My father use to say, "Son, if it was so damn easy, everybody would be doing it", whenever I would bemoan the seemingly endless stream of difficulties facing cotton producers. None-the-less, each year does seem to bring even more difficult challenges to cotton producers. And, while many of these problems originate from mother-nature, (drought, floods, insects, etc.) increasingly the difficulty in overcoming some of the burdens is compounded by man, through an unwillingness to communicate and through a reluctance to "share" gains which can be realized through the implementation of sound solutions.

Yet, in the shadow of every problem there always lurks an accompanying opportunity. And, I am convinced that the U.S. cotton industry, as it has in the past, through ingenuity and dedication to its industry, is working to meet these challenges head-on.

Western cotton producers understand, perhaps better than any other domestic suppliers, that the "real" market for our product is the spinning mill industry. With typically 80% of California production exported to mills of the Pacific Rim and Europe for use in fine high-count yarns, it has been the Western producers recognition of the need for "end-user" satisfaction of our product which has maintained and built on our market position. And, it is that realization that producers must focus on as our industry moves toward "world-market" competitiveness.

It is evident that HVI grading will only intensify growers accountability for the quality of their product. And, through close management of all aspects of cotton production, beginning with varietal selection, continuing on through cultural practice and harvest management, only the best growers will continue to excel in delivering a high quality product to the gin.