2017
NCC Applauds House Passage of Supplemental Funding Bill with Cotton Policy12/22/2017
The NCC applauds the House of Representatives for advancing its Supplemental Appropriations bill on December 21 that includes critically needed policy to restore eligibility for cotton in the Title I ARC/PLC programs of the farm bill. Learn more
NCC: Tax Reform Welcome, Stronger Farm Policy Needed
12/20/2017
The U.S. cotton industry is pleased with passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) – legislation it supported that can spur economic growth by 1) lowering taxes and 2) simplifying the code for America’s cotton producers and associated businesses. Learn more
NCC Thanks U.S. Trade Representative for Support of U.S. Cotton Producers
12/14/2017
NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee thanked the leadership of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and the U.S. negotiating team for their support of U.S. farmers at the WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference. Learn more
USDA December Production Report
12/12/2017
In its December crop report, USDA estimated a 2017-18 U.S. crop of 21.44 million bales. Learn more
USDA November Production Report
11/09/2017
In its November crop report, USDA estimated a 2017-18 U.S. crop of 21.38 million bales. Learn more
Midwest, Western Farmers to See High Plains Cotton Operations
11/08/2017
Farmers in the nation’s Midwest and Western regions will get a unique opportunity to observe cotton and other agricultural operations in West Texas on November 12-16, as part of the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Multi-Commodity Education Program (MCEP). Learn more
Elevating Efficiency Is 2018 Beltwide Cotton Conferences’ Goal
10/06/2017
The 2018 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, set for January 3-5 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas, will provide insight on current research and emerging technology – to help attendees improve production, processing and marketing efficiency. Learn more
U.S. Cotton Sets Goals to Further Reduce Environmental Footprint
09/19/2017
With the goal of helping its members meet their current needs while making the world a better place for future generations, the U.S. cotton industry is setting goals aimed to build upon the strong environmental gains already achieved over the past 30 years Learn more
USDA August Production Report
08/10/2017
In its August crop report, USDA estimated a 2017-18 U.S. crop of 20.54 million bales. Learn more
Southeast, Far West Cotton Producers to See Texas Operations
08/02/2017
Fifteen cotton producers from the Southeast and Far West U.S. cotton production regions will see cotton and other agriculture-related operations in Texas on August 14-18 as part of the 2017 NCC Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.). Learn more
NCC: Bring Cotton Back Into Title I Commodity Policy
07/25/2017
The NCC believes it is imperative that cotton be included in the next farm bill’s Title I programs so cotton producers can access the same complement of risk management tools available to other crops. Learn more
Southwest Cotton Producers to Learn from Georgia Operations
07/24/2017
Eleven cotton producers from Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas will see cotton operations in Georgia on July 30-August 4 as part of the National Cotton Council’s 2017 Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) program. Learn more
NCC Encouraged by Appropriations Process’ Inclusion of Cottonseed Policy
07/20/2017
The FY18 Agriculture Appropriations bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 20 includes a number of key provisions from the industry’s cottonseed proposal to help provide economic relief to cotton producers until a new farm bill is in place. Learn more
House Letter
07/19/2017
House Letter Learn more
Congress Calls on Administration for Economic Assistance for Cotton Producers
07/18/2017
A large, bipartisan block of 135 Senators and Representatives sent letters to President Trump today strongly urging the Administration’s support, through USDA, to operate the Cotton Ginning Cost Share Program effective for the 2016 crop year and on an ongoing basis. Learn more
Mid-South Cotton Producers to See San Joaquin Valley Agriculture
07/10/2017
Twelve cotton producers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri will observe cotton and other agricultural operations in California’s San Joaquin Valley the week of July 17 as part of the National Cotton Council’s 2017 Producer Information Exchange Program. Learn more
USDA Issues June Acreage Report
06/30/2017
In its June acreage report, USDA estimated 2017-18 U.S. cotton plantings at 12.1 million acres, up 19.7% from 2016. Learn more
FY18 Federal Budget Very Concerning
05/24/2017
The NCC says the Trump Administration’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal includes a number of extremely concerning program reductions and eliminations that, if implemented, would severely compromise policies that are critical to America’s cotton farming families. Learn more
NCC: Maintaining NAFTA Benefits is Crucial
05/19/2017
The NCC says the United States must remain a participant in a vibrant North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) because it has been and can continue to be a very positive trading platform for U.S. agriculture, including cotton and textiles. Learn more
NCC: Lighthizer Confirmation Positive For Exports
05/11/2017
The NCC is pleased with the Senate’s confirmation (82-14) today of Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) – calling it an important step for promoting fair trade and export development. Learn more
Final 2016 USDA Crop Estimates Announced
05/10/2017
Learn more
2017 P.I.E. Program Tour Dates Set
05/04/2017
The NCC has scheduled tour dates and locations for the 2017 Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Program. Learn more
NCC Extremely Disappointed With Exclusion of Cottonseed Policy From Omnibus
05/01/2017
NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee said the NCC “is extremely disappointed that the fiscal year 2017 omnibus appropriations bill does not include the cottonseed policy developed by the U.S. cotton industry in consultation with Congress.” Learn more
2017-18 Emerging Leaders Program Class Announced
04/27/2017
Twelve U.S. cotton industry members have been chosen to participate in the NCC's Emerging Leaders Program for 2017-18. Learn more
NCC Pleased With Perdue Confirmation
04/24/2017
The NCC looks forward to working with Sonny Perdue who was confirmed on April 24 by the Senate as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Learn more
USDA Announces 2017 Cotton Loan Rate Differentials
