Cotton Farming February 2022

Cotton Farming arming

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ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2022

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The

Cutting Edge Of Cotton Davis Family Farms Remains Sustainable, Preserves Its Legacy

INSIDE: 2021 COTTON CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR JAMES TODD

Vol. 66 No. 2

Cotton Farming PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2022

www.cottonfarming.com

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10 Cotton’s Cutting Edge Bart Davis operates Davis Family Farms with his wife, Paula, his sons, Trey and Jedd, and his daughter, Laykn. They grow 7,500 acres of cotton, corn, peanuts, wheat and registered beef cattle near Doerun, Georgia. In addition to production agriculture, they participate in Quail Forever, which is the quail division of Pheasants Forever — an organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

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Editor’s Note Cotton’s Agenda Research & Promotion

FROM FIELD TO FASHION BASF’s e3 Sustainable Cotton Program, featuring Stoneville and FiberMax cottonseed, provides a traceable, transparent supply chain for U.S. cotton.

SHOWTIME IN THE SOUTH The 2022 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will be held in Memphis, Feb. 25-26, at the Renasant Convention Center — formerly the Cook Convention Center.

GINNERS MARKETPLACE

the official publication of the ginning industry The 2021 Southeast Cotton Ginner of the Year has been named. Also, make plans to attend the National Cotton Ginners Board Meeting in Houston, Texas.

202 1 COT TON CONSULTAN T OF T HE Y E AR

James Todd of Plainview, Texas, is the 40th recipient of this esteemed award. Read more about him on page 13.

Cotton Farming

WEB EXCLUSIVE University of Missouri Extension publication and related online tool tell how to keep the farm running when the owner/key decision-maker becomes ill or incapacitated. It’s important to know where to find key information. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

17 Specialists Speaking 26 My Turn

ON THE COVER: Cotton producer Bart Davis is proud to run a true family farm near Doerun, Georgia.

Cover photo by Emily Tucker.

James Todd

2021 Cotton Consultant of the Year

SUPPLEMENT ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

FEBRUARY 2022

K-State researchers hope to crush weed seeds

Stamp out ‘hidden hunger’ New tool evaluates in-season tissue K levels

Look for Soybean South following page 4 in the Mid-South and Southeast editions of Cotton Farming. To have industry news delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the monthly Soybean South e-newsletter at www.soybeansouth.com.

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.

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FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

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Editor’s Note Carroll Smith

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

S

Easter Eggs Hidden In Plain Sight

ometimes when closing out an issue of Cotton Farming, it occurs to me that “Easter eggs” are figuratively embedded throughout the magazine.

Although they were not placed there by design, nonetheless, there they are. And each one this month embodies a common theme — family.

The meaning of the term Easter egg has evolved over the years. In the 1920s, history reflects it was used in a derogatory way to describe a woman who wore too much makeup. Then there are Easter eggs most everyone is familiar with — decorated boiled eggs that children search for during the Easter holiday. These, of course, are meant to delight.

In the 1975 cult film — “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — legend says the movie cast and crew decided to have their own Easter egg hunt but failed to find them all. The remaining eggs made it into the film, and sharp-eyed moviegoers spotted them. From then on, finding an Easter egg referred to identifying an extra detail in a movie. Today, Easter eggs are embedded in some online media for fun and can be found by clicking on different items.

The Easter eggs in the February issue of Cotton Farming are hidden in plain sight. You’ve already been given a clue, so happy hunting!

Also, please take time to check out the article on page 18, regarding the 2022 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show. Not only is it back to being held as an inperson event, it will take place in the newly renovated Cook Convention Center, Feb. 25-26. The venue has been renamed the Renasant Convention Center, but the address is still 255 N. Main St., Memphis, Tennessee.

Tim Price, show manager and Southern Cotton Ginners Association executive vice president, says, “The ag business segment of our industry continues to come forward with new machinery, new innovations and amazing new technology. We also try to provide the best assessment possible on topics of interest to those in the business of agriculture.”

In addition to hundreds of exhibitors who are anxious to show off their new products and services, several educational seminars will be open to attendees.

Please take advantage of this opportunity and make plans to attend. Be sure to stop by the One Grower Publishing booth to say hello and chat with our staff.

We look forward to seeing you!

Carroll

Digital Content Editor Katie Guthrie kguthrie@onegrower.com 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 © ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

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

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

One Grower Publishing, LLC 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305 Collierville, TN 38017

COTTONFARMING.COM

Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

Monitoring And Managing The National Cotton Council actively weighs in on legislation and regulations affecting U.S. cotton industry viability.

What about key legislative measures?

■ The Senate and House agriculture committees

have made climate policy a priority (the Growing Climate Solutions Act passed the Senate). Those committees also will begin to set the stage for the 2023 farm bill by reviewing 2018 farm law to determine areas for improvement.

Regarding supply chain challenges, the cotton industry is pleased with the impending passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act that addresses issues with ocean carriers, shortage of containers, container delays and port congestion. The NCC also supported several regulatory remedies to the c ur rent t r ucking shortage by asking the Biden Administration to: 1) allow drivers under the age of 21 to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and operate on all NCC President/CEO Gary Adams, left, and NCC Chair- state/federal roadman Kent Fountain, a Georgia producer and ginner, ways; 2) delay prepare to visit with Congressional Members regarding implementation of the Federal U.S. cotton industry issues and priorities.

Motor C ar r i e r Safety Administration’s Entry Level Driver Training requirements for at least two years; and 3) increase the duration of the Farm-Related Restricted CDL program from 180 days to 270 days. The NCC also supported the DRIVE Safe pilot program that was enacted into law enabling qualified 18-20-year-old CDL holders (with the right safety, training and technology) to drive in interstate commerce.

The cotton industry was pleased with the early 2021,

House-passed “Farm Workforce Modernization Act” that included earned legal status, H-2A improvements and mandatory E-Verify provisions. While the Senate has yet to take any action, we are hopeful that Congress can pass a workable agricultural labor bill in 2022.

Throughout 2021, the NCC cosigned numerous letters and conducted Congressional outreach to preserve tax policy provisions important to producers. Among harmful changes that have been avoided thus far are: halving the estate tax exemption, elimination of stepped-up basis, limiting 1031 tax exchanges, limiting grantor trusts, onerous IRS reporting by banks and mark to market tax.

How about trade and regulatory challenges?

■ In the trade arena, the NCC monitored the

progress of U.S. cotton exports under the China Phase One agreement. In addition, the importance of trade in the Western Hemisphere was emphasized, particularly the preservation of the textile rules of origin in the CAFTA-DR agreement.

Numerous regulatory issues are being monitored including the EPA/Corps of Engineers’ proposal to rewrite the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

The NCC has been in stakeholder sessions and was to submit comments on that proposal by Feb. 7 as a new rule probably will be finalized in 2022.

The NCC also is working with EPA, USDA and Congress to preserve numerous plant protection products, including the current five-year dicamba label.

The NCC’s issues monitoring and management is boosted significantly by a well-funded Committee For the Advancement of Cotton (CAC). Industry members are urged to contribute to the CAC as the 2022 mid-term elections will bring 50+ new Congressional Members that we must build relationships with and educate on key cotton issues and priorities.

Gary Adams is president/CEO of the National Cotton Council of America.

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

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science and collaborating with a range of audiences.

Jaconis commented on joining the team at Cotton Incorporated saying, “I’m so excited to be working with cotton again and to use my background in research on behalf of U.S. cotton producers. I look forward to working closely with fellow cotton researchers to support sound science that will be beneficial to the cotton community.”

RESEARCH & PROMOTION

Senior Research Director

Dr. Susan “Evy” Jaconis

Dr. Ryan Kurtz

Cotton Incorporated Ag Research Team Update

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he work done by C otton Incorporated’s Agricultural and Environmental Research Division (AERD) is crucial to the cotton growing community. However, beyond the work, we all know that people make the difference in every organization.

The AERD staff at Cotton Incorporated is no exception. The dedicated research staff in the AERD generate ideas, solve problems, make decisions and generate learning that improves the organization.

Recently, there have been some noteworthy additions and promotions within Cotton Incorporated’s AERD. Director, Agricultural Research

This past October, Dr. Susan “Evy” Jaconis, joined the team as director, agricultural research. Jaconis brings diverse expertise to the division and will be responsible for projects ranging from plant nutrition, cottonseed nutrition and plant physiology.

