Cotton Farming February 2024

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2024

www.cottonfarming.com

Forward-Looking Mindset Missouri Farmer Explores New Technology From Planting To Harvest

INSIDE: 2023 COTTON CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR ERIC BELL

Vol. 68 No. 2

PROFITABLE PRODUCTION STRATEGIES

FEBRUARY 2024

www.cottonfarming.com

FE ATURES

15 Q&A WITH MARK NICHOLS

Mark Nichols, chairman of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program, shares his thoughts about today’s cotton industry and The Cotton Board.

16 FIRM UP PLANS FOR 2024

State cotton specialists discuss several topics to address before the first seed goes in the ground. They also share details of upcoming production meetings.

20 GINNERS MARKETPLACE

the official publication of the ginning industry Review details of the 72nd Mid-South Farm and Gin Show to be held March 1-2 in Memphis, Tennessee.

7 Future Opportunities Fourth-generation Missouri cotton farmer Allen Below always strives to look for future opportunities. His latest vision involves bringing his oldest daughter, Bailey, into the fold.

Below also likes to take advantage of new ag technology beginning with the seed he chooses to plant and the equipment he uses during the season and at harvest. He also owns a share of Stoddard County Cotton Co., a gin in Bernie, Missouri.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

4 Editor’s Note 6 Cotton’s Agenda 15 Research & Promotion

16 Specialists Speaking 19 Industry News 22 My Turn

ON THE COVER: Allen Below farms in the Missouri Bootheel and likes to stay in touch with new ag technology.

Cover photo by Brad Robb.

2023 Cotton Consultant of the Year Eric Bell of Huntingdon, Tennessee, is the 42nd recipient of this esteemed award.

Read more about him on page 11.

Eric Bell 2023 COT TON CONSULTAN T OF T HE Y E AR

WEB EXCLUSIVE Scientists from Clemson University and Australia are collaborating to create Fusarium-resistant germplasm for use in United States and Australian cotton breeding programs. Go to www.cottonfarming.com for this Web Exclusive report.

SUPPLEMENT FEBRUARY 2024

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

The Importance of the Check-off A Look at Current and Future Soybean Research Across Two States in the South

A Supplement to Cotton Farming and Rice Farming Magazines

Look for Soybean South following page 22 in the Southeast and MidSouth editions of Cotton Farming.

To have industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at www.soybeansouth.com.

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

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

FEBRUARY 2024 | COTTON FARMING 3

Editor’s Note Carroll Smith

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

M

Walking In Heaven’s High Cotton

r. Ray Young is walking in Heaven’s high cotton now, leaving the rest of us still here to mourn his loss. He dearly loved his wife, Dorothy, and all his kids and their progeny. And Ray reveled in growing and consulting on cotton during the countless hours he walked the fields.

I remember being out in the field with him in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, looking at a no-till field one spring. As a young ag journalist, I had heard of no-till but never actually laid eyes on it until Ray showed it to me that day and explained what all the hoopla was about.

In 1996, Ray was selected by his peers as Cotton Consultant of the Year, a prestigious award program sponsored by Syngenta and Cotton Farming magazine for more than 40 years. Twelve years later, he was honored with the CCOY Lifetime Achievement Award.

In July 2017, Dorothy wrote a My Turn column titled “A Consultant’s Wife” in which she shared some memories of how Ray got started in the cotton consulting business. Following is an excerpt from her story: Ray began checking cotton in 1949 as a college student. After we married in 1952 and he served in the Navy for two more years, Ray set up a consulting business and started knocking on doors. Franklin Parish was the largest “cotton patch” in Louisiana so that’s where we went. We moved to Wisner because his first customer lived there. … Since we lived in a little, bitty town, there was no such thing as rooms to rent or places to eat so we gave room and board to all of our cotton checkers. We had rooms, a couch and my mama had a trailer behind our house so we had places to put them up. We later bought a “crew house” to accommodate everyone.

Between his junior and senior year in high school, crop consultant Grady Coburn, who now resides in Cheneyville, Louisiana, went to work for Ray. I worked eight summers as a field scout for Ray. By the time I left, I was a certified consultant. When I think of mentors, Ray is at the top of the list.

In addition to being a top-tier consultant, Ray had a reputation in the agriculture world as the go-to guy who knew almost everyone in the industry and, in his unassuming way, knew how to get things done.

Texas consultant James Todd expressed it this way: If I had a question or needed help with something either in the field or in Washington, D.C., I would call my friend in Louisiana, Mr. Ray Young. That man would get on the phone and get to the bottom of things. If he didn’t know the answer, he knew where to find it.

The stories and memories of Ray Young can go on forever. He was truly an icon in the cotton industry, and he will be missed.

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

4 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

Associate Editor Cassidy Nemec cnemec@onegrower.com Digital Content Editor Katie Guthrie Art Director Ashley Kumpe ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Associate Publisher/Sales Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Production Manager David Boyd dboyd@onegrower.com Audience Services Kate Thomas (847) 559-7514 For subscription changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578 or email cottonfarming@omeda.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Burns – North Carolina David Lynch – South Carolina Bob McLendon – Georgia Larkin Martin – Alabama Mike Sturdivant Jr. – Mississippi Charles Parker – Missouri Jimmy Hargett – Tennessee Allen Helms – Arkansas Jay Hardwick – Louisiana Ronnie Hopper – Texas Ron Rayner – Arizona John Pucheu – California

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COOPERATION: Cooperating with COTTON FARMING are various cotton producer organizations across the Cotton Belt. Many representatives of producer organizations serve on COTTON FARMING’s editorial advisory board. Opinions expressed and conclusions reached by contributors are not necessarily those of the cooperating organizations or the editors.

All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claims as its own and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.

Copyright 2024 © ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS – One Grower Publishing, LLC also publishes RICE FARMING, THE PEANUT GROWER, SOYBEAN SOUTH and CORN SOUTH.

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

COTTONFARMING.COM

S

WEIGHING IN

ON EASIER MANAGEMENT

COTTON VARIETIES HELP MAKE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

S

outheast producer Jimmy Stewart loves farming cotton and peanuts — it’s all he’s ever wanted to do. The hard work, long days and constant problem-solving are all part of the job description.

But he has other obligations too, so he looks for ways to simplify management while keeping production high.

“My daughter plays traveling softball, and I like to watch her play,” Stewart said. “I enjoy farming, but I want to spend time with my family.

I’m looking for ways to do both.”

To accomplish that objective, Stewart plants PhytoGen® brand varieties on his cotton acres for easier management. One of the biggest advantages is the efficiencies he gets planting PhytoGen® W3FE varieties and using the Enlist® weed control system to keep cotton Southeast producer Jimmy Stewart says he plants PhytoGen® W3FE varieties on 100% of his cotton acres because fields clean. Stewart has used the system of easier management and consistent yield potential. From planting to harvest, Stewart says, PhytoGen® brand varieties offer advantages that allow more time for family and other obligations. since 2017 and says there is no doubt it makes him more efficient.

“I decided to go 100% with PhytoGen varieties on my cotton acres, and I use Enlist herbicides to control excellent seedling vigor but he doesn’t want varieties that require too weeds in my cotton,” Stewart said. “Before planting PhytoGen much plant growth regulator (PGR). varieties, I would spend hours washing the sprayer out between “When it’s time to plant, I am ready to go, and PhytoGen varieties cotton and peanuts. The tank cleanout is easier with the Enlist will come up,” Stewart said. “I’m 100% strip-till now, and I’ve system, so I save a lot of time during the season.” found that I need to wait a week or so later to plant than I did with As with much of the Cotton Belt, pigweed is the biggest challenge conventional till, but the PhytoGen varieties do a good job coming in his area, but he’s had great success managing the problem weed up. And I don’t need to use as much PGR during the season.” with Enlist® herbicides. His cotton fields are clean, and it sets him up Plant vigor and health continue throughout the season with for easier weed management in peanuts when he rotates crops.

