Conference Chairman's Address

William T. Lovelady


 
ABSTRACT

The theme of this year's Beltwide Cotton Production Conference is "Building Cotton's Future Through Teamwork." It takes teamwork to develop new technology so that U.S. cotton can stay out front. Teamwork is required to disseminate new technology to producers. There has to be teamwork within the cotton industry and between the cotton industry and state universities, state departments of agriculture, USDA, and agribusiness.

The National Cotton council, Cotton Council International, The Cotton Foundation and Cotton Incorporated are fine examples of industry teamwork. Other valuable cotton team players are the many outstanding cotton scientists and extension workers and others who help transfer new technology.

The Council was instrumental in obtaining a $50 million annual federal and state funded cotton research program, but there must be continuity of sound research programs because studies have shown that public investment in agricultural research has resulted in a 37 percent annual rate of return for cotton.

The Boll Weevil Eradication Program, Texas High Plains Containment Program and crop simulation models are examples of proven technology that can reduce inputs and make farming more profitable. New Technology also will allow U.S. cotton producers to meet another challenge in the 1990's -- conducting their business in greater harmony with the environment.



Reprinted from 1990 Beltwide Cotton Production Conference pg. 3
©National Cotton Council, Memphis TN

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Document last modified Sunday, Dec 6 1998