Science of Tomorrow …Today
March 3, 2009 For some, change may be an obstacle to success. At Cotton Incorporated, we embrace changes that will increase the demand for cotton and/or improve the profitability of cotton production.
Dr. Edward Barnes, associate director in our Ag Research division, is spearheading efforts to analyze and advance precision farming technologies, while encouraging growers to evaluate the technology’s potential to improve their profitability.
For cotton, site-specific approaches were initially developed for fertility management, but now applications have broadened into a wide variety of commercially-available tools that range from advanced sensing and controls, to aerial imaging prescriptions that optimize inputs. Dr. Barnes recently facilitated a precision farming breakout session during the Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference.
This annual event is unique because many of the presentations are actually grower testimonials. During his ongoing work in this area, Dr. Barnes sees three reoccurring things that most growers want from precision farming technologies.
• They want to see more return from the investment they make in the technology.
• They want to know how to get the most from the acquired data
• And they want the equipment from various manufacturers to be compatible.
Developing the Seed Breeders of Tomorrow
Cotton Incorporated’s “Fellowship” Program was designed by Dr. Roy Cantrell to draw young scientists into the very technical profession of cotton breeding – replacing many experienced but retiring scientists.
“The CIF Program has been successful beyond what I could have ever imagined,” says Cantrell.
One true success story is about research scientist Dr. James Frelichowski, Jr., current support scientist for the USDA-ARS U.S. National Cotton Germplasm Collection in College Station, TX. Frelichowski received numerous awards and scholarships during his academic career, but his participation in the CIF Program was invaluable.
“It is very beneficial that young scientists participating in the CIF program are able to interact with influential members of the cotton industry and research community,” says Frelichowski. “The cotton industry is dependent on continued breeding for high yield and quality and the CIF program is designed appropriately to reach that goal.” There are currently seven young scientists participating in Cotton Incorporated’s Fellowship Program.
Taxi! Ferrying The Editors
Cotton Incorporated is very creative when designing promotions intended to increase the use of cotton. Over the years, it has consistently made cotton stand out and be recognized over other competing fibers.
During the 2007 New York “Fashion Week,” one of the most difficult things to do after an event is get a taxi. Recognizing an opportunity, a promotion was created called “Let The Models Do The Walking and Take a Ride On Us.” The promotion allowed fashion editors and other key fabric/fiber decision makers to receive a voucher for a free cab ride.
“We scheduled a queue of New York taxis, replete with Cotton Incorporated advertising on top of each cab, to be ready and waiting for these VIPs,” states Ric Hendee, vice president of Marketing Services. As shown in the accompanying picture of Style Network host and fashion journalist Lauren Ezersky, the promotion “rode” a wave of success!
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