Cotton farming tcga program march 2015

TCGA 15 Program cover and ad_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:18 AM Page 1

TCGA

Annual Meeting and Trade Show April 9-10, 2015, Lubbock, Texas

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/12/15 9:44 AM Page 2

543210/.0/0-,+*0)(( '&%$0#4"0"$1%! / %0/0 4 4$0 2$$2$ 0 !4 % 0 &% &%!02 .0/$0/33 $% 2$0 3/$ 04!0/0.2 3%0" !/1% 0#4"0 /$ 0/ 4!10 40 / %0/0 2. / %(0 4" 2$ %. 2 / %0.40 /$#0 &2$ . 0/$104$%04 0 &%0 4. 0 !2 2 /301% 2.24$. #4"0 / %02.0 &%0 2$0 / &2$%!#0 4 /$#0#4"0 &44.%0 40 4! 0 2 &( 4 .04 0 4 /$2%.0 / %0 !4 2.%.0 0/330 4404 %$)(% #04$%.(0'%33 2$ 4! %10 ". 4 %!.0.%%0 &2. 0/$10 &%$0/3302.0./210/$1014$% 0 &%# &44.%0 " ".( '&# 0#4"0/. 0'&/ 014%.02 0 %/$0 &%$0 %0./# 0 .43210/.0/0!4 0 %/$.0 %04 %!

0 !4 %$0 !41" %.2 $.0/$1

%! 4! /$ % 0+4! 4!/ %0 2$/$ 2/3 5 / 232 # 0 2 &0 &2 /3 5 /$1/!1.

0 $ / &%10 % &$2 /3 *$4 4 0 0 0 4 2 %10 4 #4"!0." %..

-4 0.4321 0/$10/3 /#.0&%!%0 4!0#4"( 443210/.-,210/+,*).(2'2&)*)--)%$2#,0."!)22 3 2 & 2 210 2 4 2'2 00+,.$2#,0."!)22 44 4 22 & %0-, 22 4 2 2'2 ) 22 4 2 43 0++2 .,,2 & 2 -+ 22

& 3 , 2&! , 22 +/ / 0 2'2 )!+ 22+/ / )+, +/ / 0 #"! "! ! !

TX3_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:20 AM Page 3

TCGA Schedule Of Events Monday, April 6

Spouses Event – “Painting with a Twist,”

TCGA Life Member Luncheon

including Hors D’oeuvres, Wine

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Southwest Cotton Ginners School

and Beverages

Civic Center, Room 102

USDA-ARS South Plains Ginning Lab

Transportation will depart Civic Center

Tuesday, April 7 Southwest Cotton Ginners School USDA-ARS South Plains Ginning Lab

Wednesday, April 8

North Entrance at 12:30 p.m. and will return

Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust

at 4:30 p.m. Please RSVP for this event by

Annual Meeting

calling (512) 476-8388 or

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

email aaron@tcga.org

Civic Center, Banquet Hall

“Painting with a Twist” is located at 6816 Slide Road, Suite #6.

TCGA Awards Dinner & Vegas Night Celebration

Taste of Lubbock Party for All Show

Overton Hotel & Conference Center

Attendees

Sunset B Ballroom

TCGA Golf Tournament

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m. Reception

Meadowbrook Golf Course

Civic Center, Banquet Hall

7:00 p.m. Awards Dinner Ticket required (May be purchased at

Southwest Cotton Ginners School USDA-ARS South Plains Ginning Lab

Thursday, April 9 TCGA’s 108th Cotton Trade Show 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Show Registration, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

North Entrance Purchase tickets at Show Registration for Friday’s TCGA Awards Dinner Gin Owners and Managers register for $100 hourly drawing and $500 Awards Dinner drawing Official Show Opening 9:00 a.m.

Civic Center, North Entrance TCGA Domino Tournament 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Civic Center, Room 104 Convention Lunch - Cafeteria Style 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Southwest corner of Pedestrian Mall Exhibit Area TCGA Executive Committee Meeting (Committee Members Only) Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Civic Center, Room 102

Friday, April 10 TCGA Board of Directors Meeting 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Overton Hotel & Conference Center, Sunset C Ballroom Breakfast for Directors and Past Presidents’ Spouses 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Overton Hotel, Horizon B Room Plains Cotton Growers Annual Meeting Registration, 8:30 a.m.

Meeting, 9:00 a.m. - Noon Civic Center, Banquet Hall TCGA’s 108th Cotton Trade Show 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Show Registration, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., North Entrance Purchase tickets at Show Registration for today’s TCGA Awards Dinner

show registration) Buzz Cooper, TCGA President, Presiding Presentation of Awards Golf Tournament Domino Tournament Life Member Texas Ginner of the Year Announcement of New Officers and Executive Committee $500 Cash Drawing for Gin Owners and Managers (must be present to win) Vegas Night Celebration – Including Casino, Prizes and Entertainment Everyone is invited to the Vegas Night Celebration following the TCGA Awards Dinner (no ticket required) 8:45 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Overton Hotel & Conference Center, Sunset A Ballroom

Gin Owners and Managers register for $100 hourly drawing and $500 Awards Dinner drawing Convention Lunch - Cafeteria Style 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Southwest corner of Pedestrian Mall

Capital Farm Credit will be sponsoring coffee and doughnuts near the registration area Thursday and Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Exhibit Area

COTTON FARMING MARCH 2015

TX3

TX4_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:22 AM Page 4

Welcome To TCGA

I

“Full Speed Ahead as we approach another growing season filled with the hope of a big ginning season...”

