Cotton Farming, November 2014 by One Grower Publishing

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Cotton Farming

速

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

NOVEMBER 2014

www.cottonfarming.com

2015

SEED VARIETY GUIDE HOW TO PICK A NEW VARIETY KEVIN BRINKLEY'S MARKETING TIPS

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There’s nothing like the feeling of heading out to your field in your favorite jeans. The ones that just fit right. That’s what it’s like to grow PhytoGen® cotton. It’s about the reassuring sight of our early vigor. It’s about relying on our consistent yield. It’s about feeling comfortable knowing you’ve made the right choice. 800-258-3033 PhytoGen.com ® PhytoGen and the PhytoGen Logo are trademarks of PhytoGen Seed Company, LLC. ®DOW Diamond and the WideStrike Logo are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. PhytoGen Seed Company is a joint venture between Mycogen Corporation, an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences LLC, and the J.G. Boswell Company. L38-076-119 (09/13) BR 010-34414 DAAGPHYG3072

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Vol. 58 No 11

Cotton Farming PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

NOVEMBER 2014

www.cottonfarming.com

F E A T U R E S

Decision Time

Even though this year’s cotton crop harvest isn’t finished in some regions of the Belt, it’s already time to make decisions on which varieties to plant in 2015. This is a time for producers to study Official Variety Trials as well as test plots on their own farms. It’s all about finding varieties that fit specific fields.

D E P A R T M E N T S

4 Editor’s Note 6 Cotton’s Agenda 16 Marketing

C O L U M N S

24 Specialists Speaking 27 Industry News 34 My Turn

ON THE COVER: It all starts with seed in the hopper box when planting begins in 2015. Photo by Tommy Horton.

2015 SEED GUIDE Cotton Farming offers its annual Seed Guide listings for the new crop season.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

LOYALTY TO COTTON

Arkansas cotton breeder Fred Bourland offers some advice on how to choose a variety.

The Jordan brothers farm in Florida and Alabama and are committed to quality.

WEB EXCLUSIVE Depending on the region, harvest was a bit unpredictable for this year’s cotton crop. In many parts of the Belt, the crop was at least one or two weeks late. Cotton Farming Editor Tommy Horton offers a special update. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for his report.

WEB POLL RESULTS

How many of the new 2015 cotton varieties do you plan to incorporate into your production system based on what you have observed? Go to www.cottonfarming.com for the results.

Look for the Soybean South supplement following page 26 in the Mid-South and Southeast editions of Cotton Farming.

COTTON FARMING (ISSN 0746-8385) is published monthly January through December for $40 per year by One Grower Publishing LLC, 1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, TN 38119. Periodicals Postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sunbelt Fulfillment Services, 307 Southgate Court, Brentwood, Tenn. 37027-7987 (Phone: 615-377-3322) (Fax: 615850-5319). International rates are $55.00 in Canada/Mexico, $90.00 in all other countries for air-speeded delivery. Surface Delivery not available due to problems in reliability.

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

TH's Editor's Note_ 4 10/24/14 9:26 AM Page 4

Editor’s Note Tommy Horton

Cotton Farming

EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor/Editorial Director Tommy Horton thorton@onegrower.com Senior Writer Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com

Seed Variety Choices Remain Crucial

any years ago, the process of choosing a new cotton seed variety was so much simpler – or at least it seemed that way. Obviously, the technology wasn’t nearly as advanced in those days. A producer pretty much had his favorite variety and stayed with it as long as he could. To say that today’s environment has drastically changed doesn’t even begin to tell the story. If you look at our annual Seed Guide on pages 9, 10 and 11, you’ll get the picture. The choices are numerous. Technology has taken cotton farmers to a different world where varieties and new technology are coming at them faster than a NASCAR race car cruising at 200 miles per hour at Daytona Beach, Fla. Okay, maybe not that fast, but you get the picture. Varieties are now being commercially released to the market at a dizzying pace. No matter where you farm in the Belt, a new variety is coming down the pipeline nearly every year, and hopefully it is a custom fit for your region. Meanwhile, consultants and Extension specialists are scrambling as they try to educate themselves after studying research trial data for a couple of years. And, of course, we can’t forget the seed sales representatives out there trying to explain the complexities of a new germplasm or genetic trait. Even though the technology train is on a fast track, we shouldn’t complain. This is exactly what the marketplace wanted more than a decade ago when textile mills – both overseas and here at home – started clamoring for better quality in the cotton they received. Can any of us remember the 2001 Beltwide Cotton Conferences in Anaheim, Calif., where this very topic was front and center at the Production Conference? This is where textile mill executives pleaded with farmers in the audience to deliver better quality, so that mills could compete in the global market. Farmers, meanwhile, engaged in a healthy dialogue with the mill speakers and talked about yields being more important because that is what paid the bills. It was a memorable exchange of ideas, and, in my opinion, sparked an important debate about cotton quality. Today, nearly 14 years after that memorable Beltwide Production Conference, the pipeline has continued to deliver an array of varieties that are giving farmers exactly what they need. More tools, more options and superior fiber quality. This unquestionably will keep U.S. cotton farmers competitive as we look to the future.

Southeast Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Art Director Carol Watson

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 767-4020 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (800) 888-9784 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Janet Owens (229) 386-8809

For circulation changes or change of address, call (800) 888-9784

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 2014 ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

One Grower Publishing, LLC

If you have comments, send them to: Editor, Cotton Farming Magazine, 1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, Tenn., 38119. Or send e-mail to: thorton@onegrower.com.

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

1010 June Road, Suite 102, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119 Phone: 901-767-4020

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WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT New Opportunity For U.S. Cotton In China By Jim Lambert Director of Sales FCStone Merchant Services, LLC Nashville, Tenn.

Less Cotton In China? Several years ago when I was working for the Globecot News Network (www.commoditynetwork.com), I wrote a story detailing the decline of China’s cotton production in lieu of the need to “import what you wear and plant what you eat.” I was a bit premature with my forecast, but there is no doubt China is now on the road to producing less cotton. Recently announced government policies are ensuring production will primarily be in the western part of the country (Xinjiang province), while eastern land, once dedicated to cotton, will be used for corn, rice and other grains. Eventually, there will be very little cotton, if any, produced in the east, while overall production will hover around five million metric tons (or less) and consumption will fluctuate between seven to eight million metric tons, leaving imports to fill in the gap. Interestingly, despite the decline in cotton production, China hopes to keep a consumption ratio of approximately two-thirds domestic and one-third imported. This will be extremely difficult to maintain. Water, land and logistics are just a few of the yearly headaches facing Xinjiang producers. And, though the province does produce excellent quality cotton, it still has trouble consistently meeting the volume needs of the eastern-based textile mills on a regular basis.

Jim Lambert of FCStone Merchant Services, LLC, believes that U.S. cotton is primed to deliver high-quality cotton to China in the near future.

Perfect Timing Having spent the last two months interviewing FCStone’s textile mill and cotton merchant client base in China, I can tell you the most common feedback I have heard is “can you help us secure high quality cotton on a consistent basis? Our clients need higher count yarns, and we can’t make any money in the low count world.” The unfolding China story will have a huge and profound impact on the U.S. cotton industry – producer of the highest quality cotton in the world. This is a phenomenal opportunity to match consistent high quality production with consumption based on direct and firsthand feedback from the world’s largest consumer of cotton. Brands such as Bayer’s FiberMax and Stoneville cotton are perfectly positioned for China’s textile mill’s needs. At FCStone, we are positioning our global client base of both cotton producers and consumers to take advantage of this strategic shift. It will be exciting to watch and participate in this next stage of development for the U.S. cotton industry.

From Fiber To Fabric • China is producing less cotton. • China’s mills need high-quality cotton. • Excellent opportunity for U.S. • Mills need higher count yarns. • Ideal position for FiberMax

“The unfolding China story will have a huge and profound impact on the U.S. cotton industry.” – Jim Lambert

and Stoneville cotton.

Sponsored By

®Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Transform WG is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.

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PRODUCTION

Planting Decisions Start Now For 2015

t is a consistent theme each year when cotton seed companies announce their lineups for the new crop season. Some varieties have a longer shelf life than others and remain on the market. Meanwhile, new ones always appear – or so it seems. The question is how does a farmer make an informed decision with so many options? As you’ll see in Arkansas cotton breeder Fred Bourland’s story on page 14, a variety choice is based on many factors. What kind of soil is on a farm? How variable is the soil profile? What are the weather conditions? Is the growing season longer or shorter? Are there serious weed and insect problems? The list goes on and on. That is why it’s important for a producer to know his priorities before making that choice.