PhytoGen Breeding Traits™ to protect plants from yield-robbing “Around the time I switched to PhytoGen, pigweeds were starting pests, such as root-knot nematodes (RKNs) and bacterial blight. to get really bad in our area, but with the Enlist system, it’s much more Stewart says RKN is a bigger problem than he first believed, and manageable and less of a problem,” Stewart said. “After a year or two he’s seen more consistent yields from PhytoGen brand varieties with of cotton, I have found that there’s less pigweeds when I rotate into RKN resistance. peanuts, so that’s helping me down the road.”

“We used to think we didn’t have a nematode problem, but we have more than we realized. I have some sandy fields where nematodes are a pretty big problem, and the PhytoGen varieties help,” Stewart said. “With PhytoGen, I am getting better weed control and nematode management. I am seeing a benefit the years I plant cotton, but there Stewart says the efficiencies go beyond weed control. Excellent also seems to be a benefit the next year in peanuts. It’s just easier early season vigor and manageable plant growth are two other management and better for my rotation.” important factors. He wants varieties he can plant early with

BEYOND WEED CONTROL

™® Enlist, Enlist Duo, Enlist One, PhytoGen and PhytoGen Breeding Traits are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.

The Enlist® weed control system is owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Always read and follow label directions. Roundup® and Roundup Ready® are trademarks of Bayer Group. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. ©2024 Corteva.

Cotton’s Agenda Gary Adams

Plant Protection Priorities The National Cotton Council monitored court cases/agency rulemaking and communicated on numerous regulations and actions that potentially could impede cotton producers’ access to essential tools that impact their profitability.

What are some major regulatory issues addressed in 2023?

■ Several priorities involved close interaction with EPA on regulatory matters. We worked with various interest groups and stakeholders to monitor any regulations or laws that could adversely impact cotton operations. The NCC, leading the Pesticide Policy Coalition, submitted comments to the EPA on its recent changes to the Endangered Species Act Workplan. The Workplan is an attempt by EPA to thoroughly consider endangered species

In terms of labor, the NCC provided input on EPA’s revision to its proposed rule on pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements. We also gave feedback on the Department of Labor’s newly introduced State Adverse Effect Wage Rates rule for the H-2A program, which faces regulatory challenges, including inflated wage stipulations, an increase in visa fees and new heat standards for farmworkers from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The NCC closely monitored the final “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. The NCC expressed concern that the EPA is exceeding its jurisdictional authority. The lack of public notice or opportunities for comments was another area of concern. The NCC’s main goal is to ensure a clear path for regulators and growers to protect this nation’s waters.

What about crop protection product support?

The NCC continues to engage with EPA and other federal agencies in seeking reasonable regulations. in every pesticide registration/reregistration, aiming to reduce lawsuits against the agency concerning active ingredient use in pesticides. The NCC also joined a letter to the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees requesting adequate funding for EPA and Fish and Wildlife Service for their ongoing pesticide registration efforts. The letter cited delays and requested appropriations of $166 million for EPA pesticide registrations and $3 million for FWS consultations on endangered species related to these registrations.

■ Efforts to safeguard crucial plant protection products included monitoring legal disputes related to the EPA’s registration of dicamba/sulfoxaflor. As for dicamba, the EPA sought to determine whether over-the-top applications presented “unreasonable risks” to other plants and crops. The agency approved label amendments that further limited the use of over-the-top dicamba in certain Midwestern states. Regarding sulfoxaflor, the NCC submitted feedback to the EPA on its registration.

The NCC advocated for both aerial and ground applications of the product, describing it as a “critical alternate” mode of action to manage pests such as aphids and plant bugs.

Late in the year, after providing input to EPA on the registration of Enlist, the agency issued a BiOp. The BiOp determined that Enlist was unlikely to threaten any listed species, ensuring the continued availability of this crucial herbicide for 2024.

We will continue advocating for reasonable regulations that do not undermine our members’ competitiveness.

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

6 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

COTTONFARMING.COM

COVER STORY

This Missouri cotton team likes to use technology to move the operation into the future. From left are Bailey Below, Allen Below, Justin Littleton and Austin Littleton.

Forward-Looking Mindset Missouri Farmer Explores New Technology From Planting To Harvest

BY CARROLL SMITH EDITOR

F

ourth-generation Missouri farmer Allen Below grew his first cotton crop on 1,000 acres in 1993. That fall, Below and three of his neighbors went in together and bought a gin in Bernie, Missouri. Today, he still owns Stoddard County Cotton Co. with two of the partners, so he is a cotton farmer and ginner.

Below continued to expand his operation and farmed about 7,400 acres of cotton in 2023. He has operated in a business relationship with two brothers — Justin and Austin Littleton — for the past 10 years.

“We are separate operations, but we pool our knowledge and resources and use our size, efficiency and management to help us all, which was our vision from the beginning,” Below says.

“It has worked well. We’ve put a good crew together and have about 10 employees between us.”

The Missouri farmer always strives to look for future opportunities. His latest vision involves bringing his oldest daughter, TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

Bailey, into the fold. She had expressed interest in the farm for the past couple years and worked there during the summer and fall after graduating from college last May. “Bailey helped me with irrigation, which included laying out tubing, punching holes and getting the motors set up,” Below said. “She never complained, was always here and has started driving a tractor some. Last fall, she worked alongside the picking crew and moved the round modules to where they needed to be for pick up by the gin.

“We are now at the point to sit down and decide where we will go from here. If this is what she wants to pursue, I want it to be her decision. I would like for her to start out the way Austin and Justin did. Go get financed, rent some ground, buy a little bit of equipment and start figuring everything out. There is no better way to learn than to get in debt. Then it gets real.”

Continued on page 10 FEBRUARY 2024 | COTTON FARMING 7

Linking G Across the C LINKING GINNERS ACROSS THE COTTON BELT Since the turn of the century, farmers and ginners across the country have grown and processed some tremendous cotton crops.

Factors contributing to this success include advancements in cotton seed genetics, boll weevil eradication and state-of-the-art ginning equipment and facilities. As the 2024 season begins, the TCGA Gin Show looks forward to linking ginners across the Cotton Belt.

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

Please give serious consideration to making the trip to Lubbock for the 2024 event. The TCGA Gin Show is a great venue for ginners across the Cotton Belt to come together and seek solutions to problems impacting the industry.

For more information, visit www.tcga.org.

g Ginners Cotton Belt TCGA ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADE SHOW APRIL 4-5, 2024 LUBBOCK, TEXAS

Continued from page 7

Cover Crop Observations

Below said he and the Littletons are up to 12,000 acres total for 2024 because they all have taken on more land since the fall.

“We are 99% irrigated,” he said. “The Littletons have pivots and most of my land is furrow irrigated and similar to the Mississippi Delta. Soil types range from really light sand to Sharkey clay. Cotton is our predominant crop, but we also grow corn, soybeans and peanuts. This year, we will have 6,500 to 7,000 acres of cotton, 1,000 acres of peanuts, and the balance will be split between corn and beans. We also may have a small amount of rice in our mixture.”

Below said they “started down the cover crop path” 12 years ago with the main goal of keeping that living plant in the soil year round. Today, they are planting cover on almost 100% of their acres.

“We are happy with where we are with our cover crop, but we can always improve while trying to stay sustainable,” he said.

“We want to be as environmentally friendly as we can.”

NPE Program Benefits

Below said the majority of their cotton is Deltapine brand.

“Our two ‘stars’ for the past couple years have been DP 2127 B3XF and DP 2115 B3XF,” he said. “We started growing both of them in 2021, and they have been good for us.”

The Missouri farmer has also been a Deltapine New Product Evaluator since 2016. He said from the beginning he has liked being able to see new varieties on his farm in what he calls a “real-world situation” a year before they are brought to market.