TX4 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

am excited about this coming crop season since we have the best starting opportunity since 2010. Though we have places in the state still in a drought, many areas have received good moisture, and the trend of El Niño has lived up to its reputation. With what we have seen these last few months in rainfall, we chose the show theme “Full Speed Ahead” as we approach another growing season filled with the hope of a big ginning season ahead.

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the 108th Annual Meeting and Cotton Trade Show of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association. The officers, executive committee, board of directors and staff hope you enjoy the show. Please let us know if we can do anything for you while you are attending our event.

As I am writing these remarks in early February, we still have not wrapped up the harvest and ginning in West Texas. I hear some of our members may be ginning well into March. There is no doubt this season has had challenges, but they always do in some form or manner. This year’s big challenge has been getting the crop harvested in between periods of rain, snow or ice. The good news is that means we are setting up for a potential bumper crop in 2015. Now, let’s hope the market will move up a little to help us compete with other crops for acres.

The TCGA show is the best opportunity for ginners to see the latest cotton ginning technology that is available for their business. There is some amazing machinery, equipment, products and services available today to help gins be as efficient as possible. A lot of tasks required in processing cotton are becoming fully automated, and the ability of having access to real-time data has grown tremendously. All these are to help gins become more efficient and lower or control costs. The bottom line impact is improved profitability. Texas-based companies lead in the development of many of these new technologies for the ginning industry, and most all of them will be at our show ready to inform you of what they can do for your operation. I challenge you to make the most of this opportunity by attending our event and visiting the booths to see what they offer. Our exhibitors incur significant expense and time to bring their products and services to our show, so show your support by paying them a visit.

I am optimistic about 2015, and it is welcomed after the drought years we have endured. So, let’s get at our stations and proceed “Full Speed Ahead” into this crop year.

Welcome to Lubbock.

Tony Williams

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/12/15 10:39 AM Page 5

10/( ) 00 10/( ) 00 0/( $&00 110/( $&00 0 '&) 00 110 '&) 00 0 ""(00 110 ""(00 0 00 110 00 0+" '(00 110+" '(00 1100*+ *+0 0 &# & 0 &# &0 0 0 &# & 0 & &# &0

000000000000000 &# & 0 &%., %& &# & 0 &%., %&

000000000000000 10 & 0*) '0 0 & 0/$ ' 10 & 0*) '0 0 & 0/$ ' 10*'( $& 0 (" 0 ") 0 ($ " 0 $ '&' 00000000000 10*'( $& 0 (" 0 ") 0 ($ " 0 $ '&' 00000000000 000%$) $ 0 "0 &#0 '( ' 0 000 0 0 " 0 &#0 '( ' 0 %$) $ 0 0 0

110 0+' 0, )$ 0/( ) 0 0+' 0, )$ 0/( ) 0 ' # 0 "0*'( '0 00 0 ' # 0 "0*'( '0 00 000 " (0*) '0*'( $)'0 ''# 000 " (0*) '0*'( $)'0 ''# 110 0*'( $)' ' # & 0( 0 &# & 0 00 ( $)' ' # & 0( 0 &# & 0 00 0 0*'( 00 &0 ( &0-&( 00 &0 ( &0-&( 110%$&#"!

0," $ & 0%$&#"! 00 0," $ & 110/.-,+0*)(''& 0/.-,+0*)(''& * 110.&0*)(''&0 ( $) 0.&0*)(''&0 ( $)

.010/

,0 -0 ,%&0 00 ,0 -0 ,%&0 00

, 0 && 0 & %0 , , 0 && 0 & %0 #

,#& ,!

-

)

0 0 -

110 0 &(#0 ( ,# 0 0 &(#0 ( ,#

10 " 0 $) 0 '0 )' 0 10 " 0 $) 0 '0 )' 0 000!'0) &0#"0 '0(' 000 !'0) &0#"0 '0('

.010/

0" &# $ 0 % ('& ) 0 * ,0 +

10 0 &(#0$(# 10 0 &(#0$(# % # %

10 0 &(#0-#( &' 10 0 &(#0-#( &'

10

&

% 0 & 0 & #

&

0)

0 ,

,! #0" & % 0$ ('&

#

TX6 TX7_CF 11/13 template 2/24/15 9:30 AM Page 6

President

Buzz Cooper Bio/Career • Long-time resident of Lubbock County, Texas. • Manager of Texas Star Cooperative Gin. • Wife Kim and sons Bonner and Ross. • TCGA Board member. • Graduate of Texas Tech. • Previous manager of Union Cooperative Gin. • Also served as TCGA secretary & vice-president.

A

s outgoing TCGA president Buzz Cooper prepares to pass the gavel to Ken Ross for the upcoming 2015-16 season, he does so with a sense of satisfaction. Once again, the organization dealt with numerous issues head-on, and there is real optimism for the new crop season.

Ginning lasted a bit longer in 2014 because of wet harvest conditions, but that was also a blessing for producers and ginners. It meant that soil moisture levels are above average going into planting season. “I know that I echo what other TCGA presidents

have said in the past,� says Cooper. “It was a fabulous year for my wife Kim and me. We both enjoyed our time during the past year in leading the organization. It was just a real pleasure working with the staff.�

Cooper knows that there are major challenges ahead for TCGA and the entire U.S. cotton industry, but he and other ginners will persevere no matter how daunting the task.