Numerous Options For Today’s Farmer In the case of 2015, the choices are numerous for seed varieties. When you scan our 2015 Seed Guide listings on pages 9, 10 and 11, you will notice that All-Tex has another strong lineup of RR Flex, RR Flex/Bollgard II and conventional varieties. Americot is adding a new BollgardII/Roundup Ready Flex variety to its NexGen lineup. Bayer CropScience announced four new FiberMax varieties and three new Stoneville varieties in January of 2014 and will have additional announcements later. Four commercial varieties from Bayer CropScience have TwinLink technology, which first became available in 2014. TwinLink combines season-long Bt protection against worm pests with weed management technology. It contains two Bayer proprietary Bt genes that provide management of major lepidopteran pests, such as tobacco budworm, pink bollworm and cotton bollworm. PhytoGen is offering 10 different varieties for 2015. The lineup includes six new upland varieties, an introduction of a new trait technology and root-knot nematode tolerance. Deltapine will unveil its new 2015 varieties at its annual New Product Evaluator event in December in Nashville, Tenn. One of its relatively new varieties – DP 1454NR B2RF – was commercialized for planting in 2014 and was bred for resistance to root-knot nematodes.

8 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

Specifically, the trait enables strong root growth in cotton plants and can reduce root-knot nematodes. DP 1454NR B2RF was planted by numerous farmers in Georgia and Texas in 2014. In evaluation by farmers in 2013, it delivered high yields in both nematode and non-nematode environments, according to Deltapine officials. It is expected that more varieties bred for resistance to root-knot nematodes will be commercially released soon. Deltapine will return 12 Genuity BG II/Roundup Ready Flex varieties for 2015, one Genuity Roundup Ready Flex variety and four Pima varieties. Meanwhile, Dyna-Gro will have five varieties available in 2015, including a new one – DG 2355 B2RF.

Croplan will return three varieties to its lineup and have additional announcements later on. Hazera had four Pima varieties in 2014 and will return all four this year. Finally, Seed Source Genetics will return all seven of its conventional varieties. Seed Companies Delivering Technology While many farmers may be overwhelmed at the rapid pace of new varieties being delivered to the market each year, it would behoove everyone to remember how far seed technology has come in the past decade. Never before have cotton producers had so many choices. It’s what they need to compete in today’s global market. All seed companies listed in this year’s Seed Guide contributed information for this article.

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2015

SEED VARIETY GUIDE Variety

Maturity

Micronaire Leaf Type

Staple Length

G/Tex

Comments

ALL-TEX Roundup Ready Flex Epic RF Patriot + RF

medium medium

3.6-4.6 3.5-4.9

smooth semi-smooth

1.08-1.13 1.08-1.10

27-30 27-30

Highly adapted to HP irrigated/dryland. Superior fiber and high yield potential.

early early-late medium

3.8-4.8 3.7-4.8 3.5-4.4

semi-hairy semi-smooth semi-smooth

1.14-1.17 1.10-1.20 1.17-1.26

29-31 28-32 29-37

Picker type. Excellent yield potential. Picker type. Premium fiber qualities. Picker type. Superior fiber/high yield.

med-early medium medium medium

3.5-4.9 3.5-4.9 3.5-4.8 4.0-4.4

semi-smooth smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth

1.07-1.19 1.08-1.20 1.11-1.21 1.42-1.48

25-31 26-31 29-32 44-46

Adapted to Texas Gulf Coast, HP, OK. Picker. Excellent yield potential. Picker. Excellent fiber quality. Exceptional length and strength.

4.2-4.8 3.7-4.5

semi-smooth smooth

35-36 35-37

28-29 27-29

Excellent yield potential/fiber quality. Excellent yield potential/widely adapted.

medium medium medium early-med full early-med

4.6-4.8 4.0-4.7 3.9-4.6 3.5-4.2 4.5-4.7 4.0-4.7

semi-smooth smooth smooth semi-smooth smooth semi-smooth

35-37 36-37 36-37 35-37 36-38 36-37

30-31 30-32 30-32 29-31 28-30 28-30

Excellent yield potential/fiber quality. Proven verticillium wilt tolerance. Excellent yield potential/fiber quality. Excellent yield potential/stormproof. Full-season variety for Delta/Mid-South. New variety. Excellent yield/fiber quality.

medium very early very early

3.7-4.6 3.8-4.5 3.5-4.1

smooth semi-smooth hairy

36-37 35-36 35-36

31-32 30-32 27-28

Straight Flex sister to NG 4010 B2RF. Suited for N. High Plains, Okla. & Kan. Suited for N. High Plains, Okla. & Kan.

early

4.5-4.9

smooth

37-39

36-38

U. of Ark. variety/excellent quality.

FM 1830GLT FM 2334GLT FM 1320GL FM 2322GL

early-med medium very early medium

4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3

normal/smooth normal/smooth normal/s. smooth normal/s. smooth

1.21 1.21 1.11 1.16

32.1 31.8 29.6 32.2

GLT with excellent fiber quality. GLT with excellent fiber quality. Very early/excellent storm tolerance. GL variety/excellent Vert Wilt tolerance.

FM 2011GT FM 9250GL FM 9180B2F FM 2484B2F FM 1944GLB2 FM 2989GLB2 FM 8270GLB2

early early early medium early-med medium med-full

4.2 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.4 4.4 4.5

normal/s. smooth normal/s. smooth normal/smooth normal/smooth normal/s. smooth normal/ smooth okra/smooth

1.13 1.15 1.16 1.18 1.19 1.13 1.16

29.9 30.0 30.6 29.9 31.6 29.8 31.8

High yielder with RKN tolerance for HP. GlyTol/LL stacked variety for HP/RP. Great fiber and easy to manage. High yielding variety for HP/R. Plains. GLB2 with excellent fiber quality. GLB2 stacked variety for Texas. GLB2 okra leaf for south Texas.

Roundup Ready Flex/Bollgard II Rapid B2RF Edge B2RF Nitro-44 B2RF

Conventional A102 LA122 7A21 (Pima) P-203

AMERICOT Bollgard II/Roundup Ready Flex AM 1550 B2RF AM 1532 B2RF

early-med medium

NexGen Bollgard II/Roundup Ready Flex NG 1511 B2RF NG 4010 B2RF NG 4012 B2RF NG 3348 B2RF NG 5315 B2RF NG 3306 B2RF

Roundup Ready Flex NG 4111 RF NG 1551 RF NG 1572 RF

Conventional AM UA48

FIBERMAX FiberMax

New varieties for 2015 in blue

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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Variety

Maturity

Micronaire Leaf Type

Staple Length

G/Tex

Comments

STONEVILLE Stoneville ST 4747GLB2 ST 5032GLT ST 5289GLT ST 6448GLB2 ST 4946GLB2

early-med early-med medium full early-med

4.3 3.9 4.3 4.4 4.5

normal/s. smooth normal/s. smooth normal/very hairy normal/smooth normal/s. smooth

1.19 1.20 1.14 1.21 1.15

29.6 30.0 28.3 30.8 32.2

GLB2 with broad adaptation across Belt. GLT high yielder, best under irrigation. Excellent yielder with GLT/improved fiber. Full season, improved fiber with GLB2. GLB2, broad adaptation/RKN tolerance.

very early early early-mid early-mid mid early early early mid full

4.8 4.5 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.8 4.3

smooth hairy semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth smooth

36 37 36 36 36 37 36 36 36 38

31.1 30.8 30.7 31.3 32.7 32.0 31.3 30.1 33.0 30.7

Early maturity/Northern High Plains. Excellent yield. Broadly adapted. Industry leader. RKN resistant/good yields. Good yielder. RKN resistant/early vigor. Superior yields. WideStrike 3 technology. Early maturing variety for all regions. Early maturity. Excellent yield/fiber quality. Early maturity. Broad adaptation. Excellent seedling vigor. High yields. Full-season variety. Excellent fiber.

mid early-mid

4.34 4.18

semi-hairy semi-hairy

46 48

46.6 45.1

Gen./RR Flex. Fusarium Race 4 tolerance. Gen./RR Flex. Fusarium Race 4 tolerance.

mid mid

4.4 4.3

semi-smooth semi-smooth

40 38

36.8 34.8

Best fiber package. WideStrike technology. High yields/quality fiber. RR Flex.