“The NPE program is the best I have seen as far as evolving cotton varieties since I have been in cotton production,” Below said. “I can see the varieties on my farm, using my practices, in my cover crop and planting the way we plant in the Missouri Bootheel. Also, instead of having just six rows, I like having several acres where we can make a module.

“The other great thing is it’s not just me. Some of my neighbors are NPE growers. We have become a network to talk about what we all thought about the varieties in the NPE plots. We also have a Bayer conference call, and I know the company listens to our comments because I see what they bring forward and what they don’t. There are about 20 of us on the call in my group, and every single person said they liked DP 2414 B3TXF the best compared to other varieties in the 2023 NPE plots.”

Sprayers, Harvest Equipment

On the equipment side, Below said he is always looking at technology to improve his efficiency. One example is the John

Bailey Below is learning the ropes about farming from her dad, Allen Below, in the Missouri Bootheel.

Deere See & Spray technology.

“We are trying to evolve into variable-rate sprays and get away from blanket sprays,” he said. “We want to apply inputs where they are needed and none or less where they are not needed. The sprayers we have coming will have See & Spray technology on them. It’s good and it works, but it will be an evolution process for us.”

Below said he had always run John Deere pickers, starting out with the 9960 and then moving to the CP690 and the CP770s.

“When the round bale module building pickers were in development, we ran some prototypes for them in 2007,” he said.

Since the latest round bale pickers can make a 96-inch bale, Below had to assess how that was going to work as far as hauling them and then dealing with them at the gin. He found there were no issues hauling the big bales on a flatbed truck with a semi. He also bought a module truck and equipped it a little differently to where he could get the bigger bales in it, but that was only one truck.

“The bottleneck came when the truck was loading the modules into the feeder at the gin,” he said. “We’ll probably have to make some modifications to the truck to get the bigger bales on the feeder. But the actual feeder and unwrapping system we have now works fine. There are no issues there.

“The only hurdle we have to get over now is the older, narrower module trucks. We will probably have to pull the sides off, which will work fine on the lot because the trucks are not going down the road. That’s where we are with that technology.

But the fact that the bigger module has more cotton in it, and we are using less wrap is definitely an advantage. We’ll also be making fewer trips and still hauling a legal load and abiding by the law. For efficiency’s sake, I think this is the direction we need to steer for. It won’t come quickly, but it will come.”

What’s In The Future?

Deltapine cotton loaded down the row.

10 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

Below said one of his long-term goals is to make the most of new technology to be more efficient and sustainable.

“I think the biggest thing for us in moving toward this goal is watching the evolution of our cover crops,” he said. “We are soil sampling more than we used to and trying to target good areas and not-so-good areas, which makes us more efficient with the amount of nitrogen we are using to produce a cotton crop.

“We will continue participating in the NPE program to keep up with the new seed genetics as they come along and invest in new machinery technology as we are able without putting ourselves out of business. We definitely want to stay up to date as we move into the future.”

COTTONFARMING.COM

Eric Bell 2023 COT TON CONSULTAN T OF T HE Y E AR

LECIA WEBB

2023 CCOY Eric Bell is pictured with his family in a Tennessee cotton field.

From left are daughter Chaisee, pet Rex, wife Wendy and daughter Keslyn.

E

ric Bell grew up on his family’s cattle farm in Carroll County near Huntingdon, Tennessee, where they raised corn and hay, which was fed back to the livestock.

From 1985 to 1989, cotton started its comeback in the area. The young boy, son of Roger and Marie Bell, remembers going to equipment sales during the farm crisis in the early ’80s and being amazed by the cotton pickers. He asked Roger why they didn’t buy them, and his dad reminded him they didn’t grow cotton. This obvious revelation didn’t dampen Eric’s spirits. He still enjoyed riding down the road in the fall in surrounding counties, observing all the cotton plants covered in white.

“I have always had a fascination for cotton,” Eric said.

While attending the University of Tennessee-Martin and pursuing a degree in agricultural business, Eric was recruited by the Carroll County Extension office where he scouted cotton from 1992 to 1994. He also worked at the local gin after classes, returning to UT-Martin to reload for the next day.

“It was his home turf, and Cotton was King,” said Dr. Scott Stewart, director, West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. “In 1995, Eric started his own crop consulting business — Bell Ag Services LLC — which has been providing service to farmers in multiple counties for many years. Although Eric consults on several crops, cotton is his bread-n-butter and his first love. I don’t recall a single time when Eric’s recommendations were not on target and timely.”

The Tennessee consultant has been with his cotton farmers for 20 or more years. He has always lived in Carroll County and gone to school and church with some of his clients. In some form or fashion, he has known most of his farmers for most of his life.

Cotton farmer Ricky Chandler said, “Eric has been employed with R&R Farms throughout the entirety of his 32-year career.

Over this time, we have not only built a strong working relation-

ship but a strong friendship as well. Eric is extremely dedicated to his profession and continually strives to ensure we have the highest crop yields possible each year.”

The Tag-Team Approach In 1997, Eric married Wendy Wilkerson, who also completed a degree from UT-Martin, and today they run the consulting business as a team. They typically hire three to four scouts a year.

The scouts work 12-hour days, four to five days a week under Wendy’s assistance and supervision in the field. It’s a partnership that has kept the business and family flourishing.

Eric works seven days a week during the cropping season, makes all the recommendations and communicates with his farmer clients by phone, email or on the turnrow.

“I am the one who comes in behind the scouts, assesses what they have found and makes the recommendations,” Eric said.

“Rarely is a field sprayed without my eyes going on it first. I deal with the farmers, sales reps and sprayer operators. I also spend time stomping out any fires that may come up.”

Eric is up by 5 or 5:30 in the morning when he quickly checks the stock market and reviews the scouts’ reports on his computer.

Kim Johnson (left), David Renfroe, Eric Bell, Wendy Bell, Kevin Renfroe and son Beau

Tennessee cotton farmer Brent Rice (left), Eric Bell and Wendy Bell

When his phone inevitably starts ringing at 6 or 6:30, he answers the calls. Bell Ag Services LLC sets the agenda once the scouts get to the house at 7 a.m., and everybody heads out at 7:30.

“Wendy goes out with them, and we typically run in three to four groups,” Eric said. “We take an in-field lunch and scout until dark. We constantly compare notes. When I roll in at 8:30 or 9, Wendy and I sit at the dinner table and discuss what happened during that day and plan for what needs to be done tomorrow.”

Services Provided Bell Ag Services LLC is a complete consulting business that includes grid or zone soil sampling. This sampling helps determine variable-rate lime, fertilizer and seeding recommendations. The company provides variety recommendations and comprehensive weed control programs.

From there, they move into plant stand assessments and recommendations for applications of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and plant growth regulators. Defoliation timing is based on a combination of nodes above cracked bolls and the knife technique. “I have a rule that we’ve got to get the leaves off the plant by Oct. 10 since Tennessee’s historical freeze date is typically around Oct. 15-30,” he said.

“Variety selection and fertilizer recommendations make up the foundation we build on,” Eric said. “We are already rolling on the crop for 2024 and won’t quit until it’s harvested.”

To ground-truth their own recommendations, Bell Ag Services LLC does its own testing of varieties, fertility programs and on-farm

testing of pesticide efficacy.

Eric is a self-proclaimed micro manager, but the resulting 2023 dryland yields — a 1,500 to 1,650 pounds-per-acre average over many thousands of acres — is impressive.

“We micromanage on a field-by-field basis, but we are very transparent,” he said. “If there is a problem, the farmer is told as soon as we find it and how I would fix it. Every recommendation I make is as if that field were mine. However, the farmers ultimately have the final say because they hold the checkbook.”

Kudos From The Field Eric Bell gives 110% to his farmers, and they have taken notice.

