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September 19, 2005 – If cotton growers were sailors, they might be facing what some consider the “perfect storm.” “Where everything went right in 2004 (until harvest), nothing has gone right in 2005,” said Lowell Zelinski, a private consultant and one of California’s top cotton experts. “So far, almost anything that could go wrong relative to cotton has gone wrong in 2005. It reminds me of a perfect storm where a multitude of events conspire to create a bad situation.” In short, the adverse conditions have been: a cold, wet spring; lots of weeds and insect pests; a long, hot summer; and now a cooler-than-normal fall. Zelinski, who also owns and directs the Central Coast Cotton Conference – California’s only cotton production meeting – added that the poor season makes attending the meeting even more important. “Last year we didn’t have anything to talk about,” Zelinski said. “This year, there will be plenty to discuss.” In addition to the opportunity to learn from some of today’s top experts, participants will also be able to interact, share experiences and learn from one another. The conference was specifically developed to be an interactive continuing education course that has been very popular with both supporters and participants. The meeting features sessions taught by Zelinski and other experts. The general sessions include an overview of cotton production and agronomy led by Zelinski. New for 2005, Zelinski’s session will include an in-depth look at irrigation management. Also new this year is the inclusion of an expanded pest management session and a one unit session on laws and regulations. The pest management session will focus on weed management taught by Tulare County Farm Advisor Steve Wright. Brian Settlemire, vice president of Bakersfield-based Guardian Safety Services will discuss respiratory protection. The 2005 special session is “Changing Attitudes: how to stay in business in the changing California cotton industry.” In keeping with the popular, interactive format of the conference, the special session will include brief presentations by each speaker, followed by a guided panel discussion. Special session speakers include J. Berrye Worsham, president of Cotton Incorporated; Bruce Allbright, president of Allbright Cotton; Marc Lewkowitz, vice president of the Supima Association; Wayne Howard, an agricultural business professor from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo; and Richard Plant, professor of biological and agricultural engineering at the University of California, Davis. There is also a trade show. Exhibitors include AutoFarm; Greenleaf Technologies; Prev-Am Oro Agri, Inc.; InTime, Inc.; Precision Ag, Inc.; West Hills Community College; Western Farm Press; and agricultural artist, Dorrie Thurber. The conference is held at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif. It includes a golf tournament hosted by Monsanto and a welcome reception hosted by DuPont. The cotton harvest ball is sponsored by Golden Bale sponsor Bayer CropScience. It will feature a luau and Polynesian entertainment. Earl Williams, president and chief executive officer of the California Cotton Growers & Ginners Association will be the guest speaker. The cost to attend the conference is $185 and includes meals. To register or for more information, visit www.cottonconference.com or contact Becky Zelinski at (805) 434-0113. The discounted room rate at the Cliffs Resort is $134. The rate is guaranteed for reservations made by Nov. 1. Season summary Zelinski’s summary of the year’s season is as follows: “Extensive rains through the winter slowed field work in preparation of the 2005 cotton season. The rains, which came early and often, led to lush growth of winter weeds became the perfect breeding ground for lygus bugs and other cotton pests. “The planting season was cold and wet with almost no optimum planting conditions. The cool, wet weather continued through May and June, and for the first time in my cotton career, treating for thrips because they were damaging squares was required. I had cotton that was only 8 inches tall on the first of July! “After the cool spring, an extended heat spell with weeks of temperatures higher than 100 degrees occurred through July and August. These warm temperatures, both day and night, led to pollen sterility and poor boll retention. Then there were the mites, which usually are easily controlled early in the year and rarely become a problem, but not this year. They were common everywhere, and required additional sprays to control them. “The fall, which desperately needs to be an Indian Summer has started
out cooler than normal. The weathermen are forecasting a slight warming,
but we are going to need more than that!” For additional information about our company or our products, check our worldwide Web site: http://www.cropprotection.dupont.com
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