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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

We recap some of the news and events from the National Cotton Council's recent annual meeting. Patrick Johnson, 2025 NCC Chairman, joins us to discuss cotton's agenda and the key challenges ahead for this year.

Georgia Extension Cotton Specialist Camp Hand joins the podcast to review some initial findings from their deer damage studies - including (surprisingly!) higher economic losses from deer than from pigweed, nematodes, and stinkbugs.