4.1 4.3-4.5 4.4 4.4-5.2 4.0-4.6 4.5 4.0-4.5 4.2-4.7 4.4-4.9 4.3-4.6 4.5 4.2-4.5 4.1-4.8

light-hairy light-hairy light-hairy semi-smooth smooth light-hairy semi-smooth smooth smooth smooth smooth semi-smooth smooth

36.4 35.1-37.6 36.5 34.6-36.8 34.9-36.8 36.4-37.6 34.9-37.5 34.4-36.9 35-37.1 35.3-36.6 37.2 34.1-36.4 34.7-37.3

30.9 29.1-31.4 29.4 30.0-31.0 29.8-32.4 31.0-31.7 30.2-32.7 28.1-29.6 30.7-31.6 28.3-29.4 29.6 28.8-30.1 28.3-29.5

Broadly adapted across West Texas. Resistant to root-knot nematodes. Excellent fiber quality/short season. High yield potential/widely adapted. Outstanding yield/adapted for TX-Okla. Excellent vigor and staple/TX high yielder. Broadly adapted/can handle stress. Proven high-yielder on irrigated soils. Fits tough areas in E. TX/Lower M. South. Vigorous plant where larger stalk needed. Vigorous plant/excellent stability. Very popular in Texas/great on dryland. Proven performer/excellent fiber quality.

mid-full

4.2-4.6

semi-smooth

34.6-36.6

30.2-32.3

RR Flex variety handles tough conditions.

mid-full mid mid mid

4.2 4.1 4.1 3.9

hairy hairy hairy hairy

48.0 48.0 48.0 48.0

42.8 40.4 39.7 41.3

Pima quality/tolerance to Fusarium Race 4. Outstanding yield potential in Calif/TX. Potential for high yield/excellent fiber. New Pima variety/resistant to FOV Race 4.

PHYTOGEN Upland PHY 222 WRF PHY 333 WRF PHY 417 WRF PHY 427 WRF PHY 495 W3RF PHY 339 WRF PHY 367 WRF PHY 375 WRF PHY 499 WRF PHY 575 WRF

Pima PHY 805 RF PHY 811 RF

Acala PHY 755 WRF PHY 725 RF

DELTAPINE Genuity Bollgard II/Roundup Ready Flex DP 1410 B2RF DP 1454NR B2RF DP 1311 B2RF DP 1321 B2RF DP 1359 B2RF DP 1212 B2RF DP 1219 B2RF DP 1252 B2RF DP 1133 B2RF DP 1137 B2RF DP 1034 B2RF DP 1044 B2RF DP 1050 B2RF

early full early early-mid full early early-mid full mid mid mid mid-full full

Genuity Roundup Ready Flex DP 1441 RF

Pima DP 358 RF Pima DP 340 Pima DP 357 Pima DP 360 Pima

* Variety data based on Beltwide testing for DP Pima varieties, which are based on testing in California and Arizona.

New varieties for 2015 in blue

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2015

SEED VARIETY GUIDE Variety

Maturity

Micronaire Leaf Type

Staple Length

G/Tex

Comments

DYNA-GRO Roundup Ready Flex/Bollgard II DG 2285 B2RF DG 2355 B2RF DG 2570 B2RF DG 2595 B2RF DG 2610 B2RF

early early-mid early-mid medium med-full

4.3-4.6 4.0-4.6 4.4-4.6 4.3-4.7 4.04-4.07

semi-smooth semi-smooth smooth semi-smooth smooth

1.16-1.19 1.14-1.16 1.13-1.17 1.15-1.18 1.15-1.19

29-31 30-32 30-32 29-32 29-31

Reponsive to irrigation/broadly adapted. Broadly adapted to TX, Mid-South, East. Broadly adapted to all areas of Belt. Best performance in Southwest. Best performance on sand, silty soil.

very early early mid-full

4.0-4.5 4.1-4.6 4.2-4.6

semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth

35-37 35-37 35-37

30-31 29-30 29-30

Determinate type of N. High Plains. Adapted for limited water environments. Outstanding yield/fiber. Consistent.

medium very early early-med medium

3.8-4.1 3.8-4.1 3.8-4.1 3.8-4.1

semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth semi-smooth

48-50 46 48 46-48

36.5-38.5 36.5-37.5 37.5-38.5 38-39

High yielding for Acala/Pima regions. High yielding, extremely early. New variety, very high yielding. New variety, very high yielding.

smooth smooth smooth smooth hairy hairy semi-smooth

35-37 35-37 35-37 35-38 35-38 36-39 36-39

28-30 28-30 28-30 28-30 28-30 31-33 29-33

Smooth leaf picker type. Smooth leaf picker type. Smooth leaf picker type. Smooth leaf picker type. Hairy leaf picker type. Okra leaf, picker type. Picker type.

CROPLAN CG 3006 B2RF CG 3156 B2RF CG 3787 B2RF

HAZERA HA211 HA175 HA690 HA1432

SEED SOURCE GENETICS Conventional SSG HQ110CT SSG HQ210CT SSG HQ212CT SSG HQ310CT SSG CT Linwood SSG UA 103 SSG UA 222

early mid-early mid-early mid mid-early early mid-early

4.5-4.8 4.5-4.8 4.5-4.8 4.2-4.8 4.2-4.5 4.0-4.5 4.0-4.5

New varieties for 2015 in blue

Additional Varieties Will Be Announced At 2015 BWCC In January Look for all the pertinent information on these varieties in the February issue of Cotton Farming. The complete list of 2015 varieties will also be on the Cotton Farming website for the entire year.

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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INGENIOUS.

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To learn more about this new herbicide coming to market soon, visit IngeniousHerbicide.com

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SPECIAL REPORT

Producerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Priorities Dictate Variety Choices BY FRED BOURLAND KEISER, ARK.

Effective Control Of Caterpillars All available caterpillar-control transgenes (Bt2, TwinLink and WideStrike) are various constructs of Bt genes. Except for minor acreage of conventional varieties, all 2014 cotton planted in the South Central region carried one or more of these genes. Some differences among these hoosing the best cotton variety for a given situa- genes have been measured, but all provide reasonably effection can be highly beneficial to a cotton producer, tive caterpillar control, but supplementary insecticidal conbut identifying that variety can be a difficult task. trol of bollworms on these cottons is now commonly Since there is required. Presently no one perfect variety, a available caterpillarproducer must establish control insecticides are specific priorities for highly effective and each situation and idenmay provide cost savtify the variety that ings over Bt cotton if best meets those imporhigh worm pressure is tant priorities. not present. Prior to the advent of After transgene techtransgenic cottons, varinology is addressed, ety selection was priselection of varieties marily based on expectreturns to long-estabed yield in a particular lished principles of situation. Today, prochoosing varieties that ducers first determine are likely to produce which transgenes are stable, high yields of desired. Even if other premium quality cotton. varieties may produce Producers should mainhigher yields, producers tain a base of varieties may limit their choices that have previously to specific transgenic performed well in their Fred Bourland says producers must establish priorities before making varieties to facilitate area, and then explore crucial decisions on cotton varieties. insect and/or weed conthe use of alternative trol. Desired transvarieties on a limited genes primarily depend upon expected pest species and den- basis. Results from state variety tests and local strip sities (primarily weeds today) and technologies used in adja- tests/demonstrations should be used to determine which cent fields (drift issues). specific variety to plant. Parameters from these tests usualWith regard to variety selection for 2015, my first concern ly include lint yield and fiber quality. is glyphosate-resistant pigweeds. If resistant pigweeds are Additionally, our Arkansas Cotton Variety Test report dominant in a field, the producer must first choose a strate- includes maturity, yield components (how yield is attained), gy to deal with them. Effective weed control must be accom- pubescence (hairs on leaves, stems and bracts) and host plished primarily by herbicides with limited reliance on plant resistance (resistance to bacterial blight, Verticillium hand-chopping (due to its high cost and low effectiveness). wilt and tarnished plant bug). At present, LibertyLink systems appear to be the best Current cotton prices demand producers to carefully evalapproach to address resistant pigweeds. In 2014, 37 percent uate every component of production costs. Technology fees of cotton in the U.S. South Central region (71 percent in may be avoided if viable alternatives are available. To be Arkansas) was planted to LibertyLink varieties. viable, the alternative must provide cost-effective control of Both technology fees and the costs of herbicide treatments weeds and/or worms and produce competitive yield and must also be considered. In addition to the technology fee, acceptable fiber quality. costs associated with LibertyLink systems generally include applications of pre-plant and residual herbicides in addition Contact Fred Bourland in Keiser, Ark., via email at to application of Liberty. bourland@uark.edu.

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fred Bourland is a cotton breeder and manager of the Northeast Ag Research Station in Keiser, Ark. In the following report, he discusses the important decisions facing a cotton producer when he chooses new varieties to plant.

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Cotton plus a few agronomic copilots. Conditions as unique as yours call for unique solutions. CROPLAN is answering that call with high-performing ®

cotton seed genetics. More important, we’re putting more hardworking, dedicated people on the ground than ever before. People who can help you find the perfect variety for every acre, and offer season-long guidance to protect your investment all the way to harvest. Visit your CROPLAN retailer or go to croplan.com to learn more. ®

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MARKETING And while it’s not unusual for farmers to beat the market if their timing is right, they can always be assured that their cotton will find the market in the most transparent and competitive marketplace available. This recap sold just after about three hours on the market. It sold online for a little more than 5 cents per

Kevin Brinkley The Seam Memphis, Tenn.

pound over futures with all charges paid. For recaps that traded one-to-one negotiation style (over the phone), typical sales on the same or better style cotton were about 2.5 cents per pound less on the same day. We label this as “previously undiscovered margin.”

