Drs. Jesse Daystar (Chief Sustainability Officer, Cotton Inc.) and Richard Venditti (Professor, Dept. of Forest Biomaterials at NC State) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss plastic leakage, particularly as it pertains to microplastic contamination in the environment and our bodies. Conversations revolve around the sustainability of cotton and how polyester is the main source of microplastic contamination around the world. For those wanting additional resources, those can be found below:

Cotton Today - https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/

Cotton and Coffee: Sustainability Update - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTu2z8h2OQg

Entomologists Drs. Ray Frisbie (Texas A&M), Ron Smith (Auburn University), Phillip Roberts (University of Georgia), and agronomist Dr. Steve Brown (Auburn University) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss the history and importance of the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and its eradication. Discussions surround the boll weevil and its management prior to eradication, controversy surrounding eradication during the early days, changes in cotton growth and management following eradication, and update on current boll weevil eradication efforts in South Texas and Northern Mexico.

Extension Cotton Specialists Drs. Ken Lege (Texas A&M Agrilife), Tyson Raper (University of Tennssee), and Mike Jones (Clemson University) join host Camp Hand (University of Georgia) to discuss ways that growers across the cotton belt are adjusting production strategies with the difficult economic situation facing the farm in 2025. Conversations revolve around reducing current inputs (seeding rates, fertility) or changing production strategies entirely (ELS/conventional cotton) and associated challenges with that decision.