the 2010 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program has begun and will continue through June 1, 2010. USDA urges producers to make use of the eDCP automated Web site to sign up, or producers can visit any USDA Service Center to complete their 2010 DCP or ACRE contract.

The electronic service saves producers time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing at USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. It is available to all producers who are eligible to participate in the DCP and ACRE programs and can be accessed at www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp.


Miss. State University To Host Row Crops Short Course

Mississippi State University will host the annual Row Crops Short Course, Dec. 7-9, at the Bost Extension Center in Starkville.

The event will feature programs on cotton, corn and soybeans. The registration fee is $40, and the deadline for pre-registration is Nov. 20. On-site registration begins at 10 a.m. on Dec. 7. Go to www.msucares.com for on-line registration information.