Cotton farming february 2018

Cotton Farming ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2018

www.cottonfarming.com

Rolling Plains’ Cotton — 2017 A Farmer’s Perspective From The Heart Of Texas

®

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Vol. 62 No. 2

Cotton Farming PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2018

www.cottonfarming.com

F E AT U R E S

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12

Rolling Plains

Fourth-generation farmer Mark Wright grows cotton on the Rolling Plains of Texas. He says variety selection is very important, especially on fields prone to Verticillium wilt. For these areas, he chooses varieties with tolerance to the disease. In 2017, Wright was satisfied with his yields and grades, considering tough weather conditions that included two hailstorms.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

4 Editor’s Note 17 Industry News 6 Cotton’s Agenda 22 Specialists Speaking 9 Research & Promotion 30 My Turn ON THE COVER: Mark Wright, who farms cotton near Roscoe, Texas, is pictured with his wife, Dianna.

Cover photo by Terry Brandt.

MID-SOUTH SHOW TIME Make plans to visit the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show, March 2-3, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

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2018 ESTATE TAX CHANGES

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TEXAS LEADERS STEP UP

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COTTON POLICY UPDATE

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GINNING MARKETPLACE

With the start of a new year and the passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” there are important changes to the federal estate tax.

The Texas Farm Bureau submitted national policy language to AFBF that calls for inclusion of cotton as a Title I commodity.

Georgia cotton economist Don Shurley reports on several topics, including what the proposed “seed cotton” policy would accomplish.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY

The cotton industry mourns the passing of long time Raisin City Co-op Gin Manager Richard (Dick) Adams.

WEB EXCLUSIVE North Carolina State University Extension Service has released its cotton official variety trial (OVT) preliminary yield results. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

SUPPLEMENT Look for Soybean South following page 16 in the Mid-South and Southeast editions of Cotton Farming. Stay informed and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at www.soybeansouth.com.

COTTON FARMING (ISSN 0746-8385) is published monthly January through December by One Grower Publishing LLC, 6515 Goodman Rd., Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, Tenn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omeda Communications, Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 1388, Northbrook, IL 60065-1388 (Phone: 847-559-7578) (Fax: 847-564-9453). Annual subscriptions are $40. International rates are $55 in Canada/Mexico, $90 in all other countries for air-speeded delivery. Surface delivery not available due to problems in reliability.

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FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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Editor’s Note Carroll Smith

Cotton Farming EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Managing Editor Vicky Boyd vlboyd@onegrower.com

Varieties Can Create Positive Chain Reaction

M

uch as a coach studies his roster to pick the best starting lineup of players for an important game, cotton farmers pore over cottonseed offerings to choose the ones most likely to result in a successful season. The wheels start turning even as harvesters are running through the field. Farmers check the numbers on their yield monitors to see how each variety is doing pound-wise and later scrutinize grade sheets for quality performance.

In today’s cotton production environment, variety selection is touted as the most important decision a producer has to make in planning for the upcoming season. The rationale is that once the seed goes into the ground, the farmer is counting on a positive chain reaction as the season progresses. For example, if a variety has shown good performance on dryland fields, then producers in the Southwest may choose to plant it if they farm under these conditions. The hope is that the seed’s stamina will ultimately result in high yields and quality in a limitedwater scenario.

Another factor that has become more important to farmers — and to seed companies — is disease tolerance. In the article on page 12, Texas Rolling Plains producer Mark Wright says he has certain fields that have a history of Verticillium wilt. Taking that into consideration, he plants varieties there that have tolerance to the disease, hoping the plant-health chain reaction will be positive.

This is likely a good strategy because according to reports from Jason Woodward, Texas AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist, and Terry Wheeler, Texas AgriLife Research plant pathologist, “Substantial yield losses and reductions in fiber quality (primarily micronaire, length, strength and uniformity) can result from severe infections.”

They go on to say, “Selecting partially resistant or tolerant varieties that possess the required agronomic characteristics and are properly adapted to a specific growing region is the cornerstone of any management program.”

As University of Tennessee cotton specialist Tyson Raper says, “Each variety brings with it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses.” With that in mind, it’s up to you to do your homework and choose varieties with the greatest potential for a positive outcome on your operation.

Best wishes for 2018!

Carroll 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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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

Southeast Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (847) 559-7324 For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Burns – North Carolina David Lynch – South Carolina Bob McLendon – Georgia Larkin Martin – Alabama Mike Sturdivant Jr. – Mississippi Charles Parker – Missouri Jimmy Hargett – Tennessee Allen Helms – Arkansas Jay Hardwick – Louisiana Ronnie Hopper – Texas Ron Rayner – Arizona John Pucheu – California

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COOPERATION: Cooperating with COTTON FARMING are various cotton producer organizations across the Cotton Belt. Many representatives of producer organizations serve on COTTON FARMING’s editorial advisory board. Opinions expressed and conclusions reached by contributors are not necessarily those of the cooperating organizations or the editors. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claims as its own and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Copyright 2018 © ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

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Low-Volatility Dicamba

Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

Elevating Efficiency The National Cotton Council-coordinated Beltwide Cotton Conferences should be credited with helping U.S. cotton producers achieve record yields.

How do the Beltwide Cotton Conferences contribute?

n 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.

S p e c i f i c a l l y, t h e BWCC facilitates interaction among leading scientists, consultants, Extension/agribusiness personnel and county agents. Their discussion of the latest research findings not only aids in the fine-tuning of A 2018 Beltwide workshop increased partici- research efforts and pants’ understanding of risks and other facets product developassociated with the emerging technology of un- ment but also in the immediate applicamanned aircraft systems. tion of innovative and proven production techniques and tools.

For example, the 2018 BWCC Cotton Consultants Conference featured two detailed presentations on dicamba and 2,4-D technology.

Attendees were told that dicamba applicator training will be a key in stewardship of that product for the coming season but will not solve all of that herbicide’s drift or volatility issues.

That session also provided updates on Bollgard III use, guidance for controlling thrips, lygus, bacterial blight, nematodes and cotton root rot.

Presentations were also given on growing cotton economically, preventing seed cotton/lint prevention and critical regulatory issues that threaten U.S. cotton production’s viability.

What about the 2018 BWCC research conferences? n These technical conferences provided attend-

ees the opportunity to hear what’s in the pipeline such as traits in new plant varieties and the latest chemistries and equipment. For example, the Agronomy, Physiology and Soil Sciences Conference featured presentations on such critical practices as herbicide timing, cover crops and soil moisture/conservation. Also discussed were harvest aids, irrigation and fertilization issues such as potassium intake and nitrogen application rates. That conference also covered precision agriculture, including the use of unmanned aircraft systems sometimes known as drones. In fact, the 2018 BWCC concluded with a special workshop, “Risk & Reward: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Agricultural Producers.” It sought to help participants 1) achieve an improved understanding of flight regulations, types of platforms and sensors, data processing, potential agricultural uses, and liability issues related to UAS and 2) get equipped to make improved decisions to match the UAS that best suits their needs.

Some technical conferences continued their graduate student oral and poster presentation competitions at the 2018 BWCC. Their recognition of students in the various research disciplines also is helping the U.S. cotton industry benefit from the saturation of a steady flow of innovations and research findings. I believe this information is helping producers optimize their production efficiency. As evidence, I point to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent projection of record-setting yields for the 2017 U.S. cotton crop.

Manuscripts from more than 400 reports given at the 2018 BWCC will be published in the Proceedings. Links to the BWCC Proceedings and some recorded presentations are available online at www.cotton.org/beltwide/. I encourage our industry members to access this information. It can be a substantial resource for making critical on-farm management decisions. In the meantime, cotton research findings will again be shared at the 2019 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, Jan. 8-10, in New Orleans.

Gary Adams is president/CEO of the National Cotton Council of America. He and other NCC leaders contribute columns on this Cotton Farming magazine page.

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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

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66th Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show

M

ake plans now to attend the 66th Annual MidSouth Farm & Gin Show, March 2-3, in Memphis, Tennessee. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to provide the latest information suited to the region’s diversified operations.

Prior to the show, visitors are invited to attend the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation Annual Meetings that will kick off Thursday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel. A panel of cotton specialists will discuss “The State of Cotton in the Mid-South: How to Maintain Momentum.” Members of the panel include Darrin Dodds, Dan Fromme, Andrea Jones, Tyson Raper and Bill Robertson.

Greg Holt, cotton production and processing research, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, Texas, will provide an update and Tom Wedegaertner, Cotton Incorporated, will discuss the promising potential for ultra-low gossypol cotton. The Ag Achievement Award also will be presented during the meeting.

Show manager Tim Price says, “It’s an exciting year for cotton with significant emphasis on cotton products and services at the show. To me, this is a watershed year that represents big changes. The industry seems to be having a moment of revitalization. We are talking about good prices, another increase in acreage and the potential of ultra-low gossypol, which will greatly expand cottonseed’s market.”

Ag Update Meetings The show officially begins Friday morning with ag update meetings held at the Cook Convention Center.

The program commences at 8:30 a.m.

Ron Craft, National Cotton Council, will discuss cotton issues; Carl Brothers, Riceland Foods, will present the outlook for rice and wheat; and Joe Nicosia, Louis Dreyfus

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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

Commodities, will discuss the outlook for U.S. and world cotton. Show exhibits open at 9 a.m.