WHY NOT AUCTION YOUR COTTON?

The cotton farmer that sold this recap used technology not only to produce his crop but also to sell it. Selling

f you want to sell something for the highest possible price, you should try a method that

online allowed him to create his own auction with the

dates back to around 500 B.C. That’s around the time humans first used auctions as a

potential of more than 80 different companies competing

means to a higher price. Your first thought may be, “I’ve never heard of an auction for

for his recap.

cotton.” And you are correct if you think an auction is strictly a fast-talking, hammer-

wielding dude in a room full of bidders.

Finding The Tools Given the current cotton market fundamentals, you

However, it is possible to auction your cotton to the highest bidder without having all of

need the right tools to help squeeze every dollar from

the bidders in the same room. For 39 years, farmers have been using online trading to

your crop. As a seller of cotton, there are a couple of

recreate the auction effect for their recaps. In fact, since 2000, The Seam has handled

foundational issues that work in your favor.

billions of dollars in farmer transactions through its online trading system.

First, the mix of merchants and cooperatives originat-

Here’s how it works. The chart below tracks the actual bidding activity of a typical online

ing U.S. cotton has changed significantly over the past

recap. In this case, the bidding started soon after the recap was offered around 2:42 p.m.

few years. Recognizing this change is important because

Over the course of the next few hours, 12 buyers engaged in bidding the recap online. As

it has affected who buys cotton from farmers. In addition

bids were placed on the recap, an expected bid trend developed as prices gradually moved

to the well-known buyers of U.S. cotton, there are a

higher. This was the result of buyers starting low and inching up their price in hopes of

number of new companies that have entered the U.S.

discovering

origination market.

the

minimum price to

Second, it’s important to realize that importers still

buy the recap.

prefer U.S. cotton. Importers see the U.S. market

The prices that

as the land of opportunity because of our fiber quality

stand out are the

and availability.

ones that are well

Both of those factors mean that there is demand for

above the trend line.

your cotton. So why not use them to auction your cotton

These are the “out-

to the highest bidder? To create an auction-effect for

liers.” Buyers with

your recaps, there is a critical need – “liquidity” or a suf-

unique market cir-

ficient number of serious bidders trying to buy your

cumstances create

cotton. But how do you find liquidity? The Seam.

these “outliers” with “higher than trend bids.” For example, an outlier bid may be from a buyer that owes a certain quality of cotton

Now is the time to consider using technology to your advantage in selling your cotton.

against a sale and thus must pay a high price to ensure his ability to deliver. It’s also possible a buyer with unique market knowledge may place an outlier bid. If a profitable merchandising opportunity is known to exist and a buyer sees it, he will seize it. Situations like this are normal occurrences on The Seam’s cotton trading system.

16 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

Need More Information? Kevin Brinkley is senior vice president for The Seam in Memphis, Tenn. For additional information, call (901) 374-0374 or go to www.theseam.com. Contact Brinkley via email at: kevin.brinkley@theseam.com.

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Sign up for our E-News You’re already a long-time reader of Cotton Farming magazine. In fact, you’ve been a loyal reader for many years. So, how else can you stay informed on the latest developments in the cotton industry? Subscribe today to the Cotton Farming monthly E-News. You’ll find consultant commentary, recap of important stories, Cotton’s Calendar of Events and other quick and informative updates. It’s easy staying informed on everything happening in the world of cotton. Cotton Farming E-News will help keep you plugged in.

Sign up Go to www.cottonfarming.com and look for the Cotton Farming E-News link in the upper right corner of the home page. It's quick and easy.

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RESEARCH & PROMOTION

Research Helping In Fight Against Pigweed products to deal with the problem. ePRO Corporation has collaborated with weed scienPerfect Timing For New Tool tists from universities, Dr. Robert Nichols, senior direcUSDA, Cotton Incorporated tor of agricultural research at and the National Cotton Council to Cotton Incorporated says, “No new develop a new herbicide mode of herbicide modes of action have action for cotton. Brake, with the been registered for use in row active ingredient fluridone, was crops since the 1990s. Because of discovered approximately 35 years the increase in the number of herago and was an outstanding cotton bicide-resistant weed species and herbicide with excellent crop safety the increasing prevalence of resisbut was not commercialized in Weed resistance is a major problem today. tant weeds, weed scientists are U. S. row crops. However the active herbicide, fluridone, has been regis- advocating diversification of weed management tactics and tered and widely and safely used as an aquatic herbicide products to counter resistance.” Brake F2 is a combination of fluridone and fomesafen (trade name Sonar) for many years. that was developed through collaborative research efforts Due to the proliferation of herbicide-resistant weeds, specifically glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, and the with university scientists. This combination of two herbilimited number of herbicide modes of action available for cides enhances the consistency of the product’s performance use in cotton, a renewed effort has begun to develop new under different moisture regimes, according to Nichols. Section 18 emergency exemptions were issued for the use of Brake F2 in four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee) in 2014. “The development of Brake took another major step forward this year,” says Dr. Tyler Koschnick, vice president of research and regulatory with SePRO Corp. “We had the opportunity to work with growers and crop consultants over some significant acres. As an example, the conditions in Tennessee this year reinforced that Brake performs well under wet conditions.”

A Promise Delivered.

Online opportunities are here. www.cottonfarming.com

Cotton Farming

Special Exemptions Sought In 2015, as many as eight states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas) are considering a request for Section 18 emergency exemptions for the use of Brake to control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. Brake looks to be a very effective tool in the fight against glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth but must be part of a comprehensive weed management program that includes scouting and timely post-emergent applications with overlapping residuals. In some trait-based weed management systems, no effective over-the top options exist for control of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. “Cotton Incorporated has been instrumental on the issue of herbicide resistance,” says Koschnick. “It has been very supportive in the development of new herbicide modes of action and creating sustainable weed control systems.” The Cotton Board, which administers Cotton Incorporated’s Research and Promotion Program, contributed information for this story.

18 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

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SPECIAL REPORT

In Aftermath Of Fires, Court Battles Begin BY KATE CAMPBELL CALIF. FARM BUREAU

s heroic wildfire fights persist across California, recovery from last year’s catastrophic forest fires continues – and the fight to restore watersheds, landscapes, lost homes and livelihoods affected by the 2013 Rim Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest has now shifted to the courtroom. Almost immediately after the Stanislaus forest supervisor issued a Rim Fire recovery plan last month, environmental groups went to court to prevent certain portions of it from being implemented. Specifically, the groups wanted to block plans for salvage logging on 15,000 acres of the 260,000 acres affected by the fire. Three environmental groups, including the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity, filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to stop the logging. But that motion was denied by a judge last week. “While it remains to be seen whether the court will grant the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, this is a significant legal decision for the U.S. Forest Service,” says Mark Rentz of Sacramento-based Integrated Natural Resources Management. Win For Local Economies? Rentz says the ruling “also represents a win for local economies, supports efforts to restore the ecosystems affected by the fire, and acknowledges the work of Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions,” which he described as a coalition of environmental groups, forest-products companies, ranchers, community businesses, and county, state and federal agencies. The court’s denial of the restraining order, Rentz says, “clearly indicates collaborative efforts and integrated resource management strategies as

“We need to find ways to help families and forests recover.”– Rayne Thompson, Calif. Farm Bureau Federation

being encouraged and as having a positive impact on project certainty, conflict resolution and economic viability.” As disastrous wildfires become more common, Rayne Thompson, California Farm Bureau Federation Federal Policy Division manager, says there is growing need for collaboration among conservation, forestry and farm groups to restore forest areas following a fire as quickly as possible. “Allowing restoration activities to remove dead trees and clear brush allows new tree growth and provides economic development for the many rural communities struggling to recover,” Thompson says. “Innovative partnerships are developing because the way we’ve managed our forests in the past and the way we’ve approached recovery from these continuing disasters has not always worked effectively.”

