Cotton Specialists Corner

Extension Cotton Specialists
  • 5.0 (15)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Extension Cotton Specialists and others from across the U.S. weigh in on a variety of topics that impact cotton producers, consultants, and the industry as a whole.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Cotton Jassid: What Growers Must Know

    We trace how the cotton jassid moved from scattered detections to a widespread, fast-moving threat and share what actually stopped yield losses. We explain scouting on the top leaves, the new one-per-leaf threshold, and why missing the first spray costs you the season. • biology, hosts and how hopperburn looks • rapid spread patterns and storm-assisted movement • where to scout on the plant and why leaf four matters • thresholds shifting from five to one per leaf • yield loss data across planting dates and regions • first-spray urgency and recovery limits • effective modes of action and rotation needs • overwintering risks and alternate hosts near fields • variety differences and early resistance prospects • 2026 readiness: scout from day one and avoid overreacting • finishing green to 20 percent open under late pressure If you have questions about cotton jassid management in your area, reach out to your local Extension specialist or county agent for the latest recommendations

    1h 20m

  2. 09/02/2025

    Unraveling the One Big Beautiful Bill: What Cotton Growers Need to Know

    When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed on July 4th, 2025, it marked a turning point for America's cotton farmers after years of economic hardship. But what exactly does this legislation mean for growers across the Cotton Belt, and how did the industry secure these critical policy wins? In this revealing conversation, Camp Hand hosts three key cotton industry leaders—Taz Smith from the National Cotton Council, Kody Bessent from Plains Cotton Growers, and Taylor Sills from the Georgia Cotton Commission—to break down the groundwork and advocacy that led to this watershed moment. The panel reveals how a unified cotton industry approached Congress with compelling economic data showing hundreds of millions in losses, convincing lawmakers that American agriculture faced an existential threat without significant policy improvements. The results are substantial: reference prices for seed cotton jumped from 36.7 cents to 46 cents, potentially tripling PLC payments for many producers. Payment limits increased from $125,000 to $155,000 and are now indexed to inflation. Producers gained the flexibility to simultaneously participate in PLC and area-wide insurance coverage—a long-sought change that enhances risk management options. These provisions extend through 2031, providing unprecedented long-term stability. Yet challenges remain. The first payments under these new programs won't reach farmers until October 2026, creating an immediate cash flow crisis for operations already stretched thin. The panel discusses efforts to secure bridge assistance and the proposed Buy American Cotton Act, which would provide tax incentives to boost demand for U.S. cotton amid intensifying global competition from Brazil and Australia. Whether you farm cotton in drought-prone Texas, hurricane-threatened Georgia, or anywhere across the Cotton Belt, you'll want to attend one of the National Cotton Council's upcoming educational sessions this September. With complex decisions ahead about base acre updates and program participation, these regional meetings offer crucial guidance to maximize your benefits under this landmark legislation. Dates and locations for these meetings can be found at this link: https://www.cotton.org/news/releases/2025/ncc-farm-bill-meetings.cfm Listen now to understand how the cotton industry's remarkable unity delivered this policy victory and what you need to know to navigate the road ahead.

    50 min

  3. 07/14/2025

    Episode 56 - Southeast Crop Update

    Drs. Guy Collins (NCSU), Keith Edmisten (NCSU), Sudeep Sidhu (UF), and Josh Lee (AU) join host Camp Hand (UGA) to discuss planting conditions, acreage reduction, and crop management during a challenging 2024 season. Weather patterns, market pressures, and management strategies dominate the conversation as experts share insights on navigating the lowest cotton acreage since the early 1990s. • North Carolina experienced good early planting conditions followed by wet, cool weather that prevented many acres from being planted • Georgia and Florida faced similar patterns with favorable April planting followed by persistent May rainfall that delayed field operations • Alabama growers battled relentless rain, especially in northern regions, pushing planting dates into June • Cotton acreage is down dramatically – Georgia likely 750,000-850,000 acres (vs USDA's 1 million estimate) • North Carolina acreage approximately 40% lower than 2023, around 250,000 acres • Many unplanted acres went to prevented planting rather than alternative crops • Current crop condition is generally good though behind normal development schedule • Specialists recommend efficient management through timely PGR applications, reduced nitrogen rates, and strict adherence to pest thresholds • August rainfall will be the most critical factor for determining final yields • Growers advised to avoid untested specialty products and focus on proven management practices in this low-price environment

    38 min

  4. 07/07/2025

    Episode 55 - Mid-South Crop Update

    Drs. Shelley Pate-Kerns (Louisiana State University), Brian Pieralisi (Mississippi State University), Zachary Treadway (University of Arkansas), Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee), and Bradley Wilson (University of Missouri) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss the status of the Mid-South Cotton Crop. Discussions include planting conditions and planted acres, current situation, and the crop outlook.

    58 min

  5. 07/02/2025

    Episode 54 - Southwest Crop Update

    Drs. Randy Norton (University of Arizona), Ken Lege (Texas A&M AgriLife), Jenny Dudak (Oklahoma State University), Logan Simon (Kansas State University), and Benjamin McKnight (Texas A&M AgriLife) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss the crop in the Southwestern portion of the cotton belt. Discussions included planting conditions, planted acres, crop condition, and outlook for the season.

    1h 11m

  6. 06/23/2025

    Making the case for increasing cotton demand: Polyester's contribution to microplastic contamination in the environment and our bodies

    Drs. Jesse Daystar (Chief Sustainability Officer, Cotton Inc.) and Richard Venditti (Professor, Dept. of Forest Biomaterials at NC State) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss plastic leakage, particularly as it pertains to microplastic contamination in the environment and our bodies. Conversations revolve around the sustainability of cotton and how polyester is the main source of microplastic contamination around the world. For those wanting additional resources, those can be found below: Cotton Today - https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/ Cotton and Coffee: Sustainability Update - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTu2z8h2OQg

    1h 5m

  7. 05/05/2025

    Episode 52 - History and Importance of the Boll Weevil and its Eradication

    Entomologists Drs. Ray Frisbie (Texas A&M), Ron Smith (Auburn University), Phillip Roberts (University of Georgia), and agronomist Dr. Steve Brown (Auburn University) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss the history and importance of the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and its eradication. Discussions surround the boll weevil and its management prior to eradication, controversy surrounding eradication during the early days, changes in cotton growth and management following eradication, and update on current boll weevil eradication efforts in South Texas and Northern Mexico.

    1h 20m

  8. 03/24/2025

    Episode 51 - How Growers Across the Belt are Making it Work in 2025

    Extension Cotton Specialists Drs. Ken Lege (Texas A&M Agrilife), Tyson Raper (University of Tennssee), and Mike Jones (Clemson University) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss ways that growers across the cotton belt are adjusting production strategies with the difficult economic situation facing the farm in 2025. Conversations revolve around reducing current inputs (seeding rates, fertility) or changing production strategies entirely (ELS/conventional cotton) and associated challenges with that decision.

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Extension Cotton Specialists and others from across the U.S. weigh in on a variety of topics that impact cotton producers, consultants, and the industry as a whole.

Information

  • Creator
    Extension Cotton Specialists
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Cotton Specialists Corner
  • Show Website
    Cotton Specialists Corner

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