An in-depth grain marketing workshop, featuring Brock & Associates, begins at 1:30 p.m. The speakers will provide tips and techniques for making the most from your grain crops.

This seminar requires registration, and seating is limited. To pre-register, call 800-558-3431.

The show resumes Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with another important ag update meeting where Richard Brock, Brock Associates, will provide a grain market outlook and his unique insight into grain marketing and the challenges farmers face in 2018.

International Teleconference Friday at 11 a.m., the Ag Market Network will broadcast its March Cotton Teleconference in the Farm Show media room. The panel will be made up of Dr. O.A. Cleveland, professor emeritus Mississippi State University and global cotton market analyst; Jarral Neeper, president of Calcot; Kip Butts, senior cotton analyst Informa Economics; and Pat McClatchy, executive director of the Ag Market Network.

The show will discuss the latest outlook for cotton prices, and the panel will make marketing suggestions as well as answer questions from the audience.

Pre-Register Now The Exhibit Hall re-opens at 9 a.m.

Saturday, and a rice marketing seminar convenes at 1:30 p.m., featuring Milo Hamilton.

Cash prizes will be awarded throughout the show, and the popular puppy giveaway will take place Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m. Show closing times are 5 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, respectively. The weekend festivities are topped off in the Grand Ballroom at the Peabody Hotel with the annual Jamboree, featuring the Krackerjacks, at 9 p.m.

This year’s informative and family friendly show again promises to be an event that you don’t want to miss.

Go to midsouthfarmandginshow.com to pre-register. Download the 2018 Farm and Gin Show app for show schedules, exhibitor locations, ag updates and much more.

Please drop by Booth #3005 to say hello to the One Grower Publishing crew. We look forward to seeing you!

COTTONFARMING.COM

RESEARCH & PROMOTION

Efforts Influence Decisions To Use Cotton In Products

BY STACEY GORMAN COTTON BOARD DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

C

otton Incorporated is composed of multiple divisions, all working together to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton from farm to retail. Although each division has its own niche mission, they all play an important role in keeping cotton viable for years to come.

Cotton Incorporated’s Global Supply Chain Marketing division is charged with influencing decisions at all points in the supply chain to further the demand for cotton in products. The division works with more than 500 companies in more than 30 countries every year to maximize cotton marketing opportunities.

GSCM activities are anchored in three strategic objectives: build a global presence for cotton; promote product and technology ideas; and conduct education, training and technical assistance through marketing programs that further the use of cotton in products. GSCM division staff work to maintain a global presence for cotton by having direct and frequent interaction with mills, manufacturers, brands and retailers for the apparel, nonwovens and home products markets.

Focus On Retailers, Brands To stay connected with key markets, the GSCM staff attends major trade shows, including Outdoor Retailer in the United States and Premiere Vision in Europe.

Cotton Incorporated often teams up with Cotton Council International and other industry partners to introduce new cotton products and technologies to a large audience of potential downstream users and decision makers.

Working with retailers and brands, the GSCM division has introduced Cotton Incorporated technologies, such as TransDRY finish, into products with Eddie Bauer and Orvis. Cotton Incorporated’s STORM COTTON and TOUGH COTTON technologies are featured in products sold by Target, Walmart, Abercrombie and American Giant, among many others.

GSCM is at the front lines of the Cotton LEADS program, a joint effort between the United States and Australia to get retailers and brands to accept these countries’ cottons into their supply chains. To date, there are more than 500 partners. Among the most recent ones are Walmart, GAP, Wrangler and L.L. Bean.

Global Events In 2017, the division organized “Optimized Cotton Processing — Moving Toward Sustainability in the Supply Chain” events in Bangkok, Thailand and Vietnam. The events provided participants with information on sourcing for high-quality and responsibly produced cotton and Twitter: @CottonFarming

At the Outdoor Retailer trade show, Cotton Incorporated’s Global Supply Chain Marketing division staff speak with active and outdoor brands about how cotton can perform. ideas to improve quality and efficiency in fiber processing.

The three occasions, jointly organized with CCI, attracted about 220 participants from eight Asian countries.

GSCM also prepared a two-day private workshop on cotton products and cotton processing for 35 buyers of the most rapidly growing department store in Mexico.

Additionally, a one-day customized presentation on cotton fiber properties was made to 40 apparel buyers of a large, mid-tier department store.

Along with the largest Mexican mill and importer of U.S. cotton in Latin America, staff exhibited garments on the runway at Fashion Week Mexico. The collection featured 20 stylish garments made of denim, twill and other cotton fabrics. The runway event was covered by social media and specialized fashion publications.

The Activewear Market Other 2017 events, the ACTIVE Cotton–Lab Series, were held at the Cary, North Carolina, headquarters.

They brought together representatives of leading activewear and outdoor brands for hands-on education, fabric and technology innovation demonstrations, and trade show-type displays. The goal was to show cotton product technology concepts that work in the activewear market.

Whether meeting with individual companies or executing industry events, the GSCM staff works with Cotton Incorporated’s other departments to ensure the company’s resources are favorably used to influence industry decisions toward using cotton in products.

To learn more, email Gorman at sgorman@cottonboard.org.

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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SPECIAL REPORT

2018 Estate Tax Changes

BY TIFFANY DOWELL LASHMET

W

ith the start of a new year and the passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” there are important changes to the federal estate tax.

Everyone should take time to understand the current and any new estate tax law and to evaluate his or her estate to determine if estate tax liability may be an issue.

2018 Exemptions For persons dying in 2017, the federal estate tax exemption was $5.49 million per person. Due to changes in the tax reform bill, for persons dying between 2018-2025, the exemption will be $11.2 million. This means that in 2018, a couple may transfer $22.4 million without facing any estate tax liability. For persons with estates valued at more than the exemption, a 40 percent tax is imposed on the amount above the exemption level.

For example, let’s calculate the estate tax liability for a person with a taxable estate worth $11 million in 2017 and in 2018. If the person died in 2017, the exemption was $5.49 million, meaning that the person’s estate is $5,510,000 over that amount. At a 40 percent tax rate, his tax liability

would be $2,204,000. In 2018, however, his estate value would fall below the $11.2 million threshold, and he would owe no federal estate tax.

Take note that the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” did not repeal the federal estate tax, and it did not make the $11.2 million/person exemption permanent. In 2026, the exemption level will revert back to the $5 million level, adjusted for inflation.

Takeaways It has been said that the only certainties in life are death and taxes.

In light of this, everyone should be aware of the current law regarding the federal estate tax.

For most people, particularly given the increase in the exemption recently passed by Congress, estate taxes are likely not an issue. However, for persons with estates that may be close to the exemption amount, it is critical to talk with an attorney and accountant to determine what steps may be available to help minimize the estate tax liability at death.

Tiffany Dowell Lashmet is assistant professor and Extension specialist in agricultural law with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Visit the Texas Agriculture Law Blog at https://agrilife. org/texasaglaw/home/.

KENDRA WENZEL

Federal Estate Tax Basics The federal estate tax is essentially a tax on a person’s right to transfer property at death. If a person’s taxable estate is valued over the exemption amount set by Congress, the person’s estate is required to pay taxes on that amount within nine months of death.

The exemption is based upon the value of a person’s “taxable estate.”

This is essentially the market value of their assets less certain allowable expenses and deductions, such as mortgages, funeral expenses and estate administration costs.

As recently as the early 2000s, the estate tax exemption was as low as $1 million per person. Given the value of agricultural land and farm assets, this had the potential to affect a large number of agricultural producers. In 2013, the exemption level was raised significantly to $5 million per individ-

ual, which would then be increased for inflation in following years.

Studies show this greatly decreased the number of persons facing estate tax liability. According to one estate tax lawyer, in 2016, only 682 taxable estates contained any farm assets at all.

There are a number of estate planning tools available to help someone avoid estate tax liability even if his or her gross estate may be worth more than the exemption amount.

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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

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COVER STORY

Rolling Plains Cotton — 2017 A Farmer’s Perspective From The Heart Of Texas

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

T

Texas cotton producer Mark Wright says he was pleased with his yield and grade results last year, considering the tough weather conditions that included two back-to-back hailstorms.

NPE Program Experience Wright has participated in the Deltapine NPE Program since it began in 2008. A press release touting the kick-off of its 10th year says when Monsanto acquired Deltapine seed brand, the company “met with

growers to discuss their concerns.

The result of those conversations was a partnership with the brand to find solutions and identify new and even better varieties. The Deltapine New Product Evaluator Program was hatched.”

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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

TERRY BRANDT

he Rolling Plains region of Texas is marked by rows of tall turbines harnessing wind to produce energy, bouncing tumbleweeds and cotton fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Mark Wright, who grows cotton near Roscoe, says his operation includes land originally owned by his grandparents on both sides of the family. Although he farms mostly cotton, Wright sometimes rotates a little wheat and corn to help with cotton diseases.

“Verticillium wilt is a big challenge in some fields and typically shows up on our irrigated land,” he says.

“We try to break the disease cycle by rotating crops.

