Call it a Texas home run that was hit out of the ballpark. Or maybe it was the crop season of the decade. Put whatever label fits, and it might come close to describing what happened to Texas producer Robbie Harkey and his cotton crop in 2013. To the uninformed outsider, it would seem impossible that a producer could deliver a four-bale yield on acreage north of Lubbock near Hale Center Read More »
No matter what month of the season, you can always find these unsung heroes’ “footprints in the field.” Through the years, the cotton consultant has always been a crucial part of any producer’s operation. He walks the fields, monitors the crop’s progress and is the eyes and ears for the farmer every day. In many respects, the consultant is a ... Read More »
Georgia cotton producers have dealt with their fair share of challenges in the past decade. You name it, and they’ve seen it. Drought problems, resistant pigweed, stinkbugs, the loss of a popular cotton seed variety, hurricanes and tropical storms are just a few of the issues that have confronted them while growing cotton. Read More »
By Tommy Horton Editor When attempting to grow cotton on the Texas High Plains, it pays to expect the unexpected. In other words, be prepared for unusual weather and try not to become easily discouraged. This is the simple philosophy that producer David Carter has embraced for the past 23 years on his family farm near Levelland, about 30 miles ... Read More »
By Tommy Horton Editor The Missouri Bootheel region has always had a reputation for producing high-quality cotton. However, it takes a united effort from producers and ginners to maintain such an enviable record of achievement. One example of how this region’s ginning sector is committed to delivering superior cotton can be found at the Farmers Union Gin in Senath, Mo. ... Read More »
By Tommy Horton Editor The idea of planting a cotton crop early sounds so logical and simple to implement. Why wouldn’t any producer be willing to plant the seed earlier, avoid additional insect and weed pests, lower input costs – and wind up with increased yields and profits? As any experienced farmer can attest, different environments across the Cotton Belt ... Read More »
By Tommy Horton Editor When agricultural researchers in the Southwest look into the future, one issue stays near the top of the list as a major priority. No matter what happens in any other ag-related area, all roads lead back to this one fact. Water availability. Without this one resource, farming doesn’t exist. And nowhere has this become a bigger ... Read More »
Cotton Farming One Grower Publications