Jaconis describes herself as having a passion for plants, people and science. She joined Cotton Incorporated after serving as the Director of Research for the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, the national non-profit promoting and protecting the interests of growers, and all members of the supply chain for dry peas, lentils and chickpeas. In this capacity, she managed research activities spanning all top-

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

BY STACEY GORMAN WARREN, ARKANSAS

ics including human health & nutrition, breeding & genetics, crop management, sustainability and food technology.

A native of North Carolina, Jaconis earned a B.S. at North Carolina State University in plant biology and environmental toxicology. She earned a Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati working on air pollution impacts on plants.

Her past research focused on plants and abiotic stressors, with an emphasis on floral reproduction. Most recently, this included conducting a postdoctoral research fellowship with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia.

Additionally, she has worked closely with people across the globe including Brazil, Belize and Namibia, which has given her experience in effectively communicating

Earlier this year, AERD also promoted Dr. Ryan Kurtz to senior research director. Kurtz is an international expert on insect resistance management of Bt traits in corn and cotton. Since joining Cotton Incorporated 10 years ago, Kurtz has delivered a consistently high level of support for producer profitability despite the continual challenge of pest resistance and invasive insects.

Kurtz has also led numerous projects for producer outreach including the recent update of the Cotton Cultivated website and the Focus on Cotton webinar series. “Dr. Kurtz’s ability to coordinate complex and collaborative teams has led to his success in the industry and in our organization,” says Dr. Kater Hake, vice president, AERD. “He consistently volunteers for new responsibilities that are critical for company success.”

Kurtz holds a B.S. in agricultural pest management from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. in entomology from North Carolina State University where he studied resistance management in cotton bollworms to Bt crops.

Prior to joining Cotton Incorporated, Ryan worked for Syngenta as the Lead for Traits Insect Resistance Management.

Kurtz commented on his promotion and his commitment to the U.S. cotton industry saying, “It’s been an honor to support U.S. cotton growers for the past 10 years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working with the research and Extension scientists on improving production practices in an expanded role through this promotion.”

Over its 50-year lifespan, Cotton Incorporated’s AERD has employed a strong team and developed an infrastructure of professionals to support Upland cotton farmers. I look forward to seeing how Drs. Jaconis and Kurtz contribute to AERD’s continued success.

Stacey Gorman is The Cotton Board’s director of communications. Contact her at sgorman@cottonboard.org.

COTTONFARMING.COM

THRIVING IN COTTON

Alabama Family Farm Sets High Standards For Success

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alt Corcoran grows cotton, peanuts and corn with his son-in-law, Cody Young, at Liikatchka Plantation near Eufaula, Alabama. The Barbour County operation is a family farm that not only nurtures the crops but also the people who appreciate the lifestyle it provides.

“My daddy, Sonny Corcoran, moved here when he was 13, and I grew up scouting cotton and working with him on the farm,” Corcoran says. “After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in agronomy, I came back in 1983 and have been farming here ever since. Today, Liikatchka Plantation operates as a family partnership.”

Young came on board a few years after he married Corcoran’s daughter and says he enjoys the diversity each new day brings.

“Farming changes all the time, so you have to love it, or you will get left behind,” Young says. “It’s as simple as that.”

Well-Rounded Variety Choices

In 2021, several PhytoGen® brand varieties made up the roster for the farm’s 3,000 acres of mostly dryland cotton.

All the PhytoGen W3FE varieties are resistant to bacterial blight and have WideStrike® 3 Insect Protection. They also are tolerant to Enlist® herbicides, glufosinate and glyphosate for flexible, effective weed control options.

“When choosing varieties, we are looking for yield and quality,” Corcoran says. “We also look at the way a variety comes up and the way it grows.

“We’ve hardly had to replant anything in the past several years since we’ve been growing PhytoGen. We like PhytoGen’s early season vigor. If you don’t have that, you are not going to have the yields. It’s all tied together.”

In fields where Corcoran and Young have high levels of rootknot nematode, they grew PhytoGen varieties with root-knot nematode resistance.

“The technology worked really well in those bad nematode fields,” Corcoran says.

PHY 411 W3FE Advances In 2022

As PhytoGen Horizon Network collaborators, Corcoran and Young trialed the new PHY 411 W3FE in 2021. The widely adapted, mid-season variety is commercially available for the 2022 season. It features PhytoGen Breeding Traits for bacterial blight resistance and both root-knot nematode and reniform nematode resistance.

“PHY 411 W3FE grew well, had good vigor and didn’t give up,” Young says. “We had a little spell of boll rot during the season, and this variety didn’t seem to be affected by it too

In Barbour County, Alabama, Walt Corcoran (left) and his son-in-law, Cody Young, grow cotton, peanuts and corn.

much. I like that about it. PHY 411 W3FE yielded well, and the quality appeared to be good although I don’t have all the bale data back yet.”

Enlist Weed Control System

Corcoran and Young were early adopters of the Enlist weed control system and have successfully used it for several years.

“The main thing we like about the Enlist system is how well it fits with our peanut crop,” Corcoran says. “We don’t have to worry about cross contamination on our cotton crop from the 2,4-DB herbicides sprayed on peanuts, and Enlist is easy to wash out of the tank.”

Young says pigweed is the primary pest they target with the Enlist system.

“We make an Enlist application with the hi-boy when the weeds are less than four inches high, and then follow up a week to 10 days later with an application of glufosinate, which is a contact herbicide,” Young says.

A Plan For The Future

Corcoran and Young say they like to plant several cotton varieties to avoid putting “all of their eggs in one basket.”

“Four hundred acres is the max we will plant to a new variety,” Young says. “If it does well, we can expand those acres the next year. This year, we will grow PHY 580 W3FE, PHY 411 W3FE, PHY 390 W3FE and some PHY 443 W3FE.” Both men agree it’s important to make the farm better for the next generation.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Corcoran says. “We want to be profitable so the family can continue to have this way of life.”

Enlist, PhytoGen, the PhytoGen Logo and WideStrike are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

™®

FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

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CASHING

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

ON TE X AS COT

G IN

OT TON

CASHING IN ON TEXAS COTTON Since the turn of the century, Texas farmers and ginners have grown and processed some tremendous cotton crops. Contributing factors to this success include advancements in cotton seed genetics, boll weevil eradication and state-of-theart ginning equipment and facilities. As the 2022 season begins, the groundwork is in place to keep Texas in the cotton business for years to come.

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

The TCGA Annual Meeting and Trade Show is one of the largest gatherings of cotton ginning equipment, supplies and affiliated businesses that provide parts or services to the ginning industry.

The TCGA Trade Show exhibitors are eager to inform visitors about their products and services related to all things cotton.

Make plans to attend this year’s event as we look forward to cashing in on Texas cotton in 2022.

For more information, visit www.tcga.org.

TCGA ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADE SHOW MARCH 31 – APRIL 1, 2022 LUBBOCK, TEXAS

COVER STORY

The Cutting Edge Of Cotton

Bart Davis (second from right) runs Davis Family Farms with his son, Trey (left), son Jedd and his son-in-law, Taylor Buckner. Davis’ daughter, Laykn, is also an active participant in the operation.

Davis Family Farms Is Dedicated To Remaining Sustainable And Preserving Its Legacy

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

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hen Bart Davis was 17 years old, he lost his mother. When he was 18, his father passed away, and Davis had to bring in the 1982 cotton crop on his own. This past year marked his 40th season.

Davis is always moving forward in a positive, proactive direction. That’s the kind of man he is. Today, he operates Davis Family Farms with his wife, Paula, his sons, Trey and Jedd, and his daughter, Laykn. They grow 7,500 acres of cotton, corn, peanuts, wheat and registered beef cattle.

“Dad started farming on his own when I was born, so I am the second generation,” Davis says. “My nephew, Alex Apperson, also works for us along with my son-in-law, Taylor Buckner. We are a true family farm. We hire extra employees when we are planting and harvesting.

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

“Trey is involved in a lot of the management responsibilities, including banking and Farm Service Agency paperwork. Laykn works in the office, and Jedd is more of an outside, hands-on person like me with the employees. He participates in getting the crop in, getting it out, and taking care of the day-to-day crop production.”

2021 Growing Season

In 2021, they grew 4,400 acres of cotton, which is about 95% irrigated with low-pressure, overhead pivots to save water and be more efficient.

