Although cotton strippers provide an economical method of harvesting cotton, they harvest an excessive amount of trash. This excess trash results in high ginning costs and possible grade reductions due to excess bark. Modifications and adjustments to the cotton stripper can reduce foreign matter and the incidence of barky grades. Narrow paddles, wide combing pan spacing, and harvesting speeds less than 6 mph reduced stick content in bur cotton and the number of grades reduced due to bark. Operating the stripper above the soil surface will reduce the amount of soil handled through the conveying system thus reducing fine material in the bur cotton. Production practices, including the proper choice of varieties and judicious use of water and fertilizer, should be considered. Harvester adjustments should be checked daily and/or when changing fields and adjustments made when necessary to minimize harvested trash and grade reductions.