Cotton farming march 2017

Cotton Farming ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

MARCH 2017

www.cottonfarming.com

LOYAL to COTTON ALABAMA FARMER ANTICIPATES 69TH CROP

®

CF0317 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/20/17 11:07 AM Page 2

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NG 3406 B2XF was easy to manage and had no Target leaf spot pressure. / 7/33 8.54833 *.33 -064*33 '.7/33 .$33 NG 3406 B2XF next year!�

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Vol. 61 No. 3

Cotton Farming PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

MARCH 2017

www.cottonfarming.com

COREY MCDONALD/COREYMCDONALDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

F E AT U R E S

6

Loyal To Cotton

Otis Shiver, who farms in southwest Alabama, is anticipating his 69th cotton crop this year. Shiver grew up during the Depression, served in World War II and has been growing cotton full-time since 1948. Today he farms with his grandson, Jim Moore; Moore’s son, Cameron Bratcher; and full-time employee James Terrell. Last year Shiver planted ST 6182GLT on “his” 35-acre cotton field, harvested it with a two-row John Deere 9930 cotton picker that he insists is still a good machine, and made more than 2 bales to the acre.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

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SOUTHERN SOUTHEASTERN

11

POISED TO LEAD THE WAY

22

GINNING MARKETPLACE

The 2017 annual event held in Charlotte, N.C., featured meetings, breakout sessions and the Southeast Cotton Ginner of the Year award.

TCGA’s Tony Williams says Texas is pressing forward as the U.S. cotton leader. Make plans now to attend the Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Lubbock, April 6-7.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY

NCGA’s Harrison Ashley provides a recap of the organization’s recent meeting in Dallas.

WEB EXCLUSIVE CA Farm Bureau Federation directors met with congressional leaders, a Trump transition official and others involved in driving and monitoring the changing political landscape. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

CCOY

Tim Ro berts

2 016

2016 Cotton Consultant of the Year

COT T

ON C ONS

U LTA N

T OF THE Y EAR

Tim Roberts, Dyersburg, Tenn., is the 35th recipient of this esteemed award. Read more about Roberts on page 13.

TwiTTer

: @CoTTon

Farming

Cotton Farming MARCH

4 Editor’s Note 17 Specialists Speaking 5 Cotton’s Agenda 26 My Turn 12 Research & Promotion

FARMING

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SUPPLEMENT ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MARCH 2017

Mix it up Rotate control methods, crops to slow PPO resistance

ON THE COVER: A photo to painting rendering of Alabama cotton farmer Otis Shiver by Corey McDonald. coreymcdonaldphotography.com

2017 COTTON

Irrigation study pits furrow vs. flood

Look for Soybean South following page 24 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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TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

3

Editor’s Note

Cotton Farming

Carroll Smith

®

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

Cotton’s Wow Factor

A

s the 2017 season gets underway, I am delighted and impressed by the “wow factor” reverberating throughout the cotton industry. One of the most exciting prospects is the cotton acreage increase expected across the Belt. According to the National Cotton Council’s 36th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey, “U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 11 million cotton acres this spring, up 9.4 percent from 2016. Upland cotton intentions are 10.8 million acres, up 8.8 percent from 2016, while extra-long staple intentions of 266,000 acres represent a 36.9 percent increase.”

In his March Specialists Speaking comments on page 18, Mississippi cotton specialist Darrin Dodds says, “Depending on who you talk to, our growers may plant upwards of 750,000 acres this season. If so, that would be a 71 percent increase over last year and the highest planted acreage since 2006.”

Wow. If Dodds’ prediction comes to fruition, the Mississippi landscape could be snow-white this fall. Of course, many factors can influence the actual outcome of the crop no matter how many acres are planted, but farmers’ faith in cotton at this point in time is exciting news.

In addition to the acreage increase, there are other examples of cotton’s wow factor going into the 2017 season. Here are a few: • Texas farmers and ginners are wrapping up a projected 7.8 million-bale crop. On page 11, Texas Cotton Ginners Association Executive Vice President Tony Williams says, “Most areas (of Texas) experienced an exceptional crop in 2016, soil moisture is good, the market is looking up, and plans to build a large gin in the Texas Panhandle are in the works.”

• Farmers have many cotton varieties from which to choose that have shown their ability to produce exceptional yield and quality.

• New herbicide technologies have been registered across the Belt to give farmers powerful tools to strengthen their weed control programs.

• Cotton prices have risen and the market appears to be stabilizing.

• The Senate recently confirmed the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as the new EPA Administrator. According to the National Cotton Council, “NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee, a Bronwood, Ga., cotton producer noted that Pruitt has been a tireless critic of some of EPA’s regulations and has promised to revamp the agency.”

• Otis Shiver, a 93-year-old Alabama cotton farmer who is looking forward to his 69th cotton crop, says on page 8, “I just like growing cotton. I have worked in cotton all my life and that’s what I enjoy.”

Wow, 2017 certainly appears to be shaping up as a stellar year for “white gold.” Cotton is rolling, so get onboard!

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 MARCH 2017

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 2017 © ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

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COTTONFARMING.COM

Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

Priorities For Profitability The National Cotton Council’s priorities for 2017 range from exploring all opportunities to improve cotton’s safety net to aggressively working to ease the regulatory burdens facing U.S. cotton producers.

What are the NCC’s major 2017 priorities? n As laid out to delegates at the NCC’s recent annual meeting, the NCC will be active in: 1) securing short-term economic assistance for cotton producers — which includes working to get a cottonseed policy in place as a bridge until the new farm bill is enacted; 2) strengthening cotton’s safety net in the next farm bill; 3) enhancing cotton crop insurance policies, including improvements in quality loss provisions; 4) maintaining beneficial trade agreements and policies, while addressing unfair trade practices and man-made fiber policies and overcapacity; 5) reversing burdensome regulations, while preserving critical crop protection products; 6) securing funding for the industry’s priorities in the annual appropriations process; and 7) ensuring that The NCC’s 2017 Economic Outlook was presented ou r i ndu s t r y has a well-fundat the organization’s annual meeting in February. ed political action committee for advancing cotton’s priorities with our nation’s lawmakers.

Has the economic outlook improved?

For the past three years, U.S. cotton producers have struggled with low cotton prices and high production costs. In fact, if producers did not enjoy above-average yields in 2016, cotton’s market revenue likely fell short of total costs. For some producers, the shortfall is three years and counting.

Although current futures markets have increased from year-ago levels, many producers continue to face economic hardships.

Even under this business climate, the NCC’s annual acreage survey sees 2017 U.S. cotton acreage of 11 million acres, 9.4 percent more than in 2016. This increase largely is the result of weaker prices of competing crops and improved expectations for water. When making 2017 planting and marketing decisions, producers should keep in mind that the loan rate for base grade cotton for 2017 is 49.49 cents, down from 52 cents for the 2016 crop.

Assuming average abandonment and trend yields, the 2017 U.S. crop is projected at 16.8 million bales. Cotton used by U.S. mills is expected to increase by 100,000 bales in 2017. However, U.S. exports, strong in 2016 at 12.8 million bales, are projected to fall to 12.4 million bales in 2017, leading to an increase in ending stocks of 898,000 bales.

