Cotton Farming February 2019 by One Grower Publishing

Cotton Farming ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2019

www.cottonfarming.com

Cotton Board Producer Tour Continues To Flourish

■

LOUISIANA

STRONG

Layers Of Support Contribute To Success

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Vol. 63 No. 2

Cotton Farming PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2019

www.cottonfarming.com

F E AT U R E S

NPE HIGH YIELD WINNERS

COTTON AND TARIFFS

PROGRAM FLOURISHES

GINNING MARKETPLACE

During the New Product Evaluators Summit, awards were presented to the high yield winners for the Deltapine Class of 19 varieties.

Continued trade tension between the United States and China is affecting the global cotton and textile sectors.

The Cotton Board Producer Tour has given thousands of growers a firsthand opportunity to see their checkoff dollars at work.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY

The Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association shares tips for the safe use of powered tarp rollers to avoid “caught-in” accidents.

Louisiana Strong

Northeast Louisiana cotton farmer Thomas “Tap” Parker began his career in 1985 with an FHA loan and 300 acres of land he rented from his mother. Over the years, he has been fortunate to have access to people, products, organizations and programs that helped form and sustain a viable farming operation. Parker has grown cotton every year and hopes to continue doing so in the future.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

5 Editor’s Note 6 Cotton’s Agenda 14 Specialists Speaking

15 Industry News 16 Research & Promotion 26 My Turn

ON THE COVER: Tap Parker’s main cotton operation is near Lake Providence, Louisiana. He also operates a farm near Parkdale, Arkansas, in a 50-50 partnership.

WEB EXCLUSIVE During 2018, the Mississippi State University cotton official variety trials at Lucedale and Stoneville were evaluated for response to target spot. The goal was to determine the differences among varieties at each location. MSU experts Tom Allen and Darrin Dodds report on in-season field conditions and results gleaned in the end. Go to www. cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

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Gone viral Targeted approach enlists virus to control corn earworm in soybeans

FEBRUARY 2019

Look for Soybean South following page 14 in the Mid-South and Southeast editions of Cotton Farming. To have industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at www.soybeansouth.com.

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

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Editor’s Note

Cotton Farming

Carroll Smith

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Managing Editor Vicky Boyd vlboyd@onegrower.com Southeast Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com

A Busy Man’s Gift Of Time Is Priceless

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 2019 © ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017 Phone: 901-767-4020

Twitter: @CottonFarming

n anonymous quote that popped up recently on my social media feed says, “A rich man buying you something means nothing, but a busy man giving you his time means everything.” I am not sure I agree with the first part of the quote. I believe any gift from someone should be appreciated no matter what the person’s financial status is. However, I wholeheartedly agree with the second assertion. A person’s time is one of his or her most valuable possessions. And a busy person’s time is a premium commodity, especially in this hectic world in which we live. A good example of how such a gift can affect someone’s life in a positive way appears in this month’s cover story, “Louisiana Strong,” on page 8. Growing up, Louisiana cotton producer Thomas “Tap” Parker loved everything about farming. While attending Louisiana Tech University, he spent his summers working for two local farmers, Tony Lensing and Raymond Harris. They took time to teach the young man — whose father had passed away when Parker was 12 years old — the importance of having a good work ethic. When he was ready to go out on his own, Parker took the principle with him to begin building a fulfilling career. After a couple of years farming his family’s 300 acres, Parker was befriended by Jack Hamilton — an innovative farmer and ginner in his hometown of Lake Providence. To say Hamilton had many irons in the fire at that time would be an understatement. He was actively involved in managing Hollybook Land Co., Hollybrook Gin Co. and Hollybrook Warehouse Co. for the Amacker family in addition to running his personal farming operation. Yes, Jack Hamilton was a busy man. But when the enthusiastic young farmer dropped by his office, Hamilton always made time for him. He greeted him with a big smile and generously offered him encouragement and advice about farming cotton. He even helped him find more land to increase Parker’s fledgling operation. In looking back at that time, Parker says, “He would make me feel important.” Over the past 30 years, the Northeast Louisiana cotton farmer has grown his holdings to include a farm in Louisiana and a 50-50 partnership operation in Arkansas. I like to think the busy men who gave Parker their time when their own plates were overflowing contributed to his current success. In this case, their gifts were priceless.

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. FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

Confronting The Challenges As 2019 began, U.S. cotton producers were facing some short-term and long-term challenges, but the National Cotton Council believes there are reasons for optimism in the months ahead.

What are some major challenges?

n In late January, the federal government was still shutdown and holding up such U.S. Department of Agriculture functions as direct and guaranteed loans for producers, marketing loans for cotton and other commodities, and sign-up for the Market Facilitation Program. The shutdown also halted the release of weekly cotton sales/shipments data and cotton prices as well as crop production and other significant reports. Simultaneously, market prices remained under pressure due to a general slowdown in the world economy, currency issues in Turkey and the effects of China’s retaliatory tariffs. The NCC continued to communicate with USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative about the tariff situation, noting our trading relationship with China needed to be improved. We pointed to late 2018 cancellations and destination changes for sales that originally were made to mills in China. Those Chinese textile customers had begun Without tariffs, tremendous potential exists for in- t o p u r c h a s e alternative creased U.S. cotton exports to China. growths from countries such as Brazil and Australia. Of concern is that if Chinese mills become accustomed to cotton from other countries, it will be even more difficult for the United States to regain that market share.

Any reasons for optimism?

n Despite the challenging circumstances fac-

ing the industry, there are some reasons for optimism. Global demand for cotton is on the rebound. China must increase cotton imports to offset their internal deficit between production and consumption. Thus, tremendous potential exists for increased U.S. cotton exports to China — without the tariffs. In addition, the new farm law encourages USDA to work with our industry on cotton warehouse and shipping provisions to help ensure cotton’s timely flow to the marketplace. The farm law also provided our cotton producers with a new safety net through seed cotton’s continued eligibility for the ARC/PLC programs. Support to U.S. cotton textile manufacturers also is continued in the new law. This year, we will see an increased focus on sustainability with the piloting of the new U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The NCC just hired a sustainability director who will coordinate a protocol pilot program. The objective is to gather and use producers’ best management practices data to further U.S. cotton’s reputation in the global marketplace. The NCC also will continue its successful efforts at ensuring our industry is a reliable supplier of contamination-free cotton. That includes ongoing education and research efforts to address this serious problem. Hopefully, the government shutdown will have ended by the time this column appears. Another reason for optimism, but which also poses a challenge, will be the NCC’s ongoing effort to raise awareness among congressional members, particularly those recently elected, about agriculture’s importance to this nation’s economic health. Whether it’s advocating for disaster assistance to mitigate losses from hurricanes and drought or seeing the 2018 farm law is implemented properly, the NCC will work to ensure U.S. cotton producers’ voice is heard in our nation’s capital.

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.