“We have a lot of good land on Tifton soils and some soils that are a little lighter, a little loamier,” Davis says. “Our crop consultant, Scott Brown, helps us get the right variety on the right field COTTONFARMING.COM

PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER

to maximize our yields. We’ve worked with him for years.”

Last year, they grew all Deltapine varieties, matching them to the fields on which they thought they would perform the best.

“2021 was one of the wettest growing seasons I’ve ever had in my farming career,” Davis says. “Although we got 5 to 6 inches of rain toward the end of April, we did have to irrigate when we got into May to get everything planted. Then it started raining again June 5, and we fought a wet environment all summer.”

Despite experiencing some adverse growing conditions, he says the cotton averaged 1,300 pounds per acre and the grades were decent.

NPE Trials And ThryvOn Technology

Davis also is in a 50-50 partnership with owner Tony Lasseter to farm Windy Pond Farms near Moultrie, Georgia. Lasseter and consultant Brown began participating in the Deltapine New Product Evaluator Program when it began in 2008. Davis has continued the NPE Program on Windy Pond Farms since 2015.

In 2021, Davis and Brown conducted a Class of ’22 NPE trial and a ThryvOn technology comparison trial.

“We divided a 50-acre field between the ThryvOn variety DP 2131 B3TXF and DP 2055 B3XF for a head-to-head comparison,” Brown says. “In terms of thrips control, the ThryvOn technology performed so well it was unbelievable. We did not have enough plant bug pressure to conduct a good evaluation regarding them, but we were able to note differences between the two varieties.

“From this one observation, we saw less plant bug damage and no reproduction in the ThryvOn cotton. We didn’t find any plant bug nymphs in the ThryvOn, but we did find them at below threshold levels in the 2055. They weren’t bad enough to treat, but we could find nymphs. They were basically non-existent in the ThryvOn in our trial. Square retention was also better in the ThryvOn than in the 2055.”

Brown says they evaluated dirty blooms caused by plant bugs feeding on the squares after they get some size on them.

“We could not find any dirty blooms in the ThryvOn cotton and didn’t find heavy dirty bloom presence in the 2055, but we did find them,” he says. “I take that as evidence there was less feeding in the ThryvOn cotton.” This year, the variety advanced as DP 2211 B3TXF and is commercially available.

Brown, who has observed how the cotton plant grows and develops almost his entire 41-year career, says he always learns something when working on Davis Family Farms.

“Bart and his family are very proactive and progressive in what they do,” he says. “They are always open to trying new things.”

Wildlife Habitat Project

Davis Family Farms is also a proponent of precision agriculture.

“We want to be on the cutting edge and be as efficient as we can,” Davis says. “We make variable-rate applications of lime and fertilizer and are even doing some variable-rate seeding.

It all works together to be profitable and more sustainable. We use the John Deere Operations Center to analyze our data to see where we are making money and where we are not.”

Although most of their cotton acres are pivot-irrigated, Davis says the corners of the field the pivot misses are low productivity spots that have a negative impact on their bottom line. To help turn this around, they took advantage of NRCS conservation programs. With the guidance of Chaz Holt, precision ag and conservationist specialist, they began participating in Quail Forever. This is the quail division of Pheasants Forever — an organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. Davis TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

Bart Davis, chairman of the Georgia Cotton Commission, participates in various organizations to do his part in moving the cotton industry forward.

Family Farms planted 17.5 acres of dryland pivot corners with a pollinator planting mix, which results in an attractive habitat for bees, beneficial insects and quail.

“The experience Quail Forever has had working with producers in the cotton and quail range across the Southeast has been great,” Holt says. “I am very proud to be working with family farms like the Davis’ to help preserve agricultural legacies and Southern hunting heritage alike. It’s been my pleasure to know and work with them.”

In recognition of their “innovative use of precision ag to identify profitable solutions for agriculture and wildlife habitat conservation,” Davis Family Farms was presented with the Quail Forever and Pheasant Forever’s 2021 Precision Farmer of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere.

Giving Back To The Industry

Davis likes to stay on the cutting edge of cotton outside the field by participating in industry organizations.

“I always wanted to get involved, but I didn’t have anyone to look after the place until my children got old enough to help me,” he says.

“I do what I can to help the cotton industry because it’s important to my farm and all the cotton farmers in Georgia.”

Today, he is chairman of the Georgia Cotton Commission, chairman of the Georgia Boll Weevil Eradication Program, Southern Cotton Growers director and NCC delegate.

“The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization whose goals are research, promotion and education,” Davis says. “We spend about $750,000 a year on research through the University of Georgia. We wouldn’t be where we are today in cotton production if it weren’t for Extension and the research that’s been done.

“Georgia is the largest cotton growing state in the country behind Texas. Cotton is Georgia’s No. 1 row crop and has a big impact on the economy. I do what I can to help the cotton industry because it’s important to my farm and all the cotton farmers in Georgia.”

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From Field To Fashion e3 Sustainable Cotton Program Provides Traceable, Transparent Supply Chain For U.S. Cotton

BY CARROLL SMITH

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or the past few years, consumers have expressed a desire to know more about the fiber from which their clothing and woven home goods are made. Where does this cotton come from?

To answer their question, BASF decided the best place to start is at the beginning with its Stoneville and FiberMax cottonseed.

Farmers who grow these varieties are eligible to enroll in the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program where they commit to growing sustainable cotton and sharing their story via this transparent platform. The goal is to create a traceable supply chain from the seed to the finished garment or home furnishing.

This is how it works:  The grower receives a seed invoice from the seed retailer.  The grower digitally enrolls his e3 sustainable cotton field and operation for Stonevillle and/or FiberMax cotton.  A U.S. Department of Agriculture permanent bale identification is created at the gin.  The PBI is entered into an e3 sustainable cotton bale database.  The merchant sells cotton to a mill.  The merchant sends BASF a list of bales to be validated.  A proof of purchase is sent to BASF.  BASF sends the brand a certificate of authenticity.  Once licensed, the retailer can brand e3 sustainable cotton as Certified FiberMax and/or Authentic Stoneville garments or home furnishings.

Economic Incentives

Jennifer Crumpler, BASF e3 Sustainable Cotton Program manager, says, “We pay our growers a $2.50 per-bale premium for the bales they enroll in our program to help them invest back in sustainability efforts and initiatives on their farms.

“We also are working with brands who want to participate in a ‘farm to fashion’ kind of movement. We want to proactively tell the farmer’s story and help consumers who may not realize their clothes don’t just come from the store.”

In February 2021, BASF launched the e3 Sustainable Cotton Grower Fund to provide additional support for e3 cotton farmers. According to the company, “Brands, retailers, mills and other cotton fiber value chain partners sourcing e3 Sustainable Cotton will have the opportunity to contribute a monetary amount to the fund. At the end of each year, 100% of those funds will be distributed equally to e3 sustainable cotton farmers, which is in addition to BASF’s $2.50 per bale premium.”

Farmer Perspectives

Brian Rhodes, an e3 sustainable cotton grower in Pinal County, Arizona, says he enrolled in the program because he was already implementing a lot of the sustainability practices. “To get official recognition and additional compensation” made a lot of sense.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BASF

EDITOR

Vidalia Mills in Vidalia, Louisiana, produces high-quality denim.

“This mill only uses e3 sustainable cotton,” says Jennifer Crumpler, BASF e3 Sustainable Cotton Program manager.

“We get a per-bale payment for each bale we have enrolled,” Rhodes says. “With the technology we have on our farm, we can trace the cotton back to the exact rows it was grown on.

Everything we apply — fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides — goes into our John Deere Operations Center database so we can show how we are using these inputs in a sustainable fashion.”

The sustainability measures the program tracks and documents to an individual farmer include water efficiency, pesticide management, soil and fertility management, greenhouse gas reduction, energy conservation, worker health and safety, soil carbon and identity preservation.

Adam McLendon is an e3 sustainable cotton farmer in McLendon Acres, Georgia.

“What a lot of non-farmers don’t picture when talking about sustainability is financial sustainability,” McLendon says. “This is needed for us to care for our land and resources to keep the farm going for generations to provide a high-quality crop for consumers. We are constantly learning new ways to be sustainable. We want to preserve our resources so we can continue to grow our crop every year for a multi-generational career.”