“Planting varieties with tolerance to Verticillium wilt is helpful, too, especially in heavily infested fields. I grew Dyna-Gro 3109 B2XF last season because it has good wilt tolerance. This year, I plan to also grow DP 1845 B3XF — one of the new varieties in the Deltapine Class of 18. It is described as being moderately susceptible to Verticillium and was one of the varieties I had in my New Product Evaluator plots in 2017.

Even though I’ve looked at it for only one year, I am optimistic about how it will perform.”

Select farmers from across the Cotton Belt were asked to participate in the program “to evaluate pre-commercial variety lines on their farms and in their growing systems. The first season of NPE — 2008 — resulted in the Deltapine Class of 09.”

COTTONFARMING.COM

Wright says he typically tests four to five varieties in NPE plots each year.

“I also include some of the varieties I am currently growing to have a comparison,” he says. “I treat the NPE varieties just like I do the rest of my cotton. I want to get real-life information on how they perform on my farm a year before any of them are released. This helps me get an idea of which ones might work for my operation.”

Planting Strategies In 2017, Wright planted 70 percent of his acres to DP 1646 B2XF on both irrigated and dryland fields. Most of his irrigation is center pivot, fed by underground water.

“Because we have a lack of ample water, I also grow winter wheat, which needs water at a different time of the year,” Wright says. “Our average rainfall is about 20 inches. The problem is much of our rain is in May and early June. And then it doesn’t rain again until the end of August and into September. The dry spell in late July and early August is a challenge.”

The Texas farmer says he likes to plant most of his cotton from May 20-25. However, he often waits until June to plant the dryland acres, which goes against the historical train of thought. His theory is that by planting the dryland acres a little later, the cotton can better survive late-season heat. By the time the weather cools off and it starts raining again, the cotton hasn’t burned up and is still viable.

“At the end of June last year, we had the worst hailstorm I have ever seen," Wright says. “It was a hail out on about 500 acres. We replanted those to DP 1612 B2XF. A week later, a second hailstorm damaged another 200 acres. It wasn’t a hail out so we left it. This lowered our yield, but it was too late to replant.”

In-Season Management Wright made his first plant growth regulator application — not a heavy dose — on the irrigated cotton at early square stage to promote fruit loading and keep the plant compact. This allows him to harvest efficiently with a round-bale stripper. He takes a “wait and see” approach to PGRs on the dryland cotton.

“If we get a rain on the irrigated cotton and it’s starting to bloom and grow a lot, we come back with a heavier PGR application at that time,” Wright says.

Like many other cotton producers, Wright has glyphosate-resistant pigweed on his farm. He controls the pest with XtendiMax herbicide. But he says his toughest weed is a perennial grass he is unable to control with glyphosate.

“We typically have this problem in our no-till or strip-till cotton,” Wright says. “We plow in the fall to get rid of the ‘clumps’ of grass so it will have to come back from seed.

Residual herbicides are somewhat helpful but not where the grass is growing back from its roots.”

Wright says Bollgard and the Boll Weevil Eradication Program have done a great job in helping to control insect pests. He typically doesn’t see any damage from bollworms. Fleahoppers and thrips are his primary pests but are easily controlled. His consultant, Jennifer Lane, scouts the cotton to determine if an insecticide application is needed.

“At the end of the season, I was pleased with the yield and grade results, considering the tough weather conditions that included two back-to-back hailstorms,” Wright says. “Despite the challenges, I’ve had a love for farming from an early age. My wife, Dianna, also is involved in the operation, and I am appreciative of her support. Farming is a lifestyle we both enjoy.”

Verticillium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is an economically important cotton disease throughout the Texas High Plains. Recently, observations indicate the disease is becoming more prevalent in areas of the Rolling Plains, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center.

Jason Woodward, AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist, and Terry Wheeler, AgriLife Research plant pathologist, offer these details about the disease.

Several factors, including variety selection, plant density, pathogen aggressiveness, inoculum density and environmental conditions influence Verticillium wilt development. Initial infections occur early in the growing season, following the germination of microsclerotia. The fungus infects through the roots and invades the vascular system, resulting in a systemic infection. Prolific growth in the xylem vessels disrupts the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

Symptoms of Verticillium wilt may be observed on relatively young plants; however, expression is greatest after flowering. Foliar symptoms consist of interveinal chlorosis or necrosis. As the disease progresses, severe stunting and premature defoliation can occur.

Discoloration of the vascular system can be observed on infected plants. Younger bolls may abscise or become malformed.

Substantial yield losses and reductions in fiber quality (primarily micronaire, length, strength and uniformity) can result from severe infections.

Rotation with sorghum for one year can lower your risk level for Twitter: @CottonFarming

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Variety Selection, Crop Rotation Help Manage Verticillium Wilt

Foliar symptoms of Verticillium wilt consist of interveinal chlorosis or necrosis. subsequent cotton crops. The greatest benefit from rotation would be observed when it is initiated early before inoculum builds up to high levels in the soil.

Selecting partially resistant or tolerant varieties that possess the required agronomic characteristics and are properly adapted to a specific growing region is the cornerstone of any management program. However, the integration of other tactics can be used to further reduce losses related to the disease.

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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MY STRONG COTTON | SPECIAL REPORT

Deltapine Cotton Shows Strong Yield, Quality Potential In West Texas Cotton Farming editor Carroll Smith went into the field last fall to capture strong cotton stories from farmers who planted Deltapine Bollgard II XtendFlex varieties. Following is her special report on Ty Turnipseed in Texas.

T

y Turnipseed is a fourth-generation West Texas farmer whose family shares a bond to cotton and Texas Tech football.

His great grandfather Bert Eads and grandfather Travis Turnipseed farmed cotton and ran cattle. Ty’s father Bruce started farming with Travis in 1991, and Ty came on board Turnipseed Family Farms in 2017. The operation is in Hockley County about 12 miles southeast of Levelland.

Besides being fans, an interesting family tie to Texas Tech football dates back to Eads.

“My great granddad was part of the Hockley County Sheriff ’s Posse, a recreational club based in Levelland,” Ty says. “He was on the committee that helped establish the Masked Rider as the primary mascot for Texas Tech University. My great granddad provided the saddle that the Masked Rider used when he led the team onto the field in the 1954 Gator Bowl. And we still have that saddle.”

The Turnipseed family also still farms cotton.

Ty Turnipseed, who farms cotton in West Texas, was impressed by the high yield and high quality potential he saw last year in DP 1646 B2XF.

14

COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

COTTONFARMING.COM

Early Season Weather In 2017, Ty planted a 76-acre pivot-irrigated field to DP 1646 B2XF on 40-inch circle rows. He used Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) systems on the pivots for water efficiency.

“Following a 2-inch rain, we were hitting moisture when planting, and the field looked good,” he says.

“Unfortunately, the ground was so dry it quickly soaked up the rain. And then a hot, dry wind blew in, so we fired up the pivot right behind the planter.

"Because of the harsh weather, the DP 1646 B2XF was a little late coming up. But once it emerged and started growing, I could see the good potential it was going to have. I managed the DP 1646 B2XF with 26 ounces of plant growth regulator, which encouraged it to put on more fruiting positions.

“In 2017, Mother Nature threw everything she had at us. Hot, dry weather and three days of sand storms in June, followed by three or four days of hard rain and some hail on the July 4 holiday. The wind was blowing about 70 mph while it was raining, which is just about as bad as hail hitting the cotton.”

Yield And Quality Potential Tough conditions continued in August when a hail storm hit the field of DP 1646 B2XF. One half of the circle was almost hailed out while the other half escaped major damage.

Cool, wet and cloudy conditions continued throughout the month across West Texas, which reduced the amount of heat units available to the crop.

Despite the less-than-optimal weather over which he had no control, Ty was still able to assess the yield and quality potential of DP 1646 B2XF. “High yields and high quality are important to me in a variety,” he says. “Although I couldn’t stop a hail storm in August, I could still see DP 1646 B2XF’s potential. The half of the circle that didn’t get hail made more than 2 bales per acre. The half that got hail made just below a bale.

“Considering the adverse weather the field experienced, I was pleased with the yield. If we have better

TY TURNIPSEED Arnett, Texas

Twitter: @CottonFarming

DP 1646 B2XF

Four generations gather in front of the cotton stripper during the 2017 harvest.

From left, Bruce, Travis, Ty and Kye Turnipseed.

Unusual Defoliation Timing As the season wound down, Ty says the game plan for defoliation timing was affected. He typically makes his first application when the cotton is 60 to 80 percent open. However, in 2017, when he cut into the top boll at 20 percent open, it was ready.

“We don’t usually defoliate when the crop is green, lush and only 20 percent open, but it was getting late, and we didn’t want a freeze to sneak up on us,” Ty says. “We sprayed 32 ounces of Prep and 8 ounces of Ginstar and got good results as far as boll opening and leaf drop. We came back with a shot of paraquat and starting stripping several days later.”

“These varieties are all strong cotton with good vigor,” he says. “Strong cotton has to stand up to West Texas weather, and DP 1646 B2XF has the potential to do that 100 percent. It’s bred to make cotton.

“This year, my operation will be planted to mostly Deltapine varieties — DP 1646 B2XF, DP 1845 B3XF and DP 1820 B3XF. Monsanto and Deltapine are keeping the technology up to date. We can control glyphosate-resistant pigweed with XtendiMax herbicide with VaporGrip Technology, and we haven’t sprayed for bollworms in years because of the Bollgard technology.”