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

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COVER STORY

LOUISIANA

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

STRONG T Layers Of Support Contribute To Success

homas “Tap” Parker says he always loved everything about farming but did not step into a large, multi-generational operation. His mother and father, Marie “Tweet” and Bill, owned 300 acres of farmland near Lake Providence, Louisiana, along with a small gas station and fuel distributorship. “After my father died when I was 12 years old, my mom rented the farm to Troyce Dukes, a local farmer who worked it until I graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1985 with a degree in ag business,” Parker says. “Coming out of college, I got an FHA loan and started farming from scratch. That first year, I farmed my mom’s 300 acres and paid her rent. After two years of borrowing from FHA, I moved to First South Farm Credit, which has been a very important partner. “Later, I rented some additional land and have grown my business over the past 30 years. Today, my main operation is in Lake Providence, and I also operate a 6,500-acre farm in a 50-50 partnership with Berry Barham near Parkdale, Arkansas. My secretary of 20 years, Theresa Monroe, helps us keep up with all the details.”

Importance Of Mentors Although Parker did not start out flush with capital, he has been fortunate to have access to people, products, organizations and programs that helped form and sustain a successful farming career. And an opportunity he had early on allowed him to bring something of value to the table as well.

| Cotton farmer Tap Parker’s main operation is in Lake Providence, Louisiana, where he grew up. His other farm is in Parkdale, Arkansas. Parker entered a 50-50 partnership with two different farmers to purchase two John Deere 7760 round bale cotton pickers. He says this arrangement makes them more economical to own.

In 2018, Tap Parker evaluated the Deltapine variety candidate 17R820B3XF in his NPE plot. It is now called DP 1916 B3XF in the Deltapine Class of 19.

Parker spent his summers during college employed by Tony Lensing and Raymond Harris, two area producers who taught him the importance of having a good work ethic and knowing what his priorities should be in a farming operation. “College is helpful, but practical experience is much more valuable at times, especially in agriculture,” he says. Another person in Lake Providence who supported the young farmer’s efforts to break into the business was Jack Hamilton. This innovative farmer and ginner was actively involved in managing Hollybrook Land Co., Hollybrook Gin Co. and Hollybrook Warehouse Co. for the Amacker family in addition to running his personal farming operation. “The first year or two when I was trying to get started, Mr. Jack helped me find some farmland to rent,” Parker says. “When I stopped by his office, he always had time to visit. Eventually, it got to be an annual thing where we would sit down and share our cost of production with each other and evaluate what we had spent on our crops. He would make me feel important. “Jack also encouraged me to participate in the industry organizations. I once served as president of the Louisiana Cotton Producers Association, was a producer delegate in the National Cotton Council and served on The Cotton Board for 19 years.” Cotton Always In The Mix Parker has grown cotton every year even during the time when many farmers got out and switched to grain. “Cotton supports our operation through several revenue streams so it’s an important part of what we grow,” he says. “Through the years, I always ginned at Hollybrook Gin Co. When the Amacker brothers decided to sell the gin after Jack Hamilton’s death in 2001, a group of us farmers bought it and have owned it now for some time.” In 2018, Parker planted mostly DP 1646 B2XF, along with DP 1555 B2RF, DP 1845 B3XF and some PhytoGen varieties. TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

“DP 1646 B2XF produces a vigorous plant so it’s easy to establish a stand. You have to keep it in check with a plant growth regulator, but we have all figured out that smaller plants seem to do better than bigger ones. This variety always yields well and is typically is at the top of most yield tests.” In Louisiana, Parker says he averaged 1,312 pounds per acre in 2018, and the fiber quality was good. “That was one of my best years in terms of yield across the farm,” he says. “Grades deteriorated some at the end of the season because of wet weather, but I still wound up with about 20 basis points above the loan. I market with StaplCotn, one of the largest cotton-marketing cooperatives in the United States. It is a huge part of my operation and always gets me top dollar for my cotton.” 2018 NPE Experience Parker officially participated in the Deltapine New Product Evaluator Program for the first time last year at the suggestion of his Bayer strategic account manager, Bradley Jackson. Since 2008, NPE growers across the Cotton Belt have evaluated pre-commercial variety candidates on their farms and in their growing systems. “Last year, we had a 100-acre field where we grew three of the Deltapine variety candidates on 10-acre plots for the NPE Program,” he says. “We also conducted some NemaStrike Technology evaluations and then planted the balance of the field in DP 1646 B2XF. “My highest-yielding variety in the NPE plot is now called DP 1916 B3XF and is part of the Class of 19. When the leaves came off, you could see it was a beautiful variety. We managed it just like we did the 1646 because it’s hard to make small-scale changes in agronomic practices efficiently. When we add DP 1916 B3XF to our mix on a larger scale, we can then tweak the agronomics if we need to.” Parker says he participates in the NPE Program Continued on page 18 FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

D E LTA P I N E N E W P R O D U C T E VA L U AT O R P R O G R A M

HIGH YIELD WINNERS BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

ince 2008, farmers across the Cotton Belt have been invited to participate in the Deltapine New Product Evaluator Program. The goal is for them to evaluate variety candidates on large-acre plots under their own management systems and field conditions. The NPE producers determine how to best grow these varieties based on soil type and other conditions representative of the region in which they are located. The farmers record how the varieties perform through the season and also provide feedback to the company about yield and quality at the end of the year after the variety candidates are harvested. Deltapine takes all the data into consideration to determine which varieties to bring to market. In December, Deltapine personnel and NPE growers come together at a summit where the new class of commercial varieties is announced. Once the announcement is made, farmer awards are presented in various categories to commemorate their achievements during the growing season. One of the categories is the High Yield Award that goes to the farmers who report the highest yield for each of the new Deltapine commercial varieties. Congratulations to all of the Class of 19 winners!â&#x20AC;&#x160;

Tyler Huerkamp, left, Huerkamp Farms, Macon, Mississippi, is the Mid-South DP 1916 B3XF high yield winner with 1,690 pounds per acre. Levi Burns, second from right, Rio Rancho Farms, Harlingen, Texas, is the South and East Texas DP 1916 B3XF high yield winner with 2,534 pounds per acre. Walter Cartwright, right, Cartwright Farms, Hertford, North Carolina, is the Southeast/Carolinas DP 1916 B3XF high yield winner with 1,780 pounds per acre. The award recipients are joined by Keylon Gholston, Deltapine cotton product manager.

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

Tommy Cartrite, left, Cartrite Farms, Sunray, Texas, is the West Texas/Oklahoma DP 1908 B3XF high yield winner with 1,479 pounds per acre. Nathan Betzen, right, Betzen Farms, Hereford, Texas, is the West Texas/Oklahoma DP 1909 XF high yield winner with 3,125 pounds per acre. Keylon Gholston, center, is the Deltapine cotton product manager.

