Cotton Farming July 2022 by One Grower Publishing

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

JULY 2022

www.cottonfarming.com

Influencers In Their Fields Social Media Report Texas Southern Plains July Nematode Sampling

Midseason Irrigation Pointers Avoid Water Deficit Stress At Critical Cotton Growth Stages

consumers

CottonBoard.org The data referenced is from Cotton Incorporated’s Lifestyle Monitor™ survey and the 2016 Seal of Cotton survey. *Seal of Cotton™ introduced by Cotton Incorporated in 1973.

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Vol. 66 No. 7

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

JULY 2022

www.cottonfarming.com

FE ATURES

CALVIN PERRY

8 Midseason Irrigation As with other critial growth milestones, once a cotton plant reaches the bloom stage of development, it’s important to manage its nutrient and water needs to produce the coveted bolls in anticipation of an abundant harvest. Wes Porter, University of Georgia precision ag and irrigation specialist, shares some pointers that include ways to water efficiently, benefits of advanced irrigation scheduling and weighting sensor depths.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

4 5 6

Editor’s Note Cotton’s Agenda Southeast Report

16 19 22

Specialists Speaking Industry News My Turn

ON THE COVER: After pollination, the initial white cotton bloom turns pink and then red. Cover photo by Lifang1025/Dreamstime.com.

NEMATODE SAMPLING July in the Texas Southern High Plains is not a time to underthink a nematode. Consider sampling now for next season’s plan.

INFLUENCERS IN THEIR FIELDS Todd Westerfeld (@westy1241) is a Central Texas cotton farmer who is providing a voice for American agriculture through social media.

IRROMETER GUIDE Mississippi State Extension has put together an assembly guide covering the Irrometer Watermark series that depicts the Irrometer Watermark 200SS.

GINNERS MARKETPLACE

the official publication of the ginning industry The U.S. ginning industry is addressing a myriad of ongoing issues from safety to contamination to labor and climate.

CCOY NOMINATIONS OPEN ONLINE To nominate a deserving candidate for the 2022 Cotton Consultant of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Cotton Farming and Syngenta, fill out the form online at cottonfarming.com/ccoy. Deadline for nominations is July 31.

Cotton Consultant of the Year 2022 NOMINATION FORM

CCOY

If you would like to nominate a consultant deserving of this outstanding recognition, please take a moment to fill out the following form. Please use a separate page for biographical/professio nal information. Additional recommendations via letters or emails from other farmers, consultants and industry members are also encouraged to provide support for the nominee.

The Cotton Consultant of the Year (CCOY) Award marks more than four decades. The award recognizes a consultant who has made great contributions to the cotton industry through outstanding customer relations, leadership and innovation. It honors a consultant who not only meets these requirements but also exceeds them. Syngenta and Cotton Farming magazine — CCOY sponsors — are soliciting your help in selecting the 2022 recipient, who will be named at a special celebration Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The winning consultant and the person who nominates the winner receive a two-night hotel stay and airfare to Memphis. The 2022 CCOY recipient also will be featured in a four-page salute in the February 2023 issue of Cotton Farming.

Submit nominations by July 31, 2022. Mail: Carroll Smith 7201 Eastern Ave. Germantown, TN 38138 Scan/Email: csmith@onegrower.com

You can print an electronic version of the form located on the Cotton Farming website at www.cottonfarming.com .

Nominate online: cottonfarming.com/ccoy

Consultant’s Name: Company Name: Mailing Address: City:

State:

Phone:

ZIP:

Email:

In your own words, please tell us why you are nominating the consultant above for the of the Year Award. Additional Cotton Consultant pages may be attached, emailed or attached to the online nomination form.

Background:

Biographical/Industry Involvement Background. This information as well as support letters attached to this form, emailed may be or attached to the online nomination form.

Your Name: Mailing Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Email:

ZIP:

Sponsored by

WEB EXCLUSIVE Arkansas is known for ag leadership. Jean-François Meullenet, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station — the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture — is the first station director from Arkansas to receive the prestigious Leadership Excellence award from the Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

COTTON FARMING (ISSN 0746-8385) is published monthly January through December by One Grower Publishing LLC, 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omeda Communications, Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 1388, Northbrook, IL 60065-1388 (Phone: 847-559-7578) (Fax: 847-564-9453). Annual subscriptions are $40. International rates are $55 in Canada/Mexico, $90 in all other countries for air-speeded delivery. Surface delivery not available due to problems in reliability.

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

Editor’s Note

Cotton Farming

Carroll Smith

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor-In-Chief Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Southeast Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com

Making The Most Of The Long, Hot Summer

he phrase “the long, hot summer” may bring to mind the 1958 movie directed by Martin Ritt or Tennessee Williams’ play titled “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” For cotton farmers, the 2022 season is shaping up to create a new point of reference. Many areas of the Cotton Belt experienced near record-breaking temperatures in June, and July appears to be continuing that trend. Growing up, I remember going to the farm with my dad during the hot summer days and wondering why he didn’t turn on the air conditioner in the truck. When I asked him about it, he told me we would stay cooler if we just rolled the windows down. He said when we got in and out of the truck as we stopped to check fields, it wasn’t a good idea to go from a cold cab into the heat and then back into the cold truck. As I recall, he was right. Dad also made sure we drank a lot of water during the day to stay hydrated. In July, cotton gets thirsty, too. If you have a dryland crop, you spend a lot of time praying for rain. If you have the capability to water, you keep a close eye on your irrigation system to make sure the plant is getting the moisture it requires. Once a cotton plant reaches the bloom stage of development, it’s important to manage its nutrient and water needs to produce the coveted bolls in anticipation of an abundant harvest. This month, Wes Porter, University of Georgia precision ag and irrigation specialist, shares some tips to avoid water deficit stress at critical cotton growth stages. Moving into July when cotton hits peak bloom, the above ground biomass is about equivalent to the below ground bio¬mass, Porter said. The root system is extracting water a lot deeper than it was earlier in the season. “If we have not paid close attention, we are now falling behind because we are using deep moisture and drying out the entire profile,” he said. “When you deplete the deeper soil moisture, you won’t catch up with overhead, sprinkler-style irrigation alone. That’s a scary place to be midseason.” Go to page 8 to see what Porter recommends if you happen to get to this point. He also provides some tips about advanced irrigation scheduling and weighting sensor depths if you are using a soil moisture sensing system. In this issue of Cotton Farming, we’re also introducing a new feature that will appear from time to time — “Influencers In Their Fields” — that showcases those who are providing a voice for American agriculture through social media. As the long, hot summer continues, don’t forget to roll down your windows, take a break from time to time, grab some water and take it all in.

Assistant Editor Cassidy Nemec cnemec@onegrower.com Digital Content Editor Katie Guthrie Art Director Ashley Kumpe ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Associate Publisher/Sales Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Production Manager David Boyd dboyd@onegrower.com Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 For subscription changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 or email cottonfarming@omeda.com 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 2022 ©

Carroll If you have comments, please send them to: Cotton Farming Magazine, 7201 Eastern Ave., Germantown, TN 38138.

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

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

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Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

An Appropriate Appeal The National Cotton Council’s FY23 federal agriculture appropriations request would support important activities ranging from pest management research to export promotion.

What specific needs did the NCC convey?

