Listen to apparel expert Jaclyn Noble discussing the environmental and business benefits of using cotton in today’s clothing. She has held senior positions with Spanx, Gloria Jeans, VF, and American Eagle, to name a few. However, her career began with hands-on experience using cotton on the mill floor. For Ms. Noble, industry metrics, transparency, and sound growing practices by farmers form the foundation of industry efforts to embrace sustainable business goals. Using cotton, says Ms. Noble, makes more sense than ever for today’s brands and retailers. This is a fascinating, not-to-be-missed discussion with an experienced global apparel expert. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Listen to Liza Schillo, Director of Sustainability & Social Impact with Perfect Day, and former Senior Manager of Global Product Sustainability with Levi Strauss, as she discusses the challenges faced by the apparel and cotton industries in adopting ESG and environmental sustainability goals. For Ms. Schillo, industry metrics, transparency, and a commitment to the future underscore industry efforts to embrace sustainable business practices. This is an important, wide-ranging discussion with a leading sustainability expert and advocate. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear about how Pheasants and Quail Forever helps farmers incorporate biodiversity into their sustainability and environmental conservation efforts. Brent Rudolph, Director of Sustainability Partnerships, and Josh Michna, Precision Agriculture Conservation Specialist, discuss the wide-ranging benefits that come with protecting and improving biodiversity. As they explain, with more diversity – especially of native plants and insects – there are better conditions for wildlife. The diversity helps meet the different needs for escape cover, nesting habitat, food sources, and so forth. Next, a diverse community of insects will usually include beneficial species that can help control pests that can be problematic for crops or livestock. This is an important program not to be missed for all those passionate about sustainable agriculture. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear about some exciting technologies to improve the performance of cotton from Graham Stewart, Executive Vice President at Fiber52 — a company that has developed an innovative prepare for dye (PFD) process that leverages the natural moisture-wicking characteristics of cotton. Using natural techniques, Fiber52’s simplified PFD process enhances cotton’s naturally hydrophobic (wicking) qualities. At the same time, says Mr. Stewart, the Fiber52 process utilizes less water in the dye process while also improving the efficiency of dyeing. Further, Mr. Stewart explains that Fiber52 helps cotton to better compete with synthetic fibers by improving its performance at the textile mill. This is an intriguing program presenting an innovative new technology that promises to enhance the desirability of cotton. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear from Marshall Hardwick, a leading cotton grower, about the challenges faced by farmers to produce quality, sustainable crops. Our fascinating discussion covers what it means to be sustainable, as well as ways in which farmers and apparel brands can find ways of working together. For Mr. Hardwick, measurable business practices, transparency, and a commitment to the future underscores the central tenets successful cotton farming today. This is an enlightening program with one of the country’s most innovative growers. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear from a leading expert in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR), David Uricoli, CSR Consultant, as we discuss how manufacturers, brands and retailers look to transparency and accountability in their supply chains. For Mr. Uricoli, many brands have learned the hard way over the years that CSR is a required approach to business where worker rights, sustainable production, and transparency are upheld and nurtured. In this enlightening program, we discuss not only discuss the importance of sustainability, but how CSR became so important for so many companies in the clothing industry and how CSR will become even more important in the future. This is a fascinating program with one of the leading CSR specialists in the world. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear from a leading engineer, Mike Rodriguez, Textile Engineering Consultant, as we discuss many of the latest innovations in the cotton and textile industries. For Mr. Rodriguez, it’s an exciting time to be in textiles as there’s so much change and opportunity while at the same time new innovations have helped cotton to maintain its status as a preferred fiber for textile mills globally. In this important program, we also discuss the importance of sustainability, and the role new technologies play in realizing sustainability goals in the industry. This is a fascinating program with one of the leading textile technologists in the world. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Hear from leading sustainability expert, Jessica Monserrate, PhD, Head of Sustainability North America for BASF as we discuss what’s necessary to define success in sustainability. For Ms. Monserrate, success is defined as applying scientific and real-world innovation to solving the challenging problems facing farmers today as they adopt sound sustainability practices. With more than ten years’ experience in R&D, Ms. Monserrate explains how metrics can be developed and strategies adopted by farmers committed to environmental stewardship. In this important program, we also define sustainability, outline proactive steps that the cotton industry can take to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, and how BASF works to support industry sustainability initiatives. This is a fascinating program with one of the leading agricultural sustainability experts in the world. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Listen to Mr. Neeper as he discusses many of the challenges facing U.S. cotton growers as a new harvest gains momentum. He also focuses on the problems faced by farmers and textile mills as retailers struggle with considerable inventory and weakening consumer demand which, in turn, has resulted in slower sales of textiles throughout the supply chain. Our lively program also discusses the competitive challenges faced by cotton from synthetic fibers, as well as the impact of global market conditions, and the outlook for cotton as a quality product for apparel brands and retailers. This is a fascinating program with one of the leading cotton analysts in the world. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Join us for a terrific program this week as we discuss made-in-america, sustainability, the economy, and changing consumer attitude with Pat Stewart, President of The General Standard (thegeneralstandard.com), a Los Angeles-based apparel company. In this podcast, we cover a wide range of topics including what Mr. Stewart sees as the major challenges facing the apparel industry as it grapples with sustainability and a challenging economy. Additionally, we ask Mr. Stewart if he feels made in America has advantages in sustainable production due to shorter supply chains compared to carbon-intensive global supply chains employed by much of the apparel industry today. This podcast is not to be missed. So, join us to learn more about sustainability and made in America. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Join us for an insightful podcast this week as we discuss sustainability, ESG, transparency, and environmental stewardship with a leading advocate of sustainable practices, Roian Atwood. Mr. Atwood has many years of experience in promoting and implementing sustainability programs throughout the apparel supply chain, from farm to fashion. In this podcast, we cover a wide range of topics including what he sees as the major challenges facing the apparel industry as it grapples with sustainability, greenwashing, and ESG (Environmental Social Governance). Additionally, we ask Mr. Atwood about the best practices that farmers, brands, and retailers should adopt to promote and nurture sustainability. We also discuss Mr. Atwood’s new role in the food industry and how that industry embraces sustainability. This podcast is not to be missed. So, join us to learn more about sustainability and environmental initiatives, and the positive impact such initiatives not only have on the planet but on businesses throughout the apparel supply chain. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Join us for an important podcast this week as we discuss the U.S. cotton situation with industry leader, Kevin Brinkley, President & CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA). Mr. Brinkley has many years of experience in risk management, strategic analysis, and policy issues affecting the cotton business. In this podcast, we cover a wide range of topics including the Texas drought, its impact on U.S. cotton production, available supply, and implications for the cotton industry. We also discuss the impact the drought is having on the industry’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Additionally, we ask Mr. Brinkley about the challenges confronting farmers as they cope with an uncertain market this season brought about by macro-economic forces, like inflation, along with volatile cotton prices, and competition with synthetic fibers. So, join us to learn more about the U.S. cotton market from a leading authority and gain insight into how farmers throughout the cotton belt meet the challenge of a demanding market. Hosted by Ray Daniels of BASF, and interviewed by Bob Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization.

