2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences Programming Taking Shape

MEMPHIS -- The National Cotton Council-coordinated 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences (BWCC) is set for January 4-7 at the New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans hotels.

Bill Robertson, the NCC’s manager, Agronomy, Soils and Physiology, said among topics being considered for the meeting’s Cotton Production Conference are:  1) a producer panel discussion of weed resistance management, 2) energy management, including fertilization and irrigation, 3) a farm law update with an emphasis on the conservation programs, 4) U.S. cotton’s sustainability and other environmental issues such as climate change, cap and trade, and clean water legislation, 5) rotation benefits and 6) new transgenics’ role in today’s production.

Robertson said the BWCC Steering Committee, chaired by Mississippi producer Kenneth Hood, also agreed to continue offering multiple, hands-on Production Conference workshops to give producers in-depth information on such key concerns as pest and resistance management, irrigation and precision agriculture.

The Cotton Consultants Conference will be offered for the third consecutive year, and likely will include updates on pest management strategies and new product evaluation.

Early BWCC registration begins September 22 and runs through December 7. Instructions for meeting registration/housing reservations, programming and other information will be posted soon at the BWCC website, www.cotton.org/beltwide.

The Beltwide Cotton Conferences bring together those with a stake in a healthy U.S. cotton production sector, including cotton industry members, university and USDA researchers, Extension personnel, consultants, and service providers, to share timely information. Programming is designed to update U.S. cotton producers on new technology, innovative and effective production practices, and key industry issues.