Beltwide Cotton Conferences Jan. 4-7
Nov 18, 2009 9:42 AM
Other insightful presentations will include a review of the 2009 growing season, opportunities in conservation programs, a discussion of marketing challenges, an economic outlook and updates on industry issues from the NCC and on key research efforts from The Cotton Foundation and Cotton Incorporated.
A number of experts are projecting that U.S. cotton acreage may increase in 2010 after the lowest plantings in 26 years. With memories of a tough season still looming in the rear view mirror, the Beltwide should provide fresh perspective on the coming year, Robertson noted.
“So many times management decisions are based heavily on what happened the previous year. I think we’ll hear a lot from experts stressing that the 2010 season was such an anomaly. We have experts from all across the country gathering at the Beltwide. It’s a chance for growers to ask them questions one on one in small groups.”
The Production Conference’s workshops will feature: (1) a collaborative report on several years of research from across the Cotton Belt concerning site-specific management of nematodes; (2) geographical sampling concepts and techniques for cotton pest management for precision agriculture uses; (3) variable rate nitrogen applications using on-the-go optical sensors; (4) effective and efficient irrigation for cotton production; (5) roundtable discussions on variety selection, insects, weed resistance and conservation programs, (6) an introduction to options, and (7) an economic outlook. Other sessions include a cotton specialists workshop and the annual New Developments From Industry reports on varieties, chemistry and equipment/technology.
In addition, the third annual Cotton Consultants’ Conference will include educational presentations by Extension and University experts on: (1) spring burndown herbicides and their impact on diseases, insects and weeds; (2) updates on cotton diseases and insect pests, including new products available to combat them; (3) a panel discussion on the value of transgenics and the impact on consultants, and (4) keynote speaker, entomologist J.R. Bradley’s humorous and informative look back on his experiences and a discussion of consultants’ role in helping farmers deal with the challenges and issues that production agriculture faces now and in the future.
The Beltwide Cotton Conferences bring together those with a stake in maintaining a healthy U.S. cotton production sector, including cotton industry members, university and USDA researchers, Extension personnel, consultants, and service providers, to share timely information.
Conferences’ programming is designed to update U.S. cotton producers on new technology, innovative and effective production practices, and key industry issues.
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