Cotton Specialists Corner

Dicamba is available again for over-the-top use in XtendFlex cotton, but the path back comes with a label that demands planning, discipline, and proof that we can keep applications on target. We sit down with weed scientists Dr. Pete Dotray (Texas Tech) and Dr. Stanley Culpepper (University of Georgia) to translate what changed for 2026 and 2027 and what those changes mean when you are trying to cover acres on real timelines.We walk through the biggest shifts growers and applicators will feel immediately: a two-season registration window, required training, heavier documentation, updated droplet language, and tighter stewardship expectations around drift and volatility. Then we slow down and unpack the new temperature-based approach using National Weather Service forecasts, including how the 84°F, 85–94°F, and 95°F thresholds can  limit acres under certain conditions, and potentially push dicamba applications earlier in the season. We also cover the practical pieces that decide whether a spray stays clean: VRAs and DRAs at the correct rates, boom height, wind speed, inversions, time-of-day rules, rainfall and runoff language, and how downwind buffers can be managed with mitigation credits and defined managed areas.The conversation also turns to paraquat, why the product matters across agriculture, and why uncertainty in supply or training infrastructure would ripple through conservation tillage and harvest aid programs. The bigger takeaway is simple: resistance is not the only threat to the herbicide toolbox anymore. Lawsuits, regulation pressure, and public narratives are shaping what stays available, and stewardship is now part of keeping tools on the farm.

Cotton seed is expensive, but the real question isn’t “How many seeds did you plant?” It’s “How many healthy, evenly spaced plants actually carry yield to the picker.” We sit down with cotton specialists from the University of Georgia, Texas A&M AgriLife, the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, and NC State to compare seeding rate recommendations across the Cotton Belt and explain why the right number changes with moisture, irrigation capacity, and planting risk. We talk straight about what growers are doing now, where populations tend to be too high, and how far you can realistically back down without paying for it later. You’ll hear the pros and cons of wide rows, skip-row patterns, and singulation, plus why the economics can look completely different in water-limited Texas compared with higher-yield environments farther east. We also dig into the management side of plant population: canopy light, fruit retention, maturity, plant-to-plant competition, and why uniform stands often matter more than raw seeding rate. Seed quality and planter setup close the loop. We break down warm germination vs cool germination as a vigor signal, how emergence timing affects yield, and what stand counts can reveal that a cab monitor can’t. Then we lay out a practical planter checklist: meter condition, vacuum settings for seed size, row-unit depth consistency, downforce, row cleaners in heavy residue, and closing the furrow for strong seed-to-soil contact in no-till and strip-till systems. Subscribe, share this with a cotton grower or consultant, and leave a review so more people can find these cotton planting and seeding rate insights. What seeding rate are you targeting this year, and what’s your biggest planting risk?

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 pressureIf you have questions about cotton jassid management in your area, reach out to your local Extension specialist or county agent for the latest recommendations

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.cfmListen 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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

Drs. Keith Edmisten and Camp Hand, cotton specialists at North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia, respectively, join host Dr. Steve Brown to discuss the economic situation facing agricultural producers throughout the US, along with the impacts of hurricanes on cotton production, specifically discussing the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. 

Byron Cole, Deputy Director of the Grading Division, and Greg Townsend, Area Director of the Visalia Cotton Classing Office, join host Steve Brown to discuss the USDA Cotton Classing System, including Some of the history behind the SystemThe processes and diligence of delivering consistent, repeatable analysis of samples within and across Classing OfficesThe actual how-to's of classing HVI versus the old wayYear-to-year challenges and efficiencies  Extraneous MatterDifferences between upland and Pima classificationPossible future improvements

Dr. Wes Porter, Extension Ag Engineer at the University of Georgia, joins host Steve Brown to talk about the JD roll picker, with a few thoughts about the comparable stripper version. We discuss a little history about the concept and talk about advancements in capabilities of these remarkable machines. We specifically address how to calibrate the module handling system and the possible uses of the resulting data.

Extension Cotton Specialists Drs. Randy Norton (University of Arizona), Brian Pieralisi (Mississippi State) and Camp Hand (University of Georgia) join host Steve Brown to discuss approaches, means, methods and challenges of irrigation in their respective regions. We also discuss WHEN to quit, when to shut off irrigation and the associated factors that go into that decision.

Cotton Entomologists Drs. Scott Graham (Auburn University) and Phillip Roberts (University of Georgia) join host Steve Brown to discuss management of this common pest ... at least a pest that is ever-present in the Southeast and perhaps some other parts of the Belt. Topics include why stink bugs are a threat in many areas, basic biology and life cycle characteristics, damage symptoms, scouting methods and thresholds as well as the intersection and influences of plant bug management with stink bugs.

Soil Scientists / Fertility Experts Drs. Hunter Frame (Virginia Tech), Glen Harris (University of Georgia), Audrey Gamble (Auburn University) and Katie Lewis (Texas A&M) join host Steve Brown of Auburn to discuss the challenges associated with K management in cotton. Sometimes, particularly in the the Lower Southeast, we can fertilize appropriately and still encounter K deficiencies, presumably because pre-bloom heat/moisture stresses limit K uptake; then during boll-fill, K demand from leaf and stem tissues can quickly  deplete plant reserves. The results can be premature defoliation, secondary fungal leaf diseases such as Stemphylium and reduced yields.