Decreased trade is due largely to more competition from other cotton-producing countries.

Competition from manmade fibers remains strong, but the NCC believes there are real opportunities for cotton to make inroads against synthetic fibers. That will necessitate industry members’ continued focus on contamination prevention as one way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to quality and helping maintain U.S. cotton’s reputation in the global marketplace. The NCC took additional steps at bolstering its reputation during our recent annual meeting by creating new industry member working groups that 1) will be charged with finding more ways to enhance cotton flow – and ensuring timely delivery to our domestic and overseas customers and 2) will work with U.S. cotton industry associations to develop industrywide goals for environmental stewardship improvements, farm productivity and resource efficiency.

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.

Twitter: @CottonFarming

MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

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COVER STORY

LOYAL to COTTON Alabama Farmer Anticipates 69 th Crop

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

timber, they grew row crops as well — mostly cotton along with corn and velvet bean.

“Even though we wore raggedy clothes and didn’t have any money, we always had plenty to eat,” Shiver says. “We raised our food and had milk cows, hogs and cattle. I had a good life there. My first paying job on the farm was as water boy. I was 8 years old and made 50 cents a day carrying a bucket of water out to the field hands. They plowed behind the mules and drank a lot of water.”

As World War II loomed on the horizon, Shiver, like many other young men, was allowed to finish the 11th grade and was drafted a few days after school closed for the summer. He joined the Navy and served for three years before being discharged in 1946.

COREY MCDONALD/COREYMCDONALDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

W

hen referencing events that happened almost a century ago, most people preface their anecdotes with, “I have a photograph.” Otis Shiver begins his stories with, “I remember….”

This 93-year-old cotton farmer was born in the Rocky Hill community of southwest Alabama on the Alabama River in 1924.

“I came up through the Depression,” Shiver says.

“When my daddy planted his crop in 1929, cotton was 80 cents a pound. When he picked it that fall, cotton was 6 cents a pound. All of the farmers went bust.”

Shiver’s father, T.B., moved the family to a nearby 4,500-acre, 25-mule plantation where he was hired as the farm manager. Although much of the land was in

Otis Shiver’s father-in-law gave him 42 acres of cotton to work in 1948, and that same land is still part of the operation today.

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COTTON FARMING MARCH 2017

COTTONFARMING.COM

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2017 Season Preview Because of its proximity to the Gulf Coast, Moore says the farm typically receives adequate rainfall for cotton and peanuts. “We do have 200 acres under pivot irrigation to use as needed. All of our acres are conventional tillage, and we rotate cotton and peanuts to suppress reniform nematodes. Planting peanuts basically takes their food source away. The nematodes are still in the soil, but the numbers are not as high as they would be if we planted

CARROLL SMITH

Post-War Cotton Experience Shiver married his sweetheart, Juliet Till, that same year. They later had a son, Jimmy, and a daughter, Gail.

Shiver worked at Brookley Field in Mobile, Ala., for a couple years before his father-in-law, Harmon “H.T.” Till, asked him to come help out on the farm in Monroe County.

“For a time, I trained there under the G.I. Bill of Rights for about $90 a month and then continued to farm cotton with my daddy-in-law until he retired,” Shiver says.

“When cotton was picked by hand, we would pull a fourwheel wagon into the field, fill it up and then take the wagon to the gin where we had to stay in line until it was our turn. My wife would come out to the field in the morning and pick cotton, while an older child watched Gail playing on a quilt under the tree. Then Juliet would go home, cook a full dinner and bring it to the field where we ate on the tailgate of the truck.”

Shiver’s son-in-law, Tuby Moore, started working with him in 1980. “My husband loved to farm,” Gail says. “He didn’t come from a farming family, but he learned fast.

He worked for daddy for 21 years before he passed away in 2001. They never had a cross word. Tuby cultivated, sprayed cotton and had the chance to work with our son, Jim, for two years when Jim came back to the farm after graduating from Auburn.”

Till gave Shiver 42 acres of cotton to work in 1948, and that same land is still part of their operation. Today, Shiver; Moore; Moore’s son, Cameron Bratcher; and fulltime employee James Terrell farm 600 acres of cotton and peanuts. Moore also runs a herd of 300 brood cows.

“We typically bed up the fields in the spring and start planting around May 5,” Shiver says. “I knock the beds down and Jim comes behind me with the planter. We plant cotton for a couple days and then plant peanuts a couple days so it all doesn’t come off at one time. As long as Jim is in the field, I am in the field.”

Jim Moore and his son, Cameron Bratcher, are fifth- and sixth-generation Alabama cotton farmers. cotton behind cotton.”

Moore says they also battle stink bugs and plant bugs.

After scouting the fields, they typically begin spraying for plant bugs when the cotton starts squaring. Once bolls begin to form, they spray for stink bugs.

The most troublesome weeds these farmers encounter are morningglory and glyphosate-resistant pigweed.

“We will plant some Deltapine XtendFlex cotton varieties this year, depending on availability, to take advantage of the dicamba herbicide technology,” he says. “Many of our neighbors are, too, so we all have to be sensitive to drift around peanuts in our area.”

Shiver and Moore don’t plant corn and soybeans because of a lack of grain infrastructure, such as on-farm storage bins, and the unpredictability of rainfall timing.

The Ultimate ‘Cotton Man’ Although the operation is a family affair, Shiver insists on calling one 35-acre cotton field “his.”

“That’s my field, and I farm it every year,” he says. “Last year I planted ST 6182GLT and harvested it with my tworow John Deere 9930 cotton picker. It’s still a good machine.

In 2016, my field made more than 2 bales to the acre.”

As the 2017 season gets underway, Shiver is looking forward to his 69th cotton crop.

“I just like growing cotton,” he says. “I have worked in cotton all my life and that’s what I enjoy. Now I have told you all I know.”

RIVERS LANGLEY; SAVERIVERS

“I just like growing cotton. I have worked in cotton all my life and that’s what I enjoy.”

— Otis Shiver

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COTTON FARMING MARCH 2017

COTTONFARMING.COM

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SOUTHERN SOUTHEASTERN ANNUAL MEETING

Facing The Challenges

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

S

outheast cotton producers and ginners gathered in Charlotte, N.C., prior to the beginning of the 2017 season to meet and share ideas about how to address important issues that affect the industry on regional, national and international levels.

Kent Fountain, president of Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association Inc., and David Dunlow, president of Southern Cotton Growers Inc., presided over the annual meeting. The theme for this year’s event was “Facing the Challenges.”

Of particular interest to Southeast attendees were cotton t-shirts that the staff passed out at the registration booth. The garments were made from 100 percent cotton grown in the Carolinas.

However, they are not just ordinary cotton t-shirts. They have unique color threads in the seams that serve as a “tracker” to show exactly where each shirt came from.

Consumers are encouraged to go to whereyourclothing.com to access the completely transparent supply chain. According to the website, “Not only do we give you the location, but a name, photo, address, and even a phone number for each member of the supply chain, from dirt to shirt.”

