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The article features Don Cameron, one of the winners of the Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award in California. It states that he was recognized of his leadership in the country's agriculture and his accomplishments in cotton production. It highlights his effort of fostering a cornupia of crops through soil amendments along with persistent salt leaching to make the land healthy as well as the plants grow.

The article announces that W. Bruce Heiden has received the 2011 Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award for west region.

The article reports that the California Cotton Pest Control Board won the Far West High Cotton Award for 2006 and its chairman Wally Shropshire will accept the award in Texas. The program negated the use of pesticides and it is the most successful biological pest control program. At least 38 million acres of some of the highest quality cotton are produced in the San Joaquin Valley since growers banded together to keep the pink bollworm out of the valley.

The article profiles the cotton farmer Joe Pierucci. It says that Pierucci immigrated in Buttonwillow, California wherein he first worked in the farm for Henry Miller and Charles Lux. It notes that Peirucci starter his own farm with just 120 acres after many generations in turns into 1,600 acres which is already managed by his grandson and son. It cites that at the age of 53, he is the winner of 2010 High Cotton award.

The article profiles cotton farmer Gil Replogle of Visalia, California with emphasis on his farming strategy and field management. The author discusses Replogle's farming experience and the use of GPS auto steer tractor guidance system. Moreover, he talks about the three Autofarm systems that the farmer owns that gave him the 2007 High Cotton award.

The article reports that California Cotton Pest Control Board has won the 2006 Far West High Cotton Award. Instead of giving the honor to a farm family for cotton production the California Cotton Pest Control Board has been nominated for the award because of its agriculture conservation related programs. The board is better known as "The California Pink Bollworm program." The Chairman of the board will be accepting the award at Beltwide Cotton Conferences in San Antonio, Texas. The better conditions of the cotton industry in California are due to the pink bollworm program.

Provides information on the Starrh family, recipient of the Farm Press/Cotton Foundation Far West Cotton Award for 2003. Involvement in the cotton industry and production agriculture; Standards established in farming practices; Challenge of air quality in California agriculture.

The article focuses on cotton farm owner Chad Crivelli who won the 2013 Far West high cotton award. It mentions that Crivelli has been a part of the San Joaquin Valley sustainable cotton projects since 1999, not only to reduce costs and promote environmental cotton growing techniques but also to exalt the virtues of sustainable practices to the costumers. Moreover, he is committed on looking for better ways to sustain quality cotton production which earned him the west high cotton award.

The article announces that Chad Crivelli, a cotton grower has been awarded the 2013 High Cotton Awards for the Western States.

The article focuses on the effort of farmer Don Cameron on farm management in San Joaquin Valley, California. It mentions that Cameron started farming with three corps such as alfalfa, small grains, and cotton and expanded into 26 crops in a 7000-acre Terranova and Prado farms. It says that he won the 2012 Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award as a recognition for his leadership in the agriculture and accomplishment in cotton production in the state.

In this article the author discusses how food crisis affects political stability worldwide. He notes that food crisis is not caused by the oppression of dictators, but the increasing food prices worldwide. He mentions that the world population continues to increase but there are no new arable lands being created.

The article reports on the work of W. Bruce Heiden, a cotton producer in Arizona, who has been named as the Far West Farm Press/Cotton Foundation High Cotton Award winner. It reveals that Heiden is closing in on his sixth decade of growing cotton in an environment unlike that of any other U.S. Cotton Belt state. It also notes that Heiden served as National Cotton Council president during a federal farm bill renewal period.

The article reports on the positive impact of the solar energy on the agriculture operations in California. It indicates that the use of solar energy has given the state many incentives and financial stability. Moreover, it mentions that California has grown apricots, basil, beans, cabbage, and honeydrews.

The article reports on the move of Del Mar Farms to install a roof-mounted 354 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system in its plant in Patterson, California. It mentions that the system, provided by Cenergy Power, covers about a fourth of the packing house's energy costs, and produce 90%-95% of the energy needs of the area. The company's owner, Jon Maring, believes that solar makes sense in producing economical energy and meeting sustainability mandates.

The article offers information on pomegranate growing in California. It notes on the efforts of orchard owner and pomegranate grower Lynda Resnick in funding a research that aims to explore the health benefits of the pomegranate fruit. It cites that pomegranates are lesser consumers of water and offers benefits as health and beauty food. It features the discovery of a new pomegranate family called the Angel Red which is discovered in Tulare County, California.

