A group of California farmers will share their experiences improving soil health in cotton production by growing cover crops, reducing tillage, applying compost and other practices during an online session at 11 a.m. Feb. 23.
The free webinar is part of an eight-episode series titled Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton Farmer Showcase, in which U.S. cotton farmers and soil health experts are live-streamed at 11 a.m. (PST) every Tuesday through March 23. The program targets cotton producers, consultants, and others interested in cotton production and soil health.
In the episode featuring the California farmers on Feb. 23, the panelists will discuss:
• Financial, regulatory and agronomic challenges of implementing soil health systems for cotton in the San Joaquin Valley.
• Specific practices they are implementing and the outcomes.
• Progress being made on more attractive pricing scenario negotiations underway with buyers to reward American cotton farmers for their sustainable production practices.
Speakers are San Joaquin Valley cotton farmers John Teixeira, Cannon Michael and Gary Martin; regenerative agriculture consultant Cary Crum; Sustainable Cotton’s Marcia Gibbs; and Fibershed’s Rebecca Burgess.
University of California’s Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation Center is sponsoring the showcase in conjunction with the Soil Health Institute.
The Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton project provides farmer-focused education and training events delivered by Soil Health Institute scientists partnering with local soil health technical specialists and farmer mentors who have implemented successful soil health management systems.
The project aims to increase the adoption of soil health management systems among cotton producers while documenting environmental and economic benefits.
The events are free, but registration is required.