RESEARCH & PROMOTION
Cotton Producer Resource Guide
O
ver its 50-year lifespan, the Cotton Research and Promotion Program has created a strong infrastructure of resources to support upland cotton producers. These resources offer expert insights and unparalleled access to information aimed at keeping cotton producers advised of the ways the program is working to build demand for and increase profitability of cotton. So grab your scissors and get ready to cut this page out, because you are going to want to keep the information handy. Or feel free to send me an email, and I’ll send you an electronic version of the resource list. In-Person Resources
The Cotton Board regional communication managers are a direct link to the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. They share information about the program with producers, ginners and certified producer organizations. They also host tours of Cotton Incorporated and are available to speak at key industry meetings. All RCM contact information can be found at cottonboard.org. Current RCMs include: Monty Bain, Southeast, with a territory of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Grant Saum, Mid-South, with a territory of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Shelley Heinrich, Southern Plains, with a territory of Kansas, Oklahoma, and North and West Texas. Christi Short, Southwest, with a territory of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Central, South and East Texas. Producer Tour Program — For more than two decades, The Cotton Board Producer Tour Program has given thousands of cotton producers the opportunity to see their ag promotion dollars at
BY STACEY GORMAN WARREN, ARKANSAS
work inside Cotton Incorporated’s World Headquarters and Research Facility in Cary, North Carolina. The Cotton Board, along with tour sponsors, covers the cost and takes cotton producers on this eye-opening tour. Producers interested in attending an upcoming tour should contact their Cotton Board RCM. Virtual Resources
Cotton & Coffee — The Cotton Board created a virtual meeting series as a quick way to keep producers informed about the activities of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. Each session starts at 7:30 a.m. CDT and includes a 30-minute presentation with time for discussion and questions at the end. Contact your Cotton Board RCM to register to attend. Upcoming 2021 Cotton & Coffee dates and topics include: Aug. 17: 2022 Cotton Incorporated Plan and Budget Overview with Berrye Worsham. Sept. 21: Economic Outlook with Jon Devine. Oct. 19: Cotton Incorporated Efforts in Asia with William Kimbrell. Nov. 16: Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green Denim Recycling Program with Andrea Samber. Dec. 14: Cotton’s Importer Support
Websites CottonBoard.org — Information for producers, importers and buyers, including links to Board rosters, annual reports, budget information, RCM and Producer Tour info, upcoming industry events and so much more. CottonInc.com — The leading resource on cotton production and marketing efforts. Cottoninc.com features information and links on everything from performance technologies and sustainability practices to fabric developments and economic analysis. TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING
Program with Elizabeth King and Sonja Chapman. Focus on Cotton Webcasts — These webcasts give real-time access to scientific information on a wide variety of agricultural production topics. To access Focus on Cotton and take advantage of this free resource, please visit planthealth exchange.org/cotton. Cotton Leader — The Cotton Board’s monthly email newsletter, Cotton Leader, offers timely program highlights and information. To get on the email distribution lists, visit cottonboard.org, click the “email newsletter” link located at the top right of the homepage and enter your email address. Social Media — From up-to-date news and information to fun cotton contests and giveaways, The Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated’s social media channels are a great way to stay in the loop about the program: Facebook Pages: The Cotton Board, Cotton Incorporated and Cotton. Twitter Handles: @TheCottonBoard, @CottonInc and @DiscoverCotton. Instagram: @TheCottonBoard and @DiscoverCotton. YouTube Channels: The Cotton Board and Discover Cotton. Cotton in the Classroom — There are a variety of educational resources including videos, downloadable in-class curriculum and activity sheets available at cottonboard.org/news/education/. If you have questions about where to find information or need someone to talk to about the Cotton Research and Promotion Program, reach out to me or anyone at The Cotton Board. We will be happy to point you in the right direction. Stacey Gorman is The Cotton Board’s director of communications. Contact her at sgorman@cottonboard.org.
CottonCultivated.CottonInc.com — One-stop source for region-specific cotton ag data, resources and news. CottonLifestyleMonitor.com — Range of marketing data and analyses on the global cotton supply chain. CottonToday.CottonInc.com — Information on cotton’s sustainable practices, resources and byproducts. TheFabricOfOurLives.com — Shop curated cotton collections, learn about cotton benefits care tips, discover fashion trends and much more. AUGUST 2021 | COTTON FARMING
11