Doyle Schniers, left, and Daryl Schniers, second from right,Schniers Bros. Farms, San Angelo, Texas, are the West Texas DP 1948 B3XF high yield winners with 2,058 pounds per acre. Troy Bippert, right, BBN Farms, Castroville, Texas, is the South and East Texas DP 1948 B3XF high yield winner with 2,470 pounds per acre. Keylon Gholston, second from left, Deltapine cotton product manager, made the award presentations.

COTTONFARMING.COM

Showtime! BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

t’s time to pack up and head to one of the largest indoor farm shows in the Southern region. The 67th Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is scheduled For March 1-2 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Visitors are invited to attend the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation Annual Meetings that will kick off Thursday, Feb. 28, at 1:30 p.m. in the Peabody Hotel. A panel of experts will discuss “Ag Research and New Opportunities.” Members of the panel include Dr. Jane Dever, Texas A&M, Lubbock, Texas; Kater Hake, vice president, agricultural and environmental research, Cotton Incorporated; and Jay Mahaffey, Bayer Learning Center, Scott, Mississippi. 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. K. Michael Tate, National Cotton Council, will discuss cotton issues; and Joe Nicosia, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, will discuss the outlook for U.S. and world cotton. Immediately following Nicosia’s presentation, the Ag Market Network will broadcast its March Cotton Teleconference. 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. They will discuss the latest outlook for cotton prices and make marketing suggestions as well as answer questions from the audience. Show manager Tim Price says, TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

“With Ag Market Network included in the ag update, we will have a lot of cotton power in one room. We’ve expanded our Friday morning cotton outlook to include Joe Nicosia plus the Ag Market Network broadcast. Anyone interested in cotton doesn’t want to miss this program.” On Friday, the tradeshow opens at 9 a.m. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to provide the latest information suited to the region’s diversified operations. Educational activities resume Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with another important ag update meeting. During this session, Richard Brock, Brock Associates, will provide a grain market outlook and his unique insight into grain marketing and the challenges farmers face in 2019. The Exhibit Hall re-opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, and a rice marketing seminar convenes at 1:30 p.m. featuring Milo Hamilton. Pre-Register Now 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 you don’t want to miss. “For cotton, we clearly are in a different environment than what we were a few years ago in terms of cotton acreage and increased energy surrounding this crop,” Price says. “I think that is exciting. The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show is a good way for people to get updated on the current dynamics of cotton.” Go to www.farmandginshow.com to pre-register. Also be sure to download the 2019 Farm and Gin Show app for show schedules, exhibitor locations, ag updates, things to do in Memphis and other show details. Please drop by Booth #3005 to say hello to the One Grower Publishing crew. We look forward to seeing you! FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

Cotton And Tariffs Create Trade Tensions Between U.S. And China BY SESHADRI RAMKUMAR TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ontinued trade tension between the United States and China is affecting the global cotton and textile sectors. “Back and forth on tariff discussions is problematic, and it results in the slowdown of global cotton demand,” says Dr. Gary Adams, president and CEO of Memphis, Tennessee-based National Cotton Council. On Jan. 16, Adams spoke at the Lubbock, Texas-based Plains Cotton Growers’ meeting highlighting the effect of trade tensions between the world’s largest cotton user, China and the largest cotton exporter, the United States. China’s 25 percent tariff on U.S. cotton affects the whole supply chain. China was expected to import about 3 million bales this marketing season from the United States. The continued trade tensions have affected the cotton trade. Because of this situation, China may import less than 1 million bales from the United States, Adams says. Tariffs affect the general economy, and they certainly affect cotton and textile consumption, says John Robinson, cotton economist at Texas A & M University. The demand for cotton slows during recessions and in uncertain trade scenarios, unlike food grains, Robinson says.

Texas Planting Mix Uncertain The current trade tensions between China and the United States have created concern for the 2019 cotton season. Steve Verett, executive vice president of Plains Cotton Growers Inc., says, “Trade tensions certainly are casting some uncertainty as to the exact planting mix for farmers on the High Plains of Texas. There continues to be great interest in cotton production and some increase of plantings in our northern panhandle area, especially given the very successful growing season of 2018. Currently, we expect some increase in cotton plantings for 2019, but relative prices for crops at planting time will ultimately dictate how much that increase might be.” Cotton growers are hoping a forthcoming visit by the Chinese delegation to the United States may find a favorable solution to the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. Some say there are no winners with retaliatory tariffs as they affect consumers’ interest in textile goods. Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar is a professor in the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University. Contact him at sramkumar@ttu.edu.

LIA GUTHRIE

Because of China’s 25 percent tariff on U.S. cotton, the country may import less of the crop than was previously expected.

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

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Specialists Speaking 2019 Planning Season Takes Shape ARKANSAS Bill Robertson Planting decisions for the 2019 season are taking shape. Cash margins for all commodities are tight and provide little room for mistakes. We must be smart to get the most out of our inputs. We need to watch our costs yet provide the necessary inputs to protect yield potential. Variety selection for yield and quality is an important first step in establishing yield and quality 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 https://arkansas-variety-testing.uark.edu/. County demonstrations are another good source of information and are included with this data set. It is also appropriate to evaluate variety performance trials from neighboring Mid-South states. Other practices to protect yield potential include matching nutrient applications to the crop requirements, implementing integrated pest management tools to manage pests, and using programs like Pipe Planner that can represent real cost savings. Contact your county Extension agent for more information or to get assistance with improving efficiency and profitability. brobertson@uaex.edu

CALIFORNIA Bob Hutmacher Last year at this time, we were dry in the San Joaquin Valley as well as our normally snow-covered mountains. But a wet, snowy February and March changed the whole water supply picture. This year, there still are winter months to come with the promise of rain and snow, but uncertain forecasts always bring the possibility of limited irrigation water supplies. Hopefully, weather patterns will shift for a more extended period with rain and snow, and the water supply situation will be decent. With changes in annual and perennial cropping patterns, it may be useful to develop new ideas about where cotton fits into your production plans and allocated acreage. Irrigation water availability is a reason to try a range of cotton varieties that differ in growing season length. Most of them can be managed to shorten the growing season by reductions or delays in irrigation, more aggressive plant growth regulator applications and other management efforts. But varieties and cotton types (non-Acala Upland, Acala, Pima) differ in how much you can shorten the growing season and how they will respond in terms of yield reductions and impact on fiber quality. Both Pima and Upland cotton remain good crop choices for maintaining relatively high yield potential even when grown under more saline or saline-sodic conditions. We would benefit from new evaluations that look at varietal differences in production under saline or sodic conditions. However, no studies with newer varieties have been conducted in California to look at cotton salinity responses in the past decade or more. Growth restrictions are one of the most typical responses to moderate- to higher-accumulated salts in the soil. If you are planning to produce cotton in more heavily salinized or sodic ground, keep plant populations relatively high (60,000 plants per acre or more) since growth will be reduced. Evaluating variety differences in responses to salinity might warrant some strip tests as you plan your planting season. Basic yield results of the University of California variety trials will