Variety Of Activities Offered During the general session, Bruce Atherley, executive director, Cotton Council International, provided an update on the global cotton scene.

Atherley noted that great interest is being garnered by cotton’s new hang tag: The Cotton The World Trusts.

Consumers around the globe showed a preference for this tag over any of the others, he says. Cotton promotion efforts beyond our borders are critical to keeping U.S. cotton top-of-mind for global purchasers.

Numerous breakout sessions addressed topics of interest for both producers and ginners. Included

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COTTON FARMING MARCH 2017

At the registration booth, attendees were given t-shirts whose origin could be tracked from “dirt to shirt” at whereyourclothing.com.

Dean Kight, Roanoke Cotton Co., LLC, Weldon, N.C., received the traditional gin saw after being named the 2016 Southeast Ginner of the Year. among them were discussions regarding future changes to crop insurance,

cotton contamination and safety issues at the gin. Frank Gasparini, National Council of Agricultural Employers, Washington, D.C., talked about the status of immigration under the Trump administration, which has a direct affect on the agricultural labor pool.

Attendees visited the trade show, which showcased numerous products and services, and special awards were presented at the close of the event.

Farmers and ginners also picked up useful information in what Fountain calls “hallway seminars” where everyone gathers to share their experiences and exchange ideas.

The Southern Southeastern Annual Meeting, which is always held early in the year, provides a regional forum in a relaxed venue in which the farming and ginning segments can gather to learn as well as enjoy fellowship.

The 2018 meeting will be held Jan. 17-20 at the Marriott Grand Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Make plans now to attend!

COTTONFARMING.COM

TCGA ANNUAL MEETING & TRADE SHOW

Texas Poised To Lead The Way

BY TONY WILLIAMS TCGA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

A

s cotton planters prepare to roll across Texas, a feeling of anticipation is in the air — and for good reason.

Most areas experienced an exceptional crop in 2016, soil moisture is good, the market is looking up, and plans to build a large gin in the Texas Panhandle are in the works. Another factor generating a lot of excitement is farmers having access to cotton varieties that produce outstanding yields and quality if we get a little help from Mother Nature.

Expansion in the Texas Panhandle in terms of the new gin being built and more cotton acres being planted is contributing to industry providers looking for a big year. Everything is very positive right now.

An acreage increase also means producers will have more cotton to bring to market. If prices hold up, this will have a positive affect on their bottom line. In addition, ginners will have more volume to process, which creates economic activity in other areas as well. For example, cotton has to be hauled from the field to the gin, more bales are stored at warehouses, and more cottonseed goes on the market to be traded and crushed.

Benefits Of Acreage Increase The theme for this year ’s Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show is “Texas Cotton Leads the Way.” Texas continues to plant a large amount of cotton acres, and based on early surveys, the state potentially will have more than 6 million acres planted in 2017. Texas is pressing forward as the U.S. cotton leader.

Our show is the largest gathering of cotton gin equipment manufacturers

Twitter: @CottonFarming

and other businesses that provide parts or services to the ginning industry.

Visitors from all regions of the Cotton Belt and around the world attend the event to learn about the latest developments in cotton ginning and to purchase equipment or services they need at their facilities.

As the show week begins, full-time gin employees can gain additional knowledge — especially regarding safety — and see the latest industry developments by attending the Southwest Ginners School. Many gin managers allow their employees to go to the school and then attend the show at the end of the week.

TCGA also will host its annual golf tournament at Meadowbrook Golf Course on Wednesday, April 5.

Trade Show Plus Special Activities The trade show starts at 9 a.m., Thursday, April 6, and is held at the Lubbock Civic Center where more than 130 exhibitors will be on hand to inform you about their products or services. The day’s show concludes with a “Taste of Lubbock Party” that is open to all show attendees.

On Friday, show hours are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During this time, Plains Cotton Growers Inc. also holds its annual meeting. The day concludes with TCGA’s Awards Dinner and Vegas Night Celebration at the Overton Hotel.

Tickets for the awards dinner may be purchased at the show registration booth. Everyone is invited to the Vegas Night Celebration, and no ticket is required. For more information, visit our website at www.tcga.org.

Trait Stewardship Responsibilities: Notice to Growers 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.

The combination of biotechnology traits expressed in this cottonseed has achieved full regulatory authorization in the U.S. and several export markets. Processed fractions from this cottonseed, including linters, oil, meal and gin trash, must not be exported without all necessary approvals in the importing country. Bayer encourages growers to talk to their cotton merchant, broker, or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for commodity components of this product. Information regarding the regulatory status of this cottonseed can be obtained at www.biotradestatus.com.

Bt products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Bayer Representative or refer to the most recent TwinLink® Insect Resistance Management (IRM) Guide for restrictions in your state.

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. 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.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL I N S T R U C T I O N S . L i b e r t y L i n k ® c ro p s contain genes that confer tolerance to glufosinate, the active ingredient in Liberty® brand agricultural herbicide. Liberty herbicide will kill crops that are not tolerant to glufosinate. ©2016 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Liberty, LibertyLink, Stoneville, Stoneville Design and TwinLink are registered trademarks of Bayer. Excellence Through Stewardship is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. Liberty is not registered in all states. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us CR0916STONEVA226V00R0 B-28600-1

Contact Tony Williams at tony.tcga.org or 512-476-8388.

MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

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RESEARCH AND PROMOTION

Getting to Know Cotton Board Chairman Janet Ydavoy

T Cotton Board Chairman Janet Ydavoy

“

Turning a profit is difficult today, both at the farm and in the retail apparel business, so we all must bring our “A” game as we help ensure the continued health and success of the cotton industry.

he Cotton Board is governed by its membership, which consists of both cotton producers and cotton importers. Importers serving on The Cotton Board represent various major U.S. brands and retailers – significant downstream users of cotton.

The producers serving on The Cotton Board represent their respective state in the U.S. Cotton Belt. Together, these segments of the Board represent a wealth of unique perspectives and insight that help guide The Cotton Research and Promotion Program.

This year, The Cotton Board’s chairman is Janet Ydavoy, an importer from Portsmouth, N.H. Ms. Ydavoy is currently the senior director of supply chain for Garnet Hill, a brand dedicated to using cotton and other natural fibers to make high-quality clothing, bedding and home decor. She has more than 30 years experience in international trade, importing, sourcing, production, product development, customs and trade compliance, and has been a licensed U.S. Customs broker since 1994.

From her unique perspective as an importer leader in the cotton industry, Ydavoy has answered a few questions.

Q: Why is it important for you to serve on The Cotton Board?

I have served on The Cotton Board since 2004, and I have seen it evolve into a collaborative entity that is focused on continuous improvement and increasing demand. Turning a profit is difficult today, both at the farm and in the retail apparel business, so we all must bring our “A” game as we help ensure the continued health and success of the cotton industry.

That is what I see from cotton producers and the research and promotion professionals at every meeting. I try to bring the same level of dedication and initiative.

This is an industry full of exceptional people. It is a great time to be a part of the thread that connects cotton from the fiber to the consumer.