John Branton is a Louisiana producer who grows e3 sustainable cotton at Frogmore Farms. Geographically, this operation is close to Vidalia Mills in Vidalia, Louisiana. The new textile mill, which was established in 2014, makes high-quality denim and only uses e3 sustainable cotton.

“Consumers should buy American-made products,” Branton says. “If ‘traceability’ is what the market wants, we want to provide that. With the help of the e3 Sustainable Cotton Program, we also are doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint.”

For more information about the BASF e3 Sustainable Cotton Program, contact your local seed advisor or email e3cotton@basf.com.

COTTONFARMING.COM

James Todd 202 1 COT TON CONSULTAN T OF T HE Y E AR

Cotton Farming

2021 Cotton Consultant of the Year James Todd and his wife, Lacey, enjoy spending time with their pets Dixie (left), Charleston and Savannah.

T

exas native James Todd was born in Corpus Christi and lived there until he was 10 years old. The family moved to San Antonio, then on to Cleburne, Texas, and finally landed in Plainview when Todd was a freshman in high school. His parents, Jim and Martha Todd, were schoolteachers. His paternal grandfather grew up on a cotton farm in the Texas Brazos Bottom, and his mother’s family hailed from Mississippi.

Although cotton was an integral part of his bloodline, Todd developed an interest in agriculture in an unexpected way.

“When my grandfather retired as a Baptist minister, he had 90 acres of citrus in South Texas,” Todd says. “I spent a lot of time on his farm and even learned how to drive a tractor. Today, we still have that same tractor and use it quite often. That was my first exposure to agriculture.

“When I was about 9 years old, a bad freeze in South Texas wiped out their citrus trees. Most people who lose everything feel beat down and want to give up. I remember seeing a different attitude in him. He said, ‘This is what we are going to do.

We are going to cut these trees back and overcome this. In five or six years, we will be back to where we were.’ Something about that attitude piqued my curiosity. At the early age of 9, I decided I wanted to do something in my life to help farmers. I hadn’t decided exactly what I wanted to do and didn’t know a profession like consulting existed because I had grown up in the city.”

As luck would have it, one of Todd’s Sunday school teachers in Plainview was a crop consultant who tried to convince the young Texan to come to work for him.

“He would ask me, ‘Do you want a job counting bugs?’ I thought, ‘Why would I want a job counting bugs? That sounds like the most boring job ever.’ Then I found out what else crop

consultants did.”

While attending Texas Tech University, Todd went to work for independent crop consultant Bob Glodt in the summers.

When Todd was in his junior year, Glodt set him up with his own customers within the company, and the men continued this agreement until 2007. During this time, Texas cotton farmer Charles Reeves, who had a daughter named Lacey, was one of Glodt’s clients. Todd’s father, Jim, and Lacey’s mother, Janet, also taught Sunday school together.

“I had known Lacey for a long time,” Todd says. “We started dating in 2000 and married in 2002. She encouraged me to start my own business and has helped me along the way. Lacey is the rock that keeps me going.”

In 2007, with Glodt’s blessing, the young crop consultant founded Todd Ag Consulting in Plainview.

Todd’s wife, Lacey, pursues her own career in the medical field and keeps up with the business side of the consulting company.

Todd typically employs two to four college agriculture students as interns during the summertime. In May 2021, he hired Rhett Uhland to serve as his agronomic operations manager. Uhland interned for Todd from May 2020 to May 2021 before coming on full-time after graduating from West Texas A&M University with a degree in agribusiness and economics.

Not A ‘Cookie Cutter’ Approach Dealing with the complexity of the cotton plant and how it grows is a perfect fit for a detail-oriented person like Todd.

“Cotton is a perennial, but we grow it as an annual,” he says.

“I am a NASCAR fan, so I compare growing cotton to a race car.

There are so many things you can do to make it better. It’s not a simple job. And what we do this year may have to be done differently next year. It’s that ability to adapt and change that attracts me to working with cotton farmers.

“In my consulting business, we try to tailor what we do to each individual client. We are flexible on what services we provide to meet the need of each grower and try to be part of their team and do things the way they need them to be done. We don’t have a cookie cutter program where we just offer five items on the dollar menu.”

Todd Ag Consulting provides irrigation scheduling and IPM services that include scouting for weeds, insects and diseases. They also soil sample, make fertility recommendations and assist with budgeting, variety selection and, in some cases, recordkeeping and precision agriculture.

“We check every field every week and don’t cut corners,” Todd says. “We provide a detailed written report that includes a recommendations section at the end. In the past seven or eight years, I have been working with my clients on inventory management.

That’s become a huge part of my business. This involves a lot of phone calls to people like Syngenta’s agronomic service rep, Brent Besler, to check on prices and product availability. I also communicate with dealers, applicators and retailers to make sure products will be there when we need them. It’s all about teamwork. Although this practice is time consuming, I believe it’s a critical part of my job.”

Bobby Wade (left), James Todd and Bob Wade

Jame Todd (left) and Chris DeBerry

Strong Consultant/Farmer Relationships Todd’s efforts are not lost on his farmer clients.

“James has worked for me since 1995,” says Texas cotton farmer Chris DeBerry. “He sends excellent notes that keep me informed.

His dedication and hard work have greatly contributed to my success as a farmer. At the end of the day, I am proud to call James Todd my friend.”

Rocky Buckner, who farms 3,900 acres of cotton, corn, wheat and sorghum with his brother, Danny, says James has been their agronomist since 2002.

“James is a huge asset to our operation,” Buckner says. “He stays current on product pricing, which helps us keep our expenses down while using products that get the job done. James takes his customers’ farming operations to heart. It’s obvious his true mission is making things better not only this year but also next year.

We just can’t replace him or his knowledge.”

Robert Wade, whose family raises forage for their dairy cows along with crop rotations of cotton, says, “Farmers constantly face a variety of uncertainties and challenges. Having James’ knowledge and input lessens the stress on us.”

Todd says he considers all his clients “family” and will do whatever he can to help them and believes they feel the same way.

LACEY TODD

Kyle McQueen (left) and James Todd

Mike Mathis (left), James Todd and Garrett Mathis

Rocky Buckner (left), James Todd and Danny Buckner

LACEY TODD

James Todd (left) and his agronomic operations manager, Rhett Uhland “Through the more than 20 years James has been working for us, he has become family,” says multi-generational farmer Mike Mathis. “He has watched the sixth-generation farmer grow up and is now watching the seventh generation learn to love the soil as much as we do. He is willing to answer any question we have no matter the hour of the day or night or how simple the answer might be.”

Fifth-generation cotton farmer Kyle McQueen says he has “very strong opinions as to what will or will not work” because his family has been at this for many years. “I may be one of James’ more difficult clients to deal with, but I appreciate his knowledge and have also enjoyed his friendship very much.”

Well-Informed, Well-Connected Networks Todd also maintains a good rapport with fellow consultants and university and industry personnel.

“I see a big benefit to being part of an organization like the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants,” he says.

“When you can connect with guys who have boots-on-theground experience, that’s who you want to call. When we began seeing the sugarcane aphid in grain sorghum, I contacted three consultants in Louisiana who had already dealt with them for three years before the pest moved into Texas. I followed their program, and I believe it works.

“I spend a lot of time on the phone with the university people when we have questions, too. We have a good relationship with them as well.”

On the industry side, Todd says he relies on tech service representatives from the different manufacturers to share their expertise.

“I probably talk with Brent Besler with Syngenta at least once a week during the summertime,” he says. “He knows I am not going to ask an easy question! But he may have seen different things than I have and in different areas. As I mentioned earlier, we also talk about product pricing and availability.”

Besler says the respect is mutual.

“James is easy to talk to and very upfront in his conversation,”

Cotton Consultant of the Year Award Recipients, 1981-2021 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

Bob Stanford, Flagstaff, Ariz.

Jep Gates, Memphis, Tenn.

Dennis Bouchard, Minter City, Miss.

John Nickelsen, Shafter, Calif.

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

Clyde Sartor, Vicksburg, Miss.

John Christian, Raymondville, Texas

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Billy McLawhorn, Cove City, N.C. Dwain Reed, Courtland, Ala. Barry Aycock, Parma, Mo. Ray Young, Wisner, La. Lonnie Bull, Cameron, S.C. Chuck Farr, Crawfordsville, Ark. Bob Griffin, Jonesboro, Ark. Roger Carter, Clayton, La. Harold Lambert, Innis, La. Lee Hutchins, Sinton, Texas Danny Pierce, Princeton, N.C. Tucker Miller, Drew, Miss.