■ Our request to the leadership of the House and

Senate appropriations committees’ agriculture subcommittees sought specific funding across USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Agricultural Research Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Farm Service Agency. The NCC is seeking $15.73 million for the APHIS Cotton Pests Account (a $1 million increase) for aggressively completing boll weevil eradication in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley. Sufficient funding was requested so the FSA can make up to $30 million in loans to eligible producer-controlled organizations carrying out eradication activities. The NCC requested a $1 million increase directed to ARS for research on cotton seed bug control and level funding for research aimed at controlling cotton blue disease, cotton leafroll dwarf virus and other exotic pathogens. Among ot her ARSA recent study showed that public-pri- related increases sought vate U.S. agricultural export market de- are: $1.34 million for the velopment programs are highly effective. cotton genetics lab in Florence, South Carolina, $1.35 million for cotton quality research in New Orleans, Louisiana, $1.4 million for the cotton genetics lab in College Station, Texas, and $2.4 million for building renovations at the College Station-based Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, which houses the valuable ARS cotton germplasm collection. Level funding is sought for the three ARS ginning laboratories to address scientific personnel needs, conduct

research, and offset inflation’s impact after years of flat budgets. New funding of $4 million was sought for AMS’ 10 cotton classing offices. This will allow for facility upgrades and automation to enhance the classing system’s efficiency, security and dependability with minimum impact on marketing opportunities.

Export promotion programs a priority?

■ With the annual value of U.S. cotton fiber and value-added cotton product exports now at $10 billion, the NCC had no reservations in seeking $200 million for USDA’s Market Access Program. Independent studies reveal that for every dollar spent by Cotton Council International as a USDA cooperator in MAP, U.S. cotton exports increase $35. For the U.S. cotton industry, this represents more than one billion dollars in export value. We are also seeking $34.5 million for the Foreign Market Development Program. We believe that program, which requires at least a dollar-for-dollar industry match, greatly supports CCI’s longterm market development and trade servicing programs. CCI’s activities, with help from these two programs, also are an effective catalyst for private sector investments. The industry invests $2 for every dollar CCI receives in MAP funds and $1.75 for every dollar of FMD funds it receives.

These export promotion funding requests also were conveyed to these Congressional leaders by the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports. The Coalition, of which the NCC is a member, pointed out that a recent econometric study conducted by IHS Markit and Texas A&M University showed that public-private U.S. agricultural export market development programs like MAP and FMD are highly effective and generate a substantial return on investment. The full study, the Coalition letter to congressional appropriators, and more information about the value of U.S. agricultural exports are at www.AgExportsCount.org. The NCC’s appropriations request letter is at www. cotton.org/issues/2022/upload/22appropslet.pdf.

Gary Adams is president/CEO of the National Cotton Council of America. TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

SOUTHEAST REPORT

Cotton Foliar Diseases In The Southeast How To Identify And Manage Target Spot And Areolate Mildew

T BY MONTY BAIN DADEVILLE, ALABAMA

he diagnosis and management of foliar diseases in cotton is an area of focus for Cotton Incorporated’s Agricultural and Environmental Research team. In the Southeastern states of the Cotton Belt, target spot and areolate mildew rise to the top of the list of troublesome cotton foliar diseases. Knowing that these two diseases pose a high risk of negative effects later in cotton’s growing season, Cotton Incorporated has teamed up with the University of Georgia to fund research on how to identify and manage these issues. Identifying Foliar Disease

Target spot can be easily recognized by the appearance of rings on the leaf, hence the name “target spot.” Characteristic symptoms of target spot include brown lesions, sometimes approaching 2 cm (~1 inch) in diameter, exhibiting a series of concentric rings.

Symptoms of areolate mildew. Note brown necrotic lesions and powdery white sporulation on underside of leaf in Appling County, Georgia. defoliation will occur. The most telling sign is the white powdery mildew growth on the underside of the leaf. Disease Management

Typical symptomatic lesion of target spot.

For more information on Cotton Incorporated’s research on disease diagnosis and management, visit cottoncultivated. cottoninc.com.

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

Usually, this disease develops on the lower leaves of the plant and does more damage as it moves upwards, causing potential yield loss. When this happens, it causes premature defoliation of the leaves that would normally contribute to boll development. Areolate mildew causes small lesions to appear on leaves in the lower canopy. The lesions, 3-4 mm (~0.15 in) wide and restricted by a major leaf vein, are slightly chlorotic on the upper leaf surface with a white mildew growth on the lower surface. Lesions may become necrotic and resemble bacterial blight. In severe cases, premature

According to Bob Kemerait, the University of Georgia’s resident plant pathologist, both diseases can be controlled using fungicides, if farmers can find them. “Abundant rain, high humidity and rank growth all contribute to problems with target spot and areolate mildew. It will be most important to stay on top of applying a fungicide between the first and sixth week of bloom if the conditions are wet and humid,” Kemerait said. “If the crop is dry and suffering from drought, then a fungicide may not be needed. Scouting the crop is going to be very important this season because of the rising cost of inputs and the lack of availability for certain fungicides.” Areolate mildew is more easily controlled by fungicides than target spot, but both need to be sprayed at the first sign of disease to stay ahead of it and gain significant control. Kaitlyn Bissonnette, director of agricultural research for plant pathology and nematology at Cotton Incorporated says, “Understanding and developing tools to manage emerging disease threats is of paramount importance to keep cotton production profitable.” Monty Bain is the Cotton Board’s regional communication manager for the Southeast. Email him at mbain@cottonboard.org. COTTONFARMING.COM

Sprayer Nozzle Selection This Small Part Plays A Big Role In Making A Crop BY AMANDA HUBER SOUTHEAST EDITOR

ozzles are one of the least expensive parts on a sprayer that has the most effect. The correct nozzle recommendation, along with pressure, volume and other parameters for effective application can be found on the pesticide label, said Simerjeet Virk, University of Georgia Extension precision ag specialist. Producers should always start pesticide application by reading the label. “If you have a worn nozzle or the wrong size or type, the chances of something going wrong are significantly increased,” Virk said. A Complex Decision

Several factors can influence the coverage and efficacy required during spray applications for effective weed or pest control. “Those factors include pressure, volume, boom height, droplet size, tractor speed and field conditions,” he said. “All play a part in good coverage of the crop.” Nozzle type affects sprayer output, uniformity, coverage and drift. Consult the manufacturer’s catalog to select the nozzle that provides the desired output (flow rate and droplet size) specific to the application. “Nozzle selection will also depend on the ground speed and pressure required to achieve the rate in gallons per acre,” Virk said. What About Rotational Crops?

University of Georgia Extension weed specialist Eric Prostko says most cotton growers in Georgia readily adopted the Xtendflex (dicamba) or Enlist (2,4-D choline) crop production systems, which require the use of nozzles designed to mitigate potential off-target movement of the herbicides. But would these nozzles, engineered to deliver very coarse to ultra-coarse droplets, work for rotational crops?

“Since most cotton growers in Georgia also produce peanut, growers would like to be able to use these auxin nozzles for pest management in peanut thereby reducing the need for sprayers to be equipped with multiple nozzles,” Prostko said. To compare the performance of standard flat-fan nozzles to auxin nozzles, Prostko coordinated seven on-farm research trials in commercial peanut fields over a three-year period. All agri-chemicals were applied by the grower and according to the grower’s typical production practices. Prostko found that cotton producers could use the auxin nozzles for pest management in peanuts without concern for reduced pesticide performance. “Consequently, growers can save approximately $200 to $500 per applicator/sprayer in extra nozzle expenditures depending upon nozzle type/spacing/spray boom width,” he said. Various research trials using the auxin nozzles in the two crops continues. Another Time-Saving Option

Even if auxin nozzles could be used for both cotton and peanuts, there are other sprayer applications with a proper nozzle selection. “Is there one nozzle that can do the best job across all pesticide applications? Probably not.” Virk said. In this instance, he recommends using a multi-nozzle turret body. “You can put three, four or five nozzles, depending on the type of turret body, which will work best for each type of application — herbicide, fungicide or insecticide — as you go through the season. You don’t have to take it on and off. All you do is change the turret to the type of nozzle you need.” Time spent on sprayer maintenance, nozzle selection, set up and calibration will go a long way to helping ensure effective spray coverage and pest protection.

