Scientists with the LSU AgCenter annually evaluate cotton varieties in official variety trials (OVTs) at several locations across the state. Cotton varieties are managed using practices that follow LSU AgCenter recommendations and demonstrate commercial operations as closely as possible.

It wasn’t that long ago that if you wanted to buy an article of clothing, you went into a brick-and-mortar store, examined the racks of dresses, shirts or slacks and looked to see if the products were made with U.S. cotton.

“That all changed with the Internet in the mid-90s,” said Ted Schneider, a Lake Providence, La., producer and chairman of the National Cotton Council. “Fifty percent of all apparel sales last year were done online.”

The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic’s shock to global trade have created an unprecedented level of stress and disruption on the entire supply chain, from transportation costs to labor availability. Thus, National Cotton Council economists say projections for the U.S./global economies in the coming year should be viewed with caution given the COVID-19 pandemic’s continued impacts.

University cotton specialists spell out what the 2022 season might hold in store for growers.

We’ve rounded up the 2022 class of cotton varieties from commercial cotton seed companies. Each company is releasing one variety for commercial planting this season. All boast strong yields and good fiber quality as they enter an already competitive cotton seed market.

The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic’s shock to global trade have created an unprecedented level of stress and disruption on the entire supply chain, from transportation costs to labor availability. Thus, National Cotton Council economists say projections for the U.S./global economies in the coming year should be viewed with caution given the COVID-19 pandemic’s continued impacts.

The 28th Class of High Cotton Award winners were recognized today in Memphis, Tenn., at the annual High Cotton Awards Breakfast by Farm Press and the Cotton Foundation. The annual award recognizes producers for growing quality cotton using regenerative practices.

The 2022 winners from four Cotton Belt regions are as follows: Southeast – Lee Cromley; Midsouth – John Lindamood; Southwest – Randall Bankhead; and Western – Dan Thelander.

Cotton Incorporated was named the 2022 A.L. Vandergriff Cotton Pioneer Award winner at last night’s Southern Cotton Ginners Association Honors Banquet. For over 50 years, the team of cotton industry experts at Cotton Incorporated have worked tirelessly on behalf of U.S. cotton producers and importers to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton.

U.S. ginners, gin managers and superintendents are urged to register for one of the three 2022 Cotton Ginner Schools. The 35th annual schools will be two days instead of three, and there is no on-site registration.

Enrollment for the 2021 crop in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol® is open until March 31, 2022.