The Cotton Companion

Keeping U.S. Cotton Contamination-Free

Dr. Ed Barnes with Cotton Inc. joins Cotton Grower Editors Jim Steadman and Frank Giles to review new research to help growers and ginners reduce plastic contamination in cotton. We talk robotics, too.

Talking Weather, Hurricanes and Drunk Donkeys

As cotton harvest approaches, Mike Boylan of online storm tracker Mike’s Weather Page joins Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman to discuss the art and inexact science of weather and hurricane prediction – and what a drunk donkey has to do with it. 

The Market's on a Run; Catch It While You Can

University of Georgia economist Dr. Don Shurley joins Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman to discuss the good and not-so-good of the U.S. crop, positive market trends, and why the time is right for growers to lock in prices. 

No Pandemic Slowdown for the Business of Cotton

Dr. Gary Adams of the National Cotton Council joins Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman to discuss the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, additional cotton assistance due to COVID-19 and what's needed to keep important crop inputs protected.

Taking the Long and Winding Road

Cotton Grower Editors Jim Steadman and Frank Giles welcome Beck Barnes back to the podcast as he visits with 2019 Cotton Grower Cotton Achievement Award recipient Dahlen Hancock...and recaps the long road to physically present this year's award.

Spanning the Cotton Belt for Hot News Items; Trying to Make Sense of the Market

Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman recap a few weeks worth of news impacting U.S. cotton. And Dr. O.A. Cleveland joins in to explain the current cotton market in his own inimitable way.

Dicamba Saga Continues; Traits Paying Off in Nematode Battles

Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman review the rapid changes in the dicamba ruling. And Dr. Bob Kemerait joins in to discuss Georgia cotton, potential crop diseases and how new breeding traits are paying off in the fight against nematodes.

Dissecting Cotton's Dicamba Dilemma

CropLife Senior Writer Jackie Pucci joins Cotton Grower Editors Frank Giles and Jim Steadman to review the twists, turns and current situation surrounding the June 3 dicamba label ruling. And cotton merchant Jim Nunn shares details on the CFAP program and how COVID-19 has impacted global cotton trade.

More COVID-19 Relief...and Making Early Planting Pay Off

Cotton Grower Editors Jim Steadman and Frank Giles review the details impacting cotton from the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Frank also visits with Georgia grower Ken Hall to discuss the advantages of planting cotton in late March.

#2020Planting Is On!

Cotton Grower Editors Jim Steadman and Frank Giles discuss the latest USDA report on the rapid progress in U.S. cotton planting. We also visit with Dr. John Robinson of Texas A&M about current market conditions and possible long-term impacts of COVID-19 on cotton.