UGA Extension weed specialist Eric Prostko has conducted on-farm research trials to see if auxin nozzles could be used effectively in rotational crops, particularly peanuts for Georgia producers.

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

CALVIN PERRY

COVER STORY

Midseason Irrigation Pointers Avoid Water Deficit Stress At Critical Cotton Growth Stages BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

he initial bloom that appears near the bottom of the cotton plant is white. After pollination, it quickly turns pink and then red. July is typically the month that a field of healthy cotton puts on this colorful display across many rural landscapes. Once a cotton plant reaches the bloom stage of development, it’s important to manage its nutrient and water needs to produce the coveted bolls in anticipation of an abundant harvest. Peak Water Requirement

“If you look at a crop water-use curve for cotton, our peak water requirement is from about the third or fourth week of bloom up to the sixth or seventh week of bloom,” said Wes Porter, University of Georgia precision ag and irrigation specialist. “That’s where we absolutely can’t fall behind. If we cut water during that time, we will significantly reduce our yields. “Three to six weeks into bloom, we already have a high boll load lower in the plant. However, the plant is still trying to bloom and form bolls higher on the plant while continuing to

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

develop the bolls on the lower part of the plant. “You need to water at this high stress time to ensure it can do both. My recommendation as we get further into the season is to apply ½-inch today, skip a day, then apply ½-inch the day after — kind of spoon feed the crop. This keeps the soil wet, and you don’t lose moisture. Very large or small irrigation events are not recommended as water can be lost or have little to no effect.” Although there is always the potential exception to the rule, July is a hot, dry month. “We typically have temperatures in the 90s every day with no reprieve,” Porter said. “Sometimes this will bring thunderstorms across the South. But we may go a week or two without any rainfall, especially if we don’t get any moisture moving up from the Gulf. “During that time, it’s easy to fall behind on irrigation because we have so much going on. A lot of people get comfortable irrigating once a week or 1.5 times on average per week during that first 40 to 60 days after planting. But it’s important to make sure we are prepared, watch where our moisture levels COTTONFARMING.COM

are and not allow the crop to fall into a deficit.”

Figure 1: 20 kPa (or wet) trigger level, May 22-June 21, 2022.

What If You Fall Behind?

Moving into July when cotton hits peak bloom, the above ground biomass is about equivalent to the below ground biomass, Porter said. The root system is extracting water a lot deeper than it was earlier in the season. “If we have not paid close attention, we are now falling behind because we are using deep moisture and drying out the entire profile,” he said. “When you deplete the deeper soil moisture, you won’t catch up with overhead, sprinkler-style irrigation alone. That’s a scary place to be midseason.” If a farmer gets to that point, Porter recommends backing off the irrigation rate and making multiple applications, if possible. This “bounce back” option — that includes two lower-rate applications fast enough to stay on top of water requirements — is possible with smaller overhead irrigation systems. But with a larger overhead system that takes more than 24 to 36 hours to make an application, survival mode becomes a reality. To maintain the water requirement, the system then has to run almost continuously.

Figure 2: 40 kPa (or near optimal) trigger level, May 22-June 21, 2022.

Figure 3: 70 kPa (or dry) trigger level, May 22-June 21, 2022.

Advanced Irrigation Scheduling

Another consideration, according to the UGA Cotton Team Newsletter, “If proper growth regulator is applied, it will prevent vegetative growth as it should. If rain chances are low, irrigation will be required to get the fertilizer to the plant by irrigating it in and allowing the plant to uptake the nutrients.” However, Porter said, it’s also important not to overwater the crop, which could affect yield. To avoid this scenario, he strongly encourages anyone who is irrigating cotton to use an advanced irrigation scheduling method whether it’s a wet or a dry year. “Use some type of computer model, soil moisture sensor or the basic checkbook irrigation method,” he said. “Most universities publish a checkbook method for their region. It shows the weekly water requirement for the crop. “You should keep up with rainfall and supplement the difference. With our sandy soil types in Georgia, two to three days is about all the water we can store.” Another irrigation scheduling tool is the SmartIrrigation Cotton App. According to UGA AgWET, “The Cotton App uses an evapotranspiration-based model to estimate when irrigation is necessary and provides the user with an estimate of how much water should be applied. It does not require any sensors, sends the user notifications when action is needed and is currently available at no cost.” If a farmer chooses to use a soil moisture sensing system, it directly measures soil moisture in the field. Some of the irrigation manufacturers have programs as well. Lindsay offers FieldNET Advisor that can be used without sensors. Valley offers Valley Scheduling advanced management software. Reinke has partnered with Crop Metrics to offer the CropX sensors system through most of their dealers. “Valley Scheduling and the CropX systems do require sensors, but they can be set up specifically to cotton,” Porter said. “And there are a lot of sensor companies that offer aftermarket sensor options you can purchase to put in your fields and utilize, too.” Weighting Sensor Depths

When using a soil moisture sensing system, Porter said it is a good idea to weight the sensor depths according to the root depth by assigning percentage values to the shallow sensors and deeper sensors. TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

Trigger Levels As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, if a wet or optimal soil moisture is managed throughout the season, the deeper soil moisture is maintained at a lower or more wet level and is easier to recover with irrigation and rainfall events. However, as can be seen in Figure 3, the crop has remained in stress during the time frame shown, and all depths have utilized significant moisture. In these three cases, the treatment represented by Figure 1 will most likely either cause a yield reduction or profit reduction due to over irrigation. Figure 2 is an optimal treatment for cotton, and 3 is much too dry, causing a reduction in yield. It should be noted that the soil type for these sensors is a loamy sand soil. These trigger levels are not relavant in all soil types. You should consult recommendations for soil types specific to your region. — Wes Porter

For example, early in the season, 70% to 80% of irrigation decisions potentially would be based on the shallow sensor. As the cotton grows, the percentage value on the shallow sensor might drop to 50% combined with a 25%/25% split on two deeper sensors. Using a weighted average that matches root growth instead of using a simple average is typically more accurate when trying to make cotton irrigation decisions based on soil moisture sensor graphs. “You have to consider where we are actually extracting water from and where the plant needs water replenished,” Porter said. “That’s how I assign a percentage value for the different sensors — that extend to different depths — to match root growth at the time. “If the roots are extracting water from deeper in the ground at a certain point, make sure that factor is part of your irrigation scheduling decision when using soil moisture sensors. It’s important to make these adjustments throughout the growing season.” For questions about cotton irrigation scheduling in your specific area, reach out to your local Extension agent. JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

July In The Texas Southern High Plains — Not A Time To Underthink A Nematode Sample Now For Next Season’s Plan BY BRENDA CAROL

y this point in the season, growers are thinking about all sorts of issues with their cotton crop. Nematodes are probably not topof-mind unless something is going on in the field that doesn’t quite make sense. If that’s the case, it’s time to sample if nematodes are a suspected culprit. “Sampling is most important when you are concerned that a new field may have a problem, or if you are growing a nematode-resistant variety and are concerned that there may still be a nematode problem,” said Terry Wheeler, Ph.D, plant pathologist/nematologist, Texas A&M AgriLife at Lubbock, Texas. “Later season sampling may also have some value if you are growing another crop and want to check on nematode buildup that may affect the next year’s cotton crop.” Although there is not much that can be done to remedy the issue in the present, next year is an entirely different story. With an ever-increasing arsenal of nematode-resistant varieties, chemical control options and field management, the opportunities to gain an upper hand on a nematode issue are better now than they’ve ever been.

amount of damage, according to Wheeler. “Reniform nematode is much more limited in its distribution but can cause 50% to 70% yield loss once it is well distributed in a field,” she said. “This can be problematic, especially if the producer is not doing anything to manage it.”