Ty says growing cotton is in his blood as he recalls riding on an old 484 stripper as a child with his granddad and operating the dump lever.

“I put in a lot of late hours and long days during cotton planting and at harvest time,” he says. “But having the support of my wife Kristen, daughter Taryn and son Kye makes it all worth it.”

Up-To-Date Technology Ty also planted DP 1612 B2XF and DP 1522 B2XF last year and intends to increase his acres planted to DP 1646 B2XF in 2018.

Go to cottonfarming.com to view the special reports and My Strong Cotton videos to see how Deltapine varieties are providing strong solutions to cotton farmers.

growing conditions this year, I think DP 1646 B2XF will be a high-yielder.

“DP 1646 B2XF also has a good fiber package. Staple length, uniformity and color were good. We did have low mic, which was prevalent across West Texas last year because of the cool, wet August.”

• Bollgard II XtendFlex variety • Broadly adapted with high yield potential • Outstanding fiber properties

DP 1612 B2XF

• Bollgard II XtendFlex variety • Early maturity • Excellent fiber quality and seedling vigor

DP 1522 B2XF

• Bollgard II XtendFlex variety • Early maturity and widely adapted • Good fiber quality potential

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Products Use Notice for “This Is My Field” Advertisement for Roundup Ready ® Xtend Crop System and “Xtend Your Weed Control” Advertisement for XtendiMax ® herbicide

Texas Leaders Beef Up Cotton Policy At National Level

with VaporGrip ® Technology XtendiMax ® herbicide with VaporGrip ® Technology is part of the Roundup Ready ® Xtend Crop System and is a restricted use pesticide for retail sale to and use only

by Certified Applicators or persons under their direct supervision.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR

USE

ON

PESTICIDE

LABELING.

It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its labeling. XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology may not be approved in all states and may be subject to use restrictions in some states.

Check with your local Monsanto dealer or representative or U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency for the product registration status and additional restrictions in your state. For approved tank-mix

products

and

nozzles

visit

XtendiMaxApplicationRequirements.com.

NOT

ALL

formulations

of

dicamba

or

glyphosate are approved for in-crop use with cotton with XtendFlex® Technology.

ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USES AND APPROVED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. Cotton

with

technology

XtendFlex ®

contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate,

dicamba

and

glufosinate.

Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Glufosinate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glufosinate.

Contact your Monsanto dealer or refer to Monsanto’s Technology Use Guide for recommended weed control programs.

Individual

results

may

vary,

and

performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.

Always

read

and

follow

IRM,

where

applicable, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Bollgard II®, Roundup Ready ®, VaporGrip®, are

XtendFlex®

registered

and

trademarks

XtendiMax®

of

Monsanto

Technology LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Monsanto Company. All Rights Reserved.

MDIC-17064 CF-LC-FEB

16

T

he right to repair equipment, the Farm Bill and general farm policy were among policy resolutions discussed and approved by farmers and ranchers from across the nation during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 99th Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

Texas cotton farmers have support from the national Farm Bureau organization to include cottonseed and/or cotton lint as a Title I commodity in the 2018 Farm Bill. The designation makes the commodity eligible for the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage farm programs.

“We submitted national policy language that calls for the inclusion of cotton as a Title I commodity in the 2018 Farm Bill so cotton farmers have the same risk management tools as other covered commodities,” says Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening. “Cotton is a major crop in Texas, and this is an important policy goal for our organization.”

COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

Dairy Policy Delegates supported policy that gives farmers an option to select either a program through the Farm Bill that provides protection against a decline in milk price or a decline in milk margin.

It increases the margin level from $4 to $5 and maintains the ability to buy up to $8 margin coverage.

The policy also supported increasing coverage from 4 million pounds of milk to 5 million pounds of milk for all dairy farmers.

“The Dairy Margin Protection Program isn’t working, and we think this is a better solution,” Boening says.

Equipment Repair Texas delegates led the effort to firmly establish that farmers and ranchers have the right to repair their equipment. The overwhelming vote also supported an exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for the repair of agricultural vehicles.

“Farmers and ranchers can run into increased costs and time lost while waiting for an equipment dealer to

diagnose and fix a problem,” Boening says.

The policy supports allowing owners and independent repair facilities to have access to the same agricultural equipment diagnostic and repair information made available to the manufacturers, dealers and authorized repair facilities.

Other Topics Addressed Delegates also adopted a policy supporting the use of insulated wire in equipment or autos that is repellent to pests, such as rodents and fire ants. In addition, delegates adopted policy submitted by TFB that opposes monopolistic non-compete clauses among farm equipment dealers.

Commercial farming and ranching practices are often targeted by non-agricultural groups. National delegates voted to oppose any program guidelines set to further those entities’ agendas.

Farms and ranches in Texas and across the nation face labor shortages. Delegates supported changes to policy to reduce the H-2A waiting period because of lack of local labor interested and to eliminate the newspaper advertising requirement. This stipulation has yielded few job placements, proving to be an expensive and inefficient process.

AFBF delegates supported the negotiation and implementation of a revised Softwood Lumber Agreement to protect U.S. timber producers from Canadian imports subsidized by their government.

Positive Outlook Boening says the mood, despite the poor farm economy, is positive for agriculture.

“We had a lot of consensus on many issues,” he says. “The farm economy isn’t the best, but our outlook is positive. Our willingness to work together across the country will only help us as we look to another Farm Bill and face regulatory issues this year.”

The Texas Farm Bureau contributed this article.

COTTONFARMING.COM

Industry News CropMetrics 2018 Inaugural Precision Irrigation Summit CropMetrics is a precision agriculture company specializing in precision irrigation management. The company is hosting a free Irrigation Summit, Feb. 14, at the Clarksdale Country Club, 905 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, Mississippi.

The summit begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at noon. Industry leaders will discuss the “why” and “how” of precision irrigation and offer tips to maximize profit with the technology. Farmers, educators, retailers and anyone who cares about the future of agriculture and water is invited to attend.

To register, please visit cropmetrics. com/2018-irrigation-summit/

Global Retailer Joins Cotton LEADS Program L.L. Bean, the Freeport, Mainebased retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, has confirmed its commitment to sourcing responsible cotton by joining the Cotton LEADS pro-

gram. The global retailer joins more than 470 program partners that support the ongoing sustainable gains by United States and Australian cotton growers.

Tom Armstrong, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for L.L. Bean, says, “For more than 105 years, we’ve helped folks enjoy the outdoors with thoughtfully made gear and apparel. To us, that means being thoughtful about the outdoors as well, which is why we partnered with the Cotton LEADS program. It is helping to ensure that the cotton we use is as responsibly produced as possible, with less water and fewer chemicals. Working with them is just one element of L.L. Bean’s overall and ongoing mission of sustainability.”

Mark Messura, senior vice president global supply chain marketing at Cotton Incorporated (a Cotton LEADS program founding organization), says, “Our Cotton LEADS partners recognize the investments in responsible production Australian and U.S. growers are making, along with their commitment to supporting improvements in cotton globally.

“These efforts come from the cotton producers themselves and impose no downstream costs on the supply chain.”

John Deere Harvesting Equipment Receives Award The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers have honored John Deere grain and cotton harvesting equipment with the 2018 AE50 Award.

It highlights the year’s most innovative product-engineering designs in the food and agriculture industry, as chosen by a panel of international engineering experts.

The CP690 Cotton Picker and CS690 Cotton Stripper were recognized for innovations in precision cotton-harvesting technologies that include moisture sensing, round module weighing, Harvest Identification, Cotton Pro and John Deere Operations Center Field Analyzer.

“This is the first time onboard moisture-sensing and round Continued on page 19

Getting Back To The Basics: Conventional Cotton Seed

• Plant Early • Yield More • Make More $ Seed Source Genetics offers high yielding, CONVENTIONAL cold tolerant cottonseed at a low cost to producers in the Mid-South, Southeast and Texas. Our goal is to make cotton farming profitable again.

New for 2018

UA114 UA107

2018 growing season: Varieties available from Seed Source Genetics for the 201 UA114* • UA107* • UA103 • UA222 • HQ 210 CT • HQ 212 CT For more information contact:

SEED SOURCE GENETICS, INC.

Edward Jungmann • 5159 FM 3354 • Bishop, TX 78343 Office: 361-584-3540 Cell: 361-548-7560 Fax: 361-584-4472 eejungmann@gmail.com www.seedsourcegenetics.com Twitter: @CottonFarming

Currently Booking All Varieties * New variety

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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CF0218 Layout_CF 11/13 template 1/18/18 10:15 AM Page 19

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It takes an inner strength to make it through the season.

Get a strong start with Stoneville . ®

A great cotton n sseason calls for strength in n yyou and your crop. It’s alwayss b been that way for growers who know the i cotttt A d when wh you plant l t Sto Stoneville ill ®, our science i e keeps k li i early-season l i ,w hi h lleads d artt of g growing tton.. And sd delivering vigor, which to in-season stren ngth and high yield potential at a harvest. So combine our sc cience with your art and get a strong start with Stoneville. Le earn more at Stoneville.com

Stoneville. Our Ou ur Science fo forr Yo Your our Art.