Syngenta agronomic services rep Brent Besler (left) and James Todd James Todd: Career & Personal History Career

• Completed a Bachelor of Science in agronomy, Texas Tech University, 1996.

• Established Todd Ag Consulting in 2007.

• Consults on cotton, corn, grain sorghum, black eyed peas, wheat, peanuts and sunflowers across nine counties in the High Plains and Rolling Plains of Texas.

• Currently serves as Government Affairs Committee chairman for the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.

• Past president and secretary, NAICC. Also served on the NAICC executive board.

• Past president, High Plains Association of Crop Consultants.

• Member, Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

• Member, Plainview Chamber of Commerce.

• BASF Consultant of the Year, 2011.

• Service to NAICC Award, 2019.

Family Life

Todd was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and lived there until he was 10 years old. He now calls Plainview home with his wife, Lacey Reeves Todd, and their pets Dixie, Savannah and Charleston.

When time permits, Todd enjoys spending time at the lake house with family and friends, fishing, and bird hunting with his dog, Dixie.

Lacey is a certified first assistant specializing in cardiac surgery.

he says. “He is well-respected and mindful of his growers. It didn’t surprise me when James’ peers selected him as the Cotton Consultant of the Year. I am proud to be part of a company that supports this award within the consulting industry. I have a lot of respect for the men and women who do this kind of work. It’s not for the faint of heart.”

When asked about his reaction upon learning he was chosen as the 2021 Cotton Consultant of the Year, Todd says he was overwhelmed and extremely humbled to be part of such an elite group.

“This award is a reflection of the farmers I work with,” he says.

“They deserve all the credit for molding and shaping me. My farmers have made me what I am.”

2005 2006 2007 2008

2009 2010 2011 2012

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

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

Tim White, Jonesville, La.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Bob Glodt, Plainview, Texas Stan Winslow, Belvidere, N.C. Wes Briggs, Bainbridge, Ga. Tim Roberts, Dyersburg, Tenn.

Paul Pilsner, Wharton, Texas Mark Scott, Lubbock, Texas Eddy Cates, Marion, Ark. Drake Perrow, Cameron, S.C. James Todd, Plainview, Texas

Cotton Farming

Specialists Speaking

Firm Up Plans For 2022 Growing Season ALABAMA Steve M. Brown

tools to manage pests, fine-tuning irrigation scheduling, and using tools like Pipe Planner that can increase efficiency.

Following end-of-season termination guidelines coupled with variety selection and appropriate planting dates to get a picker in the field by mid-September is another important consideration. This will help to hold onto yield and quality potential while meeting our harvest completion goal of Nov. 1.

Contact your local county Extension agent to obtain information or to get assistance in improving efficiency and profitability. brobertson@ uada.edu

King Kong once dominated the landscape. Now there is no Kong.

In the past, we have had extended periods in which one variety occupied large portions of the Cotton Belt.

Similarly, smaller regions have been overwhelmingly committed to a single “star” variety. A review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual Cotton Varieties Planted report indicates that not long ago, one variety covered 50% of the acreage in several states. And before that, another memorable variety was planted in more than 70% of fields for several years in significant parts of the Belt.

That is not likely for 2022. Presently, there are no clear “Kongs” for most areas.

The result is that many growers will plant multiple varieties on their farm this year, which is not a bad thing. Diversifying a variety portfolio is a classic risk minimization strategy. Most growers should consider planting the bulk of their crop with three to five different options and devoting a few acres (but not too many!) to the latest, newest offering(s) as a means of gaining experience with coming varieties.

Deciding which varieties will make up your portfolio in 2022 requires study. Data from the Auburn University Variety Testing Program and onfarm trials are available at https://aaes.auburn.edu/variety-tests/. New to the site is the AU Variety Selection Platform, a database tool that allows a detailed exploration of yield results. It provides extensive information about each trial, including weather, management inputs, fiber quality, disease ratings, etc. The platform is a tool, one that takes time to figure out how to use proficiently. But time and effort will be rewarded with a wealth of information.

Small plot, OVT tests measure agronomic potential in a uniform, (hopefully) well-managed environment usually involving several dozen entries. Large on-farm trials compare a handful of the current best offerings from seed companies in grower fields under common, real-world conditions. The two types of trials should complement each other. The obvious thing is to look for varieties that trend towards the top and avoid those that do the opposite. cottonbrown@auburn.edu

Last season suggested how resilient cotton can be. Like every year, favorable weather is often key to making a good crop. Despite early drought at planting, we still had enough moisture to establish good stands. But too much rain in the remainder of the growing season slowed management activities. Regardless, most growers were able to apply nitrogen and potassium in fields where needed and cotton grew well. Harvests were good. For this year, planting cotton into cover crops or into winter fallow can lead to timelier planting.

Many of our growers use strip tillage, which helps conserve moisture.

This is important because no more than 25% to 30% of our cotton is irrigated. If the spring is forecasted to be dry, consider killing cover crops early. Likewise, choose varieties based on yields from trials near your location. If you have fields with known nematode issues, look at varieties that have nematode resistance. Most of our growers do a good job managing weeds, even those pests that are hard to control. For fields that still have too many weeds, consult with county agents to develop a better strategy. This may include using other modes of action herbicides, high residue cover crops, directed sprays, etc.

Nitrogen prices are causing all of us to look at ways to better utilize nutrients. Legume cover crops can help reduce nitrogen needs, but the available N depends on growth stage of the legume crop at termination and duration between termination and cotton planting. Finally, as always, growers have creative ideas that will get them through the season. wright@ufl.edu

ARKANSAS Bill Robertson

GEORGIA Camp Hand

Most of our county 2022 Extension cotton meetings will take place in February. Following guidelines for COVID to ensure safety of attendees and speakers is changing the look of some of our meetings but is not impacting the delivery of our information. Land grant universities will continue to fine-tune the process to deliver unbiased information to stakeholders. Producers must continue getting the most out of their inputs. Watch costs, yet provide necessary inputs to protect yield potential.

Variety selection for yield and quality as well as desired technology traits is an important first step in establishing yield potential. There are several resources available to assist in selecting new varieties. A useful tool is the University Variety Testing Program. Results from the Arkansas trials conducted by Dr. Fred Bourland may be found at https://aaes.uark.edu/ variety-testing/. County demonstrations are another good source of information and are included with this data set. It is also appropriate to evaluate variety performance trials from neighboring states in the Mid-South.

Other practices to protect yield potential and manage costs include matching nutrient applications to the crop requirements, utilizing IPM TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

FLORIDA David Wright

Many people may not know this about me, but I am slightly musically inclined. When I was living in Auburn and working on my degrees, I played multiple instruments at the church I attended (Embrace Church).

Not only did I do that, but throughout middle and high school I played the trumpet and French horn. Say what you will about “band nerds,” but at least it allowed me to travel throughout Europe with my friends performing in multiple countries. I digress, but why am I bringing this up?

The topic of this month’s Specialists Speaking is “Fine-tuning plans for 2022.” Whether it was in high school band or playing electric bass at church, the first thing we always did before a performance was tune our instruments. If one instrument is out of tune in a band, you can pick it out.

This is why tuning is important. How do we tune our instruments before the upcoming production season? One of the best ways to do this, in my opinion, is to look back at previous years. What has worked? What hasn’t?

Where are the problem areas in the field, and what is causing those issues?

Continued on page 20 FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

17

TRAIT STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES NOTICE TO FARMERS

Bayer Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Bayer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Bayer’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its labeling. NOT ALL formulations of dicamba, glyphosate or glufosinate are approved for in-crop use with XtendFlex® Cotton. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USES AND APPROVED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. Contact the U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency with any questions about the approval status of dicamba herbicide products for in-crop use with XtendFlex® Cotton. B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your representative for the registration status in your state.

Products with XtendFlex® Technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate and dicamba. Glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Glufosinate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glufosinate. Dicamba will kill crops that are not tolerant to dicamba. Contact your seed brand dealer or refer to the Bayer Technology Use Guide for recommended weed control programs. Insect control technology provided by Vip3A is utilized under license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Bollgard®, Respect the Refuge and Cotton Design®, Roundup Ready Flex® and XtendFlex® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group.

LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design® are registered trademarks of BASF. Agrisure Viptera® is a registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company.

Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship. All other products, company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

Showtime In The South The 70th Annual Mid-South Farm And Gin Show

L

ocated not far from the Mighty Mississippi, the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is a not-for-profit educational opportunity for farmers and other folks involved in agriculture. This year’s event will be held in Memphis, Feb. 25-26 at the Renasant Convention Center, 255 N. Main St. This is the former Cook Convention Center.

Show exhibits open at 9 a.m. both Friday and Saturday. The annual show provides valuable information and features products and services offered by hundreds of exhibitors. It’s also a welcoming venue for farm families to spend the day and reunite with old friends.

Everyone is invited to attend the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation Annual Meetings, which begin Thursday, Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m., at the Peabody Hotel. Shannon Huff, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative; Ed Barnes, Cotton Incorporated; and Lauren Krogman, National Cotton Council, will discuss ag research and new opportunities.

Tim Price, show manager and Southern Cotton Ginners Association executive vice president, says, “The ag business segment of our industry continues to come forward with new machinery, new innovations and amazing new technology.

“We also try to provide the best assessment possible on topics of interest to those in the business of agriculture.”

Ag Update Seminars

The show officially begins at 8:30 a.m., Friday, with the Ag Update meeting.

Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN, 8th district) will provide a special welcome.

Ted Schneider, Nat iona l Cot ton Council chairman, will discuss cotton issues; and Joe Nicosia, trading operations officer and head of the cotton platform, Louis Dreyfus Co., will discuss the outlook for U.S. and world cotton.

On Saturday, the Ag Update meeting features R ichard Brock, Brock Associates, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He

will provide a grain market outlook, insight into grain marketing and challenges farmers face in the year ahead.

The Ag Update seminars are held each year on Friday and Saturday mornings.

“Nicosia and Richard Brock are mainstays for the Farm and Gin Show,” Price says. “We welcome them each year to provide outlooks for global cotton and grain markets. It’s an opportunity to hear Nicosia’s and Brock’s perspectives in one place.”

Other Educational Opportunities

The National Cotton Council will conduct a Farm Bill seminar led by Reece Langley, vice president, Washington Operations, NCC, Friday, at 11 a.m.

The seminar will provide an overview and outlook on the challenges and opportunities for the next Farm Bill that Congress is expected to develop in 2023.

It also will highlight how the cotton industry’s U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol can be a positive influence for farm policy that will benefit U.S. cotton producers and the entire cotton supply chain.

A special rice marketing educational seminar will be held Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Milo Hamilton, co-founder and senior agricultural economist, Firstgrain Inc., says, “This workshop looks at the rice price as trapped between uncertain input costs and other factors you may never have thought about before. We will be in Memphis to help you sort through your new crop rice price outlook.”

Show closing times are 5 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, respectively. At 9 p.m., Saturday, the popular Jamboree will kick off at the Peabody Hotel Grand Ballroom with music by The Krackerjacks.

See you in Memphis!

For more information, please visit farmandgin show.com or southerncottonginners.org.

COTTONFARMING.COM

A Season To Remember Nematodes, Thrips And That Haircut

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n Dec. 7, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. Clyo, Georgia time, Clayton Waller parked his cotton picker, filed some miscellaneous paperwork and headed to town to tackle the one thing woefully behind schedule — a haircut. After a long harvest, he was getting a little shaggy, and everyone around him seemed to agree.

Waller grows cotton, soybeans, corn and wheat (100% dryland) with his father near Clyo, 40 miles north of Savannah. All things considered, 2021 was a reasonably productive year.

“The weather cooperated for the most part,” Waller says.

“You can hope and ask and pray for a lot of things going into a growing season, but if you’re a dryland farmer, weather is always the critical variable.”

Since a grower can’t control the weather, it always comes down to managing inputs. For Waller, that begins with an honest review of his production strategy by considering the previous season and the many seasons that came before.

“Like any grower who has been in this business for decades or generations, one of the advantages of experience is hindsight,” he says.

Earliness

“Since I was a little kid, I knew that getting a crop to jump out of the ground and race toward the finish was what you wanted it to do,” he says. “A lot of variables factor into that process, and early season pest control is one of the most critical.”

There are at least two early season pests with a couple of b-team insects Waller knows he can count on to show up to wreak havoc — nematodes and thrips. Then there are pesky aphids and mites. “Nematodes and thrips are the ones that will keep you awake at night wondering if your little plants are happy and growing,” he says.

For the past two years, Waller has returned to a tried and true at-planting input to manage early season pests — AgLogic aldicarb pesticide. Formerly marketed as Temik, the in-furrow granular pesticide has more than 50 years of scientific proof to back performance claims.

Nematodes

Root-knot nematodes are a constant nemesis along the Georgia coastal watershed. There are a lot of advantages to living close to the beach, but nematodes flourishing in sandy soils isn’t on the list.

“A few million years ago, this farm was most likely a place you would traverse via boat, not by a planter,” Waller says.

“Sand is a reality and root-knot nematodes love it. It’s a never-ending fight to keep them at bay.”

That’s where AgLogic aldicarb shines when the planter hits the field, according to Waller. “You can use treated seed, resistant or tolerant varieties or anything else you can think of, but AgLogic is the one thing that really stands out year after year,” he says.

That became apparent about the third year Temik (now AgLogic) was temporarily unavailable, according to Waller. In the absence of an in-furrow nematicide/insecticide, crop vigor, TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

Clayton Waller and his father grow dryland cotton, soybeans, corn and wheat near Clyo, Georgia. especially during the early season, began to noticeably decline, particularly in the sandier portions of fields.

“There was no doubt it was due to nematodes,” Waller says.

“During those years, we just didn’t have our ‘go-to’ product to take them out of the equation. When aldicarb became available again under the name AgLogic and we started using it again, we saw above the soil surface what was going on in the root zone.”

Thrips

Another problematic issue in the absence of aldicarb was thrips. “You know they’re coming,” Waller says. “They eat up your cotton and your time trying to manage them — especially if you have to resort to spraying when every other problem is going crazy. An in-furrow insecticide that gives you about six weeks of control makes it a lot easier.”

Treated seed is an option, and foliars will help, but there is no substitute for knowing what’s going to work.

“When we lost Temik aldicarb for a few years, we were stuck in a rut,” Waller says. “We couldn’t yield anything above an average of 700-750 pounds per acre for our entire planted acres at best. We might have some spots where cotton yielded over 1,000 pounds per acre. But other spots or fields would barely make 450 pounds in the same year. Now with AgLogic aldicarb we’re looking at yields that average 150-300 pounds higher across the board.

This increase could pay for a much-needed trip to the barber.

And a trip to the beach to visit sand where it belongs.

Brenda Carol contributed this article on behalf of AgLogic.

FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

19

Specialists Speaking Continued from page 17 How do we fix them?

Of course, the No. 1 concern on everyone’s mind for 2022 is input costs. As I write this Jan. 19, the contract price for December 2022 cotton is just over 98 cents per pound. According to the University of Georgia Ag Econ budgets for 2022, that is more than the breakeven price for irrigated cotton production, assuming 1,200 pounds per acre. As we are tuning up for 2022, we also need to be “in tune” with what is happening in our areas and how we can maximize net returns. To help with this, your UGA county Extension agent and specialists are here to help! Reach out if you have any questions. camphand@uga.edu

LOUISIANA Matt Foster

The 2022 Louisiana Agricultural Technology and Management Conference will be held Feb. 9-11 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana. The Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association sponsors this annual event.

On Feb. 10, two cotton-specific topics during the morning session include a panel discussion on cotton seed quality/vigor and nutrient management in cotton. Afternoon session topics include cotton variety performance, nematode management in cotton, weed control in cotton and technical updates from industry. On Feb. 11, presentation topics include cotton row spacing/growth regulators, insecticide selection, ThryvOn cotton and cotton picker yield monitors.

This is a great event for anyone involved in the cotton industry to attend. Personally, I have always gained valuable, applicable information during my 10 years of attendance. To learn more, go to www.laca1.org. mfoster@agcenter.lsu.edu

MISSISSIPPI Brian Pieralisi

It’s never too early to start fine-tuning plans for the upcoming growing season. Considering the curve balls experienced each year, strategic planning will help growers be better prepared for the unforeseen issues that arise. Obviously, weather is out of anyone’s control, but a solid marketing strategy, prepaid inputs and variety selection will put growers a step ahead in 2022.