Numerous Extension Cotton Specialists from across the U.S. provide an update on the 2024 crop as of June 7.  Reports include planting progress, expected final acreage crop, crop condition and emerging issues and challenges. Information from 10 states is provided, from Arizona to Virginia.

Bhupinder Farmaha (Clemson University), Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee), John Arnall (Oklahoma State) and Katie Lewis (Texas A&M) join host Steve Brown to discuss N management in cotton. The session addresses:  Are we using too much N in some areas? Why do many N studies across the Belt show limited or even no response to N? If that is the case, where does the N come from? How much N is actually required to make a bale of cotton (and the associated seed, etc.)? Can we mine residual N in subsoil layers? Might it be possible to impose targeted nutrient stress on cotton and improve root growth and yield? And a lot more. There are clear differences in how we manage N across the U.S. It is a lively discussion on a key topic.

Drs. Brian Pieralisi (Mississippi State) and Brian Arnall (Oklahoma State) join host Steve Brown in a broad discussion on the subject of new Biological, Microbial and other products targeted to improve crop productivity. We discuss the 2023 Beltwide Cotton Incorporated project in this realm and also chase several "rabbits," including topics such as N rates (are we using too much?), soil health and "regenerative" ag.

Fred Bourland (University of Arkansas) and John Snider (University of Georgia) join host Steve Brown for another discussion on cotton seed quality. We talk about seed quality variations within the plant, within varieties, the effects of ginning and acid delinting, seed vigor versus seedling vigor and other related issues. This is the second of two sessions on Cotton SEED QUALITY.

Fred Bourland (University of Arkansas), Camp Hand and John Snider (University of Georgia) and Lori Unruh Snyder (NC State)  join host Steve Brown in a detailed discussion on Seed Quality. Subjects include Cotton Incorporated Beltwide Seed Quality Projects 1.0 and 2.0, visual mechanical damage (VMD), seed quality measurements,  comparisons with seed in Australia, "seed vigor" versus "seedling vigor" and considerations for planting in 2024. A related discussion will follow in a couple of weeks.

Drs. Mike Jones of Clemson University and Ken Lege of Texas A&M join host Steve Brown of Auburn to discuss methods of variety testing and evaluation as well as the process of variety development at the corporate level. We talk about small plot OVTs versus large scale on-farm trials and the relative strengths of each. Variety selection is extremely important -- study the data!

Plant Pathologists Kathy Lawrence of Auburn University, Heather Kelly of the University of Tennessee and Terry Wheeler of Texas A&M join host Steve Brown, Extension Cotton Agronomist at Auburn, to discuss nematode management in major regions across the U.S. Topics include nematode species prevalent in respective ares of the Belt, presence by soil type, levels of annual yield loss as well as control measures such as seed treatments, in-furrow and foliar products, considerations for sampling, utility of nematode resistant varieties and effective rotational crops by region.

Texas A&M, Texas AgriLife  Extension Agronomists Ben McKnight, Josh McGinty, Reagan Noland, Jourdan Bell and Ken Lege join host Steve Brown of Auburn University to talk about the 2023 Texas crop and  prospects for 2024. The discussion provides insight on the diversity of the state's production areas and their related challenges, past and present.

Camp Hand (Agronomist) and Phillip Roberts (Entomologist) of the University of Georgia and Scott Graham (Entomologist) of Auburn University join host Steve Brown, Extension Cotton Agronomist, to discuss the complicated issue of deer damage in cotton. Deer provide a significant threat to the crop in much of the eastern Cotton Belt. These scientists  talk about various measures that deliver some help, but acknowledge there is no simple, easy, fool-proof solution. It's a fun but sobering discussion.

Fred Bourland, University of Arkansas, longtime Cotton Breeder, and Steve Hague, former Cotton Breeder at Texas A&M and Bayer, join host Steve Brown, Auburn University, to give a broad perspective on the process and history of breeding. Both have years of experience in the public sector in university breeding programs and Hague also shares from his years with Bayer during the early transition to transgenic technologies.

Entomologists Ben Thrash, University of Arkansas, Scott Graham, Auburn University, and Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia, along with Agronomists Tyson Raper, University of Tennessee, and Camp Hand, University of Georgia, join host Steve Brown, Auburn University, to discuss overall results with the ThryvOn technology in the 2023 season. Subject matter includes a review of thrips and tarnished plant bug management as well as agronomic performance of available germplasm.

Cotton Entomologists Ron Smith and Scott Graham join host Steve Brown to discuss some of the  most critical events and challenges of managing cotton insects over the past 50 years or so.  Ron is Professor Emeritus and Scott is an Assistant Professor; both serve the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University.

Ag Economists O.A. Cleveland, John Robinson and Don Shurley share their thoughts about the HOW-to's of marketing cotton. Cleveland and Shurley are Professors Emeritus of their respective institutions, Mississippi State University and the University of Georgia, and Robinson is Professor and Extension Specialist for cotton marketing in the Ag Economics Department at Texas A&M. They join host Steve Brown, Extension Cotton Agronomist, Auburn University in a discussion of different methods and means available to growers for selling cotton.  