The article reports on the evolution of the Roundup Ready canola which turned from being a crop into a weed that shatters harvest in many fields in California. It notes the warning given by the University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisors Doug Munier and Kent Brittan regarding the said crop and mentions the crop's resistance to the herbicide, Roundup. It also presents the issue on roadside sunflowers.

The article reports on the statement by extension agricultural engineer Randy Taylor on the benefits of precision agriculture technology in the U.S. Crops are managed using the technology, which includes yield mapping and sensing equipment, on a smaller or more finite scale. High zone management, which is the fusion of sensory information with yield map data, is another step in precision agriculture evolution. The benefits of the technology in conducting on-farm research are also mentioned.

The article reports on the advances on the adoption of precision agriculture among farmers in the U.S. Randy Taylor, extension agriculture engineer, states that farmers are now allowed to manage crops on a smaller or more finite scale without sacrificing the large equipment with the adoption of precision agriculture technology. Moreover, it allows farmers to identify zones accurately and to do something about them through the use of a map coupled with computer-generated application techniques.

The article announces that Allen Pierucci, a cotton farmer, has received the 2010 High Cotton Award.

The article offers information on the meeting of Supima Association of America which features the discussion on the issues related to the prices of American Pima cotton. It mentions that Keith Deputy, outgoing chairman of Supima, on the promotion of Pima and increment in the sales and export. It also mentions that global supply is expected to be smaller and the consumption is forecast to increase.

The article reports on the farm consolidation duplication of farm machinery industry in the U.S. in 2009. According to George Russell, executive partner of Currie Management Consultants, that farmers are looking for new technology to remain in business as the farm income is expected to drop by 33 percent in 2009 from 2008. An overview of the farm technology that farmers would be looking to buy is presented.

The article features the Pikalok Farming, a cotton farm, which is owned by 2008 Farm Press High Cotton Award winner Danny Locke in Fresno County, California. Pikalok is situated along the banks of the San Joaquin River and has been involved in many research and demonstration plots. It states that Pikalok comprised of a 1,570-acre operation that has long sponsored University of California and San Joaquino Cotton Board statewide variety trials.

The article discusses the forecast of Tom Scott, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Informa Economics, regarding the U.S. cotton industry. Scott predicts that the price of U.S. cotton will continue to decline in six to nine months, while the cotton acreage will fall to 6 million acres in 2015. Among the reasons for the decline of cotton acreage include competition from food and energy crops, availability of cotton biotechnology, and increase of synthetic fiber competition.

The article reports on the prediction of Tom Scott, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Informa Economics Inc., that cotton prices will gradually decline in the U.S. He said that the reduction of prices will put the country in third place, behind China and India in terms of cotton production. He anticipated that U.S. cotton acreage will decline because competition from food and energy will not vanish and cotton biotechnology is already available worldwide.

Information about the topics discussed at the Beltwide Cotton Production Conferences in Nashville, Tennessee is presented. Topics include the battle of the U.S. cotton industry against the industry's detractors, reform of the farm bill and developments of various government programs for cotton producers. The conference featured several officials/members of the National Cotton Council and the World Trade Organization (WTO) including John Pucheo, Daniel Sumner and Crawford Falconer.

Information about several papers discussed at the Beltwide Cotton Production Conferences in Nashville, Tennessee on January 10 to 11, 2008. During the event John Pucheu, National Cotton Council (NCC) Chairman and Tranquility producer, discusses the efforts made by the cotton industry to fight back at home and abroad to stay afloat. The institution also challenged the administration to oppose the cotton-specific language.

The article announces that cotton grower Aubrey Hatley has received the Western High Cotton Award in Arizona.

The article focuses on the Sonny Hatley, a cotton farmer from the Maricopa County, Arizona. It discusses the farming concepts of the 2008 Western High Cotton Award recipient. Hatley has been farming for 45 years from the grand Canyon State to the broad expanses of West Texas. Hatley became Gilbert Rogers' partner in 1976, and when Rogers retired the Hatley family became sole owners of the farm.

The article offers updates related to the cotton trade in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates cotton consumption for 2007 to reach a record of about 128 million bales while exports are expected to return about 16.7 million bales, which is favorable to the U.S. production. Bob Norris of Calcot Ltd. projects a shortfall on cotton production due to weather and huge swing in the Mid South and Southeast. Moreover, Norris cites cotton trade challenges for the coming years.

