From Turnrows to Trade Shows

Carroll Smith
Carroll Smith

Farming can often be a solitary endeavor during the growing season — kicking up dust behind your pickup while running for much- needed parts, patiently cutting bolls prior to harvest and catching up with recordkeeping late nights on your tablet. But wintertime’s different. An impressive lineup of trade shows provides an opportunity to commiserate with fellow farmers and others in the industry while walking the aisles of your favorite venue.

On Feb. 26-27, visitors will flock to the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show as the event opens its doors for the 64th time. Exhibitors carefully put their booths in order to showcase the latest equipment, products and services designed to enhance the region’s diversified operations. Respected, knowledgeable speakers check their notes prior to taking the podium for the early morning Ag Update meetings and afternoon seminars.

Then there are the “added extras” that contribute to the fun, family friendly ambience of the show, including Helena’s popcorn and Coke stand, the always popular puppy giveaway and the cash prizes announced periodically over the loudspeaker by show manager Tim Price. Be sure to save a little energy to show off your best dance moves at the Saturday night “Krackerjack extravaganza” at the Peabody Hotel.

In the Lone Star State, the Texas Cotton Ginners Association puts Lubbock on the map as the place to be April 7-8. Since the drought lifted and moisture returned to the fertile Texas soils, cotton farmers and ginners have an extra spring in their step as they prepare for the TCGA Annual Meeting and Trade Show.

This event features a large gathering of cotton gin equipment manufacturers and other businesses that provide parts or services to the ginning industry. Products and services available to cotton farmers are represented as well. Prior to the show, gin employees can get up to date by attending the Southwest Ginners School. When the show wraps up Friday afternoon, be sure to take in the TCGA’s Awards Dinner followed by the Vegas Night Celebration at the Overton Hotel.

TCGA executive vice president Tony Williams says, “Optimism is running high in Texas as cotton farmers and ginners prepare for the 2016 season.” To get everyone involved in the excitement about this year’s show and the upcoming cotton season, TCGA has started a hashtag – #RockCotton. As Williams explains, “You can use #RockCotton on Tweets, Facebook, Instagram or other social media to share information about the Annual Meeting and Trade Show or express your passion for cotton in the great state of Texas and beyond.”

Join the conversation and rock cotton Texas style in 2016!

If you have comments, please send them to: Cotton Farming Magazine, 7201 Eastern Ave., Germantown, TN, 38138. Contact Carroll Smith via email at csmith@onegrower.com.

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