Fifth Annual Wiregrass Cotton Expo Set for Late February

AUBURN, Feb. 9, 2004 --- The fifth annual Wiregrass Cotton Expo will be held Tuesday, Feb.24 in Dothan. The Expo, a regional meeting serving both Alabama and Florida farmers, will be held on the National Peanut Festival grounds on U.S. Highway 231 South.

“The Expo will provide cotton producers a great chance to learn the latest in management recommendations as well as recent developments in cotton research,” said William Birdsong, a cotton agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 

The meeting, sponsored by Alabama Extension and the Florida Extension Service, begins with registration at 8 a.m.

A variety of speakers will address weed control, insect control, variety selection, tillage and nitrogen management.  Dr. Jim Marois from the University of Florida will discuss results from the Southeast Regional Hard Lock Boll Trials.  Hard lock is a condition that prevents bolls from opening fully and exposing the cotton lint. 

Thomas Kirkland, an Alabama cotton producer who is a representative to the National Cotton Council, will discuss ongoing activities of the Council.

Industry representatives will exhibit the latest farm products and services as well as the newest farm machinery to be used in cotton production.  Dr. James O’Brien from the Florida Climate Center will be the guest speaker during the Expo’s luncheon.  He will discuss the weather for the 2004 crop year.

2004 Wiregrass Cotton Expo and Equipment Show

February 24

National Peanut Festival, Dothan

8:00      Registration and Exhibitor Visits

8:30      Welcome:  Jimmy Jones, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

            Cotton Weed Management Update, 2004

            Mike Patterson, Alabama Cooperativ. Extension System

8:45      Cotton Market Outlook, 2004

            Bob Goodman, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

9:00      Controlling the “Bug” Complex in Wiregrass Cotton

            Ron Smith, Auburn University

9:30      Variety Selection and Performance

            William Birdsong, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

            Cotton Seed Representatives: DPL, Stoneville, Fiber Max, Phytogen

10:00 Break and Visit With Exhibitors

10:30    Tillage and Nitrogen Management in Cotton

            David Wright, University of Florida

11:00    National Cotton Council Report

            Thomas Kirkland, Alabama Cotton Producer

            National Cotton Council Representative

11:25    Results from Southeast Regional Hard Lock Boll Trials

            Jim Marois, University of Florida

11:55    Farm Service Agency Update

            Ronnie Davis, State FSA office—Alabama

Noon    Lunch and Door Prizes                       

            Guest speaker:  Dr. James O’Brien, Florida Climate Center

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