©2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Trianglle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow la label bel instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, COPeO, COP PeO, Stoneville and Stoneville Design are regist registered tered trademarks off Bayer. For additional product prod duct information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAY 1-866-99-BAYER AYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.Stoneville.com ww ww.Stoneville.com CR0817STONEVA274V00R0 CR0817STONEVA VA274V00R R0 A-29356-2

Industry News Continued from page 17

module weighing technologies are factory integrated into a cotton harvester to provide real-time data that corresponds to cotton quality,” says Matt Badding, John Deere marketing manager for harvesting equipment.

“These features help cotton producers preserve lint and seed quality while optimizing the overall production system to maximize yields and profits.”

For more information, visit John Deere at www.JohnDeere.com.

Five New Bayer Varieties Feature High Yields Yield rules the day, and gin turnout adds to the power of five new Bayer varieties available in limited quantities for 2018 planting, according to a recent press release.

“Choosing the right variety for the right field to harvest the right yield is paramount to successfully managing a cotton crop,” says Jason Wistehuff, Bayer product manager for FiberMax and Stoneville cotton.

Here are the new 2018 FiberMax varieties.

• FM 2498GLT. Growers who want excellent yield potential with medium maturity can look to FM 2498GLT. This semi-smooth variety offers bacterial blight resistance and very good fiber quality potential. FM 2498GLT is adapted to the High Plains, Rolling Plains, Oklahoma, South Texas and East Texas.

• FM 2574GLT. Dryland production on the Rolling Plains feels like home for FM 2574GLT. With outstanding fiber potential and excellent yield potential, growers also can count on this variety for bacterial blight resistance and very good Verticillium wilt tolerance. This smooth-leaf variety also offers high gin turnout.

Here are the new 2018 Stoneville varieties.

• ST 5471GLTP. Growers from South Texas to Virginia can find outstanding yield potential and exceptional quality in ST 5471GLTP. With the three-gene protection of TwinLink Plus, the crop is less likely to need a worm treatment. Resistance to bacterial blight and very good tolerance to Verticillium wilt ensures this smoothleaf variety starts strong and stays strong all season. ST 5471GLTP is broadly adapted for the Mid-Atlantic,

Southeast, Delta and South Texas.

• ST 5818GLT. Dryland growers can look to ST 5818GLT for the high performance they need. With excellent yield potential and exceptional quality, this smooth-leaf variety offers early season vigor and maintains stable performance in a mid- to fullmaturity environment. ST 5818GLT is adapted to the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Delta and South Texas.

• ST 5122GLT. With a quick jump out of the ground, ST 5122GLT delivers outstanding yield potential and fiber quality. This smooth-leaf variety fits the early to mid-maturity spot on the farm and offers very good tolerance to Verticillium wilt. ST 5122GLT is widely adapted to the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Delta, East Texas and Northern Rolling Plains.

Farmers can learn more about these varieties by contacting a member of their Bayer team or by visiting FiberMax.com and Stoneville.com.

Each of the five varieties offers the proven, flexible weed management from FiberMax and Stoneville cotton: LibertyLink and GlyTol. For protection from worms,

TwinLink and TwinLink Plus traits provide Bt protection against major lepidopteran pests, such as tobacco budworm, cotton bollworm, pink bollworm and beet armyworm. TwinLink offers two-gene protection. TwinLink Plus provides three-gene protection.

2017 Cotton Genetics Research Award Announced Dr. B. Todd Campbell, a research geneticist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service’s Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center in Florence, South Carolina, received the 2017 Cotton Genetics Research Award.

The announcement was made during the 2018 Beltwide Cotton Improvement Conference, which convened as part of the National Cotton Council-coordinated 2018 Beltwide Cotton Conferences. In recognition, Campbell received a plaque and a monetary award.

Campbell, whose cotton breeding efforts have focused on cotton genetic Continued on page 21

Get a strong start and high yield potential with these Stoneville varieties. ®

ST 5020GLT ST 5517GLTP ST 4949GLT

Talk with your Bayer sales representative or agronomist to learn more about these varieties, or visit Stoneville.com Stoneville . Our Science for Your Art. ®

©2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Stoneville and Stoneville Design are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.Stoneville.com CR0917STONEVA283V00R0 A-29353-2

Twitter: @CottonFarming

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

INITIAL MECHANICAL

19

SPECIAL REPORT Don Shurley, University of Georgia

New Year Cotton Policy Update ‘It is vital that generic base (former/previous cotton base) now or in the new Farm Bill be converted into something of value for the cotton grower.’

U

nder the 2014 Farm Bill (2014-2018 crop years), cotton is not a “covered commodity” and thus not eligible for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. Here are several changes made to cotton in the 2014 Farm Bill.  Cotton is not a covered commodity and not eligible for ARC/PLC.  Cotton base could not be updated or reallocated.  Cotton base became Generic Base.  On a farm Farm Serial Number (FSN) with generic base, acres planted to other crops (covered commodities) up to but not exceeding the amount of generic base, are considered temporary base of that commodity and eligible for ARC/PLC.  Cotton’s new “safety net” is the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX).  Loan rate is the average adjusted world price (AWP) for the most recently completed two crop years but cannot be less than 45 cents per pound or more than 52 cents.

These changes have put cotton at a risk management and sometimes net returns (on generic base) disadvantage to other crops. STAX has not been as well accepted by growers as industry leadership would have liked.

For the past several years, cotton industry leadership has sought ways to improve cotton’s safety net.

This effort has largely focused on cottonseed and making cottonseed an “other oilseed” under Title I and thus eligible for PLC under the current Farm Bill. You will recall the request to former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for such a designation being denied. Despite that, industry and legislative efforts continued to pursue the cottonseed option.

CGCS Payment Not specifically related to the Farm Bill, but also in an effort to provide

20

COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

What The Proposed ‘Seed Cotton’ Policy Would Accomplish  Establish “seed cotton” as a covered commodity under Title I of the 2014 Farm Bill and eligible for ARC/PLC.  The program would be effective with the 2018 crop.  The proposed Reference Price is 36.7 cents per lb. This is a weighted average price for both lint and seed.  Generic Base on a farm would no longer exist. Instead, the landowner would have several options to convert Generic Base to seed cotton base and/or bases of seed cotton and other covered commodities.  Landowners would also have the option to retain the farm’s current cotton Counter-Cyclical Payment (CCP) yield or update this yield to be used to establish the Seed Cotton (SC) Payment Yield.  The seed cotton yield would be determined based on a conversion factor for pounds of seed cotton per pound of lint yield.

Consistent with how PLC works for other covered commodities, a seed cotton PLC Payment would be made if the MYA (market year average) price for seed cotton is less

assistance, the Cotton Ginning Cost Share Program (CGCS) provided a one-time payment in 2016 based on 2015 acres planted. That payment was $47.44 per acre planted for Southeast producers and subject to a $40,000 limit per person or legal entity.

This was seen as a way Secretary Vilsack could provide support without opening up the Farm Bill and needing legislative approval.

Both the cottonseed PLC option and the CGCS Program have always been seen as a bridge — tools to provide financial support for cotton producers until a new Farm Bill begins with the 2019 crop year. With the Farm Bill development now underway, discussions have become more

than the Reference Price. The proposed SC (seed cotton) reference price is 36.7 cents per pound. The MYA price would also be a weighted average of the lint price and seed price. Any payment would be made on 85 percent of seed cotton base acres.

The specifics of how these various technical components of a seed cotton program would work have not been publically released. Further, any such provisions are still subject to change. Here are the important general points for producers:  This is an effort to address cotton’s safety net and get cotton back in Title I.  To do this, Generic Base (former/old cotton base on a farm that was frozen in the 2014 Farm Bill) will be converted to seed cotton base. Landowners will have some options on how to do this based on the history of acres planted for covered commodities and cotton.  The SC (seed cotton) Payment Yield can be updated from the farms current CCP yield.

This, too, will be based on yield history.  If approved, this would become effective for the 2018 crop. focused on the longer-term objectives for cotton’s safety net.

‘Seed Cotton’ Designation It has always been the policy goal to get some form of cotton itself (the lint) back into Title I as this clearly offers a more meaningful and efficient level of income support. The policy option has now turned to seed cotton — not cottonseed but seed cotton — a combination of both lint and seed. “Seed cotton” refers to unginned cotton (cotton harvested and in the module but not yet ginned and is a combination of lint and seed).

The opportunity to do this presents itself by hopefully being able to Continued on page 25 COTTONFARMING.COM

Industry News Continued from page 19

resources, climate resiliency, and germplasm enhancement, led the development and release of 10 high quality cotton germplasm lines, four randomly mated cotton populations, and 16 cotton germplasm lines.

One of his nominators, Dr. Jack McCarty, a research agronomist at the Southeast Area, Crop Science Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University, says Campbell has produced high-quality cotton germplasm. Evaluation of his lines under drought conditions on his research plots are invaluable to the development of improved cotton germplasm with genetic diversity for stress.

Another nominator, Dr. David Stelly, a professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Soil & Crop Sciences, says Campbell continues to make unique and significant contributions to cotton breeding and genetics through his research. His programs encompass a wide range of conventional, non-conventional, technological and biotechnological approaches to cotton genetic research and improvements.

