All posts by Tyson Raper, Cotton & Small Grains Specialist

13 Mar 2017

Freeze damage to jointing wheat

13 Mar 2017
Author:  2 Comments

For much of Tennessee’s wheat, the cold front which moved through Saturday (March 11th) dropped temperatures near the danger zone. Jointing typically does not occur until late March but our mild winter has allowed much of the timely planted wheat to mature faster than normal.  Much of our wheat is between Feekes stages 7 and 8.  In the below image, the growing point was located near the knife blade.  Wheat becomes considerably less tolerant to cold temperatures after the growing point leaves the base of the plant. Continue reading →


09 Mar 2017

Picking Capacities in the MidSouth

09 Mar 2017
Author:  Comments Off on Picking Capacities in the MidSouth


There is considerable excitement surrounding cotton on the heels of the Farm and Gin Show.  From visiting with those in the industry across the Mid-South, I believe TN and nearby states may see larger increases than those initially estimated by the National Cotton Council for the 2017 season.  Given the increases in acreage, picker capacity has been a topic of conversation over the past few weeks.  Many sold basket equipment several years ago with plans to purchase a module building picker if cotton made its way back on the farm.  Now that cotton is coming back, how much cotton can you typically feed through one picker in Tennessee? Mississippi?  Missouri? What about capacities in states outside the Mid-South?  Continue reading →


01 Mar 2017

Southern Cotton Ginners’ Association and Foundation Annual Meetings, Farm and Gin Show 2017

01 Mar 2017
Author:  Comments Off on Southern Cotton Ginners’ Association and Foundation Annual Meetings, Farm and Gin Show 2017

The Southern Cotton Ginners’ Association and Foundation Annual Meeting will be held in the Venetian Room of the Peabody Hotel March 2nd at 1:30 PM. Mid-South Cotton Producers are invited to attend; one of our own Tennessee producers will be recognized during this meeting for his efforts in increasing the efficiency and productivity of the cotton production system. Details on the schedule can be found at https://www.farmandginshow.com/Base/Uploads/files/SCHEDULE%20OF%20EVENTS.pdf

The 65th Annual Mid-South Farm and Gin Show will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN on March 3 & 4th.  Details on this event can be found at https://www.farmandginshow.com/

Look forward to seeing you there!


02 Feb 2017

2017 Cotton Focus, Feb 9th

02 Feb 2017
Author:  Comments Off on 2017 Cotton Focus, Feb 9th

The 2017 Cotton Focus Agenda is now available online. This year’s meeting will be held at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center (605 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38301) on Thursday, February 9th.   Registration begins at 8:30 AM with opening remarks beginning at 8:55 AM.  Specialists will be presenting information on variety selection,  target spot in TN cotton, weed resistance management/application requirements of new systems, general insect control update, and 2017 market outlook and risk management decisions.  The meeting will close with a provided lunch.  Pesticide re-certification and CCA points will be available. Look forward to seeing you there!


31 Jan 2017

UT Meeting Schedule, February 2017

31 Jan 2017
Author:  Comments Off on UT Meeting Schedule, February 2017


UT Extension is hosting a series of meetings to be held throughout the state to prepare growers for the upcoming season. These meetings will focus on variety selection, insect and plant disease management, weed management, and other current crop production topics.

Below is a list of the production meetings to be held in FEBRUARY. Please contact your local UT Extension office for more details on time and location. Continue reading →


09 Jan 2017

UT Meeting Schedule, January 2017

09 Jan 2017
Author:  Comments Off on UT Meeting Schedule, January 2017

UT Extension is hosting a series of meetings to be held throughout the state to prepare growers for the upcoming season. These meetings will focus on variety selection, insect and plant disease management, weed management, and other current crop production topics.

Below is a list of the production meetings to be held in January. Please contact your local UT Extension office for more details on time and location. Continue reading →