Q: You sit on the Ag Research committee for The Cotton Board. What has surprised you most about cotton production?

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I love serving on the committee and getting to learn more about a segment of the industry that I am not as familiar with, but that absolutely impacts my business. I am most fascinated by the focused, proactive approach Cotton Incorporated’s team takes to anticipate and get ahead of issues that could impact the productivity and quality of cotton. I am also amazed by the extensive research that supports the economic and scientific advancement in cotton production.

Q: What do you think is The Cotton Research and Promotion Program’s greatest contribution to the industry?

The Cotton Research and Promotion Program has offered so much to the industry by way of Cotton Incorporated.

From education for brands and retailers through Cotton University to being pioneers of progress in sustainability issues facing our industry today, Cotton Incorporated has become the industry “go-to” that keeps us abreast of current issues that impact our businesses.

As significant as these issues are, the development of the Seal of Cotton and the long-term positive opinions consumers have for cotton is the greatest contribution.

Q: What makes you so passionate about the cotton industry?

I admire the growers and their commitment to being responsible stewards of the land. I think the importers share that integrity as responsible stewards of the “brand.” At the end of the day, your reputation is all you have, and it’s a precious commodity.

Importers and growers are like bookends managing each end of the process from turn-row to runway. Today, more than ever, there is increased emphasis on tracking and tracing to work backwards from the consumer to the plant. The cotton industry allows us to connect all the dots in a responsible way.

The Cotton Board, which administers Cotton Incorporated’s Research and Promotion Program, contributed information for this article.

COTTONFARMING.COM

Tim Roberts 2 0 16 C O T T O N C O N S U LTA N T O F T H E Y E A R

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

Cotton Farming MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

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Since 1984, TennArk Crop Service has been committed to helping cotton farmers achieve success in West Tennessee and the Missouri Bootheel.

Tim Roberts was a cotton scout when he married his wife, Tracie, in 1981. “She has always supported me, raised our two daughters and never once complained about the long hours,� Roberts says.

T

im Roberts grew up in Southeast Arkansas where farming was prevalent and many of the local teenagers worked as cotton scouts or “bug checkers” as they were called at the time. In 1977, Arkansas cotton consultant Ken Gilbert hired Roberts and Roberts’ long-time friend, Billy Beegle, to work for him while they were in college. From 1980 to 1983, Gilbert sent the young men to West Tennessee where farmers were looking for consultants to help combat the boll weevil, which had begun to aggressively attack their cotton fields.

In 1984, Roberts and Beegle moved back to Arkansas and went into partnership as TennArk Crop Service. As their acres increased in West Tennessee, they moved the business to Dyersburg in 1992, where they still operate today. They also consult in the Missouri Bootheel, primarily in Pemiscot and southern New Madrid counties.

“Billy and I grew up together in McGehee, Ark., and even went to the same church,” Roberts says. “Back in the early days, we worked out of one truck while we were building our business. Of course, we now work out of two trucks, report to one another after we finish scouting, and then report to the farmer whose fields we were checking. It’s pretty rare for two guys to get along in the type of business we have, but it works for us. We complement each other. Billy and I have been with many of our farmers for more than 30 years and now work for some of their sons. They all consider themselves ‘cotton farmers’ and want to continue growing cotton. Some years are more challenging than others, but the job is never boring. It’s intense, and we learn something new all the time.”

And that intensity is not lost on the cotton producers for whom Roberts consults. Patrick Turnage, who primarily farms in the Missouri Bootheel, says, “I was 13 years old when Tim began consulting for our family. He has single handedly

Gary Hayes, right, farms with his brother in Pemiscot County, Mo., and manages Caruthersville Gin. “Tim has personally checked my cotton for 25 years and checked cotton for most of our gin customers since 1992.”

Jimmy Moody, left, president and farm manager of Moody Properties Inc. and managing partner of Cold Creek Farms in West Tennessee, is one of Roberts’ long-time farmer clients. instilled in me a passion for perfection — a ‘leave nothing to chance, do all we can’ attitude — and then leave the rest to Mother Nature. This is what it takes to be successful in today’s agricultural environment.”

Jimmy Moody, president and farm manager of Moody Properties Inc. and managing partner of Cold Creek Farms in West Tennessee, says, “Tim is a very detailed person, takes ownership of the crop and never gives up. We had a dryland farm this past year that experienced a lot of stress. It was probably the most challenging farm he had dealt with in his career.

At one point we were both discouraged, but Tim nursed it though the season. At harvest, that farm made over 1,200 pounds per acre and were the best grades we had.”

Long-time client and friend Gar y Hayes, who farms with his brother in Pemiscot County, Mo., and manages Caruthersville Gin, describes Roberts as a man who takes pride in his work and acts as a motivator, too. “Tim always shows interest, wants his farmers to do well and checks back in a timely manner after making a recommendation. I get my scouting report on Monday and on Tuesday afternoon he calls to make sure I have followed through with what needs to be done. As farmers, we are all lucky to have him scouting for us.

Tim and Billy together do a great job.”

Although a consultant’s life is demanding, Tim enjoys the full support of his family. Pictured here are one of his daughters, Paula Stamps (left), granddaughter Marie, wife Tracie, Tim and grandson Bradley.

Tim, left, operates TennArk Crop Service in partnership with long-time friend and consultant Billy Beegle. Their business is based in Dyersburg, Tenn., and mainly covers West Tennessee and the Missouri Bootheel.

Two Essential Ingredients Tim Roberts is all about teamwork and communication. He and his partner, Billy Beegle, tag team their farmers’ fields and report to each other throughout the day. They employ three young full-time consultants — Kyle Jackson, Logan Parker and Zach Hardin — to round out the roster.

Roberts also appreciates the informal fraternity that exists among professionals in his industry.

“We all know how tough it can be,” he says. “We’ve all stood out in the field, seen something going on and thought, ‘What in the world am I going to do?’

One of my first reactions is to pick up the phone and call my consultant buddies to get their take on it. Consultants are great when it comes to sharing information, their own experiences and what they think you ought to do. And many times it’s just the moral support that helps. In our business, we constantly

communicate with our farmers and with each other.”

Other important “team members” with whom Roberts regularly consults include university personnel, industry representatives and distributors. “We get together at meetings during the winter, participate in plot work and know that during the season, they are just a phone call away. Our relationship with all of these people is very beneficial.”

Upon learning he was selected as the 2016 Cotton Consultant of the Year, Roberts says he was humbled and honored. “I had pulled down into a 150-acre field called Grandma’s Home Place when I got the call,” he says. “I began to reminisce about all the fields I have checked, the farmers I’ve scouted for, everything Billy and I have been through in growing our business and the amazing varieties and crop protection chemicals we have today. We are all very fortunate.”

Cotton Consultant of the Year Award Recipients, 1981-2016 1981 Bob Stanford, Flagstaff, Ariz.