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

be summarized in late January and be available on the UC cotton web site: http://cottoninfo.ucdavis.edu. When available, HVI fiber quality data tables and Fusarium race 4 disease susceptibility tables will be posted on this same website. rbhutmacher@ucdavis.edu

FLORIDA David Wright Winter meetings are underway with cotton still in the field from wet a wet fall and record December rain in 2018. While this is not encouraging for most growers, warmer days make them start thinking about crops for the new year. Cotton continues to be the best value for most farmers to rotate with peanuts. Good rotation often gives growers the biggest return, followed by irrigation in some years. Our research and now grower experience continue to show that the highest cotton yields can be made after winter grazing due to factors including doubling of cotton root growth compared to cover crops that are not grazed, recycled nutrients and other soil health indicators. I encourage growers to split a field with winter grazing on half. The highest cotton yields often occur with 60 to 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre of nitrogen. This can make 3- to 4-bale cotton following winter grazing due to residual nitrate nitrogen from manure. wright@ufl.edu

LOUISIANA Dan Fromme The 2019 Louisiana Agricultural Technology and Management Conference will be held Feb. 11-13 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana. This annual event is sponsored by the Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association. On Feb. 11, the conference begins with a morning session on good cotton agronomics and decision-making. In the afternoon, auxin herbicide and bollworm resistance issues in cotton will be two key presentations. On Feb. 12, presentations include soil fertility, weed control, irrigation, replanting decisions, cover crops, defoliation, economics, and cotton technical updates by industry. Also, breakout sessions pertaining to rice, sugarcane and soybeans are scheduled during the three-day conference. This 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 information on conference registration and lodging. dfromme@agcenter.lsu.edu

MISSISSIPPI Darrin Dodds The new year has started just like the past year endedâ&#x20AC;Śwet. Many fields still have ruts from harvest that will require a good deal of work to alleviate. Early indications are that cotton acres will increase in Mississippi in 2019. While many factors will influence cropping decisions over the coming months, 800,000 acres of cotton in Mississippi is not out of the realm of possibility. The theme of many presentations this spring has been return on Continued on page 20 COTTONFARMING.COM

Industry News 2019 Cotton Specialist Of The Year Hails From Tennessee During the recent Beltwide Cotton Conferences in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Tyson Raper was named the 2019 Cotton Specialist of the Year. Raper is the small grains specialist for the University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Service. The award, sponsored by BASF, was presented to Raper at the event’s annual award dinner and reception attended by cotton specialists from across the Cotton Belt. “We’re pleased to recognize Dr. Raper’s outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the cotton industry,” says Steve Nichols, global agronomic services manager at BASF. “His expertise in agronomy and experience in the field has allowed him to make significant contributions to the cotton growers of Tennessee and to the industry. His strong leadership and working relationships with producers, consultants and key stakeholders is widely recognized amongst his peers.” Dr. Bob Hayes, director and professor of the West Tennessee Research and Education Center, works closely with Raper. “He is an outstanding young cotton specialist,” Hayes says. “He joined us about four years ago and has really hit the ground running.” He says that even as a young specialist, Raper has showcased his leadership throughout the industry. Cotton specialists in the 17 states where cotton is grown vote each year on who among them will be chosen for the highly esteemed award. Raper, an Alabama native, earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics from Auburn University, a master’s in agronomy from Mississippi State University and a doctorate in crop physiology from the University of Arkansas.

Texas Farm Bureau Supports Eminent Domain Reform Calling eminent domain reform “the property rights issue of our time,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined State Rep. DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) recently in Austin to roll out the reform bill, House Bill 991. “We understand the rapid growth of TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

our state will call for sacrifice, careful planning and yes, eminent domain,” Boening says. “However, Texas farmers, ranchers and rural property holders have a constitutional right to fair treatment and just compensation.” Farmers, ranchers and rural landowners continue to complain of property takings for pipelines, utilities and other uses that do not treat property owners fairly. Complaints of “lowball” offers and land not restored in a satisfactory way are common.

“It’s time for transparency in all property takings, with landowners clearly understanding their rights,” Boening says. “There must be true good faith offers and consequences if that does not occur. “When the law allows private entities to take private property, it should also protect the rights of those property owners. They cannot walk away from the table. They only have two options — accept an offer or get taken to court.”

THRIVING IN COTTON Lance Williams grows PhytoGen® brand varieties in Carson and Armstrong counties in the Texas Panhandle. He recounts his experience with the vigor, yield, quality and storm tolerance of PHY 300 W3FE, PHY 350 W3FE and PHY 250 W3FE. The Enlist ™ weed control system also helps Williams control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and glyphosate-resistant kochia.

PhytoGen’s Performance ‘Is Real’

“

am a fourth-generation farmer, but I am the first one in my family to grow cotton. It typically was not grown in Cotton farmer this area until shorter-season varieties became availPanhandle, Texas able, which allow us to grow cotton profitably. “I started growing PhytoGen in 2015. That year was wet and cool, but the PhytoGen cotton came right up, and we got a good stand. PhytoGen’s early season vigor is not just an advertising slogan, it’s real. In 2018, I planted PHY 300 W3FE, PHY 350 W3FE and PHY 250 W3FE. The average yield on my pivot-irrigated ground was 3½ bales per acre, and in 2017 the dryland averaged about 1½ bales per acre. A lot of our irrigated cotton made more than 4 bales per acre last year, and a field of PHY 300 W3FE yielded almost 5 bales per acre. The quality was good, too. “PhytoGen varieties are definitely tough. They come up quickly, yield better than other varieties, and the storm tolerance is good. We get a lot of high wind and hail during the growing season. Some varieties can’t take it and will dump cotton on the ground. At harvest, if we have snow or rain, it takes a while to get in the field. The cotton has to stay on the plant and wait for us to get there. In addition, Verticillium wilt is becoming more prevalent in our area. We plant PhytoGen varieties because they have good tolerance to this disease. “We use Enlist One to control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and glyphosateresistant kochia. We also can tankmix it with other inputs, such as a foliar feed or another herbicide for grasses. We typically make two applications during the season. “Each year of growing cotton is a new adventure. I thrive with PhytoGen because its high yields and quality make us a profitable operation.” LANCE WILLIAMS

PhytoGen and the PhytoGen Logo are trademarks of PhytoGen Seed Company, LLC. ®™Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. 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 regulatory 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 with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. 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 2019 | COTTON FARMING

RESEARCH & PROMOTION

The Cotton Board Producer Tour Program Continues To Flourish BY STACEY GORMAN THE COTTON BOARD DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

he Cotton Board Producer Tour Program has given thousands of cotton producers the opportunity to see their Cotton Research and Promotion Program checkoff dollars at work inside Cotton Incorporated’s World Headquarters and Research Facility in Cary, North Carolina. This unique program allows attendees to spend a day listening to key Cotton Incorporated staff explain research and developments in their specialized area of work, as well as visiting the innovative laboratories located inside the research facility. Producers are able to discuss major research and marketing programs that are essential to improve the future demand and profitability for U.S. cotton. Here are the areas tour participants will visit in the Cotton Incorporated World Headquarters: • Fiber Processing Laboratory: A full-scale, state-ofthe-art yarn-processing pilot facility. • Dyeing and Finishing Laboratory: A laboratory that uses the latest equipment to conduct innovative research in areas such as color washdown, process optimization and product evaluation. • Finishing Research/Analytical Laboratory: A facility that explores new finishes and innovative methods for cotton textile applications. • Product Evaluation Laboratories: A unique research facility that conducts ongoing research and measurement studies of cotton. • Product Development Laboratory: A well-equipped research facility capable of producing a wide range of ready-to-wear cotton garments. This area helps create new cotton fabric ideas and constructions for apparel and home products that are showcased to brands and retailers worldwide.