Join us for a very special podcast this week as we introduce Ray Daniels, Sustainability Manager for North America Seeds at BASF, and the new manager of the e3 Sustainable Cotton program. Mr. Daniels has many years of experience as a marketer in agriculture, along with a deep knowledge of sustainability, as well the markets for cotton and other agricultural products. In this podcast, we ask Mr. Daniels about the challenges facing farmers and how the e3 cotton program makes a difference. Faced with an uncertain market this season, farmers face fluctuating prices and unpredictable demand for their crops. Macro-economic forces, like inflation, along problems caused by drought, and global competition, all add up to a season that has already tested growers — and the crop isn’t even harvested yet. Growers searching for solutions — and that's where BASF steps in. So, join us to learn more about how the e3 Sustainable Cotton program can and does make a difference for hundreds of farmers across the United States. What’s more, learn about Mr. Daniels’ future goals and objectives for the e3 program, and how sustainability in particular plays a central role in BASF’s approach to agriculture. Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Welcome to a special episode of “The Modern Cotton Story” as we discuss a new environmental partnership between BASF and the conservation organization Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to help farmers and ranchers achieve sustainability objectives on private lands, while supporting habitat improvements, public access, and outdoor education on a national scale. Our guest is Rachel Bush, Conservation Programs Manager at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. We’re excited to have Rachel with us to discuss our new partnership, as well explain the role her organization plays in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quality Forever has more than 400 people working in the fields with growers of all sorts of crops, including cotton. When partnered with BASF, the conservation efforts of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever becomes even more important to farmers throughout the United States. This is an enlightening podcast and outlines the importance of new partnerships and initiatives in sustainable agriculture. Please, have a listen! Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

