The Cotton Companion

Episode 33 – Cotton and the Chinese Trade Dispute

The Cotton Companion returns as Dr. O.A. Cleveland joins editors Jim Steadman and Beck Barnes to take a look at the Chinese trade dispute. Other news items are also examined.

Episode 32 – Conaway and Perdue Weigh In On the Farm Bill

The Cotton Companion examines the latest EPA dicamba development and BASF’s acquisition of Bayer’s cotton brands. Finally, we’ll provide audio from Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) and Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue as the duo discussed the farm bill and hurricane relief in Texas recently.

Episode 31 – Dicamba Developments and Hurricanes vs USDA

The Cotton Companion talks about the latest developments in the ongoing dicamba saga. Jim Steadman catches up with Extension weed expert Dr. Larry Steckel to get his perspective. We also discuss how and why USDA’s production reports have seemingly ignored Harvey, Irma and High Plains hail.

Episode 30 – Market Surprises and Dicamba Findings

In Episode 30 of The Cotton Companion, Cotton Grower editors Beck Barnes and Jim Steadman discuss the stunning U.S. production forecast from USDA and its impact on the market. We also visit with University of Arkansas Weed Scientist Dr. Jason Norsworthy about some of the findings of a summer’s worth of field research on dicamba.

Episode 29 – Cotton Calls on Trump for Help; States Regulate Dicamba

In mid-July, over 100 federal legislators signed a letter to President Trump calling for relief for the cotton industry. Cotton Grower editors talk with Reese Langley, NCC Vice President of Washington Operations, about what this means for the cottonseed designation, ginning cost-share, and a host of other issues. We’ll also examine the whirlwind of Mid-South state regulations for dicamba.

Episode 28 – Dicamba Updates and USDA Acreage Report

USDA issued its Planted Acreage Report at the end of June, and the cotton market reacted with a shrug of confusion. Cotton Grower editors Beck Barnes and Jim Steadman discuss that topic, as well as lingering dicamba issues in the Mid-South.

Episode 27 – Dicamba in the Mid-South and Beyond

As we enter prime weed control season, dicamba drift complaints are popping up in the Mid-South. Cotton Grower editors Beck and Jim discuss why this is happening, and what you can do to keep your neighbors happy in 2017.

Episode 26 – Are Prices Surging Too Quickly?

Cotton Grower editors Beck Barnes and Jim Steadman return from a long hiatus to join you for #Plant17. We’ll talk WASDE, crop progress, and bring in Dr. O.A. Cleveland to examine this dizzying cotton market.

Episode 25 – Industry Reacts to EPA’s XtendiMax Ruling

Cotton Grower editors Beck Barnes and Jim Steadman examine the industry’s response to EPA’s approval of Monsanto’s XtendiMax herbicide, including new guidelines from Mid-South Plant Boards.

Episode 24 – Dicamba Registration Finally Comes Through

Cotton Grower editors Beck Barnes and Jim Steadman talk about EPA’s approval of Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide brand, as well as crop progress and an update on pending corporate mergers.