Cotton Board Regional Communication Managers Last year, The Cotton Board’s regional communication managers brought more than 100 cotton producers and ginners to this tour program. Thanks to generous sponsorships from industry partners Bayer, John Deere and Syngenta, producers can attend this tour with no out-ofpocket expenses. The Cotton Board is hosting three tours this year — Feb. 17-19, March 24-26 and a Women’s Tour June 23-25. Space is limited, and participation is granted on a first-to-register basis. Cotton producers interested in attending should contact their Cotton Board RCM. • Southeast RCM (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina: Monty Bain — mbain@cottonboard.org

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

In 2018, more than 100 cotton producers and ginners visited Cotton Incorporated’s World Headquarters and Research Facility in Cary, North Carolina. • Mid-South RCM (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee): Brent Murphree — bmurphree@cottonboard.org • Southern Plains RCM (Kansas, Oklahoma and North Texas): Shelley Heinrich — sheinrich@cottonboard.org • Southwest RCM (Arizona, California, New Mexico and East, Central and South Texas): Christi Chadwell — cchadwell@cottonboard.org Positive Reactions What do past participants have to say about The Cotton Board Producer Tour Program? “Just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I enjoyed being a part of the tour. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to participate. Thank you so much for such an informative tour and being a part of an amazing group that truly loves the cotton industry.” “I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the tour. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the cotton industry as well as meet others who are passionate about the promotion of cotton and agriculture.” “Everything was great. The location, meal selection, hotel, Cotton Incorporated, Cotton Board staff and the sponsors were the BEST.” The Cotton Research and Promotion Program is funded by cotton producers and importers. We invite you to come see what is being done on your behalf with your investment. To learn more, please email Gorman at sgorman@cotton board.org. COTTONFARMING.COM

MY STRONG COTTON | SPECIAL REPORT

Field To Closet ™ Driving Demand For High-Quality, U.S. Upland Cotton Deltapine®, through a partnership with Jernigan Global, has created an initiative called Field to Closet to help create awareness and drive demand for premium, U.S.grown upland cotton fibers in the end-user market. Following is Cotton Farming editor Carroll Smith’s special report on this effort.

F Ed Jernigan, CEO of Jernigan Global SPONSORED BY DELTAPINE

or years, Deltapine has been working with local breeding teams and farmers to boost yield and fiber quality potential in its variety lineup. Today, the brand is starting to identify varieties that have consistently demonstrated the best yield and fiber quality potential as Deltapine Select™ varieties. The first varieties to receive such distinction are DP 1646 B2XF, DP 1820 B3XF and DP 1845 B3XF, chosen for their high yield potential and fiber grades on par with Australian and San Joaquin Valley, California, Acala varieties. Bridging The Gap Working with Jernigan Global — a Nashville-based consultancy for the cotton supply chain and textile industry — Deltapine has created the Field to Closet initiative to help create awareness among producers, ginners, millers, and retailers of the advancements that have been made in U.S. upland cotton, specifically Deltapine Select varieties. Field to Closet also aims to drive demand for premium U.S. upland cotton fibers in the end-user market. Ed Jernigan, CEO of Jernigan Global, has been in the cotton business more than 30 years. His expertise as a textile supply chain manager is based on long-time relationships with brands and retailers around the world. “Historically, there has been a gap between the cotton industry and the brands and retailers, who typically encounter cotton only at the fabric level,” Jernigan says. “We are working to bridge that gap.” Everyone Benefits The strategy, he says, is to partner with different mills around the world to get cotton from the Deltapine Select variety group made into fabric. Once that is accomplished, the fabric can be introduced to brands and retailers. “This will help them get a feel for our cot-

Twitter: @CottonFarming

ton and encourage use of more high-quality U.S. cotton in their program instead of them choosing cheap manmade fibers, such as polyester,” Jernigan says. “We can show the brands and retailers how they can improve the quality of their end product by doing so. “Another component of Field to Closet is to bring farmers into the equation by introducing them to the brand or retailer who would like to have the linkage all the way back to where the cotton came from. The farmer who has cotton from a Deltapine Select variety that produces 38 staple and has higher strength, for example, also will have the potential to get a premium price for it.” The second “premium” opportunity comes from bringing together brands and retailers with the farmers who produce Deltapine Select cottons. The desired result is for U.S. cotton to get a larger slice of the supply chain, Jernigan says. The Field to Closet initiative has moved from a virtual concept into the realm of reality as the first t-shirts made from DP 1646 B2XF emerged in 2018. The cotton was spun into a higher-quality yarn, which produced a higher-quality t-shirt for an attractive price from a consumer’s standpoint. When asked how he envisions the Field to Closet initiative progressing in the longterm, Jernigan says, “Farmers can plant Deltapine Select varieties and then do all they can within their growing techniques to produce the highest quality cotton imaginable. “We believe we will have some brands and retailers using high-quality textiles made from Deltapine Select varieties and also putting the Field to Closet name on their products. The Field to Closet name will indicate those products can be traced back to the farmer who grew the cotton. In the long-term, we want brands, retailers and consumers to know just how much care that farmer put into producing a high-quality product.” Go to cottonfarming.com to hear the “My Strong Cotton” special reports, including Ed Jernigan’s discussion of the new Field to Closet initiative. FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

TRAIT STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES NOTICE TO FARMERS Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to conﬁrm their buying position for this product. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your representative for the registration status in your state. Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. 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. 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. Contact the U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency with any questions about the approval status of dicamba herbicide products for in-crop use with cotton with XtendFlex® Technology. Cotton with XtendFlex® Technology 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. Bollgard®, Respect the Refuge and Cotton Design®, and XtendFlex® are trademarks of Bayer Group. LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design® are registered trademarks of BASF. Agrisure Viptera® is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. All other products, company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Before opening a bag of seed, be sure to read, understand, and accept the stewardship requirements, including applicable refuge requirements for insect resistance management, for the biotechnology traits expressed in the seed as set forth in the Monsanto Technology/Stewardship Agreement that you sign. By opening and using a bag of seed, you are reafﬁrming your obligation to comply with the most recent stewardship requirements. 18

