The Cotton Companion

Kody Bessent with Plains Cotton Growers joins the podcast with an update on cotton planting in West Texas, as well as the latest word on how some recent actions in Washington DC could impact cotton.

Cotton Council International's new Executive Director Liz Hershfield joins the podcast to discuss the programs and potential for marketing U.S. cotton around the world. Plus, Beck shares his experience with The Big Fib.

What do tariffs (and all the talk about tariffs) really mean for the U.S. cotton industry? Buddy Allen with the American Cotton Shippers Association joins the podcast to explain.

Dr. O.A. Cleveland drops in to discuss the recent USDA Planting Intentions report. His message: While the tariffs dominate the headlines, the market fundamentals remain bullish for cotton!

With planting underway or coming quickly, it's not too late to make financial moves for this year's crop. Andrea Herbst with Nutrien Financial joins the podcast to review possible options and offer tips.

Cotton Grower has been presenting its Cotton Achievement Award since 1970. Listen in as we present our 2024 award to Ted Schneider of Lake Providence, LA.

Cotton Grower was right in the middle of the recent Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, and Jim and Beck take a few minutes to reflect on some of the key topics and discussions from the show.

We recap some of the news and events from the National Cotton Council's recent annual meeting. Patrick Johnson, 2025 NCC Chairman, joins us to discuss cotton's agenda and the key challenges ahead for this year.

Georgia Extension Cotton Specialist Camp Hand joins the podcast to review some initial findings from their deer damage studies - including (surprisingly!) higher economic losses from deer than from pigweed, nematodes, and stinkbugs.   

Direct from the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, Jarral Neeper of TruCott Inc. in Bakersfield, CA, joins the podcast to discuss his latest U.S. and global outlook for cotton in 2025, plus how natural disasters and the politics of water are impacting California agriculture. 

To kick off 2025, Dr. Darren Hudson of Texas Tech joins in on a discussion of how cotton fared following Washington DC's pre-holiday budget scramble, plus a look at the first cotton acreage projection of the year courtesy of Cotton Grower's annual acreage survey. 

2024 didn't just impact growers. Ag retailers felt the heat, too. Our colleagues from CropLife magazine - Eric Sfiligoj and Lara Sowinski - join the podcast to discuss how retailers are managing their way through ag's current economics and how the grower/retailer partnership is more important than ever.

Multiple factors and issues continued to impact cotton production and prices in 2024. Hank Reichle with Staplcotn joins the podcast to discuss some of the challenges and headwinds that may define cotton in 2025.

Ready or not, the annual Beltwide Cotton Conferences are coming to New Orleans in mid-January. Lauren Krogman with the NCC joins the podcast to preview some of the plans and updates for the 2025 meeting.

Jessica Kelton with the Soil Health Institute and Dr. Drew Smith with Rodale Institute join the podcast to review the latest research on the value of cover crops in conventional (and organic) cotton production.

Cotton is finding itself managing through literal and figurative storms - from hurricanes in the Southeast to heavy lobbying efforts for a new farm bill and economic relief for financially strapped farmers. Georgia Extension Cotton Specialist Camp Hand and the NCC's Robbie Minnich join the podcast to share what's happening on both storm fronts.   

Despite all of the talk and political uncertainty, the reality is the U.S. farmers need a new farm bill - and soon. Dr. Darren Hudson of Texas Tech University joins the podcast to discuss the current situation and the paths ahead moving into 2025. Cottongrower.com

The impact of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program has recently drawn some criticism, particularly when it comes to creating demand. Bill Gillon of The Cotton Board says some of that may be justified considering today's market headwinds, but the bigger picture says otherwise. He joins the podcast to explain.

Confused over this year's ever-shifting cotton acreage and production numbers? We are, too. So, we asked Dr. O.A. Cleveland to explain.

Ken Legé, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cotton Specialist in Lubbock, joins the podcast to discuss the high hopes - and potential remaining challenges - regarding this year's West Texas cotton crop after two years of extreme drought. 

Why is the cotton market slump continuing and where did an extra million planted acres over spring projections come from? Dr. John Robinson joins the podcast to explain.

Dr. Larry Steckel, Tennessee Extension weed specialist, joins the podcast in our annual plot-side interview to discuss current weed management issues and challenges, plus some promising new solutions.   

Two years after legislation banned imports into the U.S. containing cotton from China's Xinjiang region, a recent report shows it's still slipping through in multiple products. Bob Antoshak of Gherzi Textil Organization and MaiLin Wan of Applied DNA Sciences join the podcast to discuss why and steps needed to tighten import monitoring.  

Buddy Allen of the American Cotton Shippers Association joins the podcast to discuss the range of work the organization provides to the U.S. cotton industry, plus some history leading up to the group's upcoming 100th anniversary.

Cotton Incorporated recently updated its survey of precision and agricultural technology adoption trends in cotton. Dr. Ed Barnes of CI joined the podcast to discuss the study's findings.

