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Meeting Agenda
(click here for printable schedule)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
SESSION 1
Production & Agronomy
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The more a farmer knows about the fundamentals of growing cotton and other crops, the better able he is to respond to challenges throughout the year. This session will focus on cotton production with an emphasis on an integrated systems approach to production practices. The session will include a review of the 2008 cotton growing season, an in-depth look at cotton physiology, and discussions on soils, weeds and pest management that can be applied across field crops.
- Welcome and Introduction, John Palmer
- 2008 Year in Review, Lowell Zelinski, Ph.D., Agronomist - Precision Ag, Inc.
One of California’s premiere cotton experts will take a look back at the 2008 growing season – the challenges and successes – and lead an interactive discussion on how to learn from them.
- Cotton Physiology, Lowell Zelinski, Ph.D., Agronomist - Precision Ag, Inc.
Not many know more about how and why cotton grows cotton than Dr. Lowell Zelinski. He’ll present an engaging, open discussion beneficial to anyone working with cotton production.
- Influence of biological organisms in the soil, Tom Ruehr, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus -
Cal Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
The basis of all crop production begins with the soil. Last year’s conference favorite – Dr. Tom Ruehr – is back with an enlightening exploration of the biological basis of soil fertility applicable to all crops.
- Insect biology across shifting landscapes, Pete Goodell, Ph.D., IPM Specialist - U.C. Cooperative Extension
California’s integrated pest management expert will take a look at how changes in our crop mix influence insect pests in the San Joaquin Valley.
- A farming systems approach to weed management, Steve Wright, Farm Advisor - U.C. Cooperative Extension
As diversity in field crop production increases so does the challenge of weed management. U.C. weed specialist Steve Wright will address the importance of an integrated approach to weed control in field crops.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
SESSION 2
Technology & Techniques
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn about advances in technology such as precision farming techniques, and its applications and uses you may have never thought about. This session will also explore ideas and recommendations for water use, production practices and advances in biotechnology.
- Innovative uses of precision farming technology,
Tim Sherrill, J.G. Boswell Company; Brock Taylor, Brock Taylor Consulting; and Lowell Zelinski, Ph.D., Precision Ag, Inc.
A panel of three of San Joaquin Valley’s most avid users of precision farming in field crops will explore its uses beyond its normal realm. Topics such as variable rate irrigation in tomatoes, controlling weeds in areas of no growth, and using NDVI for plant growth regulator applications.
- Maintaining the California cotton industry infrastructure,
Earl Williams, President & CEO - California Cotton Growers & Ginners Association
Despite declining cotton acreage in the San Joaquin Valley, the maintenance of infrastructure for ginning and processing cotton is paramount so that it will still be there when the economics of cotton improve. Learn what it will take to keep the system in place.
- Crop biotechnology update, David Anderson, Global Leader Cotton Breeding - Dow/Phyotgen
Find out what’s happening in the development and regulation of genetically enhanced crops.
- Water and fertility issues in drip irrigated cotton, Bob Hutmacher, Ph.D., Center Director - U.C. Cooperative Extension
A look at the importance of modifying your irrigation and fertility program in drip irrigated cotton.
- Tips and techniques for integrating cotton production with corn, wheat, and processing tomatoes,
Daniel Burns, Owner - San Juan Ranch
One way to keep cotton in the mix is an integrated farming approach. This discussion will examine the relationships between growing cotton and other field crops.
- Economics of producing cotton versus other field crops, Jarral Neeper, Vice President of Marketing - Calcot
How do the costs of cotton production compare to other field crops? This presentation will contrast the economies of field crop production in the San Joaquin Valley with a special emphasis on cotton.
Friday, January 23, 2009
SESSION 3
Outlook & Updates
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Industry Updates, Corporate Sponsors
Industry representatives will share the latest updates on new products and developments in cotton and other field crops.
- Cotton quality by variety, Craig Stevens, Dunavant of California
Find out how the quality of different varieties compared in 2008.
- Pima cotton: can we maintain the market? Jeff Elder, Chairman - Supima
A look at what it will take for the San Joaquin Valley to remain the reliable supplier of Pima cotton.
- Water issues in agriculture, Jim Beck, General Manager - Kern County Water Agency
Water – or the lack of it – is one of the most important issues in California agriculture today. A variety of water-related issues will be explored including a water availability outlook for 2009.
- U.S. and global outlook and issues in cotton production,
Ted Sheeley, Chairman - Cotton Inc. / Owner - AZCAL Management
Cotton production and consumption is influenced by factors throughout the U.S. and around the world. Ted Sheeley, one of California’s key cotton growers and the current chair of Cotton Inc., will discuss how these factors will affect the future of cotton.
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