The National Cotton Council’s Board of Directors has taken a timely position regarding reclass procedures for bales contaminated with plastics. Is this a real concern? ■ Yes. To maintain U.S. cotton’s reputation, the industry remains steadfast in eliminating plastic contamination from lint. However, the frequency of 71/72 plastic calls in U.S. cotton bales by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture ... Read More »
U.S. cotton sales to China are substantially below what was expected in the absence of tariffs. What does this USDA package provide? ■ Producers of cotton and many other crops can sign up for the latest MFP at Farm Service Agency offices through Dec. 6. FSA made the first tranche of payments in August. Two other payment tranches may be ... Read More »
Unencumbered flow of uncontaminated cotton into the marketplace continues to be a National Cotton Council priority. What about contamination prevention? ■ The NCC strongly urges producers and gin managers to have their entire harvest and ginning crews watch the updated NCC-produced “Prevention of Plastic Contamination” video. The National Cotton Ginners Association conveyed this message at its three Gin Schools this year. ... Read More »
Throughout the year, the National Cotton Council was very persistent in seeking congressional support for much-needed disaster and recovery assistance. How did the NCC push for this? ■ Recognizing the critical need for timely assistance for those who were devastated by Hurricanes Florence, Michael and other natural disasters in 2018 and early 2019, the NCC worked closely with Cotton Belt congressional ... Read More »
The National Cotton Council wants to show that U.S. cotton not only is among the most sustainably produced fibers in the world but is striving to further reduce its environmental footprint. Can U.S. cotton claim to be sustainable? ■ U.S. cotton producers operate under one of the world’s most stringent regulatory environments and already possess a near 40-year track record of ... Read More »
The National Cotton Council’s 2019 priorities are aimed at enhancing industry efficiency and economic stability. What about key policy issues? ■ Two major near-term priorities are pressing Congress to approve legislation that would provide disaster assistance for producers devastated by Hurricanes Florence and Michael and working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on 2018 farm law implementation. Regarding the ... Read More »
How have U.S. cotton’s priorities been conveyed? ■ At a recent USDA listening session, the NCC shared the industry’s needs for implementation of 2018 farm law programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. NCC staff’s input included acknowledging the timely guidance that FSA and RMA issued regarding producer options for STAX or ... Read More »
Cotton Farming One Grower Publications