The Cotton Genetics Research Award was established in 1961 by U.S. commercial cotton breeders to recognize and encourage basic research in cotton genetics, cytogenetics and breeding. It is administered by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee composed of representatives of the NCC, USDA, state experiment stations, Cotton Incorporated and commercial breeders.

Seed Treatment Offered To Guard Cottonseed Investment PhytoGen TRiO seed treatment, the latest innovation from PhytoGen, is new for the 2018 planting season.

Featuring industry-leading active ingredients, it protects against early season diseases, insects and nematodes, helping cotton to thrive all season long, according to a recent press release.

“PhytoGen TRiO seed treatment enables us to deliver the best and most advanced seed-applied technologies,” says Hank King, U.S. leader for PhytoGen. “This unique collection of chemistries will enhance our strong genetic and trait offerings, helping to protect our customers’ cottonseed investment.”

Twitter: @CottonFarming

Available on PhytoGen brand varieties, PhytoGen TRiO seed treatment helps cotton thrive. This is what it features.

• Fungicides — Superior fungicide protection against Pythium, fusarium, black root rot and rhizoctonia.

• Insecticides — Broad-spectrum insect control of thrips and aphids.

• Nematicide — Multiple modes of action against root-knot nematode and reniform nematode.

PhytoGen TRiO also contains a biological protein that helps cotton establish a stronger root system for improved plant health that protects the plant and increases biomass.

PhytoGen TRiO seed treatment is also the new platform the company will use to deliver the most effective combination of seed treatments. It will be applied during the manufacturing process and will undergo rigorous quality control standards.

“By streamlining our seed-applied offering, we’re able to ensure it meets our high standards for PhytoGen cottonseed. We will also service and support TRiO just like anything else in our portfolio,” King says. “TRiO complements our PhytoGen Breeding Traits platform and has the ability to provide the enhanced early season protection growers need to safeguard their seed investment.”

Americot Adds Seven New Team Members In Key Geographies Americot Inc., a leading supplier of premium cottonseed, has added seven new team members to its family: Karen Geldmacher, Southwest Region; Bryan Peyton, Midsouth Region; Scott Russell, Southeast Region; Mike Wood, Southeast Region; Jerrid Small, Louisiana; Cody Jones, High Plains Region; and Shane Osborne, High Plains Region.

“Due to our tremendous growth and customer demand in the last year, we continue to add highly talented agriculture professionals to our team,” says Chiree Fields, Americot general manager.

“I am extremely pleased they have all joined Americot and feel very fortunate we’re able to welcome them into the Americot family.”

For more information on Americot and NexGen brand cotton products, call 888-678-SEED (7333) or visit www.americot.com.

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities: Notice to Growers

The Value of Biotech Crops: $150 Billion in Two Decades Through stewardship, we can reap those benefits for decades to come.

Before opening a bag of seed, be sure to read, understand and accept the stewardship requirements, including applicable refuge requirements for Insect Resistance Management (IRM), for the biotechnology traits expressed in the seed as set forth in the Bayer Grower Technology Agreement (BGTA) that you sign. By opening and using a bag of seed, you are reaffirming your obligation to comply with the most recent stewardship and regulatory requirements.

Bayer is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship ® (ETS).

Bayer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance and in compliance with the Bayer Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops.

Information regarding the regulatory status of this cottonseed can be obtained at www.biotradestatus.com.See TwinLinkPlus.us or TwinLinkPlus.us/IRM for planting restrictions and IRM recommendations.

Individual results may vary based on local growing conditions and pest pressure. Monitor TwinLink®, TwinLink Plus and refuge cotton routinely, and contact a Bayer seed dealer or Bayer at 1-877-365-4287 if problems are observed.

©2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Stoneville, Stoneville Design and TwinLink are registered trademarks of Bayer. Excellence Through Stewardship is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.

For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us SE1117MULTIPB103S00R0 B-29557-1

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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Specialists Speaking Pre-Season Decisions CALIFORNIA Bob Hutmacher The remaining winter and early spring months may bring some rain or snow, but weather patterns in late 2017 and early 2018 look like a dry prelude to the 2018 planting season. So far this winter, central California has had relatively normal temperatures but extraordinarily dry conditions.

Uncertain rainfall and snow forecasts raise concerns about irrigation water supplies, and producers soon will be assessing their strategies for pre-plant and early season irrigations.

Hopefully, weather patterns will shift and provide rain and snow soon.

Decisions regarding variety choice, need for in-furrow treatments, and fertilizer and soil amendments to build or at least maintain adequate soil structure and fertility are right around the corner. It is true that a lot of our cotton production problems and costs experienced in 2017 cotton were related to persistent high populations of lygus and aphids. But when you are trying for high yields, other production inputs such as nutrient availability or soil conditions such as unrelieved compaction can also limit yield potential.

There may be a tendency to cut back on soil fertility evaluations and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer applications due to cost constraints. However, particularly in situations where you are trying for consistent high to very high yields, periodic soil sampling may be appropriate to point out yield-limiting P and K deficiencies with both Pima and Acala cotton.

While the difficulties of the 2017 production season are still on your mind, think about which fields had the most severe growth and yield problems.

And not just last year, but look at other recent higher-yield years as well. Use that information to help decide on nutrient and input management changes, or where alternative varieties with better vigor or conversely, more manageable vegetative growth, would best fit your operation.

Basic yield results from the University of California variety trials will be summarized by early February and will be available on the UC cotton website at http://cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu. Later in February, HVI fiber quality data tables will also be posted on this same website.

Look at variety performance across an array of conditions represented in the University of California variety trials as well as seed company trials to give you a better handle on what to expect in Pima, Acala and non-Acala California Upland plantings. rbhutmacher@ucdavis.edu

ARIZONA Randy Norton The winter months provide an opportunity to review the decisions that went into producing the 2017 cotton crop. There are many aspects of a successful season that need to be considered to make improvements from year to year. For example, these advances include new biotech traits and harvesting technologies. Precision agricultural equipment and techniques should be evaluated for the most efficient integration into a farming operation.

A specific example on which we have done considerable research over the past several years is the control and management of cotton

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COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 2018

root rot (Phymatotrichopsis omnivora). This pest has caused millions of dollars in crop loss for many years. Until recently, no effective management options have been available.

The fungicide flutriafol, sold as Topguard Terra, has proven to be effective in managing cotton root rot in our desert cotton production systems. Due to the geographically defined nature of the cotton root rot pest, precision management through site-specific application of the fungicide has proven to be effective and efficient. By reviewing and delineating areas in a field that were affected by cotton root rot in 2017, you can make plans for applying the fungicide in 2018 to areas where the disease is present.

The integrated use of technology with traditional chemical control for the effective management of cotton pests will help our production systems remain sustainable and economically viable. rnorton@cals.arizona.edu

TEXAS Seth Byrd The 2017 crop harvest is nearing the finish line as I write this in mid-January, and it’s apparent that cotton producers on the Texas High Plains will top the 5 million bale mark for the second year in a row. It remains to be seen how high the final number climbs, but reports have already circulated that the region will see another acreage increase in 2018 on the heels of two very solid years.

Although yield numbers were favorable in both 2016 and 2017, these were two very different years in regard to environmental conditions and the resulting fiber quality of the two crops. One of the main stories coming out of 2017 was the impact of what was a more typical seasonal temperature pattern in the region. Rainfall totals, specifically in July, August and September, were much higher than normal. They certainly played a role in the challenges faced by some farmers at the end of the season, particularly in the northern half of the region.

Methods to manage maturity, specifically nitrogen and irrigation, will be one of the topics covered in the winter production meetings.

On-farm variety trials results or RACE trials will be another topic of discussion. Results of these trials for the Southern and Northern High Plains, as well as all other regions of the state, are available at cotton. tamu.edu. When reviewing the 2017 variety trial results, note there are several high-yielding varieties available under a wide array of packages that include herbicide and Bt traits.

Be sure to check in with your county Extension office for a schedule of the upcoming production meetings. seth.byrd@ag.tamu.edu

TEXAS Gaylon Morgan Texas farmers are optimistic about planting cotton in the South, East and Rolling Plains this year. Current cotton prices will hold or bump up cotton production in all the regions of the state. However, continued dry conditions and predicted below-normal early season precipitation may affect whether this happens. If the precipitation prediction becomes reality, any conservation practices that preserve planting moisture will be key to establishing a uniform cotton stand.

Continued on page 24 COTTONFARMING.COM

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Specialists Speaking Continued from page 22

Above-normal temperatures are also predicted for spring and summer so pushing for early planting may be more beneficial in 2018 than during other years. However, seed quality becomes an important factor with early planting and high seed costs. Growers can and should obtain seed quality information (cool:warm vigor index) for each lot of seed they purchase. Knowing seed quality and seed size gives growers a better idea on how early they can push the planting window and their flexibility to chase moisture with planting depth.

In most of Texas, we are expected to have another big increase in the adoption of XtendFlex and Enlist varieties. XtendFlex varieties are available in numerous seed brands, and I encourage growers to look at the cotton variety results (Cotton.tamu.edu) to identify the best varieties with the XtendFlex traits.