Rise Of Reniform

“With reniform nematode, I would expect the resistant varieties to increase cotton yields relative to all the reniform nematode susceptible varieties; plus, the reniform-resistant varieties will lower the nematode population around 60%,” she said. “Typically, the highest yielding resistant variety in my trials doubles the yield compared with reniform susceptible varieties.”

Beyond generally suspecting a nematode issue in a field, it’s important to identify exactly what species of nematode is present. The two most likely culprits are root-knot and reniform. This knowledge will impact future management decisions particularly as it relates to variety selection, according to Wheeler. “In this part of Texas, the reniform nematode is slowly increasing across acreage,” she said. “In other parts of Texas, the reniform nematode is showing up in new fields or areas. Root-knot nematode has been stable in its distribution for decades.” Root-knot nematode covers the most acres in cotton (and peanuts in other parts of Texas) and can cause a low to moderate

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

Variety Selection

Battling nematodes often starts with a bag of seed. Today, there are numerous cotton varieties with varying degrees of root-knot and/or reniform resistance. “With root-knot nematode, there are partially or highly resistant varieties with Deltapine, FiberMax, Stoneville and PhytoGen,” Wheeler said. “Dyna-Gro also has some, but I have not been able to test any to see how well they perform. With reniform nematode, the big news is that there are now several reniform/rootknot nematode resistant varieties that combine resistance to both.” Those varieties include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following, according to Wheeler: • PHY 205 W3FE

• PHY 332 W3FE

• PHY 411 W3FE

• PHY 443 W3FE

• DP 2141NR B3XF

• DP 2143NR B3XF

Rotation

As always, rotation is a key management option when it comes to nematode issues. “The only other alternative that I recommend with reniform nematode is to rotate one to two years out of cotton with

Where To Send Nematode Samples The cost for running nematode samples across the country generally ranges from free to $35-$50 per sample. ■ The diagnostic clinic at Texas A&M in College Station will run nematode samples. Start by accessing the Plant Nematode Detection Form at http://plant clinic.tamu.edu. The form contains nematode sampling guidelines and nematode sample shipping instructions. The address is Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 1500 Research Parkway, Suite A130, Texas A&M University Research Park, College Station, TX 77845. ■ A&L Plains Analytical Laboratories also runs nematode samples. The address is 302 34th St., Lubbock, TX 79404. For more information and specific instructions, email the lab at alplainslab@gmail.com.

a non-host like sorghum or corn following each cotton crop,” Wheeler said. “The situation regarding reniform nematode resistance is all upside at this point. “For root-knot nematode, depending on the resistant variety, there may be no increase in yield compared with a root-knot susceptible variety. The best root-knot nematode resistant varieties, in terms of yields, average about 17% higher than susceptible cotton varieties, and that typically is found in some of the PhytoGen varieties or ST 4946GLB2.” Nematicides In The Mix

As growers consider their options in 2023, supplemental chemical control is always a tried-and-true input in challenging nematode situations and is equally effective on root-knot and reniform. The recommended at-plant options, according to Wheeler, include Velum and AgLogic. Post-plant options include Vydate CLV or Return XL. Brenda Carol is a freelance writer based in San Luis Obispo, California. E-mail her at brenda@carolcommunications.com. COTTONFARMING.COM

Cotton Consultant of the Year 2022 NOMINATION FORM

CCOY The Cotton Consultant of the Year (CCOY) Award marks more than four decades. The award recognizes a consultant who has made great contributions to the cotton industry through outstanding customer relations, leadership and innovation. It honors a consultant who not only meets these requirements but also exceeds them. Syngenta and Cotton Farming magazine — CCOY sponsors — are soliciting your help in selecting the 2022 recipient, who will be named at a special celebration Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The winning consultant and the person who nominates the winner receive a two-night hotel stay and airfare to Memphis. The 2022 CCOY recipient also will be featured in a four-page salute in the February 2023 issue of Cotton Farming.

Submit nominations by July 31, 2022. Mail: Carroll Smith 7201 Eastern Ave. Germantown, TN 38138

If you would like to nominate a consultant deserving of this outstanding recognition, please take a moment to fill out the following form. Please use a separate page for biographical/professional information. Additional recommendations via letters or emails from other farmers, consultants and industry members are also encouraged to provide support for the nominee. Consultant’s Name: Company Name: Mailing Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Email:

ZIP:

In your own words, please tell us why you are nominating the consultant above for the Cotton Consultant of the Year Award. Additional pages may be attached, emailed or attached to the online nomination form. Background:

Biographical/Industry Involvement Background. This information as well as support letters may be attached to this form, emailed or attached to the online nomination form.

Scan/Email: csmith@onegrower.com You can print an electronic version of the form located on the Cotton Farming website at www.cottonfarming.com.

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INFLUENCERS IN THEIR FIELDS

Todd Westerfeld @westy1241

odd Westerfeld, a Central Texas farmer in Moody, Texas, has gained a substantial following on social media over the past several years. Using Instagram as his main platform, he shares everything from the daily ins-and-outs of farming in the Texas heat to insightful thoughts on life as a farmer in general. Instagram: The Good And The Bad

Being a photo-centric person, Westerfeld prefers Instagram as his main platform. “I’ve always been a big photography person,” he said. He discussed the transition over the years from strictly posting pictures to now incorporating more stories for people to see as well. “It’s a good way to chronicle what you’re doing, and it’s also a good way to communicate with people and see what’s going on across the nation. The networking aspect has been quite amazing; not only for me to give information to people, but I’m also learning a lot.” Westerfeld emphasized the “Influencers In Their Fields” spotlights those providing a pros and cons of social media voice for American agriculture to be based on the person through social media. If you behind the screen. know of an influencer you’d “People don’t want to see the like to see featured, contact bad; that’s not what gets the Cassidy Nemec at cnemec@ onegrower.com. clicks,” Westerfeld said. “I try to paint the picture of ‘hey, it’s not perfect.’ Instead of focusing on their life first and letting social media tell the story, people are too concerned about what others think is going on in their life.” He reiterated the importance of stepping away when necessary. “The beauty of social media is you’re not forced to use it. If something’s bothering you, just step away from it. You don’t have to be on social media, and sometimes stepping away from it is one of the best things you can do to let your mind recharge,” he said. Social Media And Policy

All that being said, Westerfeld still views social media as having good aspects as well. He said they’ve implemented several things on their farm that came of his interactions on social media. High-speed planters, high-speed tillage and other technologies are among these new implementations. “You get to talk to enough people now that you can learn more about things and debug to make things a little bit easier in making decisions.” He sees more networking potential and would like to find ways to connect with others who can help make big decisions for the agricultural industry. “A big thing I’m wanting to push for right now is for some

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

type of federal or state help with designating farmland as farmland,” Westerfeld said. “With this solar farm boom we’ve been experiencing, wind farms and developments, there is a point in which we are going to exhaust our farmland. When that point is COTTONFARMING.COM

TODD WESTERFIELD @WESTY1241

reached — and more importantly realized — it’s too late.” He continued by explaining what could happen when it is too late. “When you put in housing additions and solar farms, you can’t really just reclaim it back into farmland,” he warned. Interacting Through His Platform

Westerfeld noted the lack of young farmers around his area of Central Texas and how social media keeps him close with like-minded individuals. “Having that networking and being able to talk to people across the country, to laugh with people, to feel bad for people… it kind of brings that neighborhood mentality I wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise.” Westerfeld said he finds it laughable that so many people see his content and have an interest in it. “I don’t think what I’m doing — in my mind — is more than me just talking, but to so many people, I forget how nice it is for TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

them to be able to learn. Whether it be people who’ve farmed their whole life and are now just getting to see the technology and equipment coming along, or even people who’ve never farmed in their life and are getting to learn what farming can actually be,” he said. He further commented on how big for agriculture it could be if more people outside of the industry were to be exposed to this content and learn the crucial role farming plays in their lives. “Being able to teach the general public that we’re not out there to kill them — and that what we’re actually doing is sustainable and safe — is good. Trying to get that pushed out to the general public, however, is a different story.” In the end, Westerfeld hopes to make a positive impact on the agricultural industry and those who choose to interact with him on social media. “Ultimately, if I can make people smile or give good information… those are the two things that I’m after.”

