ABSTRACT

Cotton production continues to remain steady in Texas. Gin facilities have decreased in number through the decades. Fewer gins mean longer distances to haul seed cotton modules from field to gin. Transport of modules is limited to certain roads due to axle weight restrictions of module trucks. A study of alternative transport systems to include semi-tractor trailers is underway at Texas A&M University. Fewer gins also mean more bales to throughput per facility and longer ginning seasons or increased ginning rate. Efficiencies of operation will be essential for gin owners to continue making profits. A second study of three practical scenarios for a new seed cotton handling, storage and ginning system that would result in extended ginning seasons and reductions in production costs is underway at Texas A&M University.