2025 Western P.I.E. Tour to Visit California

The National Cotton Council announces its 2025 Western Producer Information Exchange Tour, set to take place from July 27 through August 1.

July 24, 2025
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -  The National Cotton Council (NCC) announces its 2025 Western Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Tour, set to take place from July 27 through August 1. This immersive program will bring together U.S. cotton producers from across the belt in California to explore innovative farming practices and foster invaluable knowledge exchange. It will also facilitate direct interaction with host farmers, organizations, and regional peers to build a strong industry network. 

Sponsored by BASF through a grant to The Cotton Foundation, the P.I.E. program is designed to equip U.S. cotton producers with new perspectives to maximize production efficiency and improve yields and fiber quality. It achieves this by:

  1. Fostering new insights into fundamental practices such as land preparation, planting, fertilization, pest control, irrigation, and harvesting. 
  2. Observing firsthand the unique ways in which innovative peers are using new and existing technology.

This year's Western P.I.E. Tour will offer participants a comprehensive look at diverse agricultural operations, highlighting innovative approaches to cotton production and other key crops. The tour includes visits to the Jordan Agricultural Research Center for insights into cutting-edge research, and tours of farming operations such as Gilkey Enterprises and Cardoza & Cardoza Farms. The itinerary also features a unique visit to a large-scale dairy operation, Bar 20 Dairy, demonstrating integrated agricultural enterprises, and an exploration of water management at the Romero Visitors Center at San Luis Reservoir. Throughout the week, participants will engage directly with host farmers and industry experts, gaining valuable insights into resource management, technological adoption, and sustainable practices.

The 2025 Western P.I.E. program participants include: Joshua Ast of Mayfield, KS; Darryl Blakey of Silver Spring, MD; Marcus Cave of Rotan, TX; Christopher Clark of Levelland, TX; Bo Eggemeyer of Midkiff, TX; Sterling Field of Durham, NC; Brent Jacob of Winters, TX; Joshua Klatt of Shallowater, TX; Steve Olson of Plainview, TX; Doyle Schniers of San Angelo, TX; Justin Stoerner of Lockney, TX; and Wesley Williams of Roscoe, TX.