“Eric has been employed by Renfroe Farms for the past 29 years,” said Kim Johnson. “His knowledge and skill level in his field are immeasurable. We cannot come close to expressing how much Eric has impacted our business and its growth.

“In addition to his industry knowledge, Eric is prompt to give back to our community. As co-chairman of Carroll County Ag Day, I witnessed firsthand his willingness to foster a genuine love for agriculture with others, but especially our county 5th graders. The enthusiasm and excitement surrounding his demonstration was a crowd favorite!”

West Tennessee cotton farmer Rance Barnes, Sr., said, “Eric Bell has been a crop and soil consultant for my farming operation for 27 years and for my son’s operation for eight years. His annual scouting habits are relentless. When we have an abnormality in the crop or field, Eric is determined to diagnose the problem and

Eric Bell (left), Wendy Bell, Ricky Chandler and Richard Chandler

Eric was employed at Espey Gin Co., Inc. for 27 years.

ERIC BELL

“A pretty sunset — God’s creation — recharges me at the end of the day,” Eric said.

provide solutions. One of the ways Eric stands out from others is he doesn’t hesitate to tell me the truth. Frequently, the truth is painful, and I don’t want to hear it, but it is in my business’s best interest to hear and act upon it.”

It Takes A Village “I try to share information and help everybody, but the other consultants must reciprocate,” Eric said. “It goes back to my ‘village’ mindset. I want to surround myself with people like Tim Roberts, Danny Moore, David Hydrick, Eddy Cates and Tucker Miller who help me in return. There are many others, including my clients, that are part of my village.”

Tennessee consultant Tim Roberts talks often with Eric during the growing season sharing information.

“There have been many summer scouts over the years but just a few have the aptitude, desire, work ethic and willingness to make a career of it,” Roberts said. “I see it as a gift that only the best possess. Eric is one of the few with this gift.”

Tyson Raper, the Tennessee cotton specialist, said, “Eric has often found himself in a position of leadership. One of the most notable positions he maintains is the unofficial president of the Tennessee Independent Crop Consultants. Mr. Bell communicates developing issues to the group and organizes an annual meeting with Extension specialists to promote interaction between these groups and encourage dissemination of experiences and information from both sides.”

A Time For Reflection When Eric learned he had been chosen as the 2023 Cotton Consultant of the Year, he said he was grateful, humbled and extremely happy.

“The CCOY winners have always been the star quarterbacks of our profession in my eyes,” he said. “I am not saying I am as good as them, but it’s an honor to be included on the team.”

Cotton Consultant of the Year Award Recipients, 1981-2022 1981 Bob Stanford, Flagstaff, Ariz.

1982 Jep Gates, Memphis, Tenn.

1983 Dennis Bouchard, Minter City, Miss.

1984 John Nickelsen, Shafter, Calif.

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

1991 Clyde Sartor, Vicksburg, Miss.

1992 John Christian, Raymondville, Texas

1993 Billy McLawhorn, Cove City, N.C. 1994 Dwain Reed, Courtland, Ala. 1995 Barry Aycock, Parma, Mo. 1996 Ray Young, Wisner, La. 1997 Lonnie Bull, Cameron, S.C. 1998 Chuck Farr, Crawfordsville, Ark. 1999 Bob Griffin, Jonesboro, Ark. 2000 Roger Carter, Clayton, La. 2001 Harold Lambert, Innis, La. 2002 Lee Hutchins, Sinton, Texas 2003 Danny Pierce, Princeton, N.C. 2004 Tucker Miller, Drew, Miss.

Eric Bell: Career & Personal Highlights • Completed a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business, University of Tennessee-Martin.

• UT Extension scout from 1992-94. Started Bell Ag Services LLC in 1995.

• Consults on cotton, soybeans, corn and wheat and provides soil sampling and precision ag services as well in nine Tennessee counties: Primary counties include: Carroll, Weakley, Henderson and Benton. Also consults in the following counties: Henry, Gibson, Obion, Dyer and Decatur along the Tennessee River.

• Certified Crop Advisor since 1999.

• A brother of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity Alpha Upsilon Chapter at UT-Martin. This fraternity is made up of men bonded through agriculture.

• Active with 5th graders in Ag in the Classroom in the springtime, talking about insects and what they are doing in the field.

Family Life

Eric Bell was raised in Carroll County in Huntingdon, Tennessee.

He and his wife, Wendy Wilkerson Bell, now reside in Huntingdon with their daughters Chaisee (18) and Keslyn (17). They attend the First Baptist Church of Huntingdon. When time permits, they enjoy the Tennessee River and anywhere there is a beach. Eric also enjoys stock trading.

At the end of the day, Eric emphasizes that he works by faith and gives credit to the Lord — the maker of all things.

“While walking farms, I ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to make the right decisions on a daily basis. A beautiful sunset at the end of the day is a reminder of how blessed I am to be involved in cotton production, and I look forward to the challenges that tomorrow brings.”

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

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

2012 Tim White, Jonesville, La. 2013 Bob Glodt, Plainview, Texas

2014 Stan Winslow, Belvidere, N.C. 2015 Wes Briggs, Bainbridge, Ga. 2016 Tim Roberts, Dyersburg, Tenn.

2017 Paul Pilsner, Wharton, Texas 2018 Mark Scott, Lubbock, Texas 2019 Eddy Cates, Marion, Ark. 2020 Drake Perrow, Cameron, S.C. 2021 James Todd, Plainview, Texas 2022 Hank Jones, Winnsboro, La.

RESEARCH & PROMOTION

Getting To Know Cotton Board Chairman Mark Nichols

T

he Cotton Board is governed by its membership consisting of both cotton producers and importers. The producers on The Cotton Board represent their respective states in the U.S. Cotton Belt.

The importers serving on The Cotton Board represent major U.S. brands and retailers — significant downstream cotton users. Together, these segments of the Board represent a wealth of unique perspectives and insight that help guide The Cotton Research and Promotion Program (the Program).

During its 2023 Annual Meeting, The Cotton Board elected new officers to guide the Program, including Mark Nichols to serve as chairman for the 2023/24 Program year. Nichols, a cott o n pr o du c e r f r om A ltus, Ok la homa, is the president of Jess Mark Nichols Farms, Inc. and president of Hess Fa rms, Inc., a Mark fourth-generation farm Nichols he has managed since 1980. He farms with his brother-in-law, son, daughter and son-in-law. They grow irrigated cotton, wheat and milo.

To help us learn more about Nichols’ thoughts on leadership in the cotton industry, he answered a few questions below.

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

Producers serving on The Cotton Board are able to represent their state’s interests at the national level, and that means a lot to me. I’m very proud to represent Oklahoma’s cotton-growing community and have a voice to share our experiences with the staff and researchers at The Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated. The voices of the cotton producers and importers who serve on the Board offer guidance that sets the direction of the Program. Additionally, service on The Cotton Board gives me TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

production practices that will help leave the land better for future generations of cotton farmers. Through programs like the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and emerging regenerative agriculture programs, we are on a path of continuous improvement, and I am excited to be part of that.

BY STACEY GORMAN WARREN, ARKANSAS

a front-row seat to see all the fantastic work that’s being done behind the scenes to increase the demand for and profitability of the cotton I grow.

Q: What have you learned from the importer members of The Cotton Board?

With most of the U.S. cotton crop being sold for export, importers drive cotton purchases in the international environment and are ultimately the customers who buy our cotton. I have learned so much by working with the importers on our Board, and it’s nice to have a partner who is also helping fund the Program. Importers help provide us clarity and direction on how our end customers’ needs are changing and help us position cotton to benefit from the positive changes and help us mitigate the negative changes. I have found it to be extremely important to learn from importers and establish relationships that keep cotton top-of-mind when they’re making their purchasing decisions.