04/18/2017
USDA's Farm Service Agency announced in an April 17 news release the 2017-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton. The release contains a link to the loan rate differentials tables. Learn more
NCC Conveys Farm Law Priorities
04/04/2017
In April 4 testimony before a House panel hearing, NCC Chairman Ronnie Lee said U.S. cotton's central organization looks forward to working with the House and Senate agriculture committees and with other agricultural organizations to gain passage of a farm bill that effectively addresses the needs of all commodities. Learn more
NCC Pleased With EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Action
03/31/2017
EPA released an order on March 29 denying in full the petition requesting that the agency revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. EPA now will move forward on updating and revising the human health assessment for chlorpyrifos under the standard procedures of the ongoing registration review process. Learn more
NCC: President’s Recognition of U.S. Agriculture Encouraging
03/21/2017
The NCC applauded President Donald Trump’s March 21 issuance of a National Agriculture Day proclamation that stated, “America's farmers and ranchers help feed the world, fuel our Nation's economy, and lead global markets in output and productivity.” Learn more
Ag Groups Conduct ‘Substantive, Productive’ Meeting with Trump Administration on Trade
03/16/2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Executive staff leaders from 11 major U.S. agricultural and agribusiness organizations commended the Trump administration for engaging in a substantive and productive meeting on March 15 that was focused on the importance of continued growth of food and agriculture exports. Learn more
Bring Cotton Back Into Title I
03/10/2017
Testifying at a recent Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing in preparation for the next farm bill, Tom Lahey, a Moscow, KS, cotton and grain producer and vice president of the Kansas Cotton Association, 1) cited the critical need for cotton to be brought back into the Title I commodity policies of the farm bill and 2) explained how crop insurance alone cannot provide effective risk management during prolonged periods of depressed market conditions -- as cotton recently has experienced. Learn more
2017 High Cotton Winners Recognized
03/06/2017
The 2017 Farm Press-Cotton Foundation High Cotton Awards recipients are: Southeast – Ronnie Burleson/Andrew Burleson, Richfield, N.C. Mid-South – Byron Seward, Louise, Miss.; Southwest – Brent Hendon, Welch, Texas; and Far West – Mark McKean, Riverdale, California. Learn more
NCC Grateful for Trump’s Special Assistant Appointment
02/27/2017
The NCC appreciates President Donald Trump’s appointment of Ray Starling to the position of Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance. Learn more
NCC Applauds Scott Pruitt Confirmation
02/17/2017
NCC Applauds Scott Pruitt Confirmation Learn more
National Cotton Council 2017 State Unit Officers Named
02/14/2017
National Cotton Council state unit officers for 2017 were elected at the industrywide organization’s annual meeting held in Dallas, Texas, on February 10-12. Learn more
National Cotton Council Names 2017 Directors
02/14/2017
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Cotton Council directors for 2017 were announced at the NCC’s annual meeting held in Dallas, Texas, on February 10-12. Learn more
Michael Tate Re-elected American Cotton Producers Chair
02/14/2017
Michael Tate of Huntsville, Ala., was re-elected as chairman of the American Cotton Producers (ACP) of the National Cotton Council (NCC) for 2017, during the NCC’s annual meeting held in Dallas, Texas, on February 10-12. Learn more
David Blakemore to Lead National Cotton Ginners Association
02/13/2017
The Memphis-based National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA) elected its 2017 officers on February 11 during its annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. Learn more
Ronnie Lee to Lead the NCC in 2017
02/13/2017
Ronnie Lee to Lead the National Cotton Council in 2017 Ronnie Lee, a cotton producer from Bronwood, Ga., was elected National Cotton Council chairman for 2017. Learn more
Kent Fountain Is National Ginner Award Recipient
02/13/2017
Kent Fountain, managing partner of Southeastern Gin and Peanut in Surrency, Ga., and a tireless leader in the National Cotton Ginners Association (NCGA), Southeastern Ginners and National Cotton Council, is the 2016 Horace Hayden National Cotton Ginner of the Year. Learn more
Cotton Service Award Honors Mark Lange
02/13/2017
Dr. Mark Lange, who served as president and chief executive officer for the National Cotton Council from 2003 until his retirement in 2015, is the recipient of the 2016 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award. Learn more
Cotton Achievement Award Honors Charlie Owen
02/13/2017
The late Charles C. Owen, an Arizona ginner whose career was marked by his strong desire to advance the U.S. cotton industry through quality preservation, research, employee education and outreach to U.S. cotton’s customers, is the recipient of the 2016 Oscar Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more
Demand Growth, China’s Reserve Auctions and Global Supply Response Hold Keys for the Coming Year
02/11/2017
National Cotton Council economists point to a number of key questions that will shape the 2017 economic outlook for the U.S. cotton industry. Learn more
NCC Survey Suggests U.S. Producers to Plant 11.0 Million Acres of Cotton in 2017
02/11/2017
U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 11.0 million cotton acres this spring, up 9.4 percent from 2016, according to the National Cotton Council’s 36th Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey. (see table attached) Learn more
Cotton Council International Elects 2017 Officers
02/10/2017
Eduardo L. (Eddy) Esteve, a merchant from Dallas, Texas, will serve as president of Cotton Council International (CCI) for 2017. He and other CCI officers were elected at CCI’s board meeting in Dallas today during the National Cotton Council’s 2017 Annual Meeting. Learn more
NCC Ready to Work With New Agriculture Secretary
01/19/2017
The National Cotton Council congratulates former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue on his nomination for Secretary of Agriculture. Learn more
Dr. Peng Chee Receives 2016 Cotton Genetics Research Award
01/05/2017
Dr. Peng Chee, a professor of Cotton Molecular Genetics/Breeding at the University of Georgia’s Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, is the recipient of the 2016 Cotton Genetics Research Award. Learn more