“Being able to teach the general public that we’re not out there to kill them — and that what we’re actually doing is sustainable and safe — is good. Trying to get that pushed out to the general public, however, is a different story.”

JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

I R R O M E T E R WAT E R M A R K S E R I E S

CONSTRUCTION GUIDE Mississippi State Extension put together a publication covering the Irrometer Watermark series. The assembly guide below depicts the Irrometer Watermark 200SS, a granular matrix sensor commonly used in Mississippi for scheduling irrigation. This publication provides a step-by-step guide to proper Watermark sensor construction. Following these steps will make the sensors easier to install at the intended depths and easier to remove at the end of the season.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

A S S E M B LY

The tools and supplies pictured below will be used. Fifteen feet of sensor wires is usually convenient.

STEP 1: Using the PVC cutter, cut a PVC length that is 10 inches longer than the intended sensor depth to simplify sensor removal. Following the color code below for that sensor depth, wrap a ring of colored electrical tape 4 inches from one end of the cut PVC section. Sensor depth

PVC length

Tape color

6”

16”

blue

12”

22”

white

24”

34”

red

36”

46”

yellow

STEP 2: Using the electric drill and a 3⁄16-inch drill bit, make a weep hole ¼ inch from the untaped bottom end of the PVC section.

One set of 6-inch, 12-inch, 24-inch, and 36-inch sensors will require one 10-foot stick of ½-inch Class 315 PVC pipe. Select the correct PVC specifications to avoid frustrations later.

STEP 3: Apply PVC primer at least ½ inch inside the bottom end of the PVC section. Be ready for drips.

USE THIN WALL! ABS-PVC transition cement is best for joining the ABS sensor collar to a primed PVC section. Using a different cement can increase the risk of sensor-PVC separation during removal.

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| MAY | JULY RICE FARMING 2022 COTTON FARMING 2022

RICEFARMING.COM COTTONFARMING.COM

I R R O M E T E R WAT E R M A R K S E R I E S : C O N S T R U C T I O N G U I D E For more information, please contact Extension Irrigation Specialist Drew Gholson at drew.gholson@msstate.edu or (662) 390-8505.

STEP 4: After a few minutes of drying, thread the sensor wires from the bottom end of the PVC section to the top end until the sensor collar meets the bottom end. Bundle the extra wire.

Ensure that the weep hole will allow water to drain out.

STEP 7: Wrap a ring of black electrical tape so that the distance between the bottom of the tape and the middle of the attached sensor equals the intended sensor depth. After installation, the bottom edge of the black electrical tape should be flush with the ground. STEP 5: Carefully apply an appropriate amount of ABSPVC transition cement to the sensor collar.

Placing a rubber washer around the PVC section can reduce water flow down the installation hole.

STEP 8: Slide a rubber cap onto the top end of the PVC section. The construction is now complete!

STEP 6: While aligning the sensor weep slot with the drilled weep hole, push the sensor collar fully into the bottom end of the PVC section.

This publication is a contribution of the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR), the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the Row-Crop Irrigation Science Extension and Research (RISER) initiative. NCAAR is supported by the Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), under Cooperative Agreement number 58-6001-7-001. RISER is supported jointly by Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board, Mississippi Corn Promotion Board, Mississippi Rice Promotion Board, Cotton Incorporated, Mississippi Peanut Promotion Board, and by the Conservation Innovation Grants program at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service under award number NR203A750008G007. This information and photos were provided by the Mississippi State University Extension Service; Jacob Rix, Extension/Research Associate; Himmy Lo, PhD, Assistant Extension/ Research Professor; Drew Gholson, PhD, Assistant Professor; and Mark Henry, Extension Associate, Delta Research and Extension Center. TWITTER: @RICEFARMING @COTTONFARMING

| RICE FARMING | COTTON MAY 2022 JULY 2022 FARMING

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Specialists Speaking

Midseason Crop Management ALABAMA Steve M. Brown

Conditions have improved markedly since early May. Maybe I’m alone in wondering, “Will it ever rain again?” O, me, of little faith. I’ve had that mindset before, but it has always rained… eventually. How easy to think “this time” is different; indeed, it is not. Our every-year pests that are predictably troublesome include 1) thrips, 2) palmer amaranth and 3) stink bugs. Unique challenges. Pest problem No. 1 is obviously in the rearview mirror, but it’s helpful to acknowledge that we had heavy thrips pressure in many places this season and that countless fields would have benefited from better, upfront control measures and/or timely foliar sprays. Good thrips control can boost yields by 100 lbs./acre or more — a strong return with cotton prices exceeding $1. We’re still trying to gain the upper hand on pest problem No. 2: glyphosate-resistant pigweed. Product shortages and expanding herbicide resistance increase the difficulty of dealing with Palmer amaranth. Farmers have spent hundreds of millions in dollars fighting pigweed, yet we still lack an easy, sure solution. No doubt some fields will warrant hand pulling. July brings us to pest No. 3: stink bugs — a complex of multiple species that feed on seed in bolls and significantly reduce yield and fiber quality. Three stories about stink bugs. Late in the season of the first year for Bt cotton, I walked fields on back-to-back days with my entomologist colleague and saw good worm control but devastating stink bug damage. I stood still in mature cotton and observed stink bug movement that looked like airplanes over Atlanta. The “light bulb” went off: stink bugs are now a key pest. I recall walking a research trial with the same entomologist. A failure to communicate on a worm control experiment led to a neglect of stink bug control, resulting in yields of 100 lbs./acre rather than 1300 lbs./acre. An area farm tour took our group into a field to examine fertilizer treatments. As we walked into the cotton, the stink bug numbers and damage were shocking — even to an agronomist’s eyes. Upon our departure, it didn’t take long to get a sprayer in the field. Scout for stink bugs! cottonbrown@auburn.edu

ARKANSAS Bill Robertson

The Prospective Plantings report released in March by USDA-NASS estimated cotton plantings in Arkansas at 520,000 acres, up 8% from the 480,000 acres planted last year. The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation had mapped more than 530,000 acres one week into June. We are seeing a lot of new growers this year, and that is reflected in our acre expansion. As the 2022 cotton crop began to square in early June, plant progress was ahead of last year but still slightly behind our five-year average. Cooler temperatures and cloudy conditions slowed the pace of our crop. Our biggest concern in the field to this point has been weed control. This shifts to irrigation late June and early July. We expect to see flowers by July 4 on May 1 planted cotton. Most of our crop was planted the second week of May. At first flower, we like to find nine to 10 first-position fruit above the first white flower. This helps ensure the foundation exists to achieve high yield and fiber quality potentials with our growing conditions. Our goal is to maintain no less than 80% retention going into first flower. To optimize efficiency, we must concentrate on the basics. This includes avoiding excessive nitrogen

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

rates and striving for well-timed irrigation. Maintaining a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth will help to optimize earliness and preserve yield and fiber potential. After cutout, we begin the process of our heat-unit based crop termination strategy. brobertson@uada.edu