1982 Jep Gates, Memphis, Tenn.

1983 Dennis Bouchard, Minter City, Miss.

1984 John Nickelsen, Shafter, Calif.

1985 Dwight Lincoln, Portland, Ark. 1986 Grady Coburn, Cheneyville, La. 1987 Stanley Nemec, Snook, Texas 1988 Robert Moore, Hartsville, S.C. 1989 Curtis Wilhelm, Harlingen, Texas 1990 Mills Rogers, Cleveland, Miss.

1991 Clyde Sartor, Vicksburg, Miss.

1992 John Christian, Raymondville, Texas 1993 Billy McLawhorn, Cove City, N.C. 1994 Dwain Reed, Courtland, Ala. 1995 Barry Aycock, Parma, Mo. 1996 Ray Young, Wisner, La. 1997 Lonnie Bull, Cameron, S.C. 1998 Chuck Farr, Crawfordsville, Ark. 1999 Bob Griffin, Jonesboro, Ark. 2000 Roger Carter, Clayton, La. 2001 Harold Lambert, Innis, La. 2002 Lee Hutchins, Sinton, Texas

Tim Roberts’ Personal & Career History Raised in McGehee, Ark., Roberts and his wife, Tracie, now reside in Dyersburg, Tenn.

Career • Attended Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe) for two years.

• Earned a B.S. degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas-Monticello.

• Worked for Arkansas cotton consultant Ken Gilbert from 1977-1981 in Southeast Arkansas and from 1982-1983 in West Tennessee.

• Moved back to Southeast Arkansas and started TennArk Crop Service in 1984 with partner Billy Beegle.

• Moved the business to Dyersburg, Tenn., in 1992.

• TennArk Crop Service employs three fulltime consultants and focuses mainly on cotton in addition to soybeans and corn in West Tennessee and the Missouri Bootheel.

Family Life Roberts and his wife, Tracie, have two daughters, Paula Stamps (David) and Rachel Robitaille (Jeremy). Tim and Tracie have four grandchildren — two sets of twins — Marie and Bradley, and Olivia and Charles.

2003 Danny Pierce, Princeton, N.C. 2004 Tucker Miller, Drew, Miss.

2005 John Hunter, Lubbock, Texas 2006 Jack Royal, Leary, Ga. 2007 Danny Moore, Marion, Ark. 2008 Ray Young, Wisner, La. (Lifetime Achievement Award) 2009 Joe Townsend, Coahoma, Miss.

2010 Mark Nemec, Waco, Texas 2011 Virgil King, Lexington, Miss.

2012 Tim White, Jonesville, La. 2013 Bob Glodt, Plainview, Texas 2014 Stan Winslow, Belvidere, N.C. 2015 Wes Briggs, Bainbridge, Ga. 2016 Tim Roberts, Dyersburg, Tenn.

Cotton Farming

Specialists Speaking Preparing For Planting Season ARIZONA Randy Norton Planting season is upon us in the western deserts of Arizona and will begin across the central deserts and towards eastern Arizona soon. Decisions regarding variety selection have been made and planting seed is already in the barn.

It is important to know about the new technologies that are available in many varieties for 2017 that give us additional options for weed control in our production systems.

Dicamba tolerance is now fully registered with both tolerant cotton varieties and the proper chemical formulations (XtendiMax from Monsanto and Engenia from BASF) to use with these new varieties.

Cotton varieties tolerant to the Enlist Duo product from Dow are also available. Enlist Duo herbicide is currently registered for use in all Arizona counties except Yuma, La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal and Pima.

Use of either of these new technologies will have a potential fit in certain areas of the state where emerging populations of glyphosate-resistant weed species (specifically pigweed) have been documented. If you choose to use this new technology, it is critical that you read and follow the label and supplemental labels for the herbicides to ensure you are applying them in a manner consistent with their effective use. Parameters, such as wind speed, nozzle type and pressure, boom height, sprayer speed, water conditioners, tank mix partners, etc., are all specified on the labels and must be followed carefully to get the most from these new technologies.

Another critical factor to consider when using these new herbicides is tank cleanout. Triple rinse procedures are required when using any of the new phenoxy herbicide formulations. Monsanto, BASF and Dow have developed websites to provide the latest information available for these products. Visit www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com and www.engeniatankmix.com for the dicamba products and www.enlist.com for the 2,4-D product. If you have additional questions, contact your specific company (Monsanto, Dow or BASF) representative or the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in your area. rnorton@email.arizona.edu

TEXAS Seth Byrd As of early February, the Lubbock and Lamesa classing offices were still classing more than 150,000 bales per week combined, reflective of the tremendous 2016 cotton yields in West Texas. Quality was still holding strong with only slight decreases in color and leaf grades compared to the season average.

Planting will still likely be a couple of months away by the time this issue reaches you, but by that point decisions regarding variety selection will probably have been made. It is important to note that varieties with new herbicide traits as well as those without performed well in 2016. Although the herbicide trait factor will likely be a primary driver of variety selection in 2017, there was certainly no evidence of an increase in yield potential over varieties without tolerance to dicamba or 2,4-D. However, these technologies do provide another tool for use in weed management, so it is likely a large proportion of acres in the High Plains will be planted with varieties that have the new traits. Feeling comfortable with following the application requirements and label language will be critical so that this new technology is properly stewarded as we move forward.

Twitter: @CottonFarming

It is recommended that traits factor into a decision (whether they be herbicide or Bt traits) when they can address an issue that caused problems last year or may potentially be a problem in the coming season. Varieties have a wide array of trait packages that perform well in the High Plains, so looking at what problems can be addressed through traits and other variety characteristics is key. Maturity, early season vigor, and disease or nematode resistance may be a bigger factor than herbicide traits. A variety’s total package should be evaluated.

You can find information on variety performance at cotton.tamu. edu, as well as information on varieties’ responses to various diseases and nematodes in the High Plains at lubbock.tamu.edu. seth.byrd@ag.tamu.edu

TEXAS Gaylon Morgan Cotton planting in South Texas has started early this year. Increased cotton acreage, a warmer than usual winter, and the fear of losing adequate planting moisture have been the main drivers for earlier than normal planting dates in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend. Nearly 95,000 bales were ginned from the Rolling Plains the first week of February with fiber quality continuing to be good, except for small increases in leaf grades and bark content.

An increase in cotton acreage is still expected across every cottonproduction region in Texas, and the majority of the acreage will likely be in either XtendFlex or Enlist varieties. Fortunately, the XtendFlex and Enlist varieties have yielded well, have great fiber quality packages, and provide additional weed control options.

However, producers should not dismiss the value (lower seed price and comparable yield and fiber quality) of the RoundupFlex and GlyTolLibertyLink varieties, especially if glyphosate-resistant weeds are not present on their farms. Producers must also diligently follow the application requirements and should give serious consideration to the potential off-target and spray tank contamination risks associated with the application of Enlist Duo on Enlist Cotton or XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology or Engenia on XtendFlex cotton varieties.