From fluctuating prices, to uneven demand for their crops, U.S. farmers are facing many challenges this year. Macro-economic forces, like inflation, while problems caused by drought, and global competition, all add up to a year that has already tested growers in a variety of ways. These problems have growers searching for solutions — and that's where BASF steps in. So, join us to learn more about these challenges and solutions offered by BASF for domestic growers with Bryan Perry, the recently appointed U.S. Head of Seeds & Traits at BASF. Mr. Perry has a great background in agriculture, with deep experience in working with growers to overcome the hurdles of farming today. Listen to his insights for how BASF makes a difference for farmers today — and for tomorrow. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

The cotton, textile, and apparel industries are navigating rough waters these days. First there was the pandemic, but now changing trade policies, a major war in Europe, and other growing geopolitical tensions challenge the industries in many ways. So, join us to learn more about these challenges and the implications for domestic producers and global sourcing with Jennifer Knight, the newly appointed Deputy Secretary of Commerce Deputy for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials, and head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), based in Washington, DC. Secretary Knight has a background in textile manufacturing, as well as her responsibilities at OTEXA. Listen to her insights for how the cotton, textile, and apparel industries should adapt to a changing world, as well as understanding government trade policies, and shifts in demand for everything from raw materials (like cotton) to finished clothing. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

FiberMax Cotton turns 25 this year, a milestone in the cotton industry, and a landmark for quality cotton. Join us to learn about the history of FiberMax Cotton with Mark Kelling, Area Manager for the Southwest at BASF, as he explains the importance of FiberMax cotton seed to growers across the American farm belt — and how FiberMax has been particularly important to growers in Texas and Arizona. Mark has a deep and storied career in the cotton business and FiberMax cotton seed. Listen to how the cotton industry has changed over the years and how FiberMax cotton seed has helped growers by providing important innovation and high-quality cotton varieties year in and year out. Also, learn how FiberMax Cotton has become so important to textile mills around the world. This is a great conversation with a leading expert on the cotton business. Want to learn more about cotton? Then don't miss this week's podcast. Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

The cotton, textile, and apparel industries face significant challenges. The aftermath of the pandemic, changing trade policies, shifting sourcing patterns, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical concerns challenges the industries in ways not seen for many years. Join us to learn more about the issues at stake and the implications for domestic manufacturing and global sourcing with Kim Glas, the President & CEO of the National Council of Textiles Organizations (NCTO), the leading U.S. textile association based in Washington, DC. Listen to how the cotton, textile, and apparel industries have worked to adapt to new business paradigms, price inflation, government trade policies, and shifts in demand for everything from raw materials, like cotton, to finished clothing sold in retail stores. This is an insightful discussion with one of the leading government affairs and trade policy experts in the global textile industry. Tune in to learn more! Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Stoneville Cotton turns 100 this year, a milestone in the cotton industry. Join us to learn about the history of Stoneville Cotton with Don Threet, Cotton Operations Manager at BASF, as he explains the importance Stoneville cotton seed has had to growers across the the entire American farm belt. Don is the distinguished leader of the Stoneville brand at BASF. Listen to how the cotton industry has changed over the years and how Stoneville Cotton has been in step with growers by providing important innovation and high-yielding, quality cotton varieties year in and year out. A great conversation with a leading expert on the cotton business. Want to learn more about cotton? Then don't miss this week's podcast. Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.

Join us for a fascinating discussion about the global cotton markets with Kip Butts, a well-known and respected cotton economist and analyst, as he talks about the global markets for cotton — including the global supply and demand situation for cotton, and the outlook for cotton as it continues to compete for marketshare with synthetic fibers. Listen to how the cotton industry has coped with the challenges of the pandemic, supply chain woes, difficult trade relations between countries, as well as the industry's prospects in the coming years. A great conversation with one of the world’s leading experts on the cotton market. This week’s podcast should not be missed. Hosted by Rachel Walters of BASF, and interviewed by industry consultant Bob Antoshak.