The National Cotton Council prepared a document that provides significant clarity regarding the new Seed Cotton Program that was contained in recently enacted legislation. What’s the major policy change? • As noted in the March column, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 makes “seed cotton” (upland lint and cottonseed combined) eligible for the Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) policies ... Read More »
Restoring economic stability for the U.S. cotton industry, which includes remaining active in the trade and regulatory arenas, continues to dominate the National Cotton Council’s agenda. What about recent policy changes? • We were very pleased with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s recent announcement that USDA will provide a Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program that offsets a portion of a ... Read More »
U.S. cotton producers’ safety net was bolstered with Congress’ recent passage of “seed cotton” farm policy — an action the National Cotton Council has diligently sought for more than two years. What was the basic action taken? Congress recently enacted the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 that contained policy changes making “seed cotton” (upland cotton lint and cottonseed combined) eligible ... Read More »
How do the Beltwide Cotton Conferences contribute? The BWCC provides the findings from cutting edge research and technology aimed at increasing productivity. The performances, both good and bad, of crop inputs and production systems are examined along with other cotton production challenges and opportunities. Specifically, the BWCC facilitates interaction among leading scientists, consultants, Extension/agribusiness personnel and county agents. Their discussion ... Read More »
The National Cotton Council’s export promotions arm, Cotton Council International, is making U.S. cotton the preferred fiber for end users — mills, manufacturers, brands, retailers and consumers. Does CCI have a new initiative? In 2017, Cotton Council International launched “COTTON USA is the Cotton the World Trusts,” a campaign being carried to more than 50 countries and one that is ... Read More »
Congressional leaders hope by Christmas to wrap a bow around the first comprehensive tax reform in 30 years — a measure on which the National Cotton Council has actively conveyed its priorities. What input has the NCC provided? Among recent actions, the NCC joined other agricultural organizations on letters to Congressional leadership conveying support for tax reform provisions involving: 1) ... Read More »
As the 2017 harvest and ginning season proceeds, many cotton producers and ginners are facing a difficult business climate. What is the overall economic situation? Almost 100 percent of U.S. cotton production is exported as either raw fiber or textiles. As such, our industry is heavily influenced by various global market factors, among them: 1) India’s increased cotton production and ... Read More »
Cotton Farming One Grower Publications