Dr. O.A. Cleveland returns to the podcast to explain the recent fall in cotton prices, how current factors continue to impact the market, and share thoughts on what's ahead for this season.

Ever wonder how old favorite cotton varieties compare to today's high-powered options? Jay Mahaffey of the Bayer Learning Center joins the podcast to discuss his Antique Alley research study and the ways that today's varieties have evolved from the leading standards of the mid-1990s.

Chad Brewer, Executive Director of the Cotton Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss the role of the Foundation, what it does, where it fits within the U.S. cotton industry, and what benefits it provides to cotton growers. 

The recent dicamba ruling put the challenges facing EPA back in the spotlight. University of Georgia Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper joins the podcast to discuss some of those challenges and what they mean for new registrations and weed management programs for cotton.

The Cotton Grower staff was pleased to present the 2023 Cotton Grower Cotton Achievement Award to Bart Davis during a recent luncheon. Listen in to the presentation, including Bart's remarks about the importance of industry involvement.

We're talking about the recent dicamba news and recapping the National Cotton Council annual meeting - including an interview with 2024 NCC Chairman Joe Nicosia.

Jason Moss, the 2023 Joseph J. O'Neill Cotton Marketer of the Year, joins the podcast to discuss how an Illinois grain and hog farmer got into the cotton business and how his background in ag marketing consulting allows him to practice what he preaches.

Cotton Grower colleague and ag tech expert Matt Hopkins joins the podcast to discuss his list of the top apps for agriculture, plus some thoughts on the new John Deere/SpaceX partnership.

There's a lot of cotton news to unpack as the new year begins. Join Jim and Beck as they examine the 2024 Cotton Grower cotton acreage survey results, introduce the 2023 Cotton Grower Cotton Achievement Award recipient, and report on new cotton varieties and other news from the Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

Dr. Darren Hudson of Texas Tech University joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion including predictions for cotton in 2024, opportunities that may be available for growers, an update on the farm bill, and more.

Cotton industry veteran Bill Robertson joins the podcast for a wide-ranging (and never boring) discussion on, among other things, the importance of good soil health, cotton production, life on his own farm, and how selling bulls and evaluating cotton varieties are more similar than you might think. 

What's behind the recent slide in cotton prices - especially as harvest is wrapping up? Texas A&M Cotton Economist Dr. John Robinson joins the podcast to share his perspective on why, what it means, and what may be ahead moving into 2024.

What happens to old denim when it wears out? A lot, in fact - especially when given new life through the Blue Jeans Go Green program. In keeping with America Recycles Day, Andrea Samber with Cotton Incorporated joins the podcast to share the details about the program's success and future.  

The Soil Health Institute's Jessica Kelton joins the podcast to discuss the Institute's research and outreach programs and the value they offer to cotton growers and their farms.

Robbie Minnich, Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council, joins the podcast to discuss the recent actions and turmoil in Congress and how they may impact passage of a new farm bill.

One season in, ThryvOn Technology has shown a positive impact and rising expectations for thrips and plant bug management. A cotton specialist, entomologist, and crop consultant join the podcast to share their observations about the technology and what it means for cotton growers.  

Georgia Extension Cotton Specialist Camp Hand joins the podcast to talk about the status of cotton production in the state and how it's fared this season through excessive heat, a hurricane, and ongoing issues with a four-legged pest.

No usual August doldrums this season. Lower production estimates, range-bound prices, reduced demand, and record-setting heat combined to make August a crazy and confusing time for cotton. Dr. O.A. Cleveland joins the podcast to explain what's going on and how to navigate what may lie ahead.

With registration deadlines approaching for the new Climate Smart Cotton Program, Chad Brewer joins the podcast to explain the program details and why growers should get involved now.

Three members of Australia's cotton industry join the Cotton Companion podcast to discuss cotton production in Australia - and the similarities and differences with the U.S. 

The Cotton Companion caught up with Tennessee Weed Specialist Larry Steckel during his annual Weed Field Day to discuss current weed management issues, impact of new regulations, and new products and technologies on the way. Plus, the first bale of cotton for 2023!

What do USDA's recent supply/demand projections mean for the cotton market? And how are current conditions impacting this year's cotton crop in Texas? Dr. John Robinson from Texas A&M joins the podcast to explain.

University of Georgia Economist Dr. Don Shurley joins the podcast to discuss how best to navigate the current cotton market and its multiple levels - and what may be ahead as the 2023 marketing year approaches.

With the 2023 cotton season finally underway, we visit with Mississippi cotton grower Keylon Gholston for his perspective on delayed planting and other challenges that may be ahead. Plus, Kotton Kidz needs photos!  

Dr. Ed Barnes of Cotton Incorporated joins the podcast to discuss how new technology is impacting cotton production now - and what's coming soon.

As cotton planting approaches through most of the Cotton Belt, there are a lot of factors currently influencing prices, acreage, demand, trade, and more. Dr. O.A. Cleveland joins the Cotton Companion to help sort through those factors and explain what's happening and why.