The article features Gil Replogle of Visalia, California, Far West region winner for the 2007 Farm Press High Cotton Awards. Replogle uses global positioning system (GPS) auto steer tractor guidance system in his line of farming. He notes that GPS guidance system has several benefits which include financial savings, and making him work in the field even at night. He adds that the cost of the system is the same as buying another tractor but has a better efficiency having another tractor.

The article reports on the acquisition of Calcot Corp., the largest cotton marketing cooperative in the West U.S., of Southwestern Irrigated Cotton Growers Association's (SWIG) cotton warehouses. Calcot agreed to purchase SWIG's cotton warehouses in Artesia and Las Cruces, New Mexico and in Fabens, Texas. Calcot President Bob Norris says there are still details to be worked out to finalize a formal merger.

The article reports that lygus has moved to the ranks as the most troublesome cotton pest in the U.S. According to Peter Ellsworth, entomologist at the University of Arizona, the promotion of the pest was by default. Lygus ranked in closed second to bollworm/budworm complex. Lygus has emerged as a sectionalized pest, according to entonologist Michael Williams.

The article reports on the emergence of lygus as a major cotton pest in the U.S. It is also rising as a sectionalized pest as different members of its species affect different regions of the country. Furthermore, pesticides like bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, the eradication of boll weevil and the use of selective pesticides have been the attributed causes for its prominence.

Reports on the contract between California-based cotton marketing cooperative Calcot and Texas Coastal Bend cotton farmers to enhance export marketing of high-quality cotton. Terms of the deal; Implication of the agreement for Calcot; Significance of the deal to Texas cotton farmers.

Focuses on the decline in cotton acreage in Arizona and California amid growing demand for quality cotton. Total cotton production during the 2004-2005 season; Factors that contribute to decline in 2004 cotton crop yield; Contribution of government farm programs to the achievement of good final cotton prices.

This article focuses on American Pima cotton farming. Producers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Western Texas grow the Extra Long Staple Pima cotton, an American-grown fiber crop. Today U.S. American Pima cotton is the world leader in export premium. Since the mid-1980s American Pima production and sales have taken a meteoric rise. American Pima cotton production has gone from less than 100,000 bales in 1983 roughly 750,000 bales the last two seasons. Cotton growers and merchants are producing and marketing more Pima annually than anyone imagined just a few years back.

The article reports on positive responses for online Spray Drift Management CEU course offered by the periodical "Southwest Farm Press" on its Web site. Erath County, Texas rancher Tim Zboril said after completing the course that this allows him to manage his time better. He raises forage crops and operates a cow/calf operation in Stephenville, Texas. The course has been accredited for 1.50 credits by the Texas Department of Agriculture and 1 each by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the categories 1A-Ag Plant and 10-Demo and Research.

The article focuses on the positive feedback by the online course for pesticide applicators licensed in Texas and Oklahoma counties. The course has been accredited for 1.50 credits by the Texas Department of Agriculture and 1 each by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the categories lA-Ag Plant and 10-Demo and Research. Rogers County, Oklahoma, farmer and pest control adviser Steve Parrett of Claremore, Oklahoma said that this is a great idea and a wonderful way to educate and certify applicators.

The article informs about Yolo Bypass, where wetlands, wildlife habitat, and farmland teeming with millions of birds and other wildlife span many miles--all part of the State of California's Yolo Wildlife Area. The Yolo Bypass, a natural flood basin, receives water in the winter from both the Sacramento River and Cache Creek, helping to avoid flooding urban areas along the Sacramento River it has been farmed for decades, but in the early 1990s the state began buying up the land as part of its wildlife management system. In the winter, as many as 70,000 ducks a week visit the flooded rice fields below the causeway. INSET: And abotu that weird big bird . . ..

This article reports on a U.S. delegation visiting Mali and meeting with government officials of several poor African nations to help the development of the cotton industries in those impoverished nations. The delegation was led by deputy undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Jim Butler and included other officials from the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and John Pucheu as a representative of the National Cotton Council. While some West African nations are considered democratic, their cotton growing systems are all monopolistic, quasi government companies that control every aspect of the cotton industry from providing supplies, controlling ginning to furnishing credit.

The article reports that Goodyear, Arizona cotton farmer Ron Rayner hardly fits the description of the Biblical giant Samson. Yet the two have a lot in common. Samson's long flowing hair is part of what was known as a Nazarite Vow that included the promise that no razor would touch his head. The veteran Arizona cotton producer has taken his version of an equally unique vow for a farmer in the arid Southwest. For eight years neither a plow nor disk has touched fields that have grown cotton, alfalfa and cereal grains on his family's A Tumbling T Ranches.