For additional cotton variety performance information from 2015 and 2016, go to cotton.tamu.edu. gdmorgan@tamu.edu

ARKANSAS Bill Robertson Dry weather in February made it possible for field work across most of the state to occur. Soil sampling, dirt pans, fertilizer buggies, and burndown or tillage was a common site as we approached Valentine’s Day. The kickoff of cotton burndown programs for most is just around the corner. Those who put in a cereal rye cover crop likely did so with an objective of improving soil health and helping with pigweed control. Burndown programs should be timed ahead of the planter to address issues related to the “green bridge,” which can facilitate movement of pests from a dying cover crop to an emerging crop. Remember that many of the early season cotton pests overwinter in broadleaf weeds. The higher the level of broadleaf plants or weeds in your cover crop increases the potential that issues from the green bridge may occur.

Burndown of tall cereal rye four weeks ahead of the planter will make planting more difficult as the rye tends to lodge and twist up.

MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

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Specialists Speaking Planting through this lodged residue can be difficult. Burndown two weeks ahead of the planter is generally enough time for standing rye to be terminated. However, this can be a problem if difficult-tocontrol weeds are also present in the rye for green bridge issues.

Some prefer to terminate the day before planting, but this is very risky if broadleaf weeds are present. Regardless of herbicide strategies prior to planting, Gramoxone and a pyrethroid behind the planter should be part of your program.

Our immediate goal for the 2017 crop is to start with a good stand of healthy cotton. This requires fields to be clean at planting. A timely and effective burndown program is our first step toward this goal. Contact your county Extension agent for more information. brobertson@uaex.edu

MISSOURI Mike Milam Missouri producers are eager to get started this spring. In many winter discussions, weather was a major topic. We all agree we had what could have been near-record yields except for problems early and late. We had a remarkable planting season with most of the crop going in earlier than normal. The cool, wet conditions in May came after those planting into cover crops. Therefore, we probably had more re-planting than normal. The worst problem was the prolonged, heavy rains over a 10-day period. The result was target spot and boll loss. Anticipating the weather is something on everyone’s mind.

Probably the greatest concern going into this season is the new herbicide technology. With the problems we experienced last year with dicamba, there is some fear of this happening again on a larger scale. With the new dicamba and 2,4-D formulations, it is even more critical to read and follow label directions. Equipment cleanout is also going to be more important than ever. For farmers using these technologies, it will be more difficult to do everything possible to prevent damage to other crops, gardens, trees and shrubs.

One final note. The Fisher Delta Research Center at Portageville will host a pesticide pickup for farmers and homeowners on Saturday, March 11 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. They are accepting all pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, dewormers, fly tags and fertilizer containing pesticides. Pesticides from businesses will not be accepted. milammr@missouri.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper There is considerable acreage planted to multiple species of cover crops in Tennessee this year. Many of these acres will not be planted to cotton, but I have heard of substantial acreages where cotton will follow a cover crop mixture. Little hard data has been collected up to this point on best termination practices in a multiple-species cover crop. However, we can use several observations collected from fields in the past few years and from 30-plus years of single-species cover crop work conducted both within and beyond Tennessee. If those observations ring true, the best balance of maximizing cover crop benefits while minimizing potential negative impacts will occur by terminating the cover crop roughly two weeks prior to planting.

There are several reasons for this timing. First, many species typically grown in the mixtures release compounds that inhibit germination. Although this can be a great benefit in combating weeds, those compounds can also affect your cash crop’s germination. Second, this two-week period allows soil water to be recharged. Finally, crispy, dry residue is easily sliced and sloughed off the row with a lead coulter and opening wheels, allowing seed to be consistently

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placed at the proper depth. Terminating cover crops two weeks prior to planting will likely be the best approach to successful cotton establishment in our environment.

For additional information on this topic, check our blog at news. utcrops.com. traper@utk.edu

MISSISSIPPI Darrin Dodds Cotton planting in Mississippi will likely kick off in the next six to eight weeks, depending on how Mother Nature treats us. The past four years have seen very little cotton planted in April in Mississippi. In some of those years, well over half of our crop has been planted from May 15 to June 5. However, keep in mind that Mississippi as a whole has averaged more than 1,000 pounds per acre for the past five growing seasons and has averaged more than 1,200 pounds per acre in three of those five years.

While I would love to see us get started early, do not jump the gun and plant cotton seed into cold, wet soils in an attempt to get ahead.

Cotton acreage in Mississippi is expected to increase substantially in 2017. Depending on who you talk to, our growers may plant upwards of 750,000 acres this season. If so, that would be a 71 percent increase over last year and the highest planted acreage since 2006.

While I am happy to see our acres on the rise, I have concerns about yield on that many acres. We have grown accustomed to high yields; however, our cotton has been grown on the best land and managed properly. I am optimistic that we can maintain our yield standard of the past five years on this amount of acres, but we are going to have to cross all of our t’s and dot our i’s to make it happen. A good start would be to plant seed on productive soils when the weather says it’s time. dmd76@pss.msstate.edu

LOUISIANA Dan Fromme Cotton planting is just around the corner in Louisiana, and now is a good time to review a few key practices to help everyone get off to a great start in 2017. It is always best to plant according to soil temperature and not the calendar. If a field is planted too early, the cotton crop may suffer stand loss and cold temperature stress, which reduce yield potential.

Germination can begin when mean daily temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit at seeding depths, but growth will be slow at these temperatures. A soil temperature of 65 degrees F at a depth of 4 inches for three consecutive days and a favorable five-day forecast following planting is best. Also, nighttime minimum temperatures should be forecast to be above 50 degrees F for the following five days. During the critical germination period, soil temperatures below 50 degrees F can cause chilling injury to germinating cotton.

Emergence generally will occur after accumulation of 50-80 DD60s or heat units after planting. Planting should be delayed if the five-day forecast predicts the accumulation of fewer than 25 heat units after planting. The minimum plant population in the final plant stand should be no fewer than two healthy plants per foot.

Creating a pest-free seedbed is critical to avoid problems from cutworms and spider mites. Pre-plant, burndown herbicide applications should be made at least four weeks prior to planting to ensure no green vegetation is in the field for these pests to survive. It is equally important to eliminate weedy host plants on field borders to reduce insect pest problems later on that might move into adjacent cotton fields.

The 2017 Louisiana Weed Management and Insect Management Guides are available at www.lsuagcenter.com. Once you have reached the website, go to crops>cotton>weeds and crops>cotton>insects. dfromme@agcenter.lsu.edu COTTONFARMING.COM

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

GUY COLLINS

Arizona Ginner Honored

Strip-tillage in heavy rye residue.

NORTH CAROLINA Keith Edmisten We have completed three years of research comparing tillage systems in North Carolina. There are several conclusions I think have the most practical implications for cotton producers. First, strip-tillage completed two weeks prior to planting was always as good as, or better than strip-tillage done at planting. Strip-tillage two to three weeks prior to planting gives farmers the option to not disturb residual herbicide activity at planting.

Secondly, strip-tillage conducted in the fall reduced soil resistance to root growth for two years without additional strip-tillage and was similar to annual strip-tillage. Soil resistance after three years was only slightly higher than annual strip-tillage and was considerably lower than continuous no-till. Finally, comparisons between conventional (rip and bedded) versus strip-tillage (no beds) were made in 17 environments.

