Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned with Seed Coat Fragments in Cotton

Dan Cotton, Georgia, USDA-AMS

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A trained cotton classer opening samples to inspect for extraneous matter.
Credit: AMS Cotton & Tobacco Program.
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Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture
Gary Black

It was announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Agriculture in raising awareness and further examine the significant increase in seed coat fragments in cotton produced in the state. In a phone interview with Southeast Agnet’s Randall Weiseman, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black said in some cases over half of a crop has been affected by this phenomenon.

Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned with Seed Coat Fragments in Cotton

Thus far, the AMS Macon, GA Classing Office has classed 2.2 million samples, of which approximately 895,000 contained seed coat fragments. In addition to seed coat fragments, a portion of samples also contained whole cotton seed.

The Macon Classing Office looks forward to welcoming stakeholders or producers who would like to observe the cotton classing process. Please contact Noah Bell, Area Director, at (478) 474-2831 to set up an appointment. The office is located at 1100 Parkway Drive, Macon GA 31220.

To learn more about the increase in seed coat fragments in cotton produced in Georgia, click here.