He knows that the list of issues is long – low cotton prices, implementation of a new farm law, OSHA compliance, bale contamination and new technology – but he remains optimistic. “When you look at what we’re facing, it can be a bit overwhelming,� says Cooper. “But it all comes down to our farmers needing to deliver big yields. If we can achieve that goal and maintain our fiber quality, we can survive the current price environment in which we find ourselves.�

It promises to be a special night at the TCGA awards banquet on April 10 at the Overton Hotel.

The long-time manager of the Texas Star Cooperative Gin in Lubbock County will reflect on his year as president and prepare to help the new president make the transition. “In a way, I figured that it would be easy with the help of the TCGA staff,� he says. “And that’s exactly the way it turned out.�

Now, it’s on to another crop season.

See what’’ss new wiitth EAGL.SYSŽ

"! ! !

!

! ! ! !

!

,+*+)('&)%#! ) , ) ) % %#) ) , ' ) ) ! %! ) & ) ) ! %! ) + ' + ' )

TX6 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

TX6 TX7_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:27 AM Page 7

I

t takes preparation to move into a leadership position in any agricultural organization. And that is what Ken Ross has done during the past two years for the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association. Two years ago, he was secretary, and last year he served as vice president.

He has had a front row seat as TCGA dealt with various issues. Now he is ready to assume a new job as president after Buzz Cooper completes his duties at the TCGA Annual Meeting in Lubbock.

Ross is manager of Needmore Gin in Meadow, Texas, and is a third-generation ginner. He learned the business from his father and grandfather and started working at this gin 34 years ago. He assumed a major leadership role in 1997.

Although everyone is concerned about current low cotton prices, Ross believes the opportunity to deliver a big crop this year is what will motivate producers and ginners.

“We’ve seen low prices before, and that’s why I have a lot of faith in our industry,” he says. “We also haven’t seen government intervention like we have now, but somehow we will get through this.”

The new president is also confident that TCGA will continue as a proactive organization that defends ginner’s interests on numerous issues. One example is how TCGA keeps its membership updated on government regulations such as new OSHA workplace reporting requirements.

Incoming President

Ken Ross Bio/Career

The organization also helped start an aggregation program for purchasing electricity. This initiative began in 2009 and helps members buy electricity at competitive rates under a standardized contract.

“All I can say is that the ginning industry in Texas would be a lot different today if we didn’t have TCGA,” says Ross. “Whether it’s the Cotton Ginners Trust, government regulations or other issues, we owe a lot to this organization. That’s why I look forward to this next year with a lot of optimism.”

• Long-time resident of Meadow, Texas.

• Manager of Needmore Gin. • Wife Rene. Son Bryan.

Daughters Kennedi, Karah.

• Previously Secretary and VP of TCGA. • Third-generation ginner.

• Average capacity at Needmore Gin is 35,000 to 40,000 bales.

COTTON FARMING MARCH 2015

TX7

TX8_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:28 AM Page 8

Ginner Of The Year

Rex Ford

I

f you had told Rex Ford that someday he would be honored as the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association “Ginner of the Year,” he might not have believed it was possible.

Many years ago, this resident of Stamford, Texas, (35 miles north of Abilene) was in a completely different career in banking. Then, he moved to a job with John Deere and eventually gravitated to farming.

But, after a couple of years on the farm, Rex decided that he missed being around co-workers and made another move in 1992 that was perfect for his skills.

The affable Ford decided to apply for a job as manager of the

People...Products...Knowledge...

Pe e... ®

Supporting ng Texas e Cotton Growers with Excellent Service & High-Quality Products.

Helena Chemical Company Division Office • 3467 FM 984 North Bardwell, TX 75101 • 972-646-5468 www.helenachemical.com Helena and People...Products...Knowledge... are registered trademarks of Helena Holding Company. © 2015 Helena Holding Company.

TX8 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

Farmers Cooperative Society Gin at Stamford. The previous manager had retired, and it seemed like Rex’s kind of job. He loved agriculture and relished working with people. Not surprisingly, he found his niche.

“I’ll be the first to admit that I did not know a whole lot about ginning,” he says. “However, the folks here put enough faith in me, and it’s been a great ride ever since.”

When he first arrived at the gin, a good season involved about 15,000 bales being processed each year.

Now, if the gin handles less than 35,000 to 40,000 bales, it is considered sub-par.

To say that Ford is appreciative of being named “Ginner of the Year” might be a major understatement.

“I had no idea that anything would happen to me like this,” he says. “I am just really shocked and honored. In the past, I have always been happy for whoever won this award. So, you can imagine how I feel right now.”

Ford is quick to point out that the success of his gin is due to an excellent relationship with local Bio/Career producers and a reliable group of gin workers.

“One of my greatest joys is having • Long-time resident of Stamford, Texas. good people here at the gin,” he • Manager of Farmers says. “We don’t have any problems Cooperative Society Gin in with each other, and we do what Stamford since 1992. needs to be done to take care of a • Previously worked for John farmer’s cotton. Mainly, I try to stay Deere and in banking. out of the way.”

• TCGA Board member.