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

Continued from page 9

because he enjoys growing the variety candidates and being a part of what is potentially coming to market. “As an NPE grower, it’s an interesting learning experience to see what these varieties look like in the field before they are commercially released,” he says. Agronomic Advice During the growing season, Parker depends on his cotton consultant, Reynold Minsky, who checks the fields twice a week and then emails Parker a report. “Reynold is a valuable part of our Louisiana operation,” he says. “I depend on him a lot for agronomic advice once the crop has emerged, and his strong point is insect control.” Another invaluable source of information for Parker — particularly for growing DP 1646 B2XF — is Jay Mahaffey, who is manager of the Bayer Learning Center in Scott, Mississippi. “Jay is such an asset to me and to us as producers,” he says. “We meet with him each year and always attend one of his tours in the summer. Sometimes I ask Jay to come to the office to address our managers. I really admire his mindset about growing cotton.” Steward Of The Land Cost-share conservation programs also strengthen Parker’s farming operation. He is involved with the Natural Resources Conservation ServiceConservation Stewardship Program and the Mississippi River Basin Initiative. The initiative is more specific to Lake Providence, the Mississippi River oxbow lake that shares the name of the town through which it runs. “There is an additional layer of support available if you plant cover crops so we are getting more involved with

“As I told my wife, Jennifer, I just like the way cotton smells. It contributed to my early success, and I hope it continues to be a part of what we do.” that practice,” Parker says. “The main advantage of a cover crop is to hold the soil in place and keep nutrient runoff into the lake at a minimum. It also builds organic matter in the soil and helps with weed suppression during the summer.” His current cover crop mix includes black oats, Australian winter pea, crimson clover and cereal rye. Parker says there is a learning curve involved with growing the cover crop properly in the winter and terminating it in time to realize the biggest benefits. “Each year, we try to improve what we do and how we do it,” he says. Challenging, Yet Rewarding Although Parker admits the wet fall impeded harvest and prevented him from getting fieldwork done for spring planting, he is still optimistic. “Cotton is one of those crops where you can make management decisions during the season and still affect the outcome,” he says. “You can see the fruits of your labor. There is never a bad day on the farm, and I have had a wonderful career. Nolan, who is one of my four sons, is attending Mississippi State University and has shown an interest in joining the operation when he graduates. “As I told my wife, Jennifer, I just like the way cotton smells. It contributed to my early success, and I hope it continues to be a part of what we do.”

Northeast Louisiana cotton farmer Tap Parker says, “Cotton is one of those crops where you can make management decisions during the season and still affect the outcome. You can see the fruits of your labor.” COTTONFARMING.COM

Specialists Speaking Continued from page 14

investment. Yields have been substantially higher over the past seven years compared to prior years, and the price of cotton is not bad. However, nearly all input costs are up, which necessitates spending money where you have a reasonably good chance of at least breaking even. In other words, do not spend $20 per acre on a given input to make back only $15 per acre. We know that pigweeds and plant bugs will negatively impact yields and returns and warrant spending money to minimize their impact. However, there are a number of products in the marketplace that are not proven to provide a positive return on investment. Avoiding these types of products that show no benefits may result in increased profit and decreased heartburn at the end of the year. dmd76@pss.msstate.edu

MISSOURI Calvin Meeks Missouri producers had a bumpy ride with the wet fall and a cool and wet start to winter, but record yields were a good Christmas present for the year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton and Wool Outlook released Dec. 13 has the statewide average yield estimated at 1,275 pounds per acre, so there is a lot to be thankful for. Although our harvest conditions were not optimal, overall we had a favorable growing season with plenty of heat units. We hope the 2019 growing season will have more evenly spread rain and a drier fall. Since now is crunch time to make variety decisions as well as decide how to fine-tune fertilizer and herbicide practices, I encourage you to visit my blog at mizzoucotton.wordpress.com. If you missed the Missouri Cotton Production and Outlook Conference at the Fisher Delta Research Center on Jan. 24, I encourage you to review the blog for the most up-to-date research data available for Missouri producers. Additional data on variety performance and seedling vigor are readily available with irrigation data coming soon. I also will add variety comparisons over multiple years to illustrate which ones have better yield stability. Consult this data to help make variety selections since the later-maturing varieties performed extremely well this year in the official variety trials. I encourage restraint when making variety selections. Do not commit all of your acreage to later-maturing varieties in the event an early frost occurs. meeksc@missouri.edu

NORTH CAROLINA Keith Edmisten Some of you may not have realized that Dr. Alan York has retired after many years serving the cotton industry. We are proud to have Dr. Charlie Cahoon join the North Carolina State University Cotton Team as our new cotton and corn weed Extension specialist. He has hit the ground running with some excellent applied research. You can meet Dr. Cahoon at county meetings if you have not already done so. For this month’s Specialist Speaking column, I want to share some words of wisdom from him. “As seed orders are being placed, I ask you to consider your weed management for the coming year,” Cahoon says. “‘Start Clean, Stay Clean’ has been the consistent message from Extension weed specialists since the development of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. “The ‘Start Clean’ part of this mantra most often includes an early preplant burndown application of Roundup (glyphosate), 2,4-D and Valor (flumioxazin) followed by Gramoxone (paraquat) plus residual herbicide(s) at planting. Although there are only a few single active ingredients labeled pre-emergence at-planting for cotton, producers

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

have some great tools at their disposal, especially if they consider a tankmix of two or more residual products.” Auxin training will be held throughout February at various locations. This year, anyone who is making an auxin application has to complete auxin training. Farm workers will not be allowed to make applications based on your training. A link for auxin training can be found at the cotton portal cotton.ces.ncsu.edu. keith_edmisten@ncsu.edu

OKLAHOMA Seth Byrd As we move into February, the quality picture from the 2018 Oklahoma crop is becoming clearer. As I write this in mid-January, about half of the crop that was ginned in Oklahoma has been classed. Quality appears to be fairly good, although not overwhelmingly great, from the state perspective. However, there are some excellent quality examples out there from specific fields. The wet and cloudy fall didn’t seem to hurt the crop as much as we may have thought at the time. Depending on what part of Oklahoma we’re in, surviving early season water stress, seedling vigor or managing the crop for earliness has been at the forefront of topics discussed recently. Contact your Extension office for information on the production meetings coming up in February and March. seth.byrd@okstate.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper The 2018 University of Tennessee Cotton Variety Trial results were released on our UT Crops blog at news.utcrops.com. Similar to 2017, many different traits are represented in the top-performing group. Based on our observations from 2017 and 2018, I believe it is wise to not put all eggs in one basket. Performance from year to year has varied with several of the 2018 top performers. I think we clearly have better options across all technology platforms now than we’ve had in the past; yield potential and fiber quality have continued to improve. In other news, the 2019 Tennessee Cotton Focus is Feb. 15, starting at 8 a.m. at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center, 605 Airways Blvd., Jackson, Tennessee. We will again host a cotton specialist roundtable discussion featuring Bill Robertson, Darrin Dodds and Tyler Sandlin. Other topics will include insect, weed and disease control updates. Lunch will be provided. I hope to see you there! traper@utk.edu

