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Cooperative Extension Service |
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Agricultural
Experiment Station |
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County
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Dale Bumpers College
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About Us
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| County agent Ron Baker and rice producer Michael Ahrent examine the crop at mid season. |
The agriculture outlook is still marginal, and a producer has to look at all possibilities to stay in business these days. Cotton production has steadily increased in Clay County, and three good crops in a row have spurred interest in growing the crop.
Terry Pollard and Russ Brewer are two producers who have never grown cotton but saw the need to expand their operations and become more diversified. When asked by local Extension agent Andy Vangilder if they would like to participate in the county verification program, the two were very interested. The county verification program, commonly called multiplier fields, is a spin-off of the state verification program, in which the local county agent works on a weekly basis either to (1) help producers learn how to produce a crop they have no experience with or (2) help them produce a crop they currently grow in a more efficient manner. Both Pollard and Brewer met with Vangilder on a week-to-week basis and learned all about cotton production from start to finish. Producer Dale Vangilder also participated for the second year and was thankful for the knowledge gained. He specifically improved irrigation efficiency.
All say they have enjoyed participating in the program and learning about cotton production rather than just having someone tell them every move to make. By participating, they learn more. The season wasn’t as friendly as we had hoped, but they successfully produced the crop and gained valuable experience.
Impacts
Three producers participated. Program involved 200 acres of cotton and influenced 1500 more.
Over 200 clientele received newsletters containing information gathered from these fields as well as other fields.
Program goals: To increase a producer’s knowledge of
cotton production and increase efficiency.
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© 2006 |
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Clay County - Piggott Clay County - Corning |
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