Q: What makes you passionate about the cotton industry?

You hear a lot of people say, “cotton gets in your blood,” and that’s true.

There’s just something special about the labor of love it takes to grow cotton.

Cotton has provided a great life for my family, and I’ve met some of my best friends by serving in this industry. But beyond that, the U.S. cotton industry has high standards and is leading the way in

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the cotton industry in 2024?

After a visit to Cotton Incorporated’s offices in Asia last year, I would say cotton traceability is quickly becoming one of the biggest issues facing our industry.

Cotton traceability is the ability to track and identify the origin and journey of cotton from the point of its cultivation through to its manufacturing and distribution, and ultimately to the product. The United States leads the way in cotton traceability with a comprehensive tracking and identification system starting at the cotton gin and Permanent Bale Identification tags. Once that cotton is sold and blended in a laydown at the spinning mill where it becomes yarn, the ability to track where the cotton came from becomes much more difficult.

Traceability is such a hot topic in today’s importing climate because cotton shipments are being seized by U.S. Customs Border Patrol if it’s suspected that any of the cotton is coming from the Xin Xang Region of China where forced labor is used. Although this is a complex issue with no simple solution, the Cotton Research and Promotion Program is committed to being part of the cotton traceability solution and is funding research at every stage of the process.

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

To learn more about the producers and importers who serve on The Cotton Board, visit cottonboard.org/our-leadership.

FEBRUARY 2024 | COTTON FARMING 15

See the IRM/Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements.

Bayer, Deltapine® and ThryvOn™ are trademarks of Bayer Group. ©2024 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

Specialists Speaking

Firming Up Plans For The Season MISSOURI Bradley Wilson

It is time to turn our attention to the 2024 season that will quickly be upon us. The annual cotton Extension production meeting will be held at the Fisher Delta Research and Extension Center Feb. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and lunch will be provided. Several speakers will be in attendance to provide research updates and address production challenges that may be faced in 2024.

As the topic for these comments is “Firming up plans for the season,” we look ahead at what we need to be doing in the next few months to gear up for the upcoming season. Choosing cotton varieties may be the first step in doing so as selection can be important for desired yield and fiber quality potential. The 2023 cotton small plot Official Variety Trials and large plot onfarm county trials can be utilized as a resource for variety selection. This data can be found at https://moaes.missouri.edu/t-e-jake-fisher-delta-research-extension-and-education-center/ under cotton variety testing.

It is also important to think about fertilizer needs prior to the season. Soil sampling is an excellent method to determine fertilizer inputs needed in individual fields for timely application in 2024. Now is the time to determine management inputs needed, such as herbicides, insecticides and PGRs, to have these products on hand when applications are needed. If we can help in any way to prepare for the season, please feel free to reach out. brwilson@missouri.edu

TENNESSEE Tyson Raper

The 2023 season resulted in the highest Tennessee average cotton yields ever recorded.

Tennessee, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, harvested, on average, 1,237 pounds of lint per acre across 265,000 acres. Still, over the past couple of years, a larger percentage of our crop mix has been determined while planting. The 2024 mix appears to be even more volatile with few farmers comfortable giving a firm answer to what they intend to plant this year. Price per pound and ultimately return per commodity dominates these conversations.

As you begin to make this decision, I’d like to highlight a few adjustments you will need to consider when you pencil out the cotton budget. First, we now have high-yielding cultivars from several companies that provide protection

16 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

from nematodes, thrips and/or plant bugs. While many of these cultivars are more expensive than the “susceptible” alternatives, they should decrease chemical and application cost expenses.

Second, many in our area have applied residual herbicides on a side dress fertilizer application. This may ease post-emergence herbicide and application costs. Finally, we have observed a shift of last effective bloom date to later in the year. While this may result in an increase in expense on insecticide and application costs spent on protecting later-maturing fruit, we are observing an increase in yield, which likely justifies this expense. These and other subjects will be covered in detail at the University of Tennessee Cotton Focus meeting on Feb. 7 in Jackson, Tennessee. For more information on this meeting, please visit news.utcrops.com.traper@utk.edu

GEORGIA Camp Hand

As I write this Jan. 8, it is an overcast, dreary day in Tifton.

The last thing on my mind, and many others, is putting seed in the ground in May. However, we do need to begin preparing for the next crop, and there is one big thing that can be done now to do so.

Dr. Glen Harris is the Extension soil scientist here at the University of Georgia, and if you’ve heard him give a talk before, you’ve probably thought he might be doing a stand-up comedy act instead of an Extension talk — personally, I think it’s a good combination. We were talking before Christmas about soil sampling, and he said one of his least favorite questions to get is, “Well, should I even pull a soil sample?” Dr. Harris’ answer is this: “Asking me if you should pull a soil sample is like asking your barber if you need a haircut!”

Right now at the top of my list is pulling soil samples to prepare for the 2024 crop. With the prices looking the way they do, I know many are thinking about how and where to cut, and soil samples are certainly not the place to do so. UGA still recommends fertility based on yield goal, but I think one part of this that gets glossed over is that recommendations are based on realistic yield goals. Growers know their fields better than anyone, so applying fertility based on the history of a field should also be taken into account.

By the time this is published, we have already begun county meetings, and if we haven’t been in your county yet, we are looking forward to coming to visit with you all. County meeting schedules are available from your local UGA county Extension agent and at ugacotton.com.

As always, if you ever need anything don’t COTTONFARMING.COM

Specialists Speaking hesitate to reach out. Your local UGA county Extension agents and specialists are here to help! camphand@uga.edu

ARIZONA Randy Norton

Cotton acreage in the state of Arizona has experienced a dramatic trend downward over the past couple of years. Planted acreage in Arizona during the 2023 season was estimated by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service to be 92,000 total acres. This decline has been driven largely by water issues experienced throughout Central Arizona. With a reduction in the availability of Colorado River water to Central Arizona, many acres have been fallowed. Priority for available water has been directed primarily to the most productive ground on individual producers’ operations.

Focus now should be directed to making the most productive farmland possible produce a viable crop. Attention to crop inputs including seed, pest control, fertilizers, plant growth regulators, etc. needs to be scrutinized to ensure a positive return on investment. Even though some ground has been fallowed, it is still essential to maintain some level of weed control on these fields to prevent the spread of glyphosate-resistant weed seeds to other areas and fields. We have isolated occurrences of this pest throughout the state and do not want to let it spread because of fallowing selected fields.

Selecting the proper variety for your production scenario is critical. We will hold Extension meetings to show results from testing across Arizona in 2023. Results will be published on the Universiry of Arizona Extension website and in the Arizona Cotton Growers Association newsletter. rnorton@cals.arizona.edu

ALABAMA Steve M. Brown

How about a simple demonstration of why statistics are needed in variety evaluations?

Henry Jordan manages the Auburn Variety Testing Program and the small plot, replicated variety trials (OVTs). He included DP 1822 XF twice as two separate entries in the full season (47 entries), short season (36 entries) and conventional (13 entries) trials.

In other words, the treatment lists included DP 1822 XF and DP 1822 XF (Check), though he reported only one in published data.

Having the same variety twice provides an indication of consistency or variability of results. In field experiments, many factors — environmental, management and human error — create variability in data.

In the 21 trials that twice included DP 1822 XF, the average difference between the two TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

was 88 pounds per acre of lint. The low was six pounds per acre; the high 265 pounds per acre.

Of these, 14 trials had a difference less than 100 pounds per acre; three had a difference greater than 200 pounds per acre… for the same variety!

The goal of any experiment is to test responses to imposed treatments (ex. variety, fertility rate, pest management, etc.). Variability is inherent to field research, and statistical analysis seeks to separate effects of treatments from those due to the factors mentioned above. Obviously, when

the same variety entered twice results in yields varying 200 pounds per acre, accurate separation of variety performance is reduced.