TEXAS Murilo Maeda By early February, most of West Texas should be done with harvest. Considering the early difficulties our growers faced when trying to establish good stands — especially on dryland acres — as well as rain and snow during harvest, 2018 was definitely a challenging season. The winter months provide a good opportunity to reflect on 2018 decisions and where there may be opportunities to improve. One such opportunity is variety selection. See the results from the replicated agronomic trials for the Southern and Northern High Plains, as well as for other regions of the state, at http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/cotton/. Soil sample your fields and plan for a fertilizer program that reflects both field needs and actual yield potential. Setting a realistic yield goal and fertilizing accordingly can make a big difference towards being profitable, especially with fertilizer prices trending higher for the coming season. COTTONFARMING.COM

Specialists Speaking Anyone planning to use one of the auxin traits should be aware of the new requirements. AgriLife Extension will provide the mandatory auxin training at several locations across the state in the coming months. Check the schedule at your local Extension ofﬁce. mmaeda@ag.tamu.edu

cate with their neighbors about herbicide trait plans. Agreeing on the same herbicide traits, weed management and abiding by the herbicide label requirements will be much easier and less risk for all parties involved. Large- and small-plot variety performance results from Extension are available at cotton.tamu.edu. gdmorgan@tamu.edu

TEXAS Gaylon Morgan

VIRGINIA Hunter Frame

By mid-January, most growers had the 2018 crop behind them despite difficult weather conditions during the season. However, some farmers from the Upper Gulf Coast to the Rolling Plains still had a considerable amount of cotton on the stalk. Despite the challenging 2018 season, I expect cotton acres will remain flat to up slightly in many of our cotton regions. One grower survey estimate has Texas planting 7.2 million in 2019, which would be down slightly, from 7.4 million acres in 2018. The extremely wet fall and winter has thrown nearly all the cotton production regions behind on field work, fertilizer applications and weed management. Everyone will be time-pressed to get their crop in and off to a good start. Historically, many of our regions have had adequate phosphorous and potassium levels; however, soil samples are indicating depleted P and K levels, especially with depth, and are likely limiting cotton yield potential. Growers need to soil test, which will allow them to prioritize their nutrient budgets and consider getting into a nutrient maintenance program. Before selecting varieties and associated traits, growers need to view as much information as possible. They also should communi-

As I write this in mid-January, there are still some cotton fields to be picked. As of now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has projected 2018 yield at 965 pounds lint per acre. I believe this is a good yield as we dealt with more than 40 inches of rain from May 1 to Oct. 31. And even more rain fell in November and December as we tried to get the crop out of the field. Virginia was fortunate to miss the harshest part of two hurricanes, which hit other parts of the Southeast hard. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kinder in 2019. Cotton acreage may increase again and to more than 100,000 acres. If this happens, we will need friendly fall weather as Virginia harvest infrastructure was already stretched with 97,000 acres in 2018 with wet conditions and limited days to harvest. Moving into 2019, cotton producers’ first decision will be variety selection, which will be discussed at the Virginia Cotton Production Meeting. This event will be held Feb. 14 at the Paul D. Camp Workforce Development Center in Franklin. We hope to see producers, consultants and Extension personnel there. Contact Wilmer Stoneman with Virginia Farm Bureau (804-290-1000) or Gail Milteer with the Virginia Department of Agriculture (757-562-0020) to RSVP for lunch. whframe@vt.edu

Getting Back To The Basics: Conventional Cotton Seed

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

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FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

COTTON

Ginners Marketplace COTTON FARMING IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY.

Safety Alert — Avoid ‘Caught-In’ Accidents At The Tarp Roller

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Editor’s note: Safety is always the No. 1 priority at a cotton gin. Like other gin organizations, the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association is proactive in supporting safety efforts by providing guidelines for keeping gin workers safe while on the job. Here are some recommendations TCGA offered regarding powered tarp rollers in its December “The Ginnery” newsletter.

Cotton Ginners Marketplace

There have been three accidents where employees were caught in the tarp roller in West Texas member gins in the last three weeks. All three have resulted in broken arms that required surgery. Unpowered, hand-cranked rollers are safer than powered rollers; use them where possible. Safe Use Of Powered Tarp Rollers Here are our recommendations for use of powered rollers: ¢ Install a spring-loaded switch that requires continuous pressure for the roller to operate. Knee-activated switches are the best option we’ve seen. ¢ Tarp rolling is a two-person job, so assign two workers. Tarps are heavy and bulky. When they are cold, they may be more difﬁcult to start on the machine. Accident investigations indicate workers are not able to free themselves or cut power to the machine when they are caught. A second worker present may be able to prevent severe injury. ¢ Train employees in tarp roller operation. Remind them not to defeat the safety devices. For example, we have found spring-loaded switches tied closed, wedged to keep the contacts closed or wired-around. ¢ Gloves have no place around the tarp roller. If gloves must be worn, cut off the ﬁngers of the glove so the tips will not be caught in the roll. ¢ No loose clothing should be worn around powered tarp rollers. Sleeves should be buttoned, shirts or jackets buttoned or zipped and clothing tails tucked in. ¢ Monitor activity at the tarp rollers, including operation and the condition of the switches. We recommend that supervisory employees from the manager on down make a point of checking the rollers at least once each shift.

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The Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association provided this information.

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2019 Ginners School Coming Up Soon The Ginners School will be offered at three locations in 2019. Cooperators for the school include the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, the National Cotton Ginners’ Association and its member associations, the National Cotton Council, Cotton Incorporated, gin machinery/equipment

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

Indeco Products, Inc. PO Box 865 140 Ridge Drive San Marcos, TX 78667 512-396-5814 COTTONFARMING.COM

manufacturers and suppliers, and select land-grant universities. The school sessions are for the exclusive use of the U.S. cotton ginning industry. All courses are offered in English only. Registration and classes begin at 8 a.m. and end each day at 5 p.m. Lunch is served at the school and is included in your registration. Locations And Tentative Dates Â˘ Southwest Ginners School

April 1-3 South Plains Ginning Laboratory 1604 East FM 1294 Lubbock, Texas Â˘ Western Ginners School

May 7-9 Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory 300 E. College St. Mesilla Park, New Mexico

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June 4-6 USDA Ginning Research Laboratory 111 Experiment Station Road Stoneville, Mississippi Course Descriptions Each level of Ginners School coursework is built on the previous level of instruction, with Level I as the foundation. Therefore, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coordinators strongly recommend that beginning students, regardless of gin experience, start with Level I.