What is the key to being a success• Current president of Texas ful ginner today? Ford says his philosAg Coop Council. ophy centers on listening. He fosters a • Married to wife Cindy. Has productive atmosphere among his three daughers – Tiffany, Tara and Tristan – and three staff by promoting teamwork. As for grandchildren. how he cultivates positive relationships with farmer-customers, it’s all about having informal meetings and learning as much as he can.

He relishes having conversations with farmers and other gin managers. In fact, he learns more by sitting around a table talking than anything else he does as a ginner.

“To me, that’s the best way to become better at your job,” says Ford. “At least, that is how we do it here. I appreciate having that kind of communication with other folks.”

To those who have known Ford for most of his life, they know he doesn’t like to toot his own horn and call attention to himself. He would rather give credit to family, friends, farmers and fellow ginners for any success he has achieved in the past 23 years.

That’s why you can count on a big crowd of fellow workers, family and friends to attend the awards banquet on Friday night, April 10, at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock.

“I want to share this award with a lot of folks,” says Ford. “I know it will be a special evening for everybody that night, but this isn’t about me. It is about friends and co-workers who made it all possible.”

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/21/15 6:20 PM Page 9

Standing with Texas for Cotton

Stre rengtheniing the Fi Fiber off our Ind Industry ry W W W. C OT TO N B O A R D. O R G

&

TEXAS COTTON ON GINNERS ASSO SSOCIATION AT Taking a Stand in Texas W W W. TC G A . O R G

TX10_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:30 AM Page 10

TCGA Staff Aaron Nelsen Special Projects and Communications Manager

Aaron Nelsen serves as Special Projects and Communications Manager. He oversees and manages the contract with TCP and TSSC. He organizes statewide safety seminars each year and updates members on various environmental, safety and regulatory issues. He also is responsible for the Association’s monthly newsletter, manages the Web site and is in charge of updating the Redbook member directory each year.

Tony D. Williams Executive Vice President

J. Kelley Green Director, Technical Services

Kelley Green serves as Director of Technical Services. He assists ginners in complying with regulations and works with the Texas Commission of Environment Quality on

permits and regulations relating to gins. He also serves as TCGA’s expert in rate cases before the Public Utility Commission and manages the electric aggregation program, which contracts for the purchase of electricity in the de-regulated market.

Heading the TCGA office in Austin is Tony Williams, Executive Vice President. Tony manages the Association’s activities, is responsible for its financial operations and works with the legislature and governmental agencies to provide a ginner’s point of view when it comes to legislation and regulations. He also serves as the organization’s representative at many other state and national industry meetings during the year.

Getting Back To The Basics: Conventional Cotton Seed

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

* New Varieties available from Seed Source Genetics for the 2014 growing season in limited supply. • UA103 • UA222 Varieties • HQ 110 CT • HQ 210 CT • HQ 211 CT Currently • HQ 212 CT • HQ 310 CT • CT Linwood For more information contact:

Booking All Varieties

SEED SOURCE GENETICS, INC.

Edward Jungmann • 5159 FM 3354 • Bishop, TX 78343 Office: 361-584-3540 Mobile: 361-548-7560 Fax: 361-584-4472

eejungmann@gmail.com www.seedsourcegenetics.com TX10 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/12/15 10:41 AM Page 11

wine up wine down

wine all over town Bet you didn’t know that West Texas is responsible for 80 percent of the total wine grape production in the state. We’re proud to be home to five award-winning wineries and acres upon acres of vineyards. So come, savor a glass and enjoy a tour.

