The LSU AgCenter is hosting the 2003 Louisiana Cotton Forum Jan. 14 at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Monroe, La. The event will begin with registration at 8 a.m.

Following registration, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Joel Faircloth will help to kick off the meeting with an update on cotton varieties for 2003.

Other topics to be covered include an update from Willie Cooper of the Farm Services Agency, a report on boll weevil eradication from John Andries of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and more on boll weevil eradication maintenance work from Ralph Bagwell of the LSU AgCenter.

In addition, Fred Sanders of the LSU AgCenter will speak on the Master Farmer Program, and LSUAgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson and Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil will provide updates on the latest research and Extension developments.

The morning's program also will include concurrent sessions on general agronomy of cotton and management of weeds, diseases and nematodes.

Afternoon speakers include LSU AgCenter faculty members Roger Leonard, Ralph Bagwell, Gene Burris, and Steve Micinski, who will discuss insect pest management in cotton.

The forum is free to the public. For information, contact Faircloth at 318-435-2908.