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Physical Address: 225 Bourne Boulevard â&#x20AC;˘ Savannah, Georgia 31408-9586 USA Mailing Address: P.O. Box 929 â&#x20AC;˘ Pooler, Georgia 31322-0929 USA Phone: (912) 447-9000 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (912) 447-9250 Toll Free (USA Only): 1-800-4LUMMUS (1-800-458-6687) Web Site: www.lummus.com â&#x20AC;˘ E-mail: lummus.sales@lummus.com

ÂŠ 2018 Lummus Corporation

FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

Level I • Introduction to cotton ginning and ginning demonstration • Basic gin safety • Basic hydraulics • Air utilization • Electricity at the gin • Maintenance and adjustment for seed cotton cleaners, fin stands and lint cleaners • Maintenance of auxiliary components • Classing cotton • Moisture measurement • Review of the cotton industry • Waste collection and disposal

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Level 2 • Purpose and operating principles of individual gin machines • Efficient operation, adjustment and maintenance of gin equipment • Pneumatics and waste collection • Electrical systems • Hydraulic systems • Gin safety • Management tips • Roller ginning (Western School only) Level 3 • Review of functions of a ginning system • Electrical systems • Air systems in the gin • Drying and moisture restoration systems • Matching machinery capacities in the system • Seed cotton unloading systems and management of seed cotton handling systems • Bale presses and hydraulic systems • Safety programs and labor regulations • Cottonseed handling systems • Roller ginning (Western School only)

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Continuing Education The 2019 continuing education schedule is being developed and is different for each of the three schools. To maintain your certification, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education credits over a three-year period. For example, if you received your certification in 2016, to remain in good standing in the program, you will need to complete your 12 continuing education hours in 2019. ¢ Continuing education course work will be offered each year in conjunction with the annual Ginners School. Each hour of participation at the NCGA-sponsored continuing education course work will receive 1 credit hour. ¢ Beltwide Cotton Ginners Conference participation provides 1 hour credit for each hour of participation. ¢ Re-taking Ginners School course work (Levels I-III) will also provide continuing education credit. ¢ Participation in local association schools, workshops, seminars and trade shows may be eligible for continuing education credit. An agenda and participation form must be submitted to the National Cotton Ginners’ Associations. Upon review, any continuing education credit hour(s) will be assigned to the participant. Contact Harrison Ashley (hashley@cotton.org) or Jana Jackins (jjackins@cotton.org) with the NCGA if you have questions. For registration information, motel guides and maps, go to www.cotton.org/ncga/ginschool/index.cfm.

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

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FEBRUARY 2019 | COTTON FARMING

My Turn The Gate

fair cattleman would have sold her that first year she didn’t raise a calf. That leaves an old sentimental fool like me who just didn’t have the heart to send her off to become someone’s junior double cheeseburger off the dollar menu. Shouldn’t there at least be an “attaboy” for those souls who just do the job for which they were intended, day after day, year after year? Shouldn’t that kind of service garner you a pass for those last few senior years, just to do what you feel you can? Ray When I’d move the herd to new pasture, she’d always be the last to go through the gate, usually Oliver a full 10 minutes behind. I’d patiently stand holding the gate, and as she passed, I’d always speak to her: “How’s it going, old girl? You look a little old No. 2 was old. She was the second cow I bought when I started stove up today. You hang in there now.” She’d always look my own herd 20 someover at me. Cows have thing years ago, thus “Old No. 2, however, was a no facial expressions the No. 2 ear tag. She had already calved at favorite of mine from the start.” whatsoever, so there’s no hint of her thoughts. least three times when I got her, making her at least 5 years old then. In But I like to think the acknowledgement was her thank you. human years, that puts her at death, in her 80s. Senescence is a malevolent master able to make She was the last remaining member of that group of 10 mamas that started my herd. The other a life’s achievement irrelevant in an instant, leavnine succumbed to a menagerie of fates: a couple ing only the perception of incompetence. The died calving, a couple I sold out of meanness — worst is when you overhear them discussing theirs, not mine. At least one stepped in an arma- what’s “in your best interest.” “I’ve contracted to paint the house. Your daddy dillo hole breaking a leg — another bovine death is gonna pitch a fit, but he’s got no business on sentence — and the rest I just don’t remember. Old No. 2, however, was a favorite of mine from a ladder.” When you hear that for the first time, the start. What a gentle old soul she was. She was consider yourself officially on the clock. It counts what we call an easy keeper. She never jumped a down at a different pace for each, but be assured fence, never kicked at me, and even in death, she the destination is the same. “Daddy’s gonna pitch made it easy on me. She went over by the compost a fit, but he’s got no business driving,” and finally pile, way down out of the way, to take her last “Daddy’s got no business living by himself anymore.” breath. Maybe I’m sad or depressed. Maybe I just miss How could she have known that’s where I’d bury her to complete nature’s biological circle? my old friend. Maybe the best you can hope for One day, a few years from now, I’d spread her is that someone will wait by the gate for you and across those pastures of green she loved, her say something pleasant as you pass. “How’s it atoms of nitrogen and carbon becoming part of going, old boy? You look a little stove up today. You hang in there. God’s got a plan for you.” future generations. Maybe sometimes you just need to hear how She gave me a healthy calf every year up ’til four years ago. The last two years, she didn’t your sad sounds. — Ray Oliver calve. The two years before that she calved but Elloree, South Carolina had no milk and didn’t raise them. A good cattleriverrunfarms@live.com man would have sold her six to eight years ago. A ld No. 2 died last night. I found her this morning in the “boot” pasture way over by the tree line. I knew it was coming for some time now, but somehow that didn’t lessen the disappointment. She had been having trouble getting to her feet and for a cow, not being able to do that is a death sentence. That’s what happens when you get old, and

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.

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2019

COTTONFARMING.COM

90907 Lummus.qxp 11/28/18 1:58 PM Page 2

What do you see on the horizon? The horizon.…seemingly endless….in all directions. What’s out there? Well, Lummus has lots of great things on our horizon. Control and automation advancements like fire detection, air pressure monitoring, and new informational display options. New seed cotton drying and blending systems. And, most exciting of all, a new family of saw gin stands with features new to the industry – to be offered in all popular widths: 8’, 10’, and 12’ ! This is the dawn of a new era in cotton ginning.

Coming in 2019    

225 Bourne Boulevard• Savannah, Georgia 31408-9586 USA   P.O. Box 929 • Pooler, Georgia 31322-0929 USA   Phone: (912) 447-9000 • Fax: (912) 447-9250  Toll Free (USA Only): 1-800-4LUMMUS (1-800-458-6687)    Web Site: www.lummus.com • E-mail: lummus.sales@lummus.com     ® Copyright 2019 Lummus Corporation

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