ARIZONA Randy Norton

The majority of the state is well into bloom, with some of the state, particularly the western part, approaching or just past peak bloom. For most of the crop around the state, the next four to six weeks are critical for making cotton. Everything we can do to protect the fruit is critical for developing the yield potential that is there. And as of this writing, the early season fruit set looks very promising. So, what are the factors that can affect the crop going into the next several weeks? There are a whole host of things, including proper fertility management, plant-water relations management and pest control, among others. Actively managing these factors that can affect crop development is important. We have control over many of these factors. There are some things, however, that are out of our control — such as days of elevated heat stress. Depending on a variety‘s susceptibility to this heat stress, these events can have a significant impact on fruit load. Monitoring fruit retention and height-to-node ratios will help you manage the crop more effectively. A sudden drop in fruit load will often result in a plant that tends to go into a more vegetative growth phase. Controlling this with plant growth regulators is important to maintain a balance for late-season crop management efficiency and defoliation. For more information on these topics, go to our University of Arizona Cooperative Extension website at extension.arizona.edu/crops-soils. rnorton@cals.arizona.edu

FLORIDA David Wright

Cotton is planted on 110,000 acres in Florida in 2022. Growers have gotten off to a good start this year with stands, although some midseason drought is affecting the crop. Commodity prices are high, and growers using good rotations and management practices can especially make good on yield, pest control and profits. With production prices going higher each year and almost doubling in 2022, it is necessary to do everything possible to make a good crop. Only 25 % to 30% of cotton in Florida is irrigated, so rainfall is critical in crop production in most years. In the several years of below-average rainfall we’ve had, our research with rotations and winter grazing before cotton shows that yields of non-irrigated cotton can often be as high or higher than irrigated cotton in rotations without grazing. Winter grazing prior to cotton results in greater cotton root mass, making the crop more drought tolerant. The additional root biomass can add an average of 150-250 lbs./acre of lint to the cotton. We've also seen high yields at relatively low nitrogen rates if these practices (rotation, winter grazing, etc.) are adopted. As we get more regulations on N use to limit nitrates in wells and springs, low water and N use will help us maintain, and even increase, cotton yields while pumping less water. Cotton being a southern crop can withstand high levels of stress and still produce good yields if we have good weather conditions in July. We are just getting into the rainfall periods for cotton and hope that we see record yields this year with the newer varieties we saw in 2021. wright@ufl.edu COTTONFARMING.COM

Specialists Speaking GEORGIA Camp Hand

As I write this June 8, it is hot in Tifton. The heat index is supposed to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit this week! In my humble opinion, it is too early in the summer for that nonsense. The June 6 Crop Progress report from USDA has Georgia at approximately 86% planted. With periodic rainfall and crunch time upon us, I imagine we'll be done planting in the next two weeks. Time to shift attention to management. At the point that you’re reading this, I expect our earlier (May) planted cotton to be blooming and our later planted cotton to be getting close to, if not already, squaring. Weed control should be close to done, so now we shift to insects, diseases and general crop management. Big things I’d be thinking right now are PGRs and fertility. In terms of PGRs, a little bit early will take you further than a lot late. Low rates when the plant is smaller will give you better growth management than high rates later in bloom. Growthy varieties on irrigated ground with a history of rank growth will need pre-bloom applications, but less aggressive varieties may not require a pre-bloom application. If the cotton was planted in June, I'd be more apt to recommend a prebloom application just to encourage earliness in that late-planted cotton. In terms of fertility, it is primetime to sidedress right now if you haven’t already. Timeliness is your friend with sidedress nitrogen, particularly if preplant N was reduced or not used. If preplant N wasn’t used, sidedress applications will be warranted closer to first square than first bloom. One other note: normally, tarnished plant bugs aren’t an issue for most of us in Georgia. However, if you came to county meetings this past winter and heard Dr. Roberts speak, he noted that he thinks there has been an increase in plant bugs, particularly on the west side of I-75. The best thing you could do is get out there and look, particularly at fruit retention. At first bloom, we want to be between 80% to 100% retention. Not to say plant bugs are the only reason we would go below 80% retention, but it’s something to keep an eye on and correct if necessary. As always, your local UGA county Extension agent and specialists are here to help! Reach out if you have any questions. camphand@uga.edu

LOUISIANA Matt Foster

As I write this June 8, cotton planting in Louisiana is complete. May and June have been unusually dry in most areas of Louisiana, which increases supplemental irrigation needs. Timing irrigation when soil moisture is less than optimal can help preserve crop yield potential. Research shows that a one-inch water deficit at the wrong time can result in the loss of at least 60-100 lbs. of lint. The goal in Louisiana is to irrigate before plant stress occurs with a water amount that won’t waterlog the soil if subsequent rainfall is received. Approximately 60% of cotton acres in Louisiana are irrigated, with furrow-irrigation being the main method. Irrigation timing varies due to weather, cultural practices, soil type and status of the crop. One method to aid in timing the first irrigation is to install soil moisture sensors that determine soil moisture at six or 12-inch intervals in and below the root zone. In general, the first irrigation should begin when 50% of the available moisture has been depleted from the root zone. This ensures good root development and reduces risk of soil saturation early in the growing season. At bloom, irrigation shouldn’t promote rank growth or hinder root development. In general, irrigation is terminated just prior to the first open boll. Caution should be used as excess soil moisture at this time can delay maturity and make defoliation more difficult. Despite dry conditions, the cotton crop throughout the state looks good. Approximately 25% of the crop is squaring. Since squaring began, populations of aphids, fleahoppers and plant bugs have reached treatable levels in some areas of the state. As more of the crop begins to square, growers and TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

consultants will focus on square retention and managing plant height with plant growth regulator (PGR). Once cotton reaches match head square stage, plant growth, environmental conditions and square load should be monitored. A few factors to take into consideration when planning for pre-bloom applications of PGR include variety growth habits, soil type and total nitrogen available to the crop. PGR applications should be based on current plant growth characteristics and the anticipated growth rate based on expected growing conditions for the next seven to 10 days. mfoster@ agcenter.lsu.edu

MISSISSIPPI Brian Pieralisi

As I write this June 6, Mississippi cotton is in pretty good shape. I may have been a little too optimistic last month. We've experienced some setbacks, which caused some replanting. Most replanted acres were due to sandblasting. There were a few scenarios with off-target herbicide injury and even slug infestations reducing stands to the point of replanting. Replants have been relatively minimal, and most of cotton acres have outgrown thrips. The crop is progressing past the five-leaf stage in most areas with some of the earliest planted cotton squaring. As this crop moves into the reproductive stages, plant bug and plant growth management should be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Managing plant bugs prior to bloom in Mississippi is key to maintain greater than 80% square retention. Imidacloprid or thiamethoxam are good options for controlling plant bugs prior to bloom. When making these applications, consider the cotton variety and vegetative potential to create a PGR management strategy starting at eight-to-10 node cotton. When applying PGRs, it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive to maintain the optimal internodal distance of two-to-three inches between the fourth and fifth node. Currently, nitrogen applications are in full swing with the goal of having all N applied prior to first bloom. If possible, it is always an easier transition into the reproductive stages with all N applied, as well as a fully charged soil moisture profile to reduce fruit shed. Overall, the crop is looking good at this point. Proper insect and plant growth management will be keys to a successful season. Good luck! bkp4@msstate.edu