Additionally, anyone planting XtendFlex technology who plans to apply the labeled dicamba products must participate in a one-hour mandatory auxin training. This is offered through AgriLife Extension, Monsanto or BASF. An updated list of training locations can be found at https://agrilife.org/aes/auxin-training/.

We will likely see a big Enlist acreage increase in South Texas where PhytoGen Enlist varieties performed well in the 2018 RACE trials and Monster trials. Although the latest auxin traits have a fit for much of Texas, the GlyTol LibertyLink and even the Roundup Ready Flex varieties are still viable and economical options for growers. gdmorgan@tamu.edu

ARKANSAS Bill Robertson Planting decisions for the 2018 season are taking shape. Cash margin information developed by our economists is very tight and has little room for mistakes. We must be smart to get the most out of our production practices. We need to watch costs, yet provide the necessary inputs to protect yield potential.

Variety selection for yield and quality is an important first step in establishing our yield potential. There are a number of tools available to assist in selecting new varieties.

The primary source is the University Variety Testing Program. Results from the Arkansas trials conducted by Dr. Fred Bourland may be found at http://arkansasvarietytesting.com/home/cotton/. County demonstrations are another good source of information and are included with this data set. It also is appropriate to evaluate variety performance trials from neighboring states in the Mid-South.

Other practices to protect yield potential include matching nutrient applications to crop requirements, applying all integrated pest management tools, and making use of tools like Pipe Planner that can represent real cost savings.

Contact your county Extension agent for information or to get assistance in improving efficiency and profitability. brobertson@uaex.edu

MISSOURI Mike Milam The Missouri cotton harvest and ginning season is officially over. The Dec. 14 Cotton and Wool Outlook projects the state’s yield at 1,172 pounds per acre.

One of our biggest goals this season is to reduce complaints of off-target synthetic auxins. To reduce complaints, we have new 24(c) labels with a cut-off of June 1 in the Bootheel counties. The Missouri Department of Agriculture requires certified applicators to complete online or in-person training before buying or using dicamba.

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University of Missouri Extension is the sole authorized training source. Only certified applicators may purchase or apply dicamba.

Visit agriculture.mo.gov/dicamba to learn more about Missouri’s requirements. The cost is $30 for either online or in-person training.

For more information, go to extension2.missouri.edu/synthetic-auxin-herbicide-applicator-training-program.

There will be a Missouri Pesticide Collection Event at the Fisher Delta Research Center on Saturday, March 10, 8 a.m. until noon. For questions, call 573-751-0616 or visit dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/pesticide. milammr@missouri.edu

LOUISIANA Dan Fromme The 2018 Louisiana Agricultural Technology and Management Conference will be held on Feb. 14-16 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.

The annual event is sponsored by the Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association. Each year, current relavant cotton production issues are discussed in detail by the presenters.

On Feb. 14, the conference begins with a morning session on soil fertility issues and soil health. In the afternoon, Bt resistance issues in field crops will be one of the key presentations of interest to the cotton industry. On Feb. 15, a half-day session will include topics such as target spot mangement, nitrogen management, and performance and potential value of the new Bt thrips and plant bug traits. Farm policies affecting cotton and cotton technical updates by industry also will be discussed. In addition, breakout sessions pertaining to rice, sugarcane and soybeans are scheduled during the three-day conference. This well-planned and coordinated meeting is a key event for professionals involved in the cotton industry throughout Louisiana and the Mid-South. If you have never attended, make plans to be there this year.

Go to www.laca1.org for registration and lodging information. dfromme@agcenter.lsu.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper Selecting varieties is becoming more complicated.

While I gladly welcome the high-yielding, excellent fiber quality varieties introduced into our market over the past few years, I envy the simplicity of selection decisions producers made 30 years ago.

Things were relatively easy then. Seed cotton yield, turnout, fiber quality, maturity, cost and a few other minor factors drove decisions. Today, in addition to those, we have to weigh herbicide trait and the sociopolitical baggage with which that factor brings, insecticide trait and tolerance to bacterial blight.

We also must consider tolerance to Verticillium wilt, nematode resistance, ever-changing financing/rebate programs, customer support and local relationships with retail/sales.

The breadth and magnitude of these factors can be overwhelming, but there is good news. It is becoming more difficult to make bad decisions. Each year I conduct large- and small-plot variety evaluations.

I am both shocked and impressed at the ability of all tested cultivars to perform at a very high level. To be clear, there are always differences. Some varieties mature earlier and produce slightly more seed cotton than others tested. Some are associated with lower micronaire or longer staple, are more tolerant to disease, or are better adapted to a certain landscape or management regime than others.

Don’t misunderstand. All factors should be weighed for each farm Continued on page 26 COTTONFARMING.COM

Continued from page 20

temporarily address cotton’s issues within another piece of legislation without opening up the Farm Bill quite yet — again, trying to provide support as a bridge to a new Farm Bill beginning in 2019.

On Dec. 21, 2017, the House passed a supplemental disaster funding bill, which included an agriculture component to assist producers hit by last year’s hurricanes and wildfires. The bill also included language to address the safety net for both cotton and dairy.

Senate Approval Needed The supplemental disaster funding bill must still be approved by the Senate. This is a wide-sweeping piece of legislation with a big price tag.

Changes are likely. Any differences between the House version and Senate version must then be worked out before the bill can become law.

The most recent previous action by the Senate was last summer with the inclusion of support for cotton and dairy in the Agriculture Appropriations package approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Those provisions for both cotton and dairy have a different structure than the supplemental disaster bill approved last month by the House. For cotton, cottonseed is established as a covered commodity eligible for ARC/PLC with a reference price of $300 per ton.

The Senate is expected to take up the bill early this year. Depending on final passage and when that occurs and assuming the seed cotton proposal survives, producers and landowners may have a tight window for making decisions.

Converting Generic Base Generic base has become an important income and management tool on Georgia farms — especially on farms that also grow peanuts. Over half of all peanut acres planted in Georgia are assigned to generic base and earn temporary base in addition to any permanent peanut base the farm may have. The decision on alternatives for converting generic base to seed cotton base will be crucial and depend on expected payments for seed cotton, peanuts and other covered commodities.

Regardless of what happens with cotton policy, generic base as we now know it will likely cease to exist in Twitter: @CottonFarming

the next Farm Bill. Therefore, it is vital that generic base (which is former/previous cotton base) now or in the new Farm Bill be converted into something of value for the cotton grower.

If approved for 2018, it is hoped that the seed cotton program will be continued into the new Farm Bill effective in 2019. In addition to the seed cotton program, the cotton industry is also hopeful that the CGCS Program for the 2015 crop will be extended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover the 2016 crop. If approved, it is

expected that payment will be roughly half of the 2015 amount.

Appreciation is expressed to the National Cotton Council and Southern Cotton Growers for helpful review and comment. Appreciation is also expressed to the Georgia Cotton Commission for funding support.

Don Shurley is professor emeritus of Cotton Economics, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, at the University of Georgia-Tifton campus.

He can be reached at (229) 386-3512 or via email at donshur@uga.edu.

THRIVING IN COTTON Jay Beaird farms with his grandfather Terry, father Faron, brother Terry Allen and brother-in-law Tyler Moore in West Tennessee. Jay and his father also have a custom harvesting business in Tennessee and South Texas. He says consistency is very important, and the PhytoGen varieties always deliver for him. Here Jay recounts his 2017 experience with PhytoGen® brand PHY 333 WRF, PHY 300 W3FE, PHY 330 W3FE and PHY 380 W3FE. Consistent, High Yields And Grades

W

“

hile custom harvesting in South Texas, I was intrigued by the yields and grades I saw on PhytoGen cotton down there. I decided if the PhytoGen varieties performed that well in such a hot, dry climate, they would be good varieties to plant on my farm in Tennessee.

“Most of our farm is dryland. In my experience, the PhytoGen varieties will make cotton in hot, dry or wet weather. One of the main things I like is the vigor. At planting last year, we had cold, wet conditions and had to replant some cotton. We didn’t have to replant any of the PhytoGen varieties. We have glyphosate-resistant pigweeds on our farm, and Enlist Duo herbicide did a good job of controlling them. And although we heard of bollworm pressure around us, we never saw any damage in our WideStrike 3 varieties. We didn’t spray any of our PhytoGen varieties for bollworms.

“Whether I plant a PhytoGen variety on irrigated ground or on an old goat hill, it is consistent. In 2017, my PhytoGen varieties averaged 2½ bales per acre and the grades were excellent. They went into the loan at 53 to 54 cents a pound whereas the other varieties went in at 49 to 50 cents. Three to four cents per pound difference may not sound like a lot, but when you have more than 3,000 acres and make 2½ bales per acre, that’s a lot of money.

“I am planting 100 percent PhytoGen this year. I know it will come up and make good yields and grades. The PhytoGen varieties have always been consistent for me.”

JAY BEAIRD

Cotton farmer Halls, Tennessee

PhytoGen and the PhytoGen Logo are trademarks of PhytoGen Seed Company, LLC. ®™Enlist, Enlist Duo, Enlist One, the Enlist Logo and WideStrike 3 are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. The Enlist™ weed control system is owned and developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC. Enlist Duo and Enlist One™ herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use in Enlist crops. Always read and follow label directions. PhytoGen Seed Company is a joint venture between Mycogen Corporation, an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences LLC, and the J.G. Boswell Company. ®

FEBRUARY 2018 COTTON FARMING

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Specialists Speaking Continued from page 24

if you intend to maximize returns, and the decision for each farm will be different. The point is there are no clear, absolute winners. No one variety or system should be grown everywhere because it is superior in every way. Each variety brings with it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses.

