My name is Van Gaskins and my brother and I produce cotton on 5000 acres of dry land in west Texas. The new millennium will bring challenges to west Texas dry land cotton producers that we have never faced. Currently, we are looking at the driest time since the 1950s, coupled with low prices and the first year of in-season spraying of our boll weevil eradication program, making each decision extremely important from a financial standpoint. We are looking at minimizing losses instead of maximizing profits for the third year in a row. We have learned how to cut corners and continue to maximize yields; however, I feel that reducing variable expenses further will start affecting yields. Stretching our dollars for insect control begins with determining thresholds, hiring a consultant or bug scout, spraying in a band as long as possible and spraying flea hoppers at first pinhead square.