Need For Collaboration With the catastrophic King Fire burning in the American River Canyon in El Dorado and Placer counties, and with recovery efforts just beginning in the wake of the Boles Fire that destroyed 150 homes in the Siskiyou County community of Weed, experts say the need for collaboration in recovery efforts has never been greater. But, recently, environmental groups filed another motion – a request for preliminary injunction – to stop recovery logging in the Rim Fire area in Tuolumne County. A hearing has been set in federal court in Sacramento, and legal experts anticipate a lengthy court process. “Wildfires can not only cause devastating losses of life and to private and public property as well as natural resources, they can also trigger legal actions that may hinder recovery,” Thompson says. “We need to find ways to help families and forests recover. Obstructing those efforts through the courts may not be the most helpful approach.” Kate Campbell is assistant editor of Ag Alert at California Farm Bureau. Contact her at kcampbell@cfbf.com. COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

CF1114 Layout_CF 11/13 template 10/15/14 2:26 PM Page 14

WHEN YOU GIVE COTTON GROWERS THE TOTAL PACKAGE, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. It’s time for growers to expect more from a cottonseed. And Stoneville® delivers. Through advanced breeding, growers can expect improved germplasm, excellent disease tolerance, high yield potential and high-quality cotton. Now that there’s a cottonseed that delivers it all, the sky’s the limit.

©2014 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Stoneville and Stoneville Design are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.Stoneville.com CR0914STONEVA105V00R0 A-27190-1

CF1114 Layout_CF 11/13 template 10/15/14 2:26 PM Page 15

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SPECIAL REPORT

Consultants To Meet Again At BWCC

he format may have changed somewhat from previous years, but one fact remains consistent about the Beltwide Cotton Conferences (BWCC) in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 5-7. Timely information will be offered to attendees, and one of the most important events will be the annual Consultants Conference. It will begin with a half-day session on Jan. 5, starting at noon. “This event has grown through the years, and it will be open to anyone attending the Beltwide,” says Bill Robertson, coordinator of the Consultants Conference. Robertson has returned to his position as Arkansas Extension cotton specialist, but he will continue to coordinate this conference. The program will

be diverse and include reports on new cotton varieties, chemistries and emerging technologies. Discussions also will be conducted on the National Cotton Council’s efforts to deliver contamination-free cotton.

“The good news is that we will have a wealth of information available for anyone who attends the Beltwide.” – Bill Robertson On the morning of Jan. 6, the 11 cotton technical conferences will convene, and some will meet jointly with consultants to discuss topics of mutual interest.

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Some of those conferences will concentrate on weed and insect control, pollinator health, control of plant bugs and other key insect pests. Weed Issues Addressed In addition, a panel discussion will feature state-by-state university recommendations for overall weed control, including management of Palmer amaranth and water hemp. Arkansas Extension weed specialist Tom Barber will coordinate this presentation. A weed scientist from each region of the Belt will offer timely recommendations on how to deal with weed resistance. Extension updates will be presented on various new technologies being introduced to deal with these crucial problems. Other topics likely to be addressed are: 1) managing nematodes, target leaf spot, root rot and other cotton diseases, 2) the results of uniform agronomy/physiology studies conducted in multiple Cotton Belt locations during 2014 and 3) plant nutrition/soil management, including updates on irrigation and fertility practices. “The good news is that we will have a wealth of information available for anyone who attends the Beltwide,” says Robertson. “I think it’s also very good that the consultants will kick off the conference on the first day.” Robertson believes that it is advantageous to have the BWCC in San Antonio at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, which has hosted this event numerous times through the years. “The hotel staff is very familiar with how the Beltwide conference is conducted, and that is definitely a plus,” he says. “Plus, San Antonio is a convenient location for many Texas producers who can easily drive to that part of the state. I am anticipating another excellent conference.” The National Cotton Council contributed information for this article. For additional details about the Consultants Conference or BWCC, visit www.cotton.org.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Govt. Support Crucial For Ag Research

he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded more than $18 million in grants to small businesses for high quality, advanced research and development that will lead to technological innovations and solutions for American agriculture. NIFA awarded 100 grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. “Small businesses are adept at finding solutions that can advance agriculture, create new jobs and grow our economy,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These grants will provide resources so small businesses can innovate and create new breakthroughs. The SBIR program has provided hundreds of small businesses with the ability to explore new ideas that have led to cutting-edge solutions to pressing challenges and helped keep American agriculture innovative and strong.”

Support For Research The SBIR program exists to stimulate technological innovations in the private sector and to strengthen the role of federal research and development in support of small businesses. The program also fosters and encourages participation by women-owned and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses. Companies initially apply for Phase I feasibility studies, which may be followed by Phase II research and development projects. Phase I grants are

limited to $100,000 and a duration of eight months, while Phase II grants are limited to $450,000 and a duration of 24 months. Approximately 30-40 percent of Phase I projects continue onto Phase II. In fiscal year 2014, USDA awarded $7,421,711 in Phase I grants and $11,048,055 in Phase II grants. A complete list of fiscal year 2014 SBIR awards is available at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2014 news/10_20_sbir_grant_descriptions.html. Since 1983, the SBIR program has awarded more than 2,000 research and development grants to Americanowned, independently operated, forprofit businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Diverse Funding Sources NIFA funds and administers the SBIR program, with additional funding provided by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service and U.S. Forest Service. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and Extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. More information is at www.nifa.usda.gov. USDA provided information for this article. Go to www.usda.gov for additional details.

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 CropScience 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 CropScience 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 CropScience 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. 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. ©2014 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 t r a d e m a r k s of Ba y e r. E x c e l le n c e T h ro u g h 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.BayerCropScience.us CR0714STONEVA094V00R0 B-27081-1

Government research grants are crucial in helping agriculture find solutions to remain strong in today’s economy. COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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Specialists Speaking Race Continues To Finish Up Harvest FLORIDA David Wright As producers finish up harvesting, days are getting shorter, and attention turns to how the year turned out and hunting. There were not record yields as we have seen for the past two to three years, and sporadic rains in certain areas and ample rains in nearby locations resulted in a very non-uniform crop. Early rains leached fertilizer, and late rains delayed harvest. Overall, there are several high-yielding varieties from which producers can choose with different technology for many of the weed problems that we are encountering. Producers are worried about the price, and if cotton will fit into the rotation next year. High yields will be required at current prices to figure in a profit. With several months before the next crops start, producers will have a chance for the price to change and hope that next year is better. wright@ufl.edu

MISSOURI Mike Milam According to the Oct. 15 Cotton and Wool outlook, Missouri’s yield is projected at 1,087 pounds per acre. However, this past week, we have had a lot of severe thunderstorms and wind. I have heard reports of cotton being on the ground in a number of fields. In our heavier fields, I expect that water will be standing for awhile after the rains stop. The good news is that we are projected to have a very low probability of rain for the next two weeks. According to the Missouri Crop Progress and Condition Report released on Oct. 14, 21 percent of our cotton has been harvested. This compares with the five-year average of 34 percent. So, getting the crop out of the field could be a challenge. Only three percent of our cotton is in the poor range, so with our boll load we still have a lot of yield potential. While our heat units have been lower this year, there are plenty for total production. After the crop is out of the field, producers should map fields for weeds, nutrient and drainage problems. Soil samples should be taken to prepare for next season. Missouri and NRCS cost-share money is available for the drainage issues. Many of the larger ditches have been cleaned out, making it easier to drain fields. milammr@missouri.edu

NORTH CAROLINA Keith Edmisten There is certainly no such thing as a normal year in North Carolina, but this year was closer to “normal” than last year. Because of this, I would put more emphasis on variety evaluations from this year than last year. This is especially true for the latermaturing varieties that tended to underperform last year. As you read this, I am sure you have already been considering varieties for next year. If we knew what the weather would be for 2015, we could all pick the perfect variety. Since we do not know the weather for the coming year, utilizing multiple varieties with different maturities helps to spread risk. Earliness is very often emphasized in cotton, but later-maturing varieties do have some advantages. These would include more drought tolerance, generally better fiber quality and spreading the defoliation and harvest period so that less cotton is open at one time and exposed to weathering losses. I would pay particular interest to potassium levels as you soil test

24 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

this year. Potassium deficiency was the most common nutrient deficiency I saw in 2014. Following two years of rather high rainfall, you may find that potassium has leached below the rooting zone, particularly on deeper sandy soils. keith_edmisten@ncsu.edu

LOUISIANA Dan Fromme As we approach the latter part of October, approximately 60 to 70 percent of the cotton acres have been harvested. Harvest conditions have been good, with the exception of one to six inches of rainfall being received throughout the state during the second week of October. Hopefully, we can finish the cotton harvest during the early part of November. Yield estimates remain on the positive side in most portions of the state with the exception of two parishes in the south-central portion of the state where they received heavy amounts of rainfall throughout the season. This year’s crop still has the potential to be the second best on record for Louisiana. According to USDA-AMS figures (as of 10/17/14) out of Rayville, 24 percent of the bales received produced a micronaire value of 5.0 or greater. In 2013, 58.7 percent of the bales produced a micronaire of 5.0 or greater. Length, strength and uniformity values are very comparable to the 2012 and 2013 crops. dfromme@agcenter.lsu.edu