On Feb. 8, we will conduct our annual Cotton Focus event. This year, we will begin at 8 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Church St., in downtown Jackson. My colleagues and I will spend much of our time on the agenda defining these strengths and weaknesses in order to help you make well-informed variety selections. Additional topics covered include updates on insect control, weed control, target spot and bacterial blight. I hope you can join us.

For additional information on any of these topics or for a list of other events conducted by the row-crop Extension team, visit news. utcrops.com. traper@utk.edu

MISSISSIPPI Darrin Dodds February marks the beginning of the 2018 production season for many in Mississippi. Burndown applications will likely be one of the first priorities in the spring. Selecting the appropriate tankmix for burndown is similar to selecting a defoliation program — many farmers have a preferred mixture that has worked well for them.

Regardless of the products you choose to control winter vegetation, properly applying them is paramount to your success. Application volume (GPA), travel speed, tip selection, and adjuvant or additive selection are a few things to consider when making these applications. The overall goal is to maximize efficacy and minimize off-target movement.

It is pretty early in the season to start discussing off-target movement of pesticides. However, given the issues that occurred in 2017 with dicamba, off-target movement will likely be discussed until the 2018 crop has been harvested and well beyond. Nearly 80 percent of

the cotton planted in Mississippi in 2017 was dicamba tolerant. The percentage of Xtend cotton will likely remain high in 2018. A number of Enlist cotton varieties are also available, and cotton containing this technology will likely gain some level of market share in the MidSouth in 2018.

In addition, cotton — as well as many other crops and plant species — that is not tolerant to dicamba or 2,4-D will be out there.

Everyone knows the injury level these products can inflict when off-target movement occurs. All possible precautions must be taken to minimize off-target movement of these (and other) products in 2018. If this year is a repeat of 2017 with respect to off-target movement complaints, 2019 may find us with a smaller set of weedcontrol options. Have I mentioned off-target movement enough?

This is likely the first of many times you will hear this term in 2018. dmd76@pss.msstate.edu

FLORIDA David Wright Florida had an unusual cotton year in 2017 with the two previous winters being the warmest on record. This may have contributed to the whitefly and nematode problems encountered. Yields were about 200 pounds per acre off recent year records. With better prices for 2018 and two periods of freezing weather, growers are optimistic that the crop will be profitable once again and contribute rotation benefits to peanuts.

New cotton varieties offer high yield potential with traits to control nematodes as well as weeds with new chemistries. Acreage is expected to increase this year as the peanut market was oversupplied from last year’s production.

Cover crops should be managed to produce high amounts of residue and often require 30-40 pounds of nitrogen per acre for aggressive growth. Cover crops increase soil microbial populations as compared to winter fallow. This leads to be better nutrient recycling and soil structure for the following cotton crop. Cover crops can also help reduce nematode populations, which may result in higher cotton yields. wright@ufl.edu

Mississippi cotton specialist Darrin Dodds says nearly 80 percent of the cotton planted in in the state last year was dicamba tolerant. “The percentage of Xtend cotton will likely remain high this year,” he says. “A number of Enlist cotton varieties are also available, and cotton containing this technology will likely gain some level of market share in the Mid-South in 2018.”

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COTTONFARMING.COM COTTONFARMING.COM

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The Cotton Industry Mourns The Passing Of Dick Adams

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It is with great sadness that the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association announces the passing of long time Raisin City Co-op Gin Manager Richard (Dick) Adams Dec. 11, 2017, after a short illness.

Born on Sept. 4, 1932, Richard grew up in Porterville, California. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a tank commander.

Richard was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star of Valor. He was also past president of the Korean War Veterans Association and a vital hand in the memorial in Washington, D.C. As a Congressional delegate, he was instrumental in bringing home missing in action remains from North Korea.

In 1953, Richard met and married Mary Ann Gordon. The couple was married for 64 years.

He retired from Raisin City Co-op Gin after 40 years of service as the cotton gin manager.

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An Honorable, Distinguished Life Here are a few of Richard’s accomplishments: ■ Served as a director of the 25th Infantry Division.

■ VFW commander Caruthers Post #6745.

■ Director of the Korean War Veterans Association Inc. from 1994 to 2000.

■ Board member Caruthers Veterans Memorial Committee.

■ Past president Caruthers Chamber of Commerce.

■ Past president Caruthers Community Service District.

■ Past president Caruthers High School Boosters Club.

■ Director Caruthers Lions Club.

■ Director Ranchers Cotton Oil Co. ■ Director California Agriculture Museum.

■ Delegate to National Cotton Council of America.

■ Past president California Grower Owned Cotton Gin Association.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those left to cherish his memories including his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Thomas and wife Nan, and Richard; granddaughters, Kristen Newburry and husband Rusty, and Kari Adams; and 13 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Caruthers Chamber of Commerce Veterans Memorial Committee, P.O. Box 369, Caruthers, CA 93609; or Central Valley Honor Flight, 5260 N. Palm Ave. Ste. 122, Fresno, CA 93704.

This article first appeared in the January 2018 issue of The Cotton Chronicle — the newsletter of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association.

28 28 COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY 20182018 COTTON FARMING FEBRUARY

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My Turn Loyal To Cotton — Not Polyester

L

ike many, I am the expressed my frustration and disbelief to my brothproduct of a cotton er, he reluctantly said, “Just buy any cotton, it will farmer — a very suc- reduce the supply somewhere.”

During the early years with Shell, I found myself cessful cotton farmer. Successful, not wealthy. working primarily in the Lower Delta. Making new A dirt farmer, not a plant- acquaintances seemed to happen easily and very er. Our father, the son of a quickly with local growers being very receptive and embracing. The friendships and support of farmers sharecropper.

He told me at an early such as Wendell Johnson, the Carter Brothers, Ben age, “Whatever you do, don’t and Mike Lamensdorf, Crosby Simmons, Albert farm.” Upon our dad’s pass- Dornbusch, Billy Ragland and many others will ing during my junior year never be forgotten and I will remain forever grateful.

David Every offer of promotion, I declined and have of high school, I heeded Short his advice. My elder broth- no regrets. Working directly with growers, retailers, successful in their own ers, consultants and others is where I found right, were already engaged in farming. The young- fulfillment. Thirty-five years passed like a Jeff er of the two continues to farm while the eldest is Gordon lap at Bristol, without too many bumps the proprietor of Short Line Manufacturing and and scrapes. There are many memories and stories that could be related, and some that shouldn’t! inventor of the boll buggy Cotton-Vac. However, there is one Upon graduation from many readers can relate college with a degree in entomology, I chose “There were no known polyester to and appreciate.

The largest trade a career in ag consult- farmers I was aware of — none!” show of the year, The ing. The veteran consulMid-South Farm & Gin tants had the acreage wrapped up, and I didn’t feel it was ethical to call Show, takes center stage to most in the Mid-South.

When industry moved forward, as some would say, on their customers.

I transitioned into a cotton gin/country grain we were asked to suit up in “uniforms” for our tour elevator partnership with my elder brothers and of duty in the trade show booth.

One day, I received two very nice shirts in the a friend. Within this operation, there was an ag chemical depot operated by Valley Chemical Co., mail — my uniform. We were all going to be identithe primary supplier at the time. Within a few fiable. One huge problem — the uniforms were 100 months and after much consideration, I decided it percent POLYESTER!!! I protested. There were no known polyester farmers I was aware of — none! was time for a career change once again.

I relayed this novel information to management.

Walking through the chemical depot one day, I copied some names and addresses of manufactur- To my dismay, I was informed, “You will wear ers from the chemical packages and submitted 36 the polyester shirt.” Not wanting another career resumes. I wanted to be a chemical rep. After all, it change and not wanting my body to come into contact with 100 percent polyester, I found a 60/40 appeared they really didn’t do a damn thing, right?

Within a few days, I received four responses — blend shirt with a company logo in my closet. My Monsanto, Shell, Ciba-Geigy and DuPont. After deepest apologies to you growers, but it was the four years with Shell, DuPont acquired our assets, only solution at the time.

After those brisk 35 years, there are now two and I began the arduous task of deflecting the criticisms of working for a synthetic fiber manufactur- empty slots in my wallet where two company credit er. Thanks be to God when that business unit was cards use to reside. I will always be an advocate for cotton — preferably grown and sewn in the USA! divested!

When my employment began with Shell in 1982, – David Short I relocated from the Delta to Jackson, Mississippi.

Starkville, Mississippi I remember shopping for 100 percent USA cotton shortds1@gmail.com shirts in the local stores. None to be found! When I Cotton Farming’s back page is devoted to telling unusual “farm tales” or timely stories from across the Cotton Belt. Now it’s your turn. If you’ve got an interesting story to tell, send a short summary to csmith@onegrower.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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James Wray NEW PRODUCT EVALUATOR (NPE) SINCE 2016

Text your ZIP code to 844.846.2018 to get local variety recommendations.

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