Features

Industry Focuses On Prevention To Reduce Growing Plastic Contamination Issue • By Vicky Boyd, Managing Editor • Plastic contamination has long been the bane of the U.S. cotton industry, which prides itself on producing a clean, quality product. Efforts to reduce the problem have redoubled in the past few years as plastic contamination continues to grow, partly due to new ... Read More »

• By Brad Robb • South Carolina cotton producer Rusty Darby understands what negative impacts the U.S. trade war with China and the global pandemic continue to have on world cotton demand. Therefore, he assumed his role as the new president of Southern Cotton Growers Inc. with a proactive mindset and a long-term vision. Darby’s tenure on national and regional ... Read More »

Cotton Farmers Urged To Get Back To The Basics In Controlling Palmer Amaranth • By Amanda Huber, Southeast Editor • Cotton farmers have made monumental advancements in weed control and pesticide stewardship across Georgia during the past five years, according to University of Georgia Extension weed specialist Stanley Culpepper. Additionally, pesticide drift complaints have dropped 76% during that time. “Although ... Read More »

• By Amanda Huber, Southeast Editor • The reasons to aggressively battle glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (pigweed) are well known. This pest will outcompete any crop, and if left uncontrolled, can take over entire fields. But even with 20 years of research into this formidable foe, new evidence suggests yet another reason: a link between Palmer pigweed and tarnished plant bugs. ... Read More »

All U.S. Upland cotton producers pay an assessment to The Cotton Board. In turn, it contracts with Cotton Incorporated to conduct research and promotion to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. Many cotton producers are aware of the national and regional research projects conducted by Cotton Incorporated but may be unaware that 7.5% of cotton assessments are dedicated ... Read More »

• By Linda Geist • Farmers and ranchers face unique safety risks as COVID-19 continues to spread. The predicted peak of the COVID-19 outbreak likely will hit as spring planting season shifts into high gear, says Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Physical distancing becomes difficult as farmers receive seed and chemical deliveries, he says. Shipments ... Read More »

• By Dennis O’Brien • Cotton growers in Texas face unpredictable rainfall, limited water for irrigation and fluctuating prices for the Upland cotton they produce. With such problems becoming more pronounced each year, they might want to consider new options such as Pima cotton production, according to scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Upland cotton is ... Read More »