MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton growers, consultants and distributors can get the latest in production recommendations from top agricultural specialists, economists and researchers Nov. 29-30 at the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s 22nd annual Cotton Short Course.

Cotton is one of the mid-South’s most important industries and keeps hundreds of millions of dollars turning over in the region’s economy. Even after record-producing years, growers need the most current recommendations for planting and managing next year’s crop.

“We’ve had a lot of variability within the cotton crop this year, but it looks like we will have an average yield despite tough growing conditions,” said Tom Barber, MSU Extension cotton specialist. “Emphasis in past years has been on varieties that produce high yields. Now and in the future, yield potential will remain important, but quality will grow in importance to help in marketing the crop.”

Barber said sessions will focus on quality cotton production, nematode pest control and discussions of herbicide resistance. Key speakers will discuss Flex cotton technology and quality issues ranging from variety selection through management decisions and eventually to the textile mills.

The 2005 program also includes sessions on cotton fertility, insect and disease management, irrigation and water management, weed control and market considerations. Continuing education units will be offered.

The cotton short course will be held at the Bost Extension Center on the MSU campus. While the deadline for the $60 preregistration is Nov. 22, participants can register for $80 at the door. However, to ensure a plate at the luncheon, contact Emily Rose in advance at (662) 325-2701 or by e-mail at erose@pss.msstate.edu.