GEORGIA Guy Collins Approximately one-fourth to one-third of Georgia cotton has been harvested as I write this on Oct. 16. Yields have been variable, depending on irrigation capabilities or length/severity of drought stress during the summer. Most of the acreage harvested to date has been the early maturing dryland crop. There have been some higher than expected yields in some fields, and USDA-NASS has forecasted our average yield to be 911 pounds per acre, which is relatively high given the stress this crop has been through this season. At this point in time, as more irrigated fields are defoliated, yields of the later-planted irrigated crop appear to be strong. Regrowth was especially severe during the early fall but seemed to be slightly slowing during mid October. A few rainy and cooler spells slowed harvest progress during late September and early October, and several producers reported multiple applications in order to achieve acceptable defoliation during that time. Declining temperatures may influence product selection and rates of defoliants for the remainder of the crop. Hopefully, good harvest weather will help us achieve the best yields and quality possible. guyc@uga.edu

ARKANSAS Bill Robertson Mother Nature has presented challenges to the cotton producers of Arkansas basically the entire season. An estimated 24,000 acres of cotton were all but destroyed on Oct. 7 by early morning storms containing hail in Craighead and Mississippi counties. The passage of a weather front the following weekend brought additional wind and rain statewide that has reduced a pretty good crop to just an average one for many. As expected, we all are anxious to have this one over and in the books. Regardless of the challenges, as a season comes to an end,

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plans for next year should be falling in place. Variety evaluation to begin the process of variety selection for next year should be a priority. Evaluating the performance of newer varieties to the standards on your farm and comparing notes with on-farm variety testing programs near you and the official variety trial or OVT conducted by Dr. Fred Bourland will help provide you the information to select the best varieties for your farm. There are many sources of information for new varieties, technologies and products. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service offers an excellent source of unbiased recommendations for crop production. Do your homework wisely and make decisions that best fit your needs or situation to improve your bottom line. brobertson@uaex.edu

MISSISSIPPI Darrin Dodds Cotton harvest is nearing completion, and most Mississippi producers are very happy with their 2014 crop. The USDA is predicting that Mississippi will produce 1,154 pounds per acre this season. As most know, Mississippi producers set a new yield record in 2013 at 1,203 pounds per acre, which places the 2014 crop in good company. With the exception of one significant storm system, harvest season has progressed relatively smooth. In addition, a large portion of our fields have been worked and are in good shape for next season. One thing to keep an eye on as we head into 2015 is soil fertility. Given that we have produced very good crops for the past several years, it is crucial that you are fertilizing your land properly. If you have been fertilizing for a two-bale crop but have produced a threebale crop the past few years, you are mining your soil of essential nutrients. With crop prices down from previous highs, it is tempting to save money by cutting back on fertilizer. This is a short-term solution that could ultimately come back to haunt you. Fertilizing to replace what was removed through the harvested

crop, as well as applying extra to build soil test levels if needed, will be a key component to optimize yields in the future. darrind@ext.msstate.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper Several untimely rains caught many producers between defoliation events or (even worse) immediately prior to picking here in the middle of October. Still, the forecast looks favorable and with a little luck most caught in limbo will be able to pick their crop with little penalty in quality; most all varieties in our testing program held locks through the wind and rain and should pick fine given that they have time to dry/bleach. The additional rainfall, moderate temperatures and longer-thannormal time frame between defoliation and picking have supported regrowth in some areas. Fields which did not receive a regrowth prevention product are easy to pick out from the road and are requiring an additional application to remove the new growth. Initial yield numbers and quality reports from the field are very promising, but these numbers are coming from the earliest planted cotton. Fingers are crossed that these values hold as we move into later maturing fields. traper@utk.edu

TEXAS Mark Kelley Across the High Plains and Panhandle Regions of Texas, cotton producers are gearing up for a good harvest season. At this point, there are some fields that have been harvested and several that have had harvest aids applied. However, with continued heat unit accumulations, though it is very few per day, some are holding out to allow more time for bolls to mature. These are mostly later-planted fields that just need a bit more time to finish. For the most part, harvest aids seem to be working well due to the warm conditions under which most were

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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Specialists Speaking applied. With no conditioning freeze/frost in the near-term forecast, producers who were opting to hold out for a freeze to prepare the crop for harvest may want to consider a low-cost harvest-aid application on fields that are better than 80 percent open to prepare the crop for stripper harvesting. At this point, overall quality of the cotton crop in these areas has yet to be determined. As the harvest season progresses, more information on yield and quality will be made available. m-kelley@tamu.edu

ARIZONA Randy Norton Cotton Root Rot (CRR - Phymatotrichopsis omnivora) is a potentially destructive fungus that can affect cotton plants from early bloom through cutout. Depending on the timing and severity of disease occurrence, final crop yield may be dramatically reduced. Distribution of this disease in Arizona cotton fields is very spatially defined as it occurs in similar areas of a field every year. However, variations in size of the affected area may occur from year to year. Reasons for the variations in timing and extensiveness or severity of the disease from year to year are poorly understood. Recent discovery of the effectiveness of a fungicide in the control of CRR has piqued the interest of researchers and producers alike. Evaluations conducted in Arizona in small plot trials over the recent three years has shown significant reductions in disease incidence with the use of the active ingredient in the product Topguard (flutriafol). The EPA granted a Section 18 emergency exemption for the use of Topguard in Arizona for 2014, and approximately 500 acres were treated

For up to the minute cotton market information Experience means credibility. Listen to two experienced farm broadcasters who keep their listeners updated on news that affects your farming operation. And each week listen to the Cotton Insider Report from Tommy Horton, Editor of Cotton Farming magazine.

John Winfield

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Farm Director La. Agri-News Network

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26 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

commercially across the state with effective results. It is expected that a full label for use in cotton will be available by the end of 2014 for use in the 2015 cotton season. However, a renewal of the Section 18 will be pursued to ensure that it is available for our producers in Arizona for 2015. For more information on general cotton production topics, go to cals.arizona.edu/crops. rnorton@cals.arizona.edu

ALABAMA Charles Burmester The northern Alabama cotton crop in late September and early October was one of the best looking cotton crops that I have seen in some time. Cotton pickers were hardly leaving any cotton in the fields. Two weeks of rain and wind has greatly changed the looks of this crop. Some cotton is on the ground, and much is stringing out of the burs. Cotton pickers are again running, and yields are still good in most areas. Some of the later cotton is still opening very slowly as these green bolls still need more drying time. Overall, we predict a good cotton crop for northern Alabama, but we will always wonder what it could have been? burmech@auburn.edu

TEXAS Gaylon Morgan Cotton harvest in the Southern Blacklands is concluding in late October, which is more than a month later than normal. However, yields have been quite impressive in both dryland and irrigated fields in the Upper Gulf Coast, Blacklands and Winter Garden regions with some three-plus bale dryland yields being reported. Harvesting has really just begun in the Northern and Southern Rolling Plains with about 15 to 20 percent defoliated. Dryland yields will be highly variable, as usual, but overall the dryland cotton is expected to be below average due to lack of rainfall or rain too late in the season to help. The irrigated cotton is expected to be quite good across much of the Rolling Plains, except some widespread areas that received some bad hail storms. The 2015 cotton variety results for South and Central Texas will soon be available for producers at cotton.tamu.edu, and producers can begin preparing for the 2015 season. These variety results are a great place for producers to evaluate the performance of cotton varieties in large-plot replicated trials across many locations. gmorgan@ag.tamu.edu

OKLAHOMA Randy Boman As of this writing, the 2014 Oklahoma growing season is winding down, and harvest is ramping up. The moisture situation is still challenging in the far southwestern corner of the state. Many producers have made harvest-aid applications on higher yielding cotton, and some lower yielding fields have already been harvested. Thanks to cotton heat units at Altus from September through midOctober running about 17 percent above normal, many late fields have gained remarkable maturity. Normally, cotton-maturing weather is over by around Oct. 20, and first freezes in the area begin around the first week in November. The dryland crop will struggle in many places, but a high percentage of acres will be harvested. The irrigated crop will do a lot of the heavy lifting with respect to bale production. We are looking forward to harvesting new releases and standards in our variety performance trials to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for the near future. It never ceases to amaze me how far yield and quality have come over the last few years. randy.boman@okstate.edu

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Industry News USDA, House Ag Committee Announce Risk Mgt. Tools

Frontier Mills Announces Perkins As President/CEO

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson has joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and other farm leaders to unveil the new Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, new risk management tools authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Peterson made the following statement to the media: “The 2014 Farm Bill made important reforms to farm programs and provides farmers with a choice of a price or revenue-based safety net that will only provide assistance if there is a price or crop loss. Farmers will now be able to visit their local FSA offices to learn more about these important risk management tools and make the best decision for their individual operation. I have been closely following USDA’s efforts to implement the 2014 Farm Bill and am pleased to see implementation of ARC and PLC move ahead.” For more information, farmers can visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Frontier Spinning Mills Holding Corporation has announced the promotion of Robin Perkins to chief executive officer. In conjunction with the promotion, John L. Bakane is retiring from full-time responsibilities as chief executive officer, and he will remain involved with Frontier as executive chairman of the board of directors. Frontier is owned by affiliates of American Securities LLC, a New Yorkbased private equity firm, and members of Frontier management. For additional information, go to www.frontierspinning.com.