visitlubbock.org 800.692.4035

THIS IS WEST TEXAS

TX 12 13_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:32 AM Page 12

Exhibitors & Booth Numbers Advanced Sensing and Controls – 103

Express Scale Services – 261

Samuel Jackson, Inc. – 51-55

AFLAC/Gary Marr Insurance – 228

Feazell Gin Service/King Cotton Brush – 281

Samuel Strapping Systems – 16-19

Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance – 232

GISC – 210

SAWCO Truck & Equipment Accessories – 212

Agrijewelry.com – 203

Goetz Fibers, L.P. – 101

SB Cotton – 241

Allied Compliance Services, Inc. – 278

Hi Plains Electric Motor Repair – 106-107

Scarborough Specialties Inc. – 209

Allstar Fuel/Fred Garrison Oil Co. – 227

Hi-Plains Bag & Bagging, Inc. – 31-32

Schaeffer Manufacturing Company – 33

American Equipment & Trailer, Inc.– 269

Humphrey Coker Seed Company – 108-109

Scott Land Company, LLC – 216

Americot, Inc. – 282-283

Hurst Farm Supply – 223-224

Seed Source Genetics – 253

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. – 211

Hydraulic Shop, LLC – 219-220

Shoppas Material Handling – 4-5

Associated Supply Company, Inc. – 10-11

Indeco Products, Inc. – 201-202

Signode – 134-137

Autauga Quality Cotton Association – 245

John Deere – 114-118

SM Fab – 263

BC Supply – 77-79, 98-100

KEITH Manufacturing Co. – 74-76

Smith Fans, Inc. – 91-93

Bajaj ConEagle LLC – 204-206

KFLP Radio – 272

Stewart & Stevenson – 48-50

Bayer CropScience – 20-21, 41-42

Kimbell Gin Machinery – 62-65

Stover Equipment Co., Inc. – 127-133

Bayer Museum of Agriculture – 218

Kinlau Sheet Metal Works, Inc. – 94-95

Swan USA, Inc. - Legacy Gin Saws – 222

Brandon & Clark, Inc. – 2-3

Lights by H&H Industries, Inc. – 226

T.J. Beall Company – 38

Buckner Children/Family Services – 262

Litco Services – 27

TCGA Registration Booth – 290-291

C&M Baling Systems, Inc. – 6-9

Lone Star Bearing, Inc. – 29-30

Telmark, Inc. – 277

CALCOT – 214

Lowery Distributing Systems – 233

TEVA Corporation – 231

Cape & Son – 28

LP Brown Company – 119-123

Texas A&M AgriLife Research – 234-235

Capital Farm Credit – 288

Lubbock Bolt Bin – 142

Texas A&M University Cotton Chair – 244

Caprock Metal Works – 140-141

Lubbock Electric Co. – 43-45

Texas Ag Coop Trust – 35-36

Caprock Tire – 265

Lummus Corporation – 80-88

Texas Agribusiness Insurance – 275-276

Case IH – 46-47

M.B. McKee Co., Inc. – 138-139

Texas Alliance of Water Conservation – 255

Cherokee Fabrication – 56-61

Martin Vader Co. – 207

Texas Battery – 240

Clearview Home Exteriors – 250-251

McWhorter’s – 208

Texas Bearing – 243

Cliff Granberry Corporation – 144

Micro Dryer – 215

Texas Cotton Gin Museum – 213

CM Material Handling, Inc. – 110

Miles Gin Supply Co. – 279-280

Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust – 1

Connexus Industries, Inc. – 236

Milliman, Inc. – 256

Texas Lubricants – 239

Cotton Board – 39-40

Module Truck Systems – 67-73

The KBH Corporation – 89

Cotton Farming – 292

Monsanto-Deltapine – 286-287

The Triangle Companies – 143

Cottonmaster, Inc. – 14-15

Mueller, Inc. – 257-258

Thomas Engineering, Inc. – 230

Creative Awards & Trophies – 254

Nachurs Alpine Solutions – 264

Three B Brush Corp. – 34

Culligan – 252

NASS/USDA/FO – 268

U.S. Small Business Administration – 271

Deeco Hose & Belting – 249

National Cotton Council – 37

URAD Leather Conditioner – 217

Designs In Thread – 248

Netafim USA – 221

USDA-AMS Cotton Program – 266

Diversified Sub-Surface Irrigation – 289

Northern/Lucus Machine, Inc. – 12-13

Vandergriff/American & Sowega Mfg. – 102

Dow AgroSciences, LLC – 246-247

Pickup Pals – 104-105

W&R Industrial Services, Inc. – 22-25

DSV – 267

Plains Cotton Cooperative – 273-274

Watermaster Irrigation Supply – 238

Dubose Strapping – 284

Polychem Plastic Strapping – 270

West Texas Gas, Inc. – 96-97

Eco-Drip Irrigation Systems, Inc. – 225

RAM Manufacturing Company – 112-113

Wylie Sprayers – 26

Ennis Tag and Label – 90

Rose Cotton Report – 285

EnvironX Solutions – 259-260

RSM Company – 242

Equity Exchange c/o Equity Energy – 237

Rusty’s Weigh Scales & Service – 124-126

Cotton Farming wishes to thank all of the Show Program advertisers for contributing to the TCGA scholarship program: Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Autauga Quality Cotton Bajaj ConEagle LLC Bayer FiberMax Calcot Cliff Granberry Corporation Cotton Board Helena Indeco Lubbock Convention & Visitors Bureau Lubbock Electric Lummus Corporation

TX12 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

Northern/Lucus Machine, Inc. Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. Rusty’s Weigh Samuel Jackson Seed Source Genetics Stover Equipment Company, Inc. Texas Ag Coop Trust Texas Agribusiness Insurance Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust Texas Cotton Gin Museum TJ Beall Company

For more than 20 years, Cotton Farming has cosponsored the TCGA Cotton Trade Show in Lubbock, Texas. The Cotton Farming staff looks forward to many more years in this important partnership with TCGA.

TX 12 13_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:32 AM Page 13

N

Lubbock Mem. Civic Center, Lubbock Texas Exit

Exit

135 134 133 132 131 130 129 128 127 126 125 124 123 122 137 136 121 120 119

139 138

118

117 116

140 141 142

89

90 91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

88

87 86

85 84

83

82

81 80

79

99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110

115

78

67

114

77

76

75

74 73

72

71

70

69

68

144

112 55 56

57

58

28

27 26

44

45 46

47 48 49 50

51

52

53

54

42

41

40 39

38

37 36

35

34

33

32

31 30

29

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

10 11

12 13

59

64 65

60 61

62

63

24

23

22 21

25

20 Concession

Concession

43

Exit

113

Exit

143

4

14 15 16

Women Registration

208

217 218

219 220

225

224

226 230

221

227 231 232 To Meeting Rooms

Ginners’ Cotton Texas Texas Cotton Ginners’Association Association Cotton Annual 108th 108th Annual CottonTrade Trade Show Show 2015 10, 9 April April 9 - 10, 2015

234

243

235

244

285

Men

233 242

286

236

245

284

247

282

267 266 263 265 264

262

261

257 256 255 254 253 252 251 259 258 260 250

Theater 270 269 268

237

246

Outdoor Plaza & Fountain

283

272

271

223

228

281

Men

211 212

Phones

222 216

287

276

273

209 210

215

292 289

277

274

207

214

201 202

278

275

205 206

213

238 239

249

248

240

Women

Entrance

204

288

Women

Men

203

279

Men

en Wom

Phones

280

19

17 18

Freight Elevator

1

To Meeting Rooms

241 Fountain

COTTON FARMING MARCH 2015

TX13

TX14_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 1:21 PM Page 14

SW Ginners School

Gin Schools Emphasize Efficiency

U

.S. ginners are encouraged to attend a 2015 Ginner School not only to increase their individual proficiency but ensure U.S. cotton remains competitive by supplying quality fiber for the world marketplace.

