By Clint Thompson There is no shortage of issues impacting Georgia cotton production. Whether it is the unpredictable weather that affected planting this spring, insect pests like stink bugs and whiteflies, or the looming farm bill; all have challenged the state’s growers in their quest to be more efficient and sustainable. All were highlighted during the Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) …
UGA Extension Advises Cotton Growers About Aphid Management
The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Cotton Team advise growers about aphid management this time of year. Phillip Roberts, UGA Extension entomologist, provided a pest patrol update and said initial reports of the aphid fungus were observed last week. The reports were limited to spots of fields, located southwest of Tifton, where some fungus, or gray, …
GCC Executive Director Discusses Farm Bill
By Clint Thompson Like other crop specific organizations, the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) anxiously awaits the next farm bill. Taylor Sills, GCC executive director, discussed this important piece of legislation that growers are hopeful will get passed sometime this year. The farm bill will be one of the many topics set to be discussed at this year’s mid-year meeting on …
U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Growers Can Now Apply for the Level 2 Climate Smart Cotton Program
(MEMPHIS, TENN) — The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, an initiative supported by the Georgia Cotton Commission, announced that growers can now enroll in Climate Smart Cotton Program Level 2. This program, led by the Trust Protocol, gives Level 1 growers the opportunity to receive additional financial support for implementing Climate Smart practice changes into their operations. With implementation of Climate …
Registration Still Open for GCC Mid-Year Meeting
Registration remains open for the Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) mid-year meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro, Georgia. Taylor Sills, executive director of the Georgia Cotton Commission, outlined this year’s second annual meeting, which will highlight timely topics impacting the state’s cotton producers. “July 24, we’re going to have our second annual Georgia Cotton …
Slow Down: Georgia Cotton Producers Be Careful Not to Make Mistakes
The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia (UGA) Extension Cotton Team implore producers to be properly prepared when finishing out this planting season. Some growers may be behind in their planting schedules following excessive rainfall this spring. Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist, says the worst thing those farmers can do now is to be in a hurry and …
Rainy Weather Causing Issues for Georgia Cotton Producers
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and University of Georgia Extension Cotton Team advise growers to exercise caution when accessing a soggy field to plant this year’s crop. They also need to think twice about re-planting this year’s crop, believes Camp Hand, UGA Extension cotton agronomist. “No. 1, our backs are against the wall. The later we go, the more acceptable …
GCC Seeking Potential Nominees for Cotton Organization Leadership Positions
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is seeking nominees for the Cotton Board, which administers the cotton, research and promotion program. The nominees would potentially serve three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Individuals are needed to serve as members and alternates of the Cotton Board. The GCC is focused on helping the U.S. Department of Agriculture fully realize their commitment to …
Georgia Cotton Growers Delayed by Rainy Week
Rainfall totals were high heading into this week in Georgia. Then Monday came, along with additional rainfall. More is expected this weekend. The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension encourage growers to take advantage of any dry conditions when they have the chance. “You know your fields. You know your farm. It’s time to really be getting after …
GCC Cautions Growers About EPA’s Decision Regarding Acephate
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) cautions growers that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate in an effort to protect human health. While this is a proposed decision and not yet a final rule, it concerns the GCC and executive director Taylor Sills. He details the decision and outlines the …