The article focuses on Clean Water Act that will soon impact agriculture from California to Maine. Under the new conservation title of the farm bill, growers can be rewarded for writing and adopting best management plans. Where extension once recommended applying the estimated amount of nitrogen needed preplant, banks said growers are now advised to apply half the crops estimated. The newly developed agricultural technology featuring GPS directed grid sampling, aerial imaging and variable rate application technology should go a long way toward preventing nitrogen from getting to waterways.

The article presents information on the marketing challenge CCI, Cotton Inc, Supima and others face in selling the U.S. cotton and American made yam and textiles. It has become an all-out marketing blitz for CCI as the export market for the U.S. cotton, yam and textiles take Robert Norris worldwide in his role as chief spokesman for CCI. High quality U.S. cotton is coveted by world textile mills willing to pay a four-cent per pound premium for contamination free U.S. cotton delivered with a worldwide sanctity behind its contracts backed by technical assistance from Cotton Inc.

This article reports that herbicide-resistant (Roundup Ready) alfalfa is expected to be offered for sale commercially this year. So far it has not spawned an antibiotech attack, but that does not mean there are no challenges associated with the herbicide resistant forage crop. However, none seem insurmountable and researchers at the recent National Alfalfa Symposium in San Diego say the path seems clear for what one called the landmark movement into a new biotech crop that offers great potential to reduce weed control costs; produce cleaner alfalfa and be a possible solution to new water quality regulations facing western producers. Roundup Ready alfalfa has not run into opposition like herbicide resistant wheat, a factor in Monsanto shelving Roundup Ready wheat.

The article discusses a case of environmental protection. Six Californians and four Arizonans make up the first decade of Far West recipients of the Cotton Foundation or Farm Press Publications High Cotton Award. Selenium is a naturally occurring soil element, but with continual leaching of the land from irrigation water, high levels of selenium collected in drainage ponds and posed a danger to migrating waterfowl. Rather than challenge environmentalist and wildlife advocates on the issue, two researchers drew accolades from those groups by making the drainage ponds uninviting by design for waterfowl and creating attractive fresh water wetlands for the birds. Mitigating the waterfowl danger, rather than lighting it, proved not only politically correct, but considerably less expensive than going to court.

The article presents information regarding the far-west recipients of the High Cotton award, with special emphasis on their focus for conservation. It cites farming experiences of some of the winners. It talks about some of the farmers who switched to other occupations and later on adapted to their previous professions. They also talk about the need for implementation of new technology in cotton farming sector for enhancing overall yield. Cutting on farming acreage is also discussed by one of the farmers. They have a common goal of conservation of farming environment for betterment of the facilities.

The article profiles Mike Cox of California who is Far West High Cotton award winner. Cox as part of Cox family has continued his family tradition of farming till date. Coke's father started their family tradition of cotton farming in the year 1952 that has continued almost endlessly for more than a half century. The Cox family relishes the challenges of growing desert cotton and have grown it well for decades, overcoming adversities. A passion for growing cotton can be seen in Cox family. Cox was an early adopter of the new Bt and Roundup Ready technology to reduce pesticide use.

Focuses on the intention of a number of cotton growers in Arizona to vote for the second time in five years to initiate a pink bollworm (PBW) eradication program referendum. Conviction from various individuals regarding the eradication of PBW through the use of a combination of Bt cotton and pheromones; Account of the first attempt in the state to pass a PBW eradication program referendum in 1999; Remarks from Wiley Murphy, chairman of the Arizona Pink Bollworm Eradication Committee, regarding the matter.

Reports on the worldwide increase in cotton demand as a key to skewed U.S., China trade pact. Preference for cotton from consumers all over the world; Carriage of financial burden by the U.S. cotton industry for worldwide cotton promotion; Role of CCI(Cotton Council International) and CI(Cotton Incorporated) to increase the cotton consumption within China; Efforts of individual consumer promotions and technical servicing programs overseas; Reports India as the third largest cotton producer in the world; Goal of Cotton Gold Alliance Program by India, CCI and CI to promote quality cotton products.

Discusses the potential of the Brazilian cotton industry to increase production and farm acres as of February 4, 2004, according to Woody Anderson, vice chairman of the National Cotton Council (NCC). Amount of cotton production and cotton farms by Mato Grasso in Brazil; Bale equivalents of textiles shipped by Brazil to the U.S. in 2002; Initiation of a World Trade Organization dispute by Brazil against the U.S., challenging the federal farm program.