The 2015 Southwest Ginners School will be at the South Plains Ginning Laboratory in Lubbock, Texas, on April 6-8; the Western Ginners School will be at the Southwest Ginning Research Laboratory in Mesilla Park, N.M., on May 5-7; and the Stoneville Ginners School will be at the USDA Ginning Laboratory in Stoneville, Miss., on June 9-11.

U.S. certified ginners, gin managers and superintendents are urged to register for one of the schools. For information on registration and course descriptions, go to http://www.cotton.org/ncga/ginschool/index.cfm.

The three schools’ programming is coordinated by the National Cotton Ginners’ Association (NCGA), working in conjunction with Tommy Valco, USDA’s cotton technology transfer coordinator, and the three USDA Ginning Laboratories. The schools will continue to offer the Levels I, II and III of course instruction as well as the continuing education courses.

NCGA Executive Vice President Harrison Ashley says this year’s programming will again feature practical information on all aspects of ginning.

Topics will range from understanding basic air flow to controlling gin plant emissions and from lint cleaning to gin trash disposal methods. He says the schools’ overall emphasis will be placed on increasing ginning efficiency, turning out high-quality fiber and on improving safety.

Ashley said that ginners will be asked to make contamination prevention an ongoing priority as contamination remains a significant threat to U.S. cotton’s outstanding global reputation.

The Ginner Schools’ Continuing Education courses will feature multiple presentations such as the proper handling and removal of the round module wrap, which has escalated in use across the Cotton Belt.

TX14 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

TX15_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:35 AM Page 15

Plains Cotton Growers PCG’s Cottonseed Endorsement Program continues to be a critical component of a producer’s risk management strategy. The 2014 crop year was the fourth that cotton producers could select additional coverage for cottonseed through the Federal Crop Insurance program.

Shawn Holladay PCG President

P

APH Yield Exclusion Producers did receive some good news going into the 2015 crop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that producers of select spring crops, including cotton, can adjust their Actual Production History (APH) yields to offset the

impact of drought.

Celebrating Cotton PCG is pleased to announce the fourth annual Celebrate Cotton game, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, as Texas Tech hosts Texas-El Paso.

PCG continues to lead these planning efforts along with Texas Tech Athletics and Red Raider Sports Properties for activities surrounding the game. The game affords PCG a chance to promote cotton through a very successful partnership with the university.

lains Cotton Growers, Inc., will host its 58th Annual Meeting on Friday, April 10, in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

PCG’s Annual Meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, and the program will start promptly at 9 a.m. The meeting is conducted in conjunction with the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show, April 9-10, in Lubbock.

Current PCG president Shawn Holladay, who farms near Lamesa, Texas, will preside over the meeting, and PCG Executive Vice President Steve Verett will report on the status of PCG operations and activities. An award recognizing the 2014 High Plains Cotton Agent of the Year also will be presented at the meeting.

Additional information about PCG and the Annual Meeting can be found at www.plainscotton.org. In preparation for the Annual Meeting, here are key items of interest for PCG over the past year: 2014 Farm Bill The road to the Agricultural Act of 2014 was a long and strenuous one, and although cotton is no longer a covered commodity under the Title One programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, cotton producers have many new tools that can provide unprecedented flexibility as well as new combinations of protection within the programs delivered by FSA and the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

Crop insurance will play a major role anchored by initiatives such as the PCGdeveloped Cottonseed Endorsement Program and many enhancements implemented by this Farm Bill, such as the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO).

COTTON FARMING MARCH 2015

TX15

TX16_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:34 AM Page 16

Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust

T

he Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust is celebrating another successful year of operation at its Annual Meeting in Lubbock on April 10.

Formed in 1994, the Trust delivers stable, affordable workers’ compensation coverage to Texas agricultural businesses.

The Trust provides coverage to more than 75 percent of the cotton gins in Texas as well as cotton warehouses, cotton oil seed mills and other agricultural businesses across the state.

The Trust’s Producer Program offers the protection of workers’ compensation coverage for employees of cotton producers who gin with members of the Trust.

The Trust provides its members both hard savings in Safety Credit earned and dividends paid back – as well as soft savings in premiums the members never had to pay to a commercial insurance carrier. The Trust was always there to provide coverage in times of a restricted market.

These distributions represent more than 26 percent of premiums paid in those years.

Trust gin members once again earned more than $350,000 in Safety Credit, which was being returned with the 2014 final audit to those who qualified. More than $3 million in Safety Credit was returned in eight years.

Returns to Trust members, including Safety Credit and member deposits, have totaled

nearly $40 million since the Trust’s inception.

This year’s Annual Meeting of the Trust is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The Trust will once again be located in Booth No. 1 at this year’s Trade Show in the large exhibit hall. Please stop by and visit with us. Have a safe trip to Lubbock and thanks for your support of the Trust.