In the sets of OVTs referenced earlier, 13 varieties that made the “top-yield group,” those that statistical analysis indicated they were not different from the highest-ranking entry, just like the 88 pounds per-acre difference in DP 1822 XF entries was not due to variety. Averaged across six locations, the “top-yield group” included five in the full season, six in the short

Perfect Peanut Partner Easier management plus higher yield potential

P

roducers across the southern U.S. are switching to cotton varieties that better fit their peanut rotation, making a change that has improved management and increased cotton yield potential.

Travis Mixon farms cotton and peanuts with his father, Clay, in Alabama and Travis Mixon Florida. He made the switch to PhytoGen® brand varieties and has seen the benefits firsthand on his operation. He previously planted cotton varieties that used a dicamba-based herbicide system, but he didn’t like the idea of spraying dicamba near peanuts.

Then he learned about PhytoGen brand varieties with the Enlist ® cotton trait.

PhytoGen® W3FE varieties allow for labeled applications of Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® herbicides, which contain 2,4-D choline. Because Scan for growers commonly use 2,4-Db to control weeds in peanuts, there are distinct synergies between crops. videos Growers can spray Enlist herbicides over their and more!

PhytoGen W3FE varieties, even if peanuts are downwind, because peanuts are considered a compatible crop. When you apply 2,4-Db on peanuts, PhytoGen W3FE varieties are protected from drift because they can metabolize 2,4-Db without damage to the plants.

“We have one sprayer on our operation for our cotton and peanuts,” Mixon said.

“We spray Enlist One herbicide on our cotton and 2,4-Db on the peanuts, and we never have to put dicamba in the tank. Switching back and forth between peanuts and cotton is a big hassle when you put dicamba in your sprayer.”

The benefits go beyond weed control and crop compatibility. Mixon says the performance with PhytoGen brand varieties also shines at the beginning and end of the season.

“PhytoGen cottonseed has a lot more vigor than other seeds,” Mixon said. “Getting it out of the ground and getting a stand is not a problem, and we’ve always had really good yields out of PhytoGen.”

™® Enlist, Enlist Duo, Enlist One, PhytoGen and the PhytoGen Logo are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. The Enlist® weed control system is owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience LLC. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Roundup® and Roundup Ready® are trademarks of Bayer Group. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® technology contains genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. © 2024 Corteva.

FEBRUARY 2024 | COTTON FARMING 17

TRAIT STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES NOTICE TO FARMERS Bayer is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Bayer products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Bayer’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 applicable regulatory requirements have been met. 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® ThryvOn™ and XtendFlex® are trademarks of Bayer Group.

Liberty® and LibertyLink® Logo are registered trademarks of BASF Corporation. 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.

18 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

Specialists Speaking season and three in the conventional. The “topyield group” included entries from five seed companies and both herbicide technologies.

Local variety selection benefits from a closer examination of data, which can be found at https://aaes.auburn.edu/variety-tests/. Study by location, region and, where possible, across years.

Currently, there is no “star” variety that will dominate acreage. A handful, maybe three to five, trend toward the top, and such a portfolio, along with planting date, can provide effective diversification to spread risks. cottonbrown@auburn.edu

NORTH CAROLINA Keith Edmisten

Cotton generally turned out better than most people predicted last year; although that wasn’t true for everyone. With prices lower than we would like for the ‘24 crop so far, growers need to think about the cost of producing the crop. There are basics such as variety selection that we will be discussing over the next few months. Both the OVT and large-plot yield results are available on the North Carolina State University cotton portal.

Other expenditures that can make us money are fertility, weed and insect control. Yield responses to over 90 pounds of nitrogen have been rare in our research plots and have only occurred where we had early hurricanes (June-July) or had 3.5 bale yields in the coastal plain. We have never seen responses to foliar fertilizer when the soil test recommendations were followed. Insect and weed control are as much a timing issue as selection of materials. If we can plan ahead in terms of scouting and the ability to respond in a timely manner in pest control, we can maximize what the season gives us.

Concentrating on these basic production aspects can keep our cost of production in line with profits. Are there some things outside of these basic practices we can reduce or eliminate to stay profitable? The answer to that is different for every grower. keith_edmisten@ncsu.edu

TEXAS Ben McKnight

As I write this early January on the last day of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, I’m reflecting on the past few days spent at the conference and the great conversations I had with producers, mentors, colleagues, students and cotton-industry stakeholders. In my opinion, there is no better way to start the new year than enjoying fellowship and camaraderie among the great folks that comprise the U.S. cotton industry.

Several conversations I had at the conference related to the challenges cotton producers will

face in 2024 and in coming years. There is no shortage of issues hampering cotton producers, but developing a comprehensive management plan now is a great way to get the 2024 growing season off to a good start.

While insect and disease pressure can often vary from year to year, problematic weed species encountered in a particular production field in previous years will typically be an issue to deal with again this year. Now is a great time to begin developing a plan for early season weed control programs and deciding which herbicide options will be a good fit for your farm’s weed spectrum.

I am a proponent of utilizing residual, preemergent herbicides within an overall weed management program. The critical time for maintaining a weed-free period to protect yield in cotton is early in the growing season. Controlling troublesome weed species prior to or shortly after emergence will also greatly reduce the pressure put on postemergence products applied later in season and enhance overall herbicide-resistance management strategies. bmcknight@tamu.edu

MISSISSIPPI Brian Pieralisi

Cotton production in Mississippi was highly variable this year. Some areas boasted extremely high yields whereas others barely produced any yield at all! This variability can be attributed to weather.

Extreme drought conditions plagued central and southwestern Mississippi hardest. Depending on where a late-season pop-up shower occurred meant the difference in a couple hundred pounds of lint in many cases. Our average yield is still projected near 1,100 pounds per acre, which is decent considering the year. Dry fall weather allowed for an efficient harvest, giving growers time for field preparation for 2024.

Input costs versus market price is the primary concern for growers planning to grow cotton.

In 2024, there will more B3TXF and nematode-tolerant varieties planted in Mississippi.

The next question to be answered is how many acres of cotton will be sown? It’s a good question because many of the fundamentals point toward a decline in acreage; however, after talking to growers, I do not think there will be a massive drop in acreage — just remaining relatively flat.

In 2023, Mississippi harvested 400,000 acres, and I expect 2024 to be very similar.

Finally, as planting season nears and crop mix decisions are made, it is important to secure a couple of varieties that will perform well for a particular region/environment. I expect 2024 to be like the past with some variability in performance due to the environment. A mix of a few well-placed varieties will allow growers to hedge against whatever Mother Nature is planning. bkp4@msstate.edu COTTONFARMING.COM

Industry News W3E1, W3FE Varieties Are Here PHY 137 W3E1 is a new early- to mid-maturing Upland variety for the southwest Cotton Belt with built-in genetic resistance to root-knot nematodes and bacterial blight.

It features the W3E1 trait package that combines the Enlist cotton trait and WideStrike 3 Insect Protection, giving cotton producers the choice to customize their weed-management program and save on input costs if they do not need a glyphosate-tolerant trait.

Growers can apply Enlist One herbicide and glufosinate herbicides over-thetop and pre- and postemergence herbicides labeled for cotton that do not contain glyphosate.

PHY 475 W3FE, a mid- to full-season Upland variety, is tailored to the unique agronomic needs of the Southeast, especially in Georgia. It’s an easy-to-manage variety with resistance to root-knot and reniform nematodes, as well as bacterial blight. The W3FE trait packages offers growers the option to control weeds with over-the-top applications of Enlist herbicides, glufosinate and glyphosate. Visit

PhytoGen.com for 2023 high-yielding performance data.

Deltapine Class Of ’24 The Class of ’24 Deltapine brand contains the newest trait protection package: Bollgard 3 ThryvOn cotton with XtendFlex Technology (B3TXF).