Bedding used to be common in North Carolina but is not as prevalent now as producers have shifted to reduced-tillage systems in response to herbicide-resistant transgenic varieties. There was no difference in yield due to bedding in 15 out of 17 of the environments. In two of the locations, bedding resulted in higher yields than planting flat with strip-till. The increase in yield due to bedding in these two environments ranged from 100 to 250 pounds of lint per acre and was due to excessive moisture. keith_edmisten@ncsu.edu

FLORIDA David Wright It is coming up on springtime when growers are preparing for planting. Three-month weather forecasts for the deep Southeast are showing warmer and drier conditions for February through April. Due to the very dry fall going into a wet period after Dec.1, there was not as much cover crop planted as normal.

Those who did get cover crops planted may want to terminate them a little earlier than normal if irrigation is not available so the seedbed doesn’t dry out. It is a good idea to use a residual herbicide with the burndown so weeds do not emerge prior to planting, causing more moisture loss. Sometimes tillage is necessary to control larger weeds, which further dries out the seedbed.

New varieties with new technology will be on the market this year so there will be a learning curve for all of us as we go through the first season using these tools. wright@ufl.edu Twitter: @CottonFarming

The late Charles C. Owen, an Arizona ginner whose career was marked by his strong desire to advance the U.S. cotton industry through quality preservation, research, employee education and outreach to U.S. cotton’s customers, is the recipient of the 2016 Oscar Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the National Cotton Council’s 2017 annual meeting.

In presenting the award to Owen’s wife, Mary, outgoing NCC Chairman Shane Stephens quoted from one of Owen’s nomination letters saying, “Charlie’s focus was the advancement of the cotton industry throughout his entire career.” Also participating in the presentation were Owen’s daughter, Leevon Guerithault, and grandsons, Paul Lovelis and Daniel Guerithault.

The annual award, established in 1997, is named for Oscar Johnston, whose vision, genius and tireless efforts were foremost in the organization and shaping of the NCC. The award is presented to an individual, now deceased, who served the cotton industry, through the NCC, over a significant period of his or her active business career. The award also recognizes those who exerted a positive influence on the industry and who demonstrated character and integrity as well as perseverance and maturation during that service.

Cotton Legacy Lives On Owen began in the cotton ginning business in the mid-1950s with Cotton Producers Association in Phoenix. That organization actually was a Georgia marketing cooperative that had expanded into Arizona to take part in that state’s flourishing cotton industry.

After working for a number of years for CPA, which had built gins in the Arizona towns of Marana and Santa Rita, Owen joined Southside Gin in Coolidge and managed it from 1971-1978.

Owen next worked as a salesman with Lummus Corporation from 1978-85 before being hired to manage the Glenbar Gin in Pima, Ariz. — a facility he had sold to the current owners after helping to build it three years before. Owen served as Glenbar’s general manager and also became a stockholder. In 1996, he bought the gin from the remaining stockholders.

Owen quickly became involved in the Arizona Cotton Ginners Association, the National Cotton Ginners’ Association and the National Cotton Council. He was recognized by his peers in 1989 as the NCGA’s National Cotton Ginner of the Year. In 2011, he received the NCC’s Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award and in 2016, the NCGA renamed its long-standing service award the Charles C. Owen Distinguished Service Award.

Owen made many contributions to the industry’s health, including his idea and work behind the scenes that resulted in the successful quality video series funded by John Deere. He also collaborated with the USDA ginning laboratory in Mesilla Park, N.M., that was instrumental in the development and commercial introduction of high speed roller ginning.

Owen provided stellar support for the Western Ginners School by teaching gin management courses. He also was a leader in the NCGA’s mill communications program and later expanded that communication with overseas U.S. cotton textile customers.

His legacy lives on through these, and many more, contributions to the U.S. cotton industry.

MARCH 2017 COTTON FARMING

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TCGA ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADE SHOW | | APRIL 6-7, 2017, LUBBOCK, TEXAS

Texas Cotton Leads The Way COTTON FARMERS AND GINNERS WRAP UP A PROJECTED 7.8 MILLION-BALE CROP Optimism and anticipation are running high for another big crop in 2017! Winter rains have set the stage for farmers to plant timely and produce top yields. Look for Texas gins to ride last year’s momentum and “lead the way” to increase capacity and run their plants more efficiently in the upcoming season.

To make sure cotton farming and ginning remain a viable part of the state’s economy, the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association is a vigilant watchdog on issues that could

affect our industry.

The annual TCGA Meeting and Trade Show is one of the largest gatherings of cotton ginning equipment, supplies and affiliated businesses that provide parts or services to the ginning industry. More than 130 exhibitors are eager to inform visitors about their products and services related to all things cotton.

Make plans now to attend the show as Texas cotton leads the way in U.S. production and ginning.

PHOTOS BY MARY JANE BUERKLE

COTTON

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

NCGA Elects Officers, Emphasizes Research And Safety

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At the National Cotton Ginners’ Association 80th membership and board meeting in Dallas, the NCGA announced its 2017 officers: president – David Blakemore, Campbell, Mo.; first vice president – Stanley Creelman, Tulare, Calif.; second vice president – Wes Morgan, New London, N.C.; third vice president – Curtis Stewart, Spade, Texas; and chairman – Ron Craft, Plains, Texas. Harrison Ashley of Cordova, Tenn., serves as NCGA’s executive vice president.

Blakemore is president of Blakemore Cotton & Grain LLC, which has interests in ginning, grain, fertilizer and trucking.

An active leader in the U.S. cotton industry, he served as a Cotton Incorporated director, 1992-2002; as president of Cotton Producers of Missouri, 1994-1996; and as president of Southern Cotton Ginners Association in 1999. In 2015, he was elected as a director of the National Cotton Council and currently serves as chairman of the NCC’s Flow Committee.

Kent Fountain, managing partner of Southeastern Gin and Peanut in Surrency, Ga., is the 2016 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year. That award is presented annually to a ginner in recognition of: 1) able, efficient and faithful service to the ginning industry and 2) continuing those prin-

Kent Fountain, left, received the loving cup from outgoing NCGA President Ron Craft on being named the 2016 Horace Hayden Ginner of the Year. ciples exemplified and practiced by Horace Hayden, a former NCGA executive secretary.

Since coming under Fountain’s direction, Southeastern Gin and Peanut has grown steadily, with recent per-year ginning

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COTTONFARMING.COM

averages of 70,000-plus bales. A tireless industry leader, Fountain is Southeastern Ginner’s president, has been the long-time chair of its Budget Committee and has chaired its Technology Committee. He is a past president and chairman of the NCGA and has chaired all of its committees. A graduate of the NCC’s Leadership Program, he currently serves as the NCC’s ginner vice president, chairs the NCC’s Cotton Quality Committee, and has served on and continues to serve on numerous other NCC committees.

In addition, Rick Byler, research leader at the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Cotton Ginning Research Unit at Stoneville, Miss., was recognized as the recipient of NCGA’s 2016-17 Charles C. Owen Distinguished Service Award — which honors those who have provided a career of distinguished service to the U.S. ginning industry.

