House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement concerning the exclusion of critical help for cotton and dairy farmers from the omnibus appropriations bill. “It is no secret that times are extremely difficult in farm and ranch country right now, with net farm income down 50 percent from where it stood just four years ago. It …
Saving Costs with Cover Crops
Cotton farmers in Alabama who use cover crops have a new, cost-cutting option. They can kill their cover crops and plant their cotton in the same pass through a field, according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. Cover crops are gaining in popularity because they suppress weeds and help retain moisture and nutrients. Farmers typically plant cover crops in the …
NCC Extremely Disappointed with Exclusion of Cottonseed Policy from Omnibus
National Cotton Council (NCC) Chairman Ronnie Lee said the NCC “is extremely disappointed that the fiscal year 2017 omnibus appropriations bill does not include the cottonseed policy developed by the U.S. cotton industry in consultation with Congress.” Lee said the cottonseed policy is: 1) broadly supported by the entire U.S. cotton industry, as well as many other farm bill stakeholders; …
2017-18 Emerging Leaders Program Class Announced
Twelve U.S. cotton industry members have been chosen to participate in the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Emerging Leaders Program for 2017-18. Participants include: PRODUCERS – Blake Fennell, Earth, Texas; Jesse Flye, Jonesboro, Ark.; Richard Heiden, Buckeye, Ariz.; Justin Jones, Smithville, Ga.; and Rose Robertson, Coolidge, Ariz.; GINNER – Cacky Sobral, Wilson, Ark.; MERCHANTS – Wesley Rentz, Greenville, S.C.; Beau Stephenson, …
Possible Changes in Cotton/Dairy Policies Ahead
House Ag Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson tells Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report that he’s optimistic that the fiscal 2017 government spending package will include changes to the cotton and dairy policies in the new Farm Bill. He says those potential changes would provide more financial assistance to farmers. The Minnesota Democrat says he and other committee members have been talking …
Cotton Incorporated Launches New Consumer Campaign
Leave Comfort to Clothes Cotton Incorporated’s Consumer Marketing Division has announced the launch of a new consumer-directed advertising campaign, Leave Comfort to Clothes. “The ‘Leave Comfort to Clothes’ campaign leverages consumers’ strong connection between cotton and comfort and inspires them to rethink the way they view comfort,” says Jill Orsini, Cotton Incorporated’s Director of Advertising. “The comfort doesn’t come from …
Seeking to Get Cottonseed as a Covered Commodity
The U.S. cotton industry is seeking to get cottonseed designated as a covered commodity, making it eligible for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Robbie Minnich, senior government relations representative for the National Cotton Council, says they are working with Congress to get this set up through the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill. Image: Cottonseed …
New ‘Focus on Cotton’ Webcast Introduces Thrips Infestation Predictor Tool to Help Growers Prevent Seedling Damage
Tobacco thrips populations fluctuate in size from year to year and can cause significant damage to cotton seedlings by slowing growth and making the plant more vulnerable to future environmental stress. A new Focus on Cotton webcast titled “Thrips Infestation Predictor for Cotton: An Online Tool for Informed Thrips Management” helps cotton growers, consultants, and other industry experts schedule planting …
Increase in Cotton Exports
The latest numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supply and Demand Report indicate an increase in cotton exports. Tyron Spearman has the details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025
Georgia Cotton Commission Says Cottonseed Designation Efforts Continue
Efforts continue to help producers with a cottonseed designation. According to the National Cotton Council (NCC), in recent testimony before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee from Bronwood, Ga. said, “cotton must be brought back into the farm law’s Title I commodity policy as it is the only program crop …