DP 2436NR B3TXF is resistant to rootknot nematodes and bacterial blight. It demonstrated strong performance in West Texas, showing yield potential on par with DP 1820 B3XF. This product has moderate tolerance to verticillium wilt. The best fit for its maturity will be Central to Southern Texas High Plains.

DP 2414 B3TXF showed yield potential and fiber quality on par with both DP 2115 B3XF and DP 2211 B3TXF. It fits early season regions in the MidSouth, Southeast and irrigated fields in the Northern High Plains of Texas.

New FiberMax And Stoneville  FM 765AX is for the High Plains region. Built with the Axant Flex trait package, it delivers resistance to bacterial

blight, Verticillium tolerance and resistance to root-knot nematodes. It has high gin turnout potential and excellent storm tolerance.  FM 868AXTP has the Axant Flex TwinLink Plus trait package suitable for the Southwest and far West regions.

Good root-knot nematode resistance and three-gene lepidopteran resistance.

Excellent emergence and storm tolerance and outstanding early-season vigor.  FM 823AXTP has the Axant Flex TwinLink Plus trait and delivers in the far West and the High Plains and Rolling Plains of Texas and Oklahoma. It has excellent storm and Verticillium tolerance and high gin turnout potential with resistance to bacterial blight, root-knot nematodes and lepidopteran.  ST 6000AXTP has the Axant Flex TwinLink Plus trait package in BASF’s Stoneville cotton seed. This medium to full maturity variety is suitable across the Cotton Belt and is a strong variety with resistance to bacterial blight, good rootknot nematode resistance, three-gene lepidopteran resistance, excellent fiber quality and a high gin turnout potential.

SPRAY TECHNOLOGY AND PRECISION FARMING SOLUTIONS

Precision Spray Tips

Spray Boom Components

System Control Valves

Field Computers and GPS Guidance

NO BETTER WAY TO SPRAY Visit www.teejet.com/spray to learn more or visit your local TeeJet dealer

TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING

FEBRUARY 2024 | COTTON FARMING 19

Ginners Marketplace COTTON

COTTON FARMING IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY.

2024 Mid-South Farm And Gin Show Coming Up The 72nd Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is scheduled for March 1-2, at the Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, Tennessee. Exhibitors from across the United States will display cutting-edge machinery and equipment, technology and new products and services, representing all Mid-South crops.

Tim Price, show manager and executive vice president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association that sponsors the show, said the event gives attendees an opportunity to see what’s new and learn the latest at educational seminars on key issues. “The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show was launched as an educational opportunity, where industry experts provide their perspectives on what the next year may bring. Ag Update seminars feature market outlooks for cotton and grains, and a broader forecast on issues impacting agriculture,” he said.

Price said 2024 could bring more change, which will require more adapting to a new environment. “Farmers are some of the most adaptable, creative and innovative people. New technologies, whether in the equipment we operate or in our phones,

require new capabilities. There’s something new every day for farmers to integrate into their operations, and we’re faced with navigating a changing environment for the best outcomes of our operations,” he said.

“The 2024 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will bring it all together in terms of helping attendees understand the far-reaching impacts of geo-political events, federal regulations, and other issues, as well as provide outlooks for the year ahead.”

Ag Update seminars on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 will provide outlooks for cotton and grains. Joe Nicosia, Louis-Dreyfus, will headline Friday’s seminar, giving attendees direction on planting and marketing their cotton crop. Saturday’s seminar features Richard Brock, Brock Associations, who will deliver an outlook for grains and economic policies that may impact agriculture. Both seminars start at 8:30 a.m. in the Cannon Center.

Other educational opportunities are offered as well:  An international trade forum, with AgriCenter International, University of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and others, will feature speakers and industry experts focusing on international trade issues and their impact on farmers and agriculture.

Cotton Ginners Marketplace

E L E VAT E D S E E D H O U S E

“We chose this seed house because of its reputation for performance.”

Quito Gin Co., Itta Bena, MS

Steeper Hoppers with 10-Gauge Steel 50% Larger Square Hydraulic Doors Conversion Kits for Most Seed Houses MINIMIZE SEED BRIDGING • SAFER • FASTER • STRONGER

20 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

Call Jim - (972) 381-8899 / cliffgranberrycorp.com COTTONFARMING.COM

Ginners Marketplace COTTON

Cotton’s Calendar

 Feb. 16-18: 2024 NCC Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency, Orlando, Florida

COTTON FARMING IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GINNING INDUSTRY.  Feb. 20: Great Plains Cotton Conference, Pratt County 4-H

Events Center, Pratt, Kansas

Feb. 26-28: Cotton Board March Meeting, JW Marriott Savannah

Riverside District,Costs Savannah, Georgia Take A Hard Look AtPlant Insurance Feb. 28: Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee, Double And Safety Culture The Gin5069 Sanderlin Avenue, Memphis, TenTree byAt Hilton Memphis, 



nessee

Distractions have become “routine” in our daily lives. Our phones go off, we get text messages and we’re bombarded by the never-ending news cycle. Everything seems to be trying to get attention, andFarm it’s easy lose sight of what’s important.

Theour 72nd Mid-South andto Gin Show opens Friday, March 1, Things at 9 a.m.can sneak up on you, and those are the ones that will jump up and bite you.

In last year or so, we’ve seen hugeinnovation increases inplatform our costs. the AgLaunch uses a farm-centric to As I write we’re getting news highestainflation in bring newthis, ideas to agriculture.

It of willthe conduct workshop more a generation… maybe two.pitch their ideas to the wherethan individuals and businesses While I’m personally seeing some offunding the things increased AgLaunch panel in hopes of winning to that further develso easeand down a it bit, not common for costs that have op much their idea take to it’s market. gone much, fast, to come down or comeMilo down very  up A this special ricethis marketing seminar featuring Hammuch.

We will likely have to learn to live with some of them. ilton, will help rice growers understand the dynamics of rice marketing and the opportunities available.

The Cost Of Show Insurance The Mid-South Farm and Gin is sponsored by SouthOne of the costs that snuck up many gins in theand pastDelta year ern Cotton Ginners Associationon and Foundation or so is the cost of insurance.

Normally, this is a once-a-year Farm Press. Show hours are Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; expense get hit with.

Saturday,we March 2, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cash prizes are awarded The past renewal two have been more than a bit of daily at noon, 2 p.m. cycle and 4or p.m. sticker shock for many in the industry. Your associaMore information is availableginning at farmandginshow.com.

 Feb. 29: been Rollingaware PlainsofCotton Growers Annual Meeting, Taylor tions have this and have brought it to the attenCounty Expo Center, Abilene, tion of our memberships.

ButTexas I think many of us got distracted  March by the other going on & and now been hit with the 1-2:things Mid-South Farm Ginhave Show, Renasant Convention Center,that Memphis, reality it’s notTennessee getting better.

This is 20: a simplified but insurance companies are  March Staplcotnexplanation, Board of Directors Meeting, 214 W. Market going do what they need to in order to stay in business. They Street,to Greenwood, Mississippi must make money like we do. The companies take our premi April 4-5: TCGA Gin Show, Lubbock Civic Center 1501 Mac Davis um and invest Texas it. They pay claims with it, and they expect to Lane, Lubbock, have some left over. If losses are low and return on investment is good, you have happy insurance companies. We get stable premiums and competition.

If they have poor investment returns and higher-than-expected cost of claims (read inflation), you have unhappy inAn informative email summary surance companies. They may decide to pull out of the market and/or significantly increase rates.performance.

This is where we are today. of your gin’s daily Your ginners associations and the National Cotton Ginners’ Association have been concerned about this for some time. We Text 662-809-9730 need healthy insurers and competition, but we really can only help one side of the insurance has put forproblem…losses. an example NCGA report together a list of questions to ask yourself, so you can evaluate

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.

