2008 Beltwide Cotton Conferences -- Seize the Opportunity

MEMPHIS – The 2008 Beltwide Cotton Conferences will provide producers insight on what worked and didn’t work in 2007 and offer opportunities for improving sustainability/profitability.

The National Cotton Council-coordinated 2008 BWCC is being held under a theme of “Orchestrate Your Opportunities” January 8-11 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

Bill Robertson, the NCC’s manager, Agronomy, Soils and Physiology and coordinator of the Beltwide Cotton Production Conference, said several good program ideas have been offered from the BWCC Steering Committee, the BWCC Technical Conference chairmen, the NCC’s American Cotton Producers and NCC staff.

He said among topics being developed are:  1) Extension cotton specialists reviewing challenges, including weather and pests, that producers dealt with during the 2007 season; 2) what has been learned – both pro and con – from the 2007 season; 3) herbicide resistance management efforts; 4) producers/ginners sharing their experiences and benefits with on-board module building cotton pickers; 5) a progress report on strides made in breeding and U.S. cotton fiber quality and 6) a discussion of the ramifications of the new farm law and key trade issues, including the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round negotiations and Brazil cotton case.

In addition, an economic outlook will be provided along with NCC Chairman John Pucheu’s update on critical industry issues and Cotton Incorporated CEO Berrye Worsham’s report on that organization’s key research activities.

Robertson said the two-day Production Conference also will feature workshops and seminars with in-depth focus on season-long best management practices from an integrated pest management standpoint. Sessions on record-keeping and marketing tools/strategies also will be offered.

“We’re also working to attract more crop consultants to the meetings, including conducting a special consultant conference, because they have emerged as a very important group in helping producers with decision-making and with managing their operations,” Robertson said.

More information about the 2008 BWCC, including instructions for meeting registration and housing reservations, is available at http://www.cotton.org/beltwide.

The Gaylord Opryland should prove to be an outstanding site for the 2008 BWCC as a three-year upgrade will have been completed, including renovation of its rooms and suites; improvement of its convention services facilities; and the addition of more restaurants. For more information, visit www.gaylordopryland.com.

The property has been awarded the coveted Gold Key Elite award for the fifth straight year and the Gold Platter Elite award for the third consecutive year by Meetings & Conventions magazine, given to the top five meeting properties in the world. 

The Beltwide Cotton Conferences’ overall objective is sharing information among those with a stake in a healthy U.S. cotton production sector, including industry members, university and USDA researchers, Extension personnel, consultants and service providers. The forum’s programming is designed to inform U.S. cotton producers about innovative and effective technology and methods that can promote viability in both the upcoming growing season and long-term.

The BWCC’s objective is in accord with the National Cotton Council’s mission of -- ensuring the ability of all industry segments to compete effectively and profitably in the raw cotton, oilseed and U.S.-manufactured product markets at home and abroad.