The Cotton Companion

The Cotton Companion podcast is a conversation among the editors and friends of Cotton Grower magazine about all things cotton related.

How Cotton Incorporated is Taking the Fight to Polyester on the Retail Shelf

Cotton Incorporated President and CEO William Kimbrell talks about the ways Cotton Incorporated is working hard to bring relief to U.S. cotton producers.

12-03
46:21

Will Cotton Break Out of It’s Narrow Trading Window in 2026?

For months, the cotton market has been confined by a trading window that sees it lingering between .60 and .70 cents. Cotton Incorporated Senior Economist Jon Devine drops by the pod to discuss whether cotton has any opportunities to break out in the coming year.

11-21
30:36

Celebrating Our 200th Episode...and Jay Mahaffey, Too!

It's our 200th podcast episode (and we may be more surprised about that than anyone else). Join us as we recall some of the highs, lows, and miscues of our 10-year podcast journey. And for good measure, we visit with cotton's busiest man, Jay Mahaffey, for stories and findings from his "Straight Shootin' with Jay Tour" this season.

11-05
48:41

Plant Not Plastic: Cotton Takes On Microplastics and Polyester

The new Plant Not Plastic program is off and running to help improve awareness of microplastic pollution from man-made fibers. The NCC's Marjory Walker joins the podcast to explain the program details and how it benefits cotton and other natural fibers.

10-22
24:22

Cotton Promotion Program Evolving for a Changed World

Following a third-party evaluation of the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, some new program structures and changes are now being put in place. Cotton Board President/CEO Bill Gillon joins the podcast to discuss why...and what's coming.

10-08
29:05

Talking Mid-South Cotton, Early Harvest, and Pests Old and New

University of Tennessee Extension Entomologist Sebe Brown joins the podcast to review cotton production this year in the upper Mid-South and discuss the spread and management of cotton's newest pest - the cotton jassid.

09-24
33:34

49 Meetings, 16 States, 6 Weeks

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act included a lot of good news for cotton - but, as usual, the devil's in the details. NCC President/CEO Gary Adams returns to the podcast to discuss the Council's new series of informational meetings and why it's important for growers to attend.   #CottonCompanion #CottonGrower #Cotton #CottonFarming #CottonHarvest #CottonMarket #RowCrop #AgPodcast #PrecisionAg #SoilHealth #Irrigation #WeedManagement #PestManagement #Ginning #AgTech

09-09
26:40

Dr. Bill's Harvest Preparation Checklist

Final PGR treatments. Defoliation tips. Harvester readiness. Cover crop strategies. Soil health benefits. All are important considerations as cotton harvest approaches, and Bill Robertson covers them all in this episode of the Cotton Companion.

08-27
44:07

Dissecting the Newly Proposed Dicamba Label and Next Actions

You're going to want to listen to this episode! Georgia Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper joins the podcast to discuss the newly proposed over-the-top dicamba label for cotton and soybean, its advantages and guardrails, timelines, and what you need to do make their voice heard at EPA. 

08-13
36:28

Reviewing Cotton's Current Research Programs and Priorities

Chad Brewer of the Cotton Foundation joins the podcast to discuss some of the programs and priorities of various cotton research programs underway across the Cotton Belt this year. Plus, details on how to make your voice heard at EPA as they take another look at dicamba for cotton.  

07-30
30:00

Examining the Big Beautiful Benefits for Cotton

National Cotton Council President/CEO Gary Adams recaps the wins for cotton in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as another last-minute push to help get the legislation through and some opportunities ahead that should also benefit the industry.

07-16
38:27

What's New in Cotton's Ag Tech Pipeline?

Cotton Incorporated's Dr. Ed Barnes joins the podcast to provide a look at the progress, promise, and potential for new automation and technologies on cotton's horizon.

06-24
42:41

Have Environmentalists Damaged Cotton Demand?

Has cotton demand been unintentionally damaged by the environmental movement? Textile and Apparel Strategist Bob Antoshak thinks so, and he joins the podcast to explain his reasoning.

06-11
37:11

West Texas Focus With an Eye on DC

Kody Bessent with Plains Cotton Growers joins the podcast with an update on cotton planting in West Texas, as well as the latest word on how some recent actions in Washington DC could impact cotton.

05-28
23:29

Meet CCI's Liz Hershfield

Cotton Council International's new Executive Director Liz Hershfield joins the podcast to discuss the programs and potential for marketing U.S. cotton around the world. Plus, Beck shares his experience with The Big Fib.

05-14
25:34

How Are Tariffs Impacting Cotton Movement and Trade?

What do tariffs (and all the talk about tariffs) really mean for the U.S. cotton industry? Buddy Allen with the American Cotton Shippers Association joins the podcast to explain.

04-23
25:06

Ignore the Noise Around Tariffs, Focus Instead on Fundamentals

Dr. O.A. Cleveland drops in to discuss the recent USDA Planting Intentions report. His message: While the tariffs dominate the headlines, the market fundamentals remain bullish for cotton!

04-10
34:09

Button Up Farm Finances As Planting Nears

With planting underway or coming quickly, it's not too late to make financial moves for this year's crop. Andrea Herbst with Nutrien Financial joins the podcast to review possible options and offer tips.

03-20
24:24

Celebrating Cotton Achievement Award Recipient Ted Schneider

Cotton Grower has been presenting its Cotton Achievement Award since 1970. Listen in as we present our 2024 award to Ted Schneider of Lake Providence, LA.

03-11
18:05

Observations from the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show

Cotton Grower was right in the middle of the recent Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, and Jim and Beck take a few minutes to reflect on some of the key topics and discussions from the show.

03-06
20:36

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