AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Genetics, precision planting, drones and a climate outlook are a few of the topics on tap for discussion at the 2025 Wiregrass Cotton Expo. The expo is Jan. 23 and will begin with a trade show at 8 a.m. at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama. The expo is free to attend and will include exhibitors and speakers presenting information on a variety of topics.

Jimmy Jones, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Henry County, said this event provides an excellent opportunity to network with Extension specialists, industry experts, fellow farmers and agricultural suppliers in a competitive cotton market.

“We invite the farmers of our tristate region to the Wiregrass Cotton Expo to gain valuable insight into the latest cotton technologies, practices and marketing trends that will help enhance their productivity and profitability in the 2025 growing season,” said Jones, who is also an expo co-chair.

Allie Logan, the Alabama Extension assistant director for field operations in the southeast region, said the Wiregrass Cotton Expo is a vital event for cotton farmers in the Southeast, offering a platform for showcasing the latest agricultural technologies, trends and practices.

Agenda and Topics

The expo begins at 8 a.m. with registration and the trade show. The trade show will be open from 8 to 9:25 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Gavin Mauldin, the Alabama Extension coordinator for Coffee County, said the expo equips growers with tools to become more successful in the upcoming growing season.

This year’s slate of demonstrations and topics includes the following:

• Cotton Genetics
  • Sponsor companies
• Precision Planter Demonstration (outside)
  • Simer Virk, precision agriculture specialist, Alabama Extension at Auburn University
• Drone Domonstration (outside)
  • Scott Deavers, SouthGen
• 2025 Weather Outlook
  • David Zierden, state climatologist, Florida

The expo will conclude with a sponsored luncheon and a presentation from Jon Devine, a senior economist at Cotton Incorporated. In addition to the speakers, several genetics companies will also have representatives at the expo to discuss the many different products and services available to producers.

More Information

Door prize winners will be drawn throughout the luncheon meeting. For more information about the 2025 Wiregrass Cotton Expo, contact Jones at 334-585-6416 or by email at jonesja@auburn.edu.