NORTH CAROLINA Guy Collins

As I write this June 1, the large majority of planting has been completed, most of which was a success. The 2022 planting season seemed to include a wide array of both wet and dry periods, cool and warm spells and intermittent moderate-to-heavy rains — all of which have become fairly normal. All in all, most of our intended cotton acres were planted with success, although a few areas were planted — or replanted — rather late, primarily due to intense packing rains in isolated areas across the state. We have a decent mixture of late April and early May planted cotton and some late May and early June planted or replanted cotton, with nearly equal proportions of our acreage planted at points throughout the month of May. This can be considered as a good way to help manage risks associated with both summer and fall weather patterns, as we do not know whether the year will reward or penalize early versus late planted cotton. Thrips pressure seems to dominate most growers’ concerns at this particular point in the season, as evidenced by the volume of calls over the past week. Monitoring the date of first bloom will be important in July as it will help us know if cotton is early, on schedule, or late, and will likely be determined by planting date but can be influenced by other factors as well. This will also help us manage this crop for targeted maturity. Staying on JULY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

Specialists Speaking top of our insect pests, such as lygus, stinkbugs, perhaps caterpillars, etc., with timely applications will be as important as always. PGR decisions will be at the forefront of decisions during July as well and will be dictated by planting date, variety growth potential and — most importantly — rainfall. When making PGR and insect management decisions, it is important to keep in mind that the success of later planted cotton is very dependent on timely management. The effects on yield of delayed, necessary insect sprays, for example, tend to be magnified for late planted cotton, as it lacks the necessary time to compensate for even small fruit losses due to insects or other factors. guy_collins@ncsu.edu

OKLAHOMA Seth Byrd

these pests are also quite low. In the Blackland Prairie, cotton growth stage ranges from four true leaves in replanted fields to matchhead square in earlier planted fields. Insect scouting has transitioned into monitoring fields for cotton fleahopper, along with aphids and spider mites. In prolonged, dry conditions that many in Texas have been facing this year, yield expectations may not be as high as years with more favorable conditions. As a result, some growers will often start to think about minimizing input expenditures. Frequent and thorough scouting is equally as important in dry years as it is in better years. Continuing to actively monitor for insect pressure and midseason weed flushes following rainfall events allows us to stay ahead of the curve and best manage additional input costs for pest management. bmcknight@tamu.edu

As I write this June 8, many parts of west central Oklahoma are still trying to dry out from recent rainfall, while in the southwest, planters are getting back into fields to begin planting the dryland crop, or even replanting some of the irrigated acreage wiped out after storms. Late May and early June brought heavy rains and isolated hail events to the area. Elsewhere, a hail event in early June resulted in some lost cotton in northern areas of the Oklahoma panhandle. Seedling disease issues have popped up across northern Oklahoma, resulting from cool temperatures and excess moisture following planting. By the time this issue of Cotton Farming reaches you, there will likely be a wide variety of crop scenarios resulting from this challenging start to the season. While the moisture was certainly beneficial after drought conditions persisted in some areas since September of last year, the large rainfall totals received in such a short period of time also created some challenges to stand establishment and the planting schedule. Whether planted before or after these rain events, it is likely that much of the crop will be a bit behind schedule — a situation we’ve found ourselves in several times in recent years. Monitor the onset of the squaring period closely, as well as square retention, to properly time inputs and gain an understanding of maturity status as we approach first bloom. While PGRs typically do little to impact crop maturity in comparison to variety selection and nutrient management, they may be key to regulate growth if excess moisture continues to be present — or if the crop is showing signs of rank growth prior to the start of the bloom period. For more information on early season management and PGRs, check out factsheets available at cotton.okstate.edu. seth.byrd@okstate.edu

TEXAS Murilo Maeda

TEXAS Ben McKnight

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper

As I write this June 8, approximately 85% of the cotton acres have been planted across the state of Texas. Dry conditions continue to persist across much of the state, and any recent rainfall that has fallen in some areas hasn’t been enough to relieve overall drought conditions. One outlier is the Lower Rio Grande Valley which has been receiving rainfall in good amounts lately. Many of the fields in this region are currently in full bloom, and prospects are looking good for growers so far. Further north in the Coastal Bend, one glance at the corn crop puts into perspective how dry conditions have been. Over 100,000 cotton acres failed to emerge due to the dry conditions at planting, and fields that were successfully established are currently at 7 NAWF to approaching cutout. Considering past and current conditions, yield estimates at this point in the growing season are below average for this region. In the Upper Gulf Coast, additional rainfall through the remainder of June and into July would greatly benefit the cotton crop. Currently, lygus populations are above average for this region but not at threshold levels yet. Bollworm and stink bugs are also being found, but populations for

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

Planting in the Texas High Plains will be completed and our season well underway by the time this issue of Cotton Farming reaches you. As I write this in early June, I estimate roughly 85% or better of our acreage has been planted. While we have recently been blessed with moisture, planting conditions in general were far from ideal this year. Areas around and north of Lubbock into the Texas Panhandle have received some rainfall from mid-May through early June. South of Lubbock, however, rainfall has been virtually nonexistent with few exceptions. Record drought gripping the region since August/September last year delayed winter field preparation activities, as well as planting. While we are usually looking at plenty of cotton this time of year, there is not as much to look at yet despite a lot of it being in the ground. Thrips pressure seems to be a little heavier than usual in some places, and it has triggered applications in counties north and west of Lubbock. This morning (June 8, 2022), the northern Panhandle saw severe weather, including high winds and large hail, particularly north of Amarillo. The Lubbock region missed out on the rain but also saw high winds and plenty of sand blowing. While early to know the extent, it is safe to say this event damaged cotton; the decision to replant will be a tough one to make, especially when considering the calendar. Conditions may be favorable for planting, but around here, we are always mindful of season-length limitations. We usually stop accumulating heat units by mid-October, with our last effective bloom dates usually around mid-to-late August. mmaeda@ag.tamu.edu

What was forecast to be one of the warmest, driest Mays Tennessee had seen in years quickly turned into one of the wettest, coolest starts in recent memory. Our earliest planted cotton (late April, first and second week in May) generally appears to be our best. A blackberry winter hit during the third week of May and caused a considerable amount of replanting through the area. The intensity of rainfall events has been a topic of almost every conversation; thunderstorms in the area throughout May have regularly dumped one to two inches in areas, with values as high as four inches reported in isolated areas. Unfortunately, areas impacted have often been some of our largest cotton producing areas. While many will have blooms by the fourth, most will also have fields that may not bloom until the 20th. When managing late cotton, I recommend backing off of nitrogen (25% reduction is a good starting point), aggressively maintaining insect thresholds and aggressively managing plant growth. Each of these will help retain fruit low on the plant and thereby speed maturity. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions concerning management. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe July 4. traper@utk.edu COTTONFARMING.COM

Industry News U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol's New Three-Year Enrollment Trust Protocol participating producers will find the new streamlined enrollment for the 2022-2024 crops easy and quick. Production data, which remains confidential, now can be more efficiently uploaded into the Protocol platform, thus paving the way for a potential redistribution of program revenue. As before, crop consultants can be authorized to enter information and the John Deere Operations Center can pre-populate up to 40% of the data needed to complete the Fieldprint analysis for those utilizing the Protocol platform. To learn more or begin enrollment, visit www.TrustUSCotton.org or reach out to the Grower Helpdesk at growers@ trustuscotton.org.

2022 Milan No-Till Field Day Will Be Back In Person July 28

land value in its Census of Agriculture. USDA also updates the average statewide market value of agricultural land and buildings each year. Since 1997, the state-level values cover four classes: all cropland, non-irrigated cropland, irrigated cropland and pastureland. The annual report does not break values down by county but is helpful in observing trends, Massey said. Values can vary considerably within a county depending upon location, land quality and other factors, Milhollin said.