Gin Motes, sample loose and plastic bale wrap purchasing 1502 Roper Avenue • West Point, GA 31833 706-645-1309 www.tjbeall.com

INDECO Module Marking Ink STAMARK(TM)

STOVER UNWRAPPER GIS STOVER COTTON MODULE RETRIEVER BED STOVER GIN MOVER FIELD MOVER RMS MODULE TRUCK CHAIN

www.stoverequipment.com

OTHER PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

TX16 COTTON FARMING

MARCH 2015

(361) 884-8961

Ahora ofrecemos clases de entrenamiento en español.

Gringos are welcome too.

Indeco Products, Inc. P.O. Box 865 San Marcos, TX 78667 TEL: 888-246-3326

Jeremy Speis Texas Regional Manager 13330 Leopard St., Ste. #3 Corpus Christi, TX 78410 Phone: 361-543-7278 jspeis@calcot.com

MODULE COVERS

• Polyester Cord Strap • Cotton Cord Strap • Bale Markers • Tarp Repair • Patch Tape • Sample Bags

samjackson.com

Lubbock: 806-795-5218 Oklahoma: 214-695-0158

TX17_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:36 AM Page 17

TCGA Scholarship Program

Major Priority: Investing In Ag’s Future

H

ow important is it to find the next generation of agricultural leaders?

Most observers say it’s a major priority that cannot be be overlooked in today’s competitive world.

For that reason, Cotton Farming is pleased to continue its support of the Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association (TCGA) scholarship program that benefits ag students at Texas Tech University.

Each year, the magazine, which has co-sponsored the TCGA Trade Show for more than 20 years, contributes a portion of the revenue from the sale Shelby Young of ads in the TCGA printed program.

This year’s check will be presented on Friday night, April 10, at the TCGA awards banquet at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock.

Hunter Parrott “I can’t think of a better investment in ag’s future than supporting these students with this kind of program,” says Tony Williams, TCGA executive vice president.

Jane Piercy, Texas Tech’s director of development and external relations for the university, says ag students appreciate any kind of help that is given to them during their college years.

“Unless you’ve met our ag students you can’t appreciate how dedicated they are,” she says. “They are happy to receive any kind of assistance.”

Agribusiness major Stefanie Wolf, freshman, Henrietta, Texas Agricultural Communications major Shelby Young, senior, Hale Center, Texas Environmental Crop and Soil Science major Taylor Frank, senior, Berthoud, Colo., an Agriculture and Applied Economics major, is the recipient of the Rocky King Memorial Scholarship.

Many of the scholarship winners will attend TCGA’s Board of Directors meeting on

Friday morning, April 10, at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock.

Meanwhile, other Texas Tech students will be on hand for parts of the TCGA Trade Show on April 9-10.

For more information on how to support the TCGA Scholarship program, contact the organization’s office in Austin, Texas, at (512) 476-8388 or go to www.tcga.org.

Bolled Bo Bol ollle oll led ed Ov ed Ove O Over ver v er er

By He Healthcare? eal ea alt lth hca car arre re? e?

H tthc

Keeping K Keep Ke ep ping yo you your our ur ne nee needs edds iin n

FOCUS FO OCU OC CUS US

Eight students are recipients of this year’s TCGA scholarships: Zane Byrd, sophomore, Petersburg, Texas Animal Science major Taylor Fort, senior, Elgin, Texas Agricultural Communications major Hunter Parrott, junior, Plains, Texas Interdisciplinary Agriculture major Colby Pennell, senior, Tom Bean, Texas Agribusiness major Taylor Person, senior, Lubbock, Texas Environmental Crop and Soil Science major Brooke Pollack, senior, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Tex exa exa as Ag Co oop Trust 915 Austtin S Str ttrreet Leve ev veella and d, TX 793 933 33 36 8066-7 -74 747 477--7789 894 94 8066-7 -74 747 477-7 -7789 897 97 Fa Fax ax ww ww w.t .tx txxagccoop..com

COTTON FARMING MARCH 2015

TX17

TX18_CF 11/13 template 2/13/15 9:37 AM Page 18

TCGA Officers/Directors 2014-15 Executive Committee Buzz Cooper - President, Slaton Ken Ross - Vice President, Meadow Mike Polk - Secretary, Corpus Christi Danny Moses - Immediate Past President, Wharton Keith Johnson - Region 1, Kingsville John Engel - Region 2, Palacios Larry Black - Region 3, Roscoe Jeff Turner - Region 4, St. Lawrence Randy Reid - Region 5, Loop Prentice Fred - Region 6, Levelland Curtis Griffith - Region 7, Morton

2014-15 Board of Directors District 1 Ed Landry, La Feria Gerald Milligan, Lyford Garry White, Raymondville Sally Ross, Mercedes - Alternate

Jeff McKamey, Gregory Mike Polk, Corpus Christi John Steelhammer, Mathis Mike Thompson, Bishop Chris Yaklin, Robstown Lance Bradford, Batesville Alternate District 3 John Engel, Palacios Teddy Kallus, Hungerford Jimmy Roppolo, El Campo Daniel Polak, Richmond - Alternate District 4 Ralph Bachmayer, Thrall Jake Hudnall, Bryan Joe Ferrara, Hearne - Alternate