Just a short list of items we offer:  Gin Dor-Les® and E.E. Dor-Les® Press upgrades 16” diameter Bottom Ram Conversion Hydraulic Tramper/Pusher Conversion Premier™ III Series Hydraulic Pumping Units Press Rebuilds (strain rods, boxes, sills, etc.)  Quality OEM Repair Parts  Unmatched Technical Service

The future is bright! Cotton prices have optimism at levels we haven’t seen in a while. A renewed commitment to customer service has Lummus excited for the future – join us as we move forward!

®

®

TWITTER: TWITTER: @COTTONFARMING @COTTONFARMING

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

2022 Lummus ©© 2022 Lummus AgCorporation Technology FEBRUARY AUGUST 2022 2024 || COTTON COTTON FARMING FARMING 19 21

CottonGinners GinnersMarketplace Marketplace Cotton

 All-new complete Gin Plants  Ginning Machinery (individual machines, stand-alone systems, presses, etc.)  Press Consoles and Main Control Consoles  Burner and Moisture Unit Gas Train/Controls upgrades  Air Monitoring and Fire Detection Kits  DGC 2020 Gin and Feeder Controls

My Turn An Open Invitation

A

ll of us at Cotton cotton folks are used to the heat. Our guy seemed comFarming would like pletely unfazed, but after a while you had to feel sorry to thank everyone for the young utility lawyer who was sweating profusely who has contributed the whole time.” to the My Turn column through August 2023, Kara Bishop: “Mental toughness only the years. Many of our read- goes so far when you’re staring at a plummeting marers have told us it’s one of their ket price. It only goes so far when the land you care so favorite pages in the magazine. much about hasn’t seen rain in 18 months. … Farmers As we embark on a new year, will help other farmers do just about anything. Check we pause to reflect on last year’s each other’s fields as they’re driving by, work on a pivot submissions and invite more members of our “cotton together, etc. So why not share each other’s mental and agriculture family” to tell us their stories. Here are burdens?” some memorable excerpts from 2023.

September 2023, Neil Joiner: “During the past February 2023, Dr. Tom Kerby: “Plant mapping decades, these rocks have changed very little. Yet demonstrated right away that DP555BG/RR was differ- they’ve transitioned from being unwanted to greatly ent. It was a slow starter. Nodes, height and internode valued. It was a matter of finding a purpose and being distance at early bloom suggested limited growth. Yet given an opportunity.” three weeks after flowering, even with a good boll load, October 2023, Bruce Roberts: “Men (like Bill Lalor) it didn’t slow down like other varieties.” and women whose careers are spent collaborating with March 2023, Doreen Muzzi: “Over the years, my researchers, Extension educators and farmers don’t knowledge has grown just ride off into the sunalong with my appreciset. Their legacy should “We invite our cotton and ag ation for the expertise, be acknowledged and family to tell us their stories.” patience and dedication celebrated because the of land grant university transformations they researchers and Extension specialists. These experts are produced are the standard practices used today.” part of an amazing network that enhances agriculture November 2023, Carol Nemec: “During harvest, he nationwide.” didn’t come in for lunch, so my granny and I brought April 2023, Neil Joiner: “‘Mr. Rufus,’ I said, ‘The lunch to the field. Those were the days before cell bank will be glad to help you get a new truck if you’re phones, so it was always a game to figure out where we about ready.’ He smiled as he opened a dusty door would find his tractor. I still look at those fields near and shared a pearl of wisdom. He said, ‘Son, save the 12th Street and see us sitting on the tailgate of his twomeat that hangs closest to the door.’ … It was probably toned Chevrolet pickup eating.” tempting at times to grab what was convenient rather December 2023, Brian Pieralisi: “Both sets of than going to the back corner to get the oldest.” my grandparents farmed. So, as a child in the ’80s, May 2023, Steve M. Brown: “Growers pay a premi- I wouldn’t stand for anything else in terms of a um price for seed and should receive a premium prod- career. Like many of us growing up in the ’80s, I fell vicuct. Given all that is in and on seed, companies need tim to style trends, MTV, hyper-color T-shirts, mullets, the best possible knowledge and innovations associated skateboards and Nintendo. But, I always kept my focus with seed quality … because the seed is where it’s at.” on farming.”

June 2023, Ron Smith: “From this, I became an To read these My Turn columns in their entirety, expert witness in a capital murder case, quite unusual visit our My Turn archives. To submit a My Turn colfor a cotton entomologist. I spent several months pre- umn or an idea for a My Turn column, please contact paring and was on the witness stand for more than an Carroll Smith at csmith@onegrower.com or 901-326hour being cross examined by the state prosecuting 4443. We look forward to hearing from you! attorney.”

July 2023, J. Kelley Green: “The air conditioning — Carroll Smith was turned up in the deposition room, and it was pretty Editor, Cotton Farming hot. What they didn’t count on was that West Texas csmith@onegrower.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.

22 COTTON FARMING | FEBRUARY 2024

COTTONFARMING.COM

THE TRAIT PESTS HATE. 73%

INJURY REDUCTION in average injury from key thrips species*

61%

SQUARE RETENTION INCREASE compared to check for an improved yield potential**

Deltapine® brand cotton is evaluated locally for top performance in every region and now provides the industry’s first built-in protection against key tarnished plant bug and thrips species.

THRYVON™ TECHNOLOGY - BROUGHT TO YOU BY BAYER. *Scouting is critical to determine which and how many insecticide applications are recommended to avoid economic loss greater than pest management costs (i.e., when economic thresholds are met). Check with your local state extension university for the latest spraying recommendations. 48 2021 farmer-managed Ground Breakers® Field Trials in the Cotton Belt (AL, AR, GA, MO, MS, NC, TN, TX) vs. the check (i.e., cotton varieties not containing ThryvOn™ Technology) vs. cotton varieties not containing ThryvOn™ Technology. 0.375mg ai/seed imidacloprid applied to the ThryvOn Technology seed. **Scouting is critical to determine which and how many insecticide applications are recommended to avoid economic loss greater than pest management costs (i.e., when economic thresholds are met). Check with your local state extension university for the latest spraying recommendations. 30 2021 farmer-managed Ground Breakers® Field Trials in the Cotton Belt (AL, AR, GA, MO, MS, NC, TN, TX) vs. the check (i.e., cotton varieties not containing ThryvOn™ Technology) vs. cotton varieties not containing ThryvOn™ Technology. 0.375mg ai/seed imidacloprid applied to the ThryvOn Technology seed.

Legacies are built by trailblazers. And for over a century, Stoneville® cotton has been driving seed innovations engineered to come up stronger and yield higher. Like our new Axant™ Flex technology, cotton’s first quad-stacked herbicide trait – made so you can protect yield potential down the path ahead.

Innovated to ensure legacies.

Always read and follow label directions. Axant is a trademark and Stoneville is a registered trademark of BASF. © 2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.

1 Availability of cottonseed containing the Axant Flex technology for the 2024 growing season and beyond is subject to many factors, and such seed may not be available in all cotton-growing areas. Commercial sales of cottonseed containing the Axant Flex technology will be subject to contractual terms and conditions and stewardship obligations, which may include, among other requirements, audit rights, liquidated damages applicable to growers, and restrictions on where the crop resulting from such seed may be sold, transferred and/or exported. Alite™ 27 herbicide (EPA Reg. No. 7969-433) is not registered for use on isoxaflutole-tolerant cotton nor available for sale for such use. Information on using Alite 27 herbicide on isoxaflutole-tolerant cotton is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of this product. Any sale of Alite 27 herbicide after registration is obtained for use on isoxaflutole-tolerant cotton shall be based solely on the EPA-approved product label, and any claims regarding product safety and efficacy shall be addressed solely by the label. Alite 27 is currently not available for sale.

Alite 27 herbicide is a US EPA Restricted-Use Pesticide.