These Comanche County cotton modules were still in the field by early January 2011. In 2011, Comanche County producers planted cotton for the first time in 15 years, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Whit Weems)
DELEON — Until last year, no cotton was planted in Comanche County since 1995, said Whit Weems, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Comanche County.
But the times they are a changing. On Jan. 21, AgriLife Extension will be hosting a cotton seminar in DeLeon, he said.
“We had a successful crop in 2010, and acreage reports are increasing for 2011,” Weems said “This program will focus on the challenges that we faced and go back to the basics on some topics.”
Comanche, Eastland and Erath counties all had cotton acreage for 2010, Weems noted, and the DeLeon program is designed for cotton growers in those counties as well.
The program will be held in the rear meeting room of the Hwy 6 Cafe. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m., with the presentations starting at 8:45 a.m. The programming will wrap up by noon, at which time, lunch will be provided by local sponsors. The program is free and open to the public.
“We have a full morning of excellent topics and speakers to discuss cotton marketing, management, insects and other resources,” Weems said.
Presentations and presenters will include: “Marketing 101,” Dr. Jason Johnson, AgriLife Extension economist; “Cotton Production Including Varieties, Field Preparation, Planting Dates, and More,” Dr. Gaylon Morgan, statewide cotton specialist; and “Insect Management,” Dr. Chris Sansone, AgriLife Extension entomologist.
Following the formal presentations, Karin Kuykendall with Rolling Plains Cotton Growers, Bob Stanley with Cotton Board and Brett Cypert with National Cotton Growers will outline various resources available to producers.
Program attendees who hold a Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator’s license will receive one continuing education unit in the general category and one in integrated pest management, Weems said.
Any attendees who have disabilities and may need “auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate” should contact Weems by Jan. 18 so preparations can be made, he said.
Weems may be contacted at the AgriLife Extension office in Comanche County at 325-356-2539 or w-weems@tamu.edu .
-30-