District 5 Gerry Kasberg, Birome Todd McGraw, Frost - Alternate District 6 Larry Black, Roscoe Rex Ford, Stamford

District 2 Keith Johnson, Kingsville

Betty McDougal, Anson Brett Mikeska, Wingate - Alternate District 7 Kevin Huddleston, Memphis Kim Martindale, Wellington Thomas Parker, Memphis Larry Tomlinson, Munday Dusty Byars, Lakeview - Alternate District 8 Brad Mikeska, Big Spring Tom Montgomery, Lomax Ray Ritchey, Colorado City Rick Timmins, Flower Grove Jeff Turner, St. Lawrence Dan Evans, Snyder - Alternate District 9 Mark Owens, Loop Randy Reid, Loop Earnest Spradlin, Seagraves Kyle Gene Taubert, Seminole Ben H. Royston, Seminole Alternate District 10 Noel Morales, Lamesa Glen Phipps, Welch Chris Rhodes, Lamesa Billy Shofner, Lamesa Alternate

.-,+*)('&%$#,+ .

-, -,+*) *)(('&% &%$# $# #,+

* *#*+- + ( * $ *)( # +*##( #$(. *% & #-# "! ( ,& &) (. -*(" -, ( ** ( !! " "" ,%$ ( ( " ,%& ( " "" " -* &#& +# %,

& ((( " "" * & # &%$#,+ -* &#& +# %,

%* ((( "

District 11 Ron Craft, Plains Dan Jackson, Meadow Jerry Reynolds, Tokio Ken Ross, Meadow Kyle King, Brownfield - Alternate

Open Tues. – Sat. 10a.m. – 4 p.m.

Guided Tours Available 979-289-3378 www.cottonginmuseum.org

Oldest Operating Cotton Gin in America!

26th Burton Cotton Gin Festival – April 17 & 18

Need a g game-winning a ame-w winning marketing mark ke etting plan?

W We’re e’re oonn yyour our tteam eam ffor o tthe he w whole hole sseason. eason.

Producer Pr oducer O Owned Recap Management Mana agement Recap Seasona S easonal P Pool ool Seasonal

Producer Pr oducer Focused F Focuse ocuse ed Forward Contract Forward C Contracts ontractts LSA LS A

or visit

cchoicecotton.com h o i ce c o t t o n . c o m

A Proud Part P of the Autauga Quality Cotton Association Team.

MARCH 2015

District 13 Chris Berry, Levelland Prentice Fred, Levelland Johnny Shepard, Shallowater Paul Wilson, Levelland Brian Lehrmann, Ropesville - Alternate District 14 Jerry Butman, Lubbock Eugene Crumpler, Jr., Abernathy Keith Grayson, Idalou Carey McKinney, Idalou Joey Jenkins, Lubbock - Alternate District 15 Curtis Griffith, Morton James Shepard, Muleshoe Gary Willingham, Morton - Alternate District 16 Guyle Roberson, Amherst Curtis Stewart, Spade Mike West, Springlake Chris Williams, Olton - Alternate District 17 Phillip Kidd, Edmonson Steve Mason, Plainview Brandon Pritchard, Plainview Willis Taubert, Cotton Center District 18 Scott Hilburn, Floydada Philip Manske, Lorenzo Steve Newton, Ralls Bill Shields, Lorenzo John Woelfel, Floydada Tom Byars, Lockney - Alternate District 19 Billy Borchardt, Hereford Jerrell Key, Spearman Craig Rohrbach, Farwell Leighton Stovall, Dumas Jaime Subealdea, Tulia David Varner, Hereford Todd Straley, Hart – Alternate

TCGA Staff Tony D. Williams -

Call (334) 380-4745

Customize your own plan.

TX18 COTTON FARMING

District 12 Bob Ballard, Tahoka Glenn Ivins, O’Donnell David Wied, New Home David Anderson, O’Donnell Alternate

Executive Vice President

J. Kelley Green Director, Technical Services Aaron Nelsen Special Projects/Comm. Manager

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/12/15 10:44 AM Page 19

Our Services:

#"!( $ (* "( " ( #"% (

( ( ( ( (

On-site gin repair and maintenance Exchanges for channel saws, lint cleaner saws, and brush cylinders Full machine shop capabilities plus a state of the art Dynamic Balancer *)*('&%$#"#"!( ( ( (*)*( "#"!( ( ( ( $#% ( ( ( ( ( ( Perforation of all makes and models of condenser screen drums Fabrication of a full line of new Gin Stand Mandrells Manufacturing cotton gin machinery and plastic wrap bale presses Pouring babbit hanger caps and related items Factory rebuilding of all makes of gin machinery

Rebuilding JD stripper saws & brushes

We Stock:

FAFNIR & Dodge Bearings, Belts, Channel Saws, and Flashing * ( #" ( ( (&" ( ( (#"( (

( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( (

( #" (&" ( ( (#"( (

( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ((

Complete line of Condenser and Saw Unit Parts

Murray, Mitchell, Lummus, H.E., Moss, Horn and Gladden, Consolidated, Continental, & CMI parts Electric motors & VFD controls D&D and Carlisle V-belts and timing belts Dodge power transmission products

TCGA0315 Layout_CF 11/13 template 2/12/15 10:45 AM Page 20

EVERY DETAIL MATTERS.

Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and FiberMax are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.FiberMax.com CR0714FIBMAXA137V00R0 A-27019-1