(MEMPHIS, TN) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 10 producer members, 10 producer alternate members, four importer members, seven alternate members and one advisor to serve three-year terms on the Cotton Board from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028. Additionally, USDA appointed four individuals to fill board vacancies. Newly appointed members: John Newby, …
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) publishes weekly “Commitment of Traders” (COT) data on the positions of index funds and hedge funds in agricultural futures markets (Figure 1). The changes in these speculative futures positions have near term value in explaining fluctuations in ICE cotton futures. For roughly two years, the hedge fund (or “non-commercial” or “managed money”) speculative position has …
Articles in this month’s issue include: Cotton Market Update: Understanding the Recent Surge in Cotton Prices (Dr. Jody Campiche, National Cotton Council) Strategies for Managing High Fertilizer Costs in Cotton Production (Doug Amaral) Cotton, Peanut, and Soybean Insect Scout Schools (Phillip Roberts) Grasshoppers: An Unpredictable Pest (Phillip Roberts) Stand Establishment (John Snider and Camp Hand) Early Season Irrigation Requirements for …
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created volatility in fertilizer prices. While the duration of the conflict is hard to predict, the prolonged rise in energy prices (crude oil and natural gas) can have an impact on the price that U.S. agriculture producers pay for fertilizer. In turn, this can impact farm profitability at a time when margins …
On May 6th, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed a number of bills related to agriculture, forestry, and natural resources into law at an event in Monroe County. These included HB 1310, introduced by Representatives Jaclyn Ford (170th – Alapaha), Robert Dickey (144th – Musella), Steven Meeks (178th – Screven), Angie O’Steen (169th – Ambrose), Al Williams (168th – Midway), and …
In their April 8, 2026, Southern Ag Today article, Will Maples and Wendiam Sawadgo explained why futures markets matter for producers. Futures markets help farmers manage price risk, but speculators also play a useful role. Speculators add liquidity and take the “other side” of hedges, assuming price risk. But there is a second question worth asking. What happens when large amounts …
May 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE This summer, certified producer/producer interest organizations will caucus to nominate individuals to represent Georgia producers to serve as directors and alternates on the board of Cotton Incorporated, delegates and alternates to the National Cotton Council of America, and directors on the board of Southern Cotton Growers. Each of these organizations serves cotton producers and the …
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 Office of Communications 404-656-3689 ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced today that thirteen of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. The Commissions seeking nominations are apple, blueberry, citrus, corn, cotton, equine, milk, peach, pecan, soybean, tobacco, vegetable, and wine & …
April 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) commends members of the United States House of Representatives for it’s recent passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly referred to as Farm Bill 2.0. If passed by the Senate, this legislation will bring long awaited updates to producer safety net. The Commission would also like to …
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The National Cotton Council applauds House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or Farm Bill 2.0, and continues to urge strong bipartisan support of this important legislation as it moves to the Senate. “We appreciate Speaker Johnson, Chairman Thompson, and House leadership for their work in moving this critical bill forward,” said …
May 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Georgia Cotton Commission Mid-Year Meeting July 29, 2026 The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro. The Mid-Year Meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop conducted by members of the UGA …
While the agricultural industry in the U.S. has long relied on trade as a major demand outlet, the agricultural trade deficit ballooned to more than $100 billion in total over the last 4 years, and at the same time, the United States has been experiencing unparalleled growth in export competition. While the current administration is using retaliatory tariffs as a …