December 2022 cotton futures are currently just south of $1. Consider securing a price for a portion of the crop now to hedge against market fluctuations. Market fundamentals are strong, so locking in prices early can give some peace of mind as we prepare for planting. Setting prices on 50% to 60% of the intended acreage at a price that is profitable allows growers to “wait” on a better price and gives protection if prices drop.

Similarly, supply chain delays and shortages could cause more problems this year. Securing herbicides, equipment parts and other inputs

will help relieve some stress as planting draws near. Glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides could be harder to obtain. This likely will cause Mississippi growers to rely on older burndown strategies to use glyphosate on in-season applications. For example, if glyphosate is normally used in five applications annually, this year’s availability issues may allow for it in only two applications. It would be wise to save these applications for when the crop has emerged.

Mississippi small plot and on-farm variety performance and fiber quality data is available at mississippi-crops.com. Variety performance can be evaluated based on region and agronomic practices across a wide range of environments. This data is useful for making variety selection decisions for growers who match their regions and agronomic environment. Wishing everyone a prosperous 2022! bkp4@msstate.edu

NORTH CAROLINA Keith Edmisten

This is looking to be a very unusual year with good prices along with increased input costs and limited availability of some inputs. Growers can make a few short-term management changes to try to deal with these challenges.

Keep in mind that the chance of a response to a nutrient like potassium or phosphorus decreases as the soil test index approaches 50. Recommendations for a soil test index of 50 or higher are basically replacement recommendations. Growers may want to reduce or ignore applications where the soil test index is over 50. This may result in a higher recommendation for the 2023 crop year.

Also remember that the only time we have seen a response to more than 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre is when yields exceeded 3 bales or where hurricanes have resulted in a lot of lost N. In winter meetings, Dr. Charlie Cahoon will be talking about strategies to deal with the predicted shortage in herbicide availability for the coming season. Some of the strategies he will discuss include burndown programs that do not use glyphosate, saving it for in-season use, strong residual programs and alternate in-season herbicide programs, including the need for timely applications based on weed size. keith_edmisten@ncsu.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper

At this point, it appears the 2022 season will be quite different than the 2021 season. Input pricing and availability (mainly on the chemical side) look like they will both challenge our standard operating procedure. Currently, post-emergence herbicides are receiving the most attention. Fortunately, several of our pre-emerge herbicides are available. While the no-till system requires using post-emergence herbicides, it is possible to overlay residuals and limit the amount of post-emergence herbicide applications. This will call for timely

Tennessee specialist Tyson Raper says, “A side-dressed application of UAN at squaring is more efficient than a broadcast preplant urea application.”

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

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Specialists Speaking applications of residuals prior to breakdown of the previous application.

Fertilizer price has been a major concern.

The 2022 season, in my opinion, represents an excellent opportunity to see just how much nitrogen you might be able to cut. Data from the Mid-South rarely reports a yield increase over 90 pounds of available nitrogen. Available is a key word here. Most of our soils contain about 50 pounds of nitrogen in the spring prior to making a nitrogen application.

The quantity and availability of nitrogen varies across most fields. But if you choose to rely on the nitrogen already present within the soil, you may be able to drastically reduce the amount of fertilizer nitrogen applied. Soil nitrate tests can provide insight into this amount, and most soil testing labs have specific instructions on collection and shipment of those samples.

One of the best ways to increase fertilizer nitrogen-use efficiency is to improve the application timing and select the best source; a broadcast, preplant application of urea is susceptible to numerous loss mechanisms. In contrast, a side-dressed application of UAN at squaring is much more efficient.

Many of these approaches will require more labor expense per acre and an increase in timeliness. Still, 2022 should represent a year when we can get into the black if we properly execute a fine-tuned plan. traper@utk.edu

help tighten the belt regarding fertilizer expenditures. Additionally, sampling deeper in the profile, 18- or 24-inch depths, may reveal more plant-available nutrient quantities than was anticipated. Crediting these plant nutrients to our yield goals and the subsequent savings associated with reduced fertilizer application may be a way for growers to keep a little extra money in their pockets on the front end of the season.

For information on how to properly take and submit a soil sample for testing, get in touch with your county zgent or visit https://soiltest ing.tamu.edu/. bmcknight@tamu.edu

VIRGINIA Hunter Frame

Despite the COVID crisis and supply chain issues in 2021, Virginia cotton production had a banner year, harvesting roughly 72,000 acres with an estimated average yield just over 1,200 pounds lint per acre. If this holds, it will represent the second highest state yields on record with cotton prices more than $1 per pound lint. A fall where Mother Nature was very generous with clear skies and limited rain led to high fiber grades for Virginia cotton.

Moving into 2022, the conversation has turned to price increases in inputs such as fertilizers and chemicals (specifically glyphosate and glufosinate). I have fielded many questions on how much can producers cut back on their soil fertility program? As I sit here and look at cotton prices for December ’22, which are at 97 cents per pound lint, I do not know if 2022 is the year to cut back on phosphorus and potassium as any mining of soil exchangeable nutrients done this year will have to be replenished in subsequent years.

This means that to rebuild soil test P and K, higher rates will need to be applied in 2023 and 2024, when commodity prices could potentially fall below future prices for 2022 currently.

Producers need to think about managing crops for high yields in 2022 given cotton prices remain high, and cotton is still profitable.

Regarding nitrogen management, there is some room for reduction although Virginia’s recommendations are based on the point at which response curves start to plateau. This means that cutting back will reduce yields based on data in the upper Southeast Coastal Plain and predicting N response can be difficult based on the weather. In other cotton growing regions, please consult your cotton specialist or soil fertility specialist. whframe@vt.edu

TEXAS Ben McKnight

Throughout the first couple weeks of January, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across much of Texas, visit with growers at winter meetings and listen to their concerns going into the 2022 growing season. Perhaps the most frequently vocalized concern has been related to increased input costs. As I write this in mid-January, it appears there won’t be much relief for elevated input prices prior to getting the cotton crop in the ground, especially for growers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley who traditionally begin planting in mid- to late February.

Fertilizer input prices, particularly nitrogen, has been on everyone’s radar. In a recent conversation, a grower shared with me that the price of nitrogen inputs had quadrupled compared to last year’s costs. While these elevated costs may be a tough pill to swallow, there are some things we can do ahead of planting that will hopefully make our management decisions a little easier and profitable.

Perhaps the most consistent expenditure that returns value to a cotton farming operation is soil testing. In a year like 2022 is shaping up to be, having information about plant nutrients that may already be in the soil profile can

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COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

COTTONFARMING.COM

Ginners Marketplace COTTON

COTTON FARMING IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY.

Tom Stallings Named 2021 Southeast Cotton Ginner Of The Year Tom Stallings of the Funston Gin in Funston, Georgia, is named the 2021 Southeast Cotton Ginner of the Year. The award was presented at the Southern Southeastern Annual Meeting held recently in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Southern Southeastern is a joint meeting of the Southern Cotton Growers and Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association. The award was presented by National Cotton Council President Kent Fountain.

Stallings began his career in agriculture working for Gold Kist after serving his country in Viet Nam and graduating from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia. Stallings worked with many farmers while at Gold Kist and had a dream of someday owning a cotton gin. In 1987, he put together a deal to purchase a small gin from the 50 farmers who owned it. That gin grew from about 3,000 bales per year to a high of more than 90,000 bales in 2001.

Stallings has held numerous leadership positions with the Southeastern Cotton Ginners, National Cotton Council and is a past president of the Cotton Warehouse Association of America. He has represented the cotton industry across the world in these various roles. He often sponsors local youth clubs and teams and is a longtime supporter of the Moss Farm Aquatic and Diving Center in Moultrie, Georgia.

Tom Stallings (left), who received the 2021 Southeast Cotton Ginner of the Year award, poses with Steve Sterling, president, Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association.

Lummus Ag Technology wants to express its appreciation to our many loyal customers for their continued support and business. With the challenges we face in our industry, we are continually working to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.

Lummus offers a wide range of products and services, all geared to help your operation be efficient and profitable. Regardless of the project scope, contact Lummus to discuss your goals and needs to ensure your success.