Byler’s extensive research on cot- 2017 NCGA president ton moisture measurement, transfer David Blakemore and quality effects have had a significant impact on the cotton industry. His expertise in instrumentation and controls was crucial to the development of the gin process control system that was commercialized as Intelligin.

He also developed a device to accurately measure moisture content in cotton classing samples.

During its annual meeting, the NCGA announced dates and locations for the three 2017 Ginner Schools: Southwest School at the Lubbock Ginning Laboratory, April 3-5; Western School at the Las Cruces Ginning Laboratory, May 2-4; and Stoneville School at the Stoneville Ginning Laboratory, June 6-8.

Having been named the NCGA’s 2016-17 Charles C. Owen Distinguished Service Award recipient, Rick Byler, right, received the traditional gin saw from outgoing NCGA President Ron Craft.

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All schools will offer Levels I, II and III curriculum and a continuing education course.

The NCGA’s Safety and Labor Committee approved recommendations that call for developing materials for helping workers safely handle cotton bales at the gin and gin-owned warehouses. In addition, the NCGA’s current safety videos will be reviewed for content and relevance. All videos can be ordered from the NCGA and will be available on the NCGA’s website at http:// www.cotton.org/ncga/request-ncga-media.cfm. A password will be required to access the videos online.

The NCGA’s Cotton Ginning Technology Committee recommended that the NCGA: 1) support current air quality research…that will finish the air quality work at Texas A&M University and complete the cotton gin emissions study and analysis by USDA and Oklahoma State University; 2) facilitate a U.S. cotton industry meeting with EPA to finalize the AP-42 emissions factors for gins; and 3) support funding for the USDA dispersion modeling including the controlled-release study.

Among key ginning industry issues discussed were several regulations either in the pipeline or in the process of being implemented, such as the new reporting rules and overtime rules. There is hope the Trump Administration will seek to undo the more onerous regulations and Congress will use the Congressional Review Act to undo some. The NCGA continues to monitor implementation of all regulations that could affect ginners.

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Harrison Ashley, executive vice president of the National Cotton Ginners’ Association, contributed this article.

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COTTON FARMING MARCH 2017

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NATIONAL COTTON COUNCIL

Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award

D

r. Mark Lange, who served as president and chief executive officer for the National Cotton Council from 2003 until his retirement in 2015, is the recipient of the 2016 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award. He was honored during the National Cotton Council’s 2017 annual meeting held in Dallas, Texas, Feb. 10-12.

The award, named for the late California industry leader and past NCC President Harry S. Baker, is presented annually to a deserving individual who has provided extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the U.S. cotton industry.

In presenting the award, outgoing NCC Chairman Shane Stephens says that during Lange’s tenure as the NCC’s CEO and through his leadership, the NCC secured favorable cotton provisions in a succession of farm bills, successfully addressed a number

of critical trade issues, reduced operating costs while moving the NCC to a more modern and efficient headquarters, and achieved record levels of membership support and leadership involvement.

“Like the Council CEOs before him, Mark Lange maintained the Council’s position as our nation’s premier commodity organization while successfully meeting every challenge before our industry,” Stephens says. “Mark left the Council in an outstanding position to continue its work and programs of unparalleled service to the U.S. cotton industry.”

Stephens also noted that NCCmanaged programs as well as the organizations under its umbrella – the export promotion arm, Cotton Council International, the Cotton Foundation and the National Cotton Ginners’ Association — all flourished under Lange’s leadership.

Prior to being named president/

Mark Lange, left, receives the loving cup from outgoing NCC Chairman Shane Stephens.

CEO, Lange served as the NCC’s vice president for policy analysis and program coordination. Before that, he was director of the NCC’s Economic Services and Information Services departments.

Lange earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Economics from Indiana State University and received a Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University. He and his wife, Janis, have a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren and are active in Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tenn.

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My Turn Growing Up Gallian

I

n the Central Valley endless conferences opened my eyes and my heart of California the name as to where my path would go. Being a part of this Gallian is synonymous “cotton” family was the answer to the question, with cotton and the cot- what will I do in my future? I enrolled at College ton industry. It all started of Sequoias where I received my AS in agriculwith Quentin “Tennessee” ture business and then went on to Fresno State Gallian building one of the University.

I decided to take a break from the agriculture first gins in 1950, known as scene and try my hand at owning my own busiVisalia Co-Op Cotton Gin. Pa, as we called him, ness. With the help of my mom, we embarked on boasted about an indus- a 10-year course of retail proprietorship. Learning try that surrounded him people skills, sales and responsibility gave me the Niki with family and friendship. strength and education I would need in my future.

Gallian A downturn in the local economy brought our Little did he know that two of his sons and a grand- business to an end in 1999, and I went to work daughter would follow his passion. Pa paved the for Langston Companies Inc. as the secretary.

This job taught me the second leg to cotton proway to what we call “Growing Up Gallian.”

As a young female, I was in awe of the cot- duction, the packaging end. Joe Hart, my supervisor, encouraged me to ton industry and what go back to school and it meant to our fam“As a young female, I was in finish my BS in agriculily. Two generations of Gallians working under awe of the cotton industry and ture business. His philosophy was for me to the same roof. In 1964, what it meant to our family.” come back to Langston my dad went to work one day and be a salesat the gin driving a spreader truck. The manager saw something posi- person. I agreed and again enrolled in Fresno tive in him and promoted dad to assistant manag- State. At the age of 36 I achieved one of my life’s er, where he reigned as the longest running assis- goals and graduated from college.

Moving out of the cotton industry again took me tant gin manager. He was promoted to manager of operations in 1983 where he oversaw Grandpa on a path filled with musicians and festivities. Ten Tennessee, superintendent; and Uncle Gary, head years of sales, research and marketing in media ginner. In 1985, Grandpa retired and Uncle Gary brought excitement but not fulfillment. After hearing of an open sales position in March 2010, I was named superintendent. The legacy continued.

I remember the years well. Taking cotton stalks, returned to Langston Companies Inc. Selling bagmini bales and cottonseed to show and tell in ele- ging and ties to my fellow friends and family memmentary school. Learning to drive on the gin yard bers brought me closer to home. A tight knit group with all my cousins. Taking friends to play in of old faces, new faces and welcomed loved ones the cottonseed piles for endless hours of fun and drew me back to my heritage — cotton. Today, I laughs. Traveling all over California in high school feel as though I never left.

On Dec. 31, 2006, Visalia Co-Op Cotton Gin participating in cotton judging and Parliamentary closed its gates. A sad day for the Gallian family. I Procedure teams for Future Farmers of America.

As my high school years progressed, I wondered remember my dad saying, “There was a Gallian in where my future would take me. I knew it would charge of the gin the day it was built and a Gallian be agriculture but was unaware of which path. in charge the day it closed.” It was “Growing Up In 1987, I was crowned Tulare County Maid of Gallian.”

— Niki Gallian Cotton. My job duties were to represent growers, Sales, Langston Companies Inc. ginners, families and friends of Tulare County Visalia, Calif. in the cotton industry. Public speaking engagengallian@langstonbag.com ments, parades, luncheons, fashions shows 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.

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