Dow’s Enlist System Receives EPA Registration The Enlist Weed Control System is now approved by federal regulatory authorities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered Enlist Duo herbicide for use with Enlist corn and soybeans. EPA’s decision is the final step in the federal regulatory process for the Enlist system. The Enlist corn and soybean traits

were deregulated in September. With regulatory approvals now in place for Enlist corn and soybean traits and Enlist Duo herbicide, Dow AgroSciences will release its 2015 market intentions for Enlist in the coming weeks. Enlist Duo herbicide is a proprietary blend of new 2,4-D choline and glyphosate. For more information, go to www.enlist.com.

Bayer Ag Museum Dedicates New Technology Exhibit The Bayer Museum of Agriculture in Lubbock, Texas, continues to grow and add new features for its visitors. Recently, a new technology exhibit was dedicated to the building. Included were an interactive cotton exhibit, horse-drawn plows, a 1920s replica blacksmith shop and an exhibit on the history of cotton ginning. On hand for the festivities were Lubbock Mayor Glen Robertson, City Councilman Floyd Price, County Commissioners Patty Jones and Bill McCray and Texas Tech University President Duane Nellis. Go to www.press.bayercropscience.com for more information.

Getting Back To The Basics: Conventional Cotton Seed

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

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eejungmann@gmail.com www.seedsourcegenetics.com COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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CCOY

SPECIAL REPORT

New Technology May Help Control Weeds

1998 Cotton Consultant of the Year

Chuck Farr

BY TOMMY HORTON

A CONSULTANT’S GREATEST REWARDS ARE FRIENDSHIP & TRUST

As a kid in high school, I heard about what consultants did to aid farmers. I wanted to do something along those lines when I got out of college. With cotton making a comeback in the midto late ’80s, I found my calling. Mike Dodson, an independent consultant with a growing business, hired me. One thing led to another, and I was fortunate enough to buy the business and have kept it going ever since. The friendship and trust that I have gained among those with whom I work are the greatest rewards anyone can have. In the fall, we are blessed to see what we have accomplished in just a few short months....and look forward to starting another year. Cotton Consultant of the Year sponsored by

Cotton Farming 28 COTTON FARMING

NOVEMBER 2014

EDITOR

BY TOMMY HORTON

n the midst of challenging weather conditions across much of the Cotton Belt this year, preliminary reports are positive about a new triple-stacked herbicide technology from Monsanto that may help in the fight against weed resistance. Select producers in the Southeast were able to plant and grow new Deltapine Bollgard II XtendFlex experimental cotton varieties with the trait. Obviously, the new technology hasn’t received regulatory approval from USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency. However, an announcement could occur at any time. Pending approval, the varieties with the new trait could be available for the 2015 crop season. Monsanto expects to offer the trait in its Deltapine brand seed and to select licensees. The new technology is designed to provide farmers with more consistent and flexible control of weeds – especially glyphosate-resistant weeds such as pigweed. It also has effective tolerance to dicamba, glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides. Another added bonus is the ability to have up to 14 days of residual activity and the option of dicamba applications before, during and after planting. Early Positive Reports The Jordan brothers – Mike, Steve and John – farm in Malone, Fla., but also have acreage in Alabama. Their operation consists of 2,350 cotton acres, 650 peanut acres and smaller acreage devoted to specialty crops such as cucumbers and potatoes. They took part in Monsanto’s Ground Breakers program, in which producers are provided training on new trait technology and gain firsthand experience with herbicide application requirements. “I like what I’ve seen so far,” says Mike. “I like the variety, but I also have been impressed by the overall effectiveness of the weed control system. We have been waiting on this technology, and the field has been clean all the way through the season.

The farmers are asking for this, and we need it.” Mike says his neighbors are anxious to know how the new experimental variety has performed, but he won’t have the final analysis until after harvest is finished. Mainly, he’ll answer two questions. How did the new variety perform, and how effective was the weed control component of the program ? If anybody understands the weed resistance problem, it’s the Jordan brothers. Between all three of the brothers’ farms, they have spent nearly $50,000 on hand weeding in previous years to battle resistant pigweed. Even with a zero tolerance for pigweed, Mike says it is nearly impossible to have 100 percent clean fields. Ditch banks are ideal places for pigweeds to germinate as well as areas where untimely rains can negatively affect herbicide applications. Another reason that the Jordans are anxious to have the new Xtend Flex cotton technology approved is because of spiraling production costs. With current cotton prices in the 60 to 67-cent range, it behooves all producers to find new ways to cut costs and be more efficient. “Like I said, it is encouraging to see what this cotton looks like right now,” says Mike. “It fluffed out really good. I am happy with what I see.” Impressive Technology In terms of better yields, Mike anticipates continued increases with the new Xtend Flex varieties. In other words, he doesn’t foresee any “yield drags” caused by the new technology and traits. “I think these varieties are ahead of the game when you compare them to the old days,” he says. “If I could communicate any kind of message to USDA, it would be that we need this technology. We need it now, and it will affect our ability to produce cotton in the future.” The Jordan brothers also heartily endorse the Deltapine New Product

28 29_CF 11/13 template 10/23/14 8:48 AM Page 29

Evaluator program. By participating, they are allowed to plant new experimental varieties on their farm to see how they perform before potential commercial release at a later time. This year they planted their acreage mostly to five Deltapine varieties: DP 1252 B2RF DP 1050 B2RF DP 1034 B2RF DP 1028 B2RF DP 1321 B2RF Committed To Cotton Veteran consultant Wes Briggs has worked with the Jordan brothers for several years. He says the key to their success is an ability to “be on time in everything they do.” “They like to analyze and find ways to be more efficient,” he says. “I have helped them with variable-rate programs, and they’ve had a lot of success doing that. “I’m not surprised that they are involved in those Xtend Flex experimental varieties. They are looking for ways to deal with weed resistance and improve their farms.” Contact Tommy Horton at (901) 7674020 or thorton@onegrower.com.

The Jordan brothers – John, Steve and Mike – are proactive in their approach to cotton production and embracing new technology.

COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER 2014

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Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers

SPECIAL REPORT

NCC To Host Insurance Meetings

he National Cotton Council (NCC) has scheduled 25 educational meetings across the Cotton Belt to provide its members with in-depth information regarding insurance options for cotton under The Agricultural Act of 2014. The first meeting will be on Nov. 10 and the last two meetings on Dec. 10. The meetings will provide an in-depth look at the new Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) and the Supplemental Coverage Option. Coverage levels, expected yields and premium rates will be covered in detail in order to better equip producers with the information necessary to evaluate the insurance options for 2015.

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship ® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state. and Individual results may vary, performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready ® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Bollgard II®, Genuity Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, Respect the Refuge and Cotton Design®, Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Dedicated to Cotton. Committed to You.® and Deltapine® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. DP-CF-15012 LCREV_2014

30 COTTON FARMING NOVEMBER

2014

The schedule of meetings listed by state (all times local): ALABAMA Dothan – November 19, 3 p.m. - National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds - Volunteer Building, 5622 Highway 231 South. Belle Mina – November 20, 9 a.m. - Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center, 9494 Experimental Loop.

Lumberton – November 17, 3 p.m. - Southeastern NC Agricultural Events Center, Room 4/5, 1027 Highway 75 East. OKLAHOMA Altus – November 20, 1 p.m. - Oklahoma Cotton Cooperative Assn., 20284 East CR 165.

ARIZONA Casa Grande – November 11, 9 a.m. - The Property Conference Center - Ellington Ballroom, 1251 West Gila Bend Highway.

SOUTH CAROLINA Santee – November 18, 9 a.m. - Family Development Center, 210 Brooks Boulevard.

ARKANSAS Blytheville – November 20, 2 p.m. - Arkansas Northeastern College - Governor’s Ballroom/Statehouse Hall Bldg, 2501 South Division Street.

TENNESSEE Jackson – November 20, 9 a.m. - West Tennessee Research & Education Center, Room A 605 Airways Boulevard.