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Physical Address: 225225 Bourne Boulevard • Savannah, Georgia 31408-9586 Physical Address: Bourne Boulevard • Savannah, Georgia 31408-9586USA USA Mailing Address: P.O. Box 929929 • Pooler, Georgia 31322-0929 USA Mailing Address: P.O. Box • Pooler, Georgia 31322-0929 USA Phone: (912) 447-9000 • Fax: (912) 447-9250 Phone: (912) 447-9000 • Fax: (912) 447-9250 TollToll Free (USA Only): 1-800-4LUMMUS (1-800-458-6687) Free (USA Only): 1-800-4LUMMUS (1-800-458-6687) Web Site: www.lummus.com • E-mail: lummus.sales@lummus.com Web Site: www.lummus.com • E-mail: lummus.sales@lummus.com

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FEBRUARY 2022 | COTTON FARMING

23

The Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association awards the Southeast Ginner of the Year to deserving recipients who have shown leadership and meet the qualifications set out by the awards committee. The awardee must be a progressive ginner who endeavors to keep cotton strong in their community, is active in the industry, respected by his peers, active in civic affairs and generally supportive of the cotton industry. Nominations are submitted by other members of the association and selected by the award committee.

* * * * *

National Cotton Ginners Board Meeting Set During The 2022 NCC Annual Meeting Online pre-registration and hotel reservations for those planning to attend the National Cotton Council’s 2022 Annual Meeting can be done at www.cotton.org/news/meetings/am/.

The meeting will be held Feb. 11-13, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. Room reservations also can be made by calling the hotel at 1-877-688-4323. For air and car rental reservations, contact Peggy Robinson, the NCC’s travel consultant at Travelennium, at 1-800-672-6694 or probinson@travelennium.com.

The meeting will include the National Cotton Ginners Board Meeting from 1-2:30 p.m. and the American Cotton Producers session from 2:30-4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11. The program committee meetings will occur on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 9-10:30 a.m. The final event, the General Session, begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, and concludes by 10 a.m. that day. It will include the NCC’s planting intentions survey results.

The Saturday luncheon will feature a “2022 Election Outlook”

by David Wasserman, who serves as House editor and senior election analyst for the non-partisan Cook Political Report.

* * * * *

Cotton Ginners Marketplace

NCC Contamination Prevention Videos Plastic contamination poses a serious threat to U.S. cotton’s reputation in the global fiber market. The National Cotton Council has developed a YouTube video training series on the subject that consists of 12 chapters. The videos are available in both English and Spanish versions. Here are the topics:  Introduction by Dr. Gary Adams, NCC president/CEO.  Introduction to prevention of plastic contamination. A review of sources of potential plastic contamination and how they affect the textile processing, resulting in decreased demand for U.S. cotton.  In the field (producers, custom harvesters and harvester operators). A review of where to look for plastic contaminates in the field before harvest and how to properly store empty rolls of round module wrap.  During harvest (producers, custom harvesters and harvester operators). A review of the importance of following the John Deere round module harvester guides and keeping open communication with the gin manager.  Machine operation (producers, custom harvesters and harvester operators). A review of machine calibration and common problems seen on the John Deere 7760, CP690 and CS690 cotton harvesters that can lead to contamination from round module wrap.  Module handling (producers, custom harvesters, harvester operators, staging tractor drivers and module

24

COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2022

truck drivers). A review of the best handling practices to prevent contamination when moving round modules in the field.  How to stage modules in the field (producers, custom harvesters, harvester operators, staging tractor drivers and module truck drivers). A review of optimal location/ alignment when staging round modules in the field.  Loading a module truck (module truck drivers). A review of preferred module truck chain types and correct chainto-ground speed when picking up round modules in a field using a traditional module truck.  Loading a flatbed truck (module loader drivers in the field). A review of best loading practices when using a flatbed trailer to haul round modules from the field to the gin.  Unloading modules in the gin yard (module truck drivers, drivers of module loaders at the gin, gin managers/ superintendents and gin employees). A review of the optimal location/alignment for staging round modules on the gin yard.  How to handle round modules at the gin (gin managers/superintendents, gin module feeder employees and other gin employees). A review of how to avoid wrap punctures or tears before ginning.  Unwrapping/cutting open modules (gin managers/ superintendents, gin module feeder employees and other gin employees). A review of the importance of following proper wrap removal techniques and John Deere round module cut guidelines to avoid plastic contamination when unwrapping.  Conclusion. This chapter is for everyone.

The National Cotton Council contributed to this article.

Cotton’s Calendar Some listed events may be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

Please verify the status with the individual organizations.  Feb. 9-11: Louisiana Agricultural Technology & Management Conference, Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville, Louisiana. 

Feb. 11-13: NCC Annual Meeting, Marriott Marquis, Houston, Texas

Feb. 22: Rolling Plains Cotton Growers Annual Meeting, Big Country Hall, Taylor County Expo Center, Abilene, Texas. 

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25

My Turn Following Big Footprints Through the Fields

I

grew up in the Panhandle my home state but across the Cotton Belt through our of Texas, amidst dirt, cattle, travels. The challenges differ, but the people all seem horses and blowing snow. to share similar qualities: humility, stubbornness, grit, After high school, I made flexibility, openess and resilience. A grower once shared the move to Lubbock, where his perspective when he told me he has never failed in Texas Tech University provided raising a successful cotton crop. He went on to say that me with my first glimpse into his 50-plus years of cotton farming were merely dedicatthe intriguing world of cotton. ed to finding ways to isolate the things that didn’t work.

Studying under Dr. Dan Krieg, Pretty sound perspective.

I quickly learned that the cotI have experienced boll weevil eradication success ton plant itself had far more and the launch of multiple herbicide and insect traits, Eric to teach me than a lifetime of as well as unique native traits. The grower relationships Best learning could provide. have always been key to putting all the pieces together I spent the majority of my to understand and accomplish sustainable, economical college career studying, researching and preparing. Every cotton production. I count these relationships as some project assigned me seemed to link classroom learning to of my most prized accomplishments, both professionally the “real world,” and I quickly learned to appreciate exper- and personally. imental work that was relevant to the cotton producers in Dave and Keylon have mentored me through years our area. I was always told cotton was a challenge. A local of “learning opportunities.” True mentors leave a mark grower once told me that in 50 years of farming, he had beyond the professional realms, and they have had influexperienced 50 first years of farming. I have learned to ence in most of our personal lives. They have demonappreciate that perspective. Upon graduation, I thought strated true work/life balance, family values and prioriI was ready for the chalties. I am honored to have lenge, and Dave Albers took “I am honored to be stepping into spent time in the fields a chance on this fresh-outwith them. Cotton requires Keylon’s role.” of-school kid back in 1996. a commitment. It provides This is where my profesa challenge. It thrives on sional career in cotton began with Paymaster Cottonseed. adversity and is always changing.

I think the challenges of working with cotton in West Dave is still leading and mentoring folks in all facets Texas provided me with an understanding not only of of the cotton business, and Keylon recently retired as how demanding the crop can be, but also how durable the Deltapine cotton product manager. I feel I have truly and resilient the growers are. Twenty-five years profes- been blessed to have walked alongside such great mensionally involved in cotton have been humbling. Every tors, friends and colleagues. Going forward, I am honyear has its challenges, and the opportunities are always ored to be stepping into Keylon’s role and look forward there to learn when we sit still and listen a bit. to continuing to learn from the field.

Much like Dave, Keylon Gholston also demonstratHopefully, the knowledge Keylon has shared with so ed how to be successful and gave me many opportuni- many will in turn be shared back with me. Who knows, I ties to listen. He was influential in shaping my perspec- may even be able to leave a few tidbits of his wisdom and tives beyond West Texas. We have traveled through the stories along the way. I am convinced that he will still Carolinas, the Southeast, Mid-South, Arizona and every- answer his phone to help anyone, even if he is out in the where in between. I repeatedly learned that difficult issues woods chasing turkeys somewhere. were merely opportunities for growth. Between these two When humility allows us to learn from the past and mentors, I had plenty of opportunities. We often sat down focus on what we can control, I believe we will be able to to discuss our interesting field visits and vowed to write see the footprints left for us to follow. an entertaining coffee table book. But that is for another day. Both men have left big footprints in the fields.

— Eric Best I have been blessed not only to develop relationships Lubbock, Texas and work with growers, academics and consultants in eric.best@bayer.com 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 | FEBRUARY 2022

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