Extension Cotton Specialists and Agronomists from across the U.S. Cotton Belt talk about their 2023 crop and provide tips and recommendations for harvest aid applications and other preparations for cotton harvest. Speakers include Keith Edmisten, NC State, Brian Pieralisi, Mississippi State, Tyson Raper, University of Tennessee,  Jourdan Bell, Texas A&M, and host Steve Brown, Auburn University.

Eminent Weed Scientists Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia, and Larry Steckel, University of Tennessee, join host Steve Brown, Auburn University, in discussing herbicide resistance in cotton. These scientists have had a front row seat in dealing with herbicide resistance in the field, in professional Weed Science circles and before regulatory bodies.

Entomologists Scott Graham, Auburn University, and Ben Thrash, University of Arkansas, along with Agronomists Tyson Raper, University of Tennessee, and host Steve Brown discuss the challenges and opportunities of the ThryvOn technology for plant bug management.  Plant bug pressure has been significant across most of the South and in some areas, numbers are higher than we have ever seen. 2023 is the first year for most growers to see ThryvOn in large acreages.

Agronomists Keith Edmisten, NC State, Camp Hand, UGA, Brian Pieralisi, and Randy Norton, Univ of Arizona, join host Steve Brown, Auburn Univ, to talk about the use of PGRs (mepiquat, etc.) in cotton. It is interesting to hear the different approaches to growth management and similarities of thought about PGR use.

Extension scientists Brian Pieralis (Mississippi State) , Brian Arnall (Oklahoma State), Hunter Frame (Virginia Tech) and host Steve Brown (Auburn) discuss new "microbial" products that offer potential to enhance nutrient uptake and efficiency and possibly stress tolerance in cotton and other crops.  This realm of study and development represents new possibilities for agriculture.

This discussion represents final comments as we approach the 2023 planting season. Speakers include Keith Edmisten (NC State), Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee), Jourdan Bell and Reagan Noland in West Texas (Texas A&M) and host Steve Brown (Auburn University).

Extension Cotton Specialists Guy Collins, NC State University , and Camp Hand, University of Georgia, join Steve Brown, Auburn University, in a discussion about  seed quality issues and recent Beltwide  studies focusing on the issue. They talk about warm and cool germ data and other possible predictors of seed quality and stand establishment. They strongly encourage grower awareness about warm/cool germ of purchased seed and talk about how to apply that information in planting decisions. The goal of all in the cotton industry is to have planting seed of the best quality possible.

This discussion includes comments from Extension Entomologists Ben Thrash (University of Arkansas) and Scott Graham (Auburn University) and Extension Cotton Specialist Tyson Raper (University of Tennessee). The session is hosted by Steve Brown (Auburn).

This discussion of the process of cotton variety selection includes comments from Brian Pieralisi from Mississippi State and Matt Foster from LSU, hosted by Steve Brown,  Auburn University.

Randy Norton (Arizona) and Ben McKnight (Texas A&M) share thoughts about variety selection. Hosted by Steve Brown (Auburn).

This episode includes a discussion of Cotton Specialist from the Eastern U.S. about Variety Selection. Hunter Frame (Virginia Tech), Keith Edmisten (NC State), Camp Hand (UGA), Tyler Sandlin (Auburn, hosted by Steve Brown (Auburn).

Guy Collins, Tyson Raper, and Bradley Wilson discuss current crop conditions and how to address and manage PGR applications in fields containing cotton of varying growth stages.

Brian Pieralisi, Tyson Raper, Bill Robertson, and Bradley Wilson discuss the management of cotton in a cover crop system, how fertility, irrigation, and other inputs are impacted, considerations for adopting cover crops.

Brian Pieralisi, Tyson Raper, Bill Robertson, and Bradley Wilson provide an overview of cover crops and their management, and considerations for cotton planting in a cover crop system in the midsouth.

Steve Brown, Keith Edmisten, Hunter Frame, and Camp Hand discuss in-season management of cotton in a cover crop system and benefits and limitations that accompany or impact the use of cover crops in the southeast.

Steve Brown, Keith Edmisten, Hunter Frame, and Camp Hand discuss the management of cover crops in the southeast and considerations for planting cotton in a system using cover crops.

Camp Hand, Ben McKnight, Brian Pieralisi, and Tyson Raper review 2021 and discuss considerations for 2022. 

Bill Robertson, Camp Hand, and Tyson Raper different types of variety trials and how the data can be used by researchers and producers in the variety selection process.

Steve Brown, Camp Hand, Brian Pieralisi, and Tyson Raper discuss the impact of weathering on cotton fiber.

Ben McKnight, Randy Norton, and Bill Robertson discuss trends their seeing in variety performance this year, agronomic characteristics of successful varieties, and methods for evaluating variety maturity category.

Guy Collins, Matt Foster, and Tyler Sandlin discuss various harvest aid products, tanks mixes, and how to address late season crop issues through harvest aid product and rate selection.