McGehee – November 19, 1:30 p.m. - McGehee Men’s Club, #1 Airport Road South.

TEXAS Amarillo – December 9, 9 a.m. - AgriLife Extension Center, 6500 Amarillo Boulevard West.

CALIFORNIA Coalinga – November 10, 9 a.m. - Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant - Garden Ballroom, 24505 West Dorris Avenue. GEORGIA Statesboro – November 18, 3 p.m. - Bulloch County Ag Center, 151 Langston Chapel Road. Tifton – November 19, 9 a.m. - UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center, Small Auditorium, 15 RDC Road. LOUISIANA Monroe – November 18, 9 a.m. - Bayou DeSiard Country Club, 3501 Forsythe Avenue. MISSISSIPPI Stoneville – November 19, 9 a.m. - Delta Branch Experiment Center - Capps Center, 82 Stoneville Rd. NORTH CAROLINA Rocky Mount – November 17, 9 a.m. - East Carolina Agricultural & Education Center - Auditorium, 1175 Kingsboro Road.

El Campo – November 19, 8:30 a.m. - El Campo Civic Center, Duson Room, 2350 Mechanic St. Lamesa – December 10, 8:30 a.m. - Leroy Colgan Bldg., S. 10th St. & S. Houston St. at Forrest Park. Lubbock – December 10, 1 p.m. - Bayer Museum of Agriculture, 1121 Canyon Lake Drive. Miles – November 19, 9 a.m. - Young Farmers Building. Monte Alto – November 20, 9 a.m. - Rio Farms, Sam Sparks Auditorium, 25601 North FM 88. Plainview – December 9, 2:30 p.m. - Plainview Country Club, 2902 West 4th Street. Robstown – November 19, 3 p.m. - Richard Borchard Fairgrounds, Ballroom B, 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd. St. Lawrence – November 18, 9 a.m., St. Lawrence Parish Hall. Stamford – November 19, 2:30 p.m. - Stamford High School, Auditorium, 507 South Orient.

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COTTON FARMING IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY.

OSHA Changes Rule On Injury Reporting The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rather abruptly issued a new rule, changing the requirements for reporting injuries and fatalities. Under the old rule, employers were required to notify OSHA within eight hours of the event if they had a workplace-related fatality, or if a workplace accident resulted in the hospitalization of three or more employees. The requirement for fatalities has remained essentially the same under the new rules, but requirements for reporting injuries have changed significantly. First of all, they have changed the time requirement for reporting injuries. You have 24 hours from the time you learn of an injury to report it. On the other hand, you now have to report any time a single worker is hospitalized for treatment due to a work-related injury. In addition, any eye loss must be reported, as well as any amputation. The amputation requirement is where the real issues begin. When OSHA originally proposed this updated reporting requirement, it had used a definition of amputation that required the loss of bone before an injury would count as an amputation. This rule was sent out for public comment in 2011 and was then left dormant. Last month, OSHA suddenly issued the final rule, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. The big surprise comes when you read the final rule carefully and discover that the definition of amputation has been changed to one that does not require loss of bone or hospitalization. So, now that the rule is final, the loss of a fingertip or tip of a toe without any bone loss or hospitalization is supposed to be reported to OSHA, according to this updated final rule. In the final rule, OSHA stated that there were 14 hospitalization incidents reported in 2010 under the old rule. The agency is estimating there will be between 66,000 and 100,000 injuries reported per year under the new rule. Stay tuned as employers and our

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31 32 33_CF 11/13 template 10/23/14 4:10 PM Page 32

associations work to figure out how to work with these new definitions, but be aware that starting in 2015, most employers will find themselves having to report fairly minor injuries to OSHA. There is always the chance that someone will decide to challenge this rule in court, but most of the experts seem to think that a challenge would be difficult. On the other hand, it remains to be seen what OSHA will do with the increase in reports. If it receives the numbers being predicted, it is hard to imagine how the agency will find the time to read them all, much less actually respond to each one.

Cotton Gin Brushes

Channel Saws

Our precision CNC fabricating equipment enables us to produce the highest quality gin brushes and channel saws at a very competitive price. When it comes to our products, we use only the highest quality “Made in the USA” raw materials available. We know gin machinery and the conditions in which it has to perform, and our brushes and channel saws are manufactured to an exacting standard for the modern cotton gin.

Kelley Green of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association contributed this article. Contact him at kelley@tcga.org.

Cotton’s Calendar Nov. 11-12 – Pink Bollworm Meeting, Phoenix, Ariz. Nov. 11-14 – CCI Sourcing Summit, Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov. 12-13 – CI Crop Mgt. Seminar, Tifton, Ga. Nov. 19 – PCCA Board meeting, Lubbock, Texas. Dec. 2-3 – Boll Weevil Action Comm. – Little Rock, Ark. Dec. 9-11 – Cotton Board meeting – St. Petersburg, Fla. Dec. 17 – Staplcotn Board Meeting, Greenwood, Miss. Jan. 5-7 – BWCC, San Antonio, Texas. Jan. 14 – PCG Quarterly Meeting, Lubbock, Texas. Jan. 14-16 – Cotton/Rice Conference, Baton Rouge, La.

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My Turn Rural America Is Changing

eorge Washing- U.S. Department of Agriculture and the landton once said, “I grant universities authorized by the Morrill Acts know of no pur- of 1862 and 1890. Legislatures in the various suit in which states then enabled local governments in the more real and important counties to become a third legal partner in the services can be rendered to educational endeavor. The MSU-ES has a presany country than by ence in all 82 counties in Mississippi in the form of improving its agriculture.” Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Having worked in agricul- Consumer Science and Education, 4-H Youth tural research for 34 years Development, and Enterprise and Community in the Mississippi Delta Resource Development. Wayne The Delta Research and Extension Center at and witnessing the migration from King Cotton to a Stoneville celebrated its 100th anniversary in Ebelhar landscape dotted with 2004 and dedicated the Charles W. Capps Jr. grain bins, I have seen Entrepreneurial Center. This state-of-the-art meeting facility offers 18,000 square feet of meetfirsthand the changing face of rural America. In 1976, the bicentennial year, USDA published ing space, a 400-seat auditorium and distance its Yearbook of Agriculture titled “The Face of learning capabilities. The Centennial Rotation Rural America” that was billed as a visual record was established the same year to evaluate crop of America’s agriculture 200 years after the rotations with the latest technologies. The rotations include twoDeclaration of Indepenyear, three-year and dence. Now, 38 years ‘I have seen firsthand the four-year rotations later, even greater change continues. In changing face of rural America’ with cotton, corn and soybeans with all 1960, the average Amcrops in each rotation erican farmer fed 25 people. Today, that number has grown to 155 peo- grown each year. When I came to Mississippi in 1980, corn yields ple. For many years, agriculture was credited with supplying food and fiber for the world. However, were 28 bushels/acre (88,000 acres), cotton yields today a third has been added – fuel. As our nation were 488 pounds/acre (1.125 million acres) and continues to grow, its dependence on energy, alter- soybean yields were 16 bushels/acre (3.85 million native energy and/or renewable energy is critical acres). In 2013, dramatic changes were evident as corn yields were 176 bushels/acre (830,000 acres); for the future. Another George Washington – George cotton yields were 1,203 pounds/acre (287,000 Washington Carver, born in Missouri in the acres); and soybean yields were 46 bushels/acre 1860s – was an American scientist, botanist, edu- (1.99 million acres) – all record yields. I have now moved to a new office in the Verner cator and inventor. His reputation is based on research on alternative crops to cotton, such as G. Hurt Research and Extension Building on the peanuts, soybean and sweet potatoes. These crops campus at Stoneville and watched out my window aided nutrition for farm families but also could be as the old three-story was laid to rest. The grass used as sources of other products that could now grows green where a monument once stood. improve quality of life. He developed and promot- The 83-year-old building is now only a memory ed hundreds of products made from peanuts, but having spent the majority of my professional including cosmetics, dyes, paints, plastics, gaso- career within those walls, it remains special to me. The landscape is changing, and I suppose we line and even nitrogylcerin. Mississippi State University Extension Service all change along with it. joins other states in celebrating the centennial of – Wayne Ebelhar, Stoneville Miss. the Smith-Lever Act (1914). Cooperative webelhar@drec.msstate.edu Extension was designed as a partnership of the Cotton Farming’s back page is devoted to telling unusual “farm tales” or timely stories from across the Belt. Now it’s your turn. If you’ve got an interesting story to tell, send a short summary to thorton@onegrower.com or fax to (901) 767-4026. We look forward to hearing from you.

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Always follow IRM, grain marketing and all other stewardship practices and pesticide label directions. Details of these practices can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ÂŠ2014 Monsanto Company. DP15012-CF-DE-1133, 1311, 1034 11/1