For this reason, USDA estimates may not provide an acceptable estimate of land values. However, it does provide a consistent historical perspective, he said. In the guide, Milhollin and Massey recommend steps to estimate historical land values at a county level. The accompanying spreadsheet reports the average market value for individual Missouri counties starting from 1959. The guide and spreadsheet are available for free download at extension. missouri.edu/g403.

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“Since 1981, the Milan No-Till Field Day has hosted visitors to the largest field day in the nation dedicated to conservation tillage,” said Blake Brown, director, University of Tennessee AgResearch/ Education Center at Milan. The 2022 field day will be held in person Thursday, July 28, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 3 Ledbetter Rd., Milan, Tennessee. Visit https://milannotill.tennessee. edu/ for updates about the event as they become available.

MU Guide, Spreadsheet Help Estimate Farmland Values Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates. University of Missouri Extension offers a publication and spreadsheet that give an estimated value of farmland by county in Missouri, said Ray Massey, MU Extension professor in agricultural business and policy. Massey and Ryan Milhollin, assistant Extension professor of agricultural business and policy, are co-authors of the “Missouri Farmland Values” guide and the county land value estimator spreadsheet. Every five years since 1950, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has surveyed farmers and reported county-level TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

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Ginners Marketplace COTTON

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Multiple Gin-Related Issues Being Addressed The U.S. ginning industry is addressing a myriad of ongoing issues from safety to contamination to labor and climate change. The National Cotton Ginners Association recently concluded its first in-person ginner schools since 2019 with the three schools attracting 320 students. With gins facing many new employees, it was important to host in-person schools so that safety and machine familiarization could be covered and emphasized. New Safety Video Available The NCGA was asked to produce a safety video that could be used by both gin employees and truckers who are contracted to haul seed from gins. The goal was to highlight the importance of safety when working with overhead cottonseed storage and loading trucks. The NCGA video, which is the eighth in NCGA’s safety series and sponsored by Cliff Granberry Corp., now is available and can be streamed from the NCGA’s website. Updated Ginners’ Compliance Guide Working with a labor attorney, the NCGA updated the Ginners’ Compliance Guide to Labor Laws to help ginners prepare for Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division audits and the increased use of H-2A employees by gins. This update, which includes the most recent regulations and interpretations, has been mailed to all gins. It also is available in electronic format on the NCGA website. It is important for gin managers and those responsible for the employment paperwork and payroll to carefully review this information.

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Addressing Heat Injury And Illness Prevention The NCGA is closely monitoring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s recent Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This may include cotton gins. OSHA is using the heat standard developed in California as its model for the national standard. There have been several sessions with the National Advisory Committee on the OSHA Heat Advisory Group in anticipation of a proposed rule being issued soon. Round Module Wrap Standard The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers recently passed the industry-advocated amended module cover standard to include a minimum performance standard for round module wrap. Ginners and producers should demand that round module wraps meet this standard. If a round module arrives at the gin in good condition, the

COTTON FARMING | JULY 2022

likelihood of contamination from the wrap is reduced greatly. While this standard is voluntary, it will be promoted and strongly recommended by the U.S. cotton industry. Protocols have been developed for a wrap manufacturer to demonstrate that its product meets the standard for performance. Testing by a third-party certified lab is required. All costs for testing and reporting are to be borne by the wrap manufacturer. The National Cotton Council will maintain on its website a list of the companies and their specific wrap that meets the standard. Carbon And Greenhouse Gas Emission The Administration will continue its focus on climate change. It is likely they will review and attempt to lower the particulate matter of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. This issue will be monitored. Regulations aimed at carbon and greenhouse gas emission that could impact the energy sectors will be monitored as well. New or more stringent regulation could further increase the cost of energy, thereby increasing the cost of transportation, agricultural inputs and ginning. Confidential Gin Cost Survey The NCGA, working with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, has developed a web-based gin cost survey. This confidential survey, available on NCGA’s website, will allow ginner participants to track their gin’s variable cost and compare their individual gin to specific gins in their region. Included are several charts and graphs. This electronic questionnaire will allow for a gin participant’s annual data input. Ginning costs and the ability for the industry to track these costs is extremely important. Ginning cost data that includes energy use also is important in sustainability programs, such as the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. Throughout the years, gins have continued to show improvements in energy use. This trend likely will continue — a point that deserves to be showcased. Harrison Ashley, executive vice president of the National Cotton Ginners Association, contributed this article. Contact him at (901) 274-9030 or hashley@cotton.org.

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My Turn My Career In One Word — “Blessed”

grew up from humble Last week marks 10 years since we lost him. There beginnings in a family are so many things I’d like to talk to him about. of four in Northampton We don’t actively row-crop farm anymore and County, North Caro- gardens are fewer and smaller. Fortunately, I now lina, on my grandfather’s do on-farm cotton trials in the same fields I used to farm. We had a simple child- tend when my foot could barely reach the clutch on hood, although we didn’t the tractor. When I was 16, I deviated from my peaknow it because we had plen- nut upbringing and began work as a cotton scout for ty. My family was always big Roanoke-Chowan Consulting & Research. My pason education and working to sion for cotton began during this time. earn your keep. There were In the summer of 2001, I struck out West for a Guy no allowances. There was summer job in Lubbock, Texas, to work in the weed Collins also no heat, air condition- science program. I worked in cotton and peanut ing or television. research trials, which was my first exposure to activeAs far back as I can remember, our lives centered ly conducting applied research. The experience was around the farm. I was 10 to 12 years old when I grad- good in many ways, especially growing cotton in a uated from tending gardens to an actual paycheck climate altogether foreign to me. working on the farm. My grandfather was a peanut I started the cotton Extension graduate program man, through and through. His farm priorities were in 2004, under the direction of Dr. Keith Edmisten, peanuts first, cows second and everything else (cot- and went right on through my Ph.D. program with ton, wheat, corn) a distant third. him as well. I was fortunate to learn under him then My first appreciation for Extension came through and still do now. My first “real” job came in 2009 the Peanut Variety and as Extension cotton speQuality Evaluation pro“I reflect on my career fondly and cialist for the University gram — a collaborative of Georgia. I worked to look forward to a bright future.” identify a replacement(s) effort between North Carolina State University for DP 555, which was no and Virginia Tech. My grandfather hosted research small task. Dr. Jared Whitaker and I embarked on a trials each year. If we were lucky enough for the field robust on-farm cotton variety testing program. day stop at our farm to be after school, we got to go. After five years, we returned to North Carolina in They always had the coldest drinks, and I loved the early 2015, and I began my current career as one of excitement of growers and scientists coming to our two cotton specialists at NCSU. Few people are fortufarm. My grandfather appreciated Extension and nate enough to work with their mentor, but I am. I’m university research, and I came to see the incalculable also blessed to work with some excellent colleagues in value in it as well. other cotton disciplines and have enjoyed the comBy the time I was coming along, my grandfather radery with our colleagues in other states. was getting up in years. When cotton made its comeAs I reflect on my career, I’m reminded of how all back in the late 80s and early 90s, it was a little late for the successes we’ve had in the cotton industry happen him to invest in cotton equipment. Our cotton acres when we come together and support one another. I’m were share-cropped out. However, I can remember fortunate to work with some of the best growers and packing cotton in trailers for friends whose fathers others in the best industry. I’m thankful for those grew it. I can also remember when the first module who took a chance on me and have supported me builders showed up. If I remember right, a new one along the way. I reflect on my career fondly and look cost between $30,000 to $40,000. My grandfather forward to a bright future for years to come. thought it would be hard for anyone to justify the cost of such a luxury. That’s laughable now. My grandfa— Guy Collins ther farmed full-time for 60 crops, beginning in 1946 Raleigh, North Carolina with mules and tenant farms. He retired at 88. gdcollin@ncsu.edu 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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Cotton Farming July 2022

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