Putting Research To Work: Cotton Cultivated Connects Producers To Information
STACEY GORMAN / MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
As cotton producers head into another growing season, the list of decisions that must be made in a short window of time is long and are often costly. Variety selection, input investments, pest management strategies, irrigation timing, and risk considerations all come into play at a time when margins remain tight and production challenges continue to evolve.
For many growers, the question isn’t whether research is being conducted on their behalf through the Cotton Research and Promotion Program, it’s how to access it in a way that’s timely, relevant, and useful in the field. That’s where Cotton Incorporated’s Cotton Cultivated platform comes in.
Available at cottoncultivated.cottoninc.com, Cotton Cultivated was designed to give producers easier access to the agricultural research they fund through the Cotton Research and Promotion Program, translating research findings into practical guidance aligned with the decisions being made throughout the growing season.
From pre-plant considerations and variety performance to pest pressures, fiber quality, and emerging agronomic challenges, Cotton Cultivated brings together the latest research updates in one place, organized in a way that helps producers apply information when it matters most.
“Our goal is to make sure the research funded by Program stakeholders doesn’t sit on a shelf,” said Dr. Ryan Kurtz, Vice President of Agricultural & Environmental Research at Cotton Incorporated. “Cotton Cultivated helps bridge the gap between research and real-world application by delivering timely, science-based information that supports on-farm decision-making throughout the growing season.” That means research-backed insights are available when decisions are being made, not after the season is over.
In 2026, Cotton Cultivated is expanding its reach even further through a new seasonal email newsletter that delivers updates directly to producers’ inboxes. Topics are scheduled around key points in the growing season, helping producers quickly access research-backed information that can be put to use in real time.
Today’s growers are managing more complexity than ever, from shifting pest dynamics to changing environmental conditions and evolving market expectations. Having direct access to current, stakeholder-funded research can make the difference between reacting to challenges and preparing for them.
Cotton Cultivated is one way Cotton Incorporated is working to ensure that the research supported in part by U.S. cotton producers delivers real value where it counts – on the farm. As the 2026 season approaches, producers are encouraged to visit cottoncultivated.cottoninc.com to explore the latest research updates and sign up for the Cotton Cultivated newsletter, so timely, producer-funded research is available when key decisions are being made in the field. ∆
STACEY GORMAN, SR. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS / THE COTTON BOARD
