Atlanta, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced this week that five of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. This includes the Georgia Cotton Commission. Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website and will be accepted until May 23, 2025. Administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, …
Planting Cotton Amid Worsening Drought Conditions in Georgia
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist, advise growers what they should consider during planting season amid worsening drought conditions in the state. “I know that we’re talking about a tough year, but in a lot of cases it would benefit folks to water before you plant,” Hand said. “You …
Loan Deficiency Payments Now Available for Cotton Producers
Georgia cotton producers may be eligible for Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). LDPs are payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a Marketing Assistance Loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity. The Georgia Cotton Commission reminds its growers that the …
Time to Act: Conduct Irrigation Maintenance Now Before Planting Season
By Clint Thompson Georgia cotton growers are on the cusp of another planting season. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension Cotton Team implore growers to check now to ensure their irrigation equipment is operating at full capacity. University of Georgia Precision Ag Specialist Wes Porter highlights what producers should check so there are no issues once plantings …
Georgia Cotton Commission Approves ’26 Research
Perry, GA – The Georgia Cotton Commission board of directors approved $660,818 in research for the 2026 crop year during the commission’s March board meeting. The money will fund 15 projects that will be conducted by University of Georgia (UGA) researchers and extension specialists. Projects range from funding for the UGA cotton team to research on resistant weeds, soil management …
Georgia Cotton Commission Pleased with Referendum Results
Georgia cotton producers had the opportunity to vote to continue the $1 per bale assessment that funds the Georgia Cotton Commission’s programs of research, promotion and education. This year’s referendum period ended on March 12. The Georgia Department of Agriculture recorded the votes, and the results showed 87.83% of voters favoring the assessment continuation. Colquitt County cotton producer Bart Davis, who serves …
GCC Executive Director Applauds ECAP
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC), applauded the USDA’s announcement. Colquitt County cotton producer Bart Davis, who also …
Planting Tips When Moving from Corn to Cotton
By Clint Thompson Cotton planting is slated to begin near the end of April. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension Cotton Team encourage Georgia producers to look over their planters and make any necessary modifications now. University of Georgia Precision Ag Specialist Wes Porter outlines a few tips for growers to consider in advance of planting this …
Plant Bug Management for Georgia Cotton Farmers
By Clint Thompson Late season plant bugs have become more of a nuisance for Georgia cotton growers. It may be attributed to increased resistance in certain insecticides, says Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia Extension cotton entomologist. He discussed plant bugs during the annual Georgia Cotton Commission meeting in January. Roberts said there were very high plant bug populations last year, …
Cotton Jassid’s Potential Threat to Georgia’s Crop
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s cotton growers should be mindful that a new insect is on the radar of the University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team. Phillip Roberts, a UGA Extension cotton entomologist, spoke about the Cotton Jassid at the recent Georgia Cotton Commission meeting. He said the insect was observed in multiple counties in Florida in 2024, including Jackson County …