Early Registration Deadline Extended For '10 Beltwide

The NCC has extended the early registration deadline for the '10 Beltwide Cotton Conferences in New Orleans until December 23. Those who have not registered or made housing arrangements and are planning to attend can do so online by clicking on the '10 BWCC icon on this page.

December 2, 2009
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

MEMPHIS – The National Cotton Council (NCC) said today that early registration for the 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conferences (BWCC) has been extended until December 23.

“Because of poor weather conditions which have drawn out harvest and ginning, the Council felt that extending this deadline would allow our members additional time to consider attending this important conference,” NCC President/CEO Mark Lange stated.

NCC and Cotton Foundation members along with researchers, consultants, Extension personnel and association representatives can register for $125 through December 23. After that date, the registration cost is $150 for those groups.

For those who have not made arrangements and are planning to attend, registration and housing reservations can be done easily online by visiting the BWCC website, www.cotton.org/beltwide, and clicking on the respective registration and housing links. Room reservations must be made by December 15th to ensure the conference rate. Room reservations can be made online or by calling the headquarters hotels -- the New Orleans Marriott (504-581-1000) and Sheraton New Orleans (504-525-2500).

The final 2010 Beltwide Cotton Conference programming also is available at www.cotton.org/beltwide. Among presentations scheduled for the forum are:

·        The value of transgenics
·        Emerging insect issues
·        Current/future precision agriculture opportunities
·        Today’s cropping decisions
·        Rotation options/benefits
·        Proven production practices
·        A review of the 2009 growing season
·        Opportunities in conservation programs
·        Marketing challenges
·        An economic outlook
·        NCC update on industry issues
·        Key research efforts from The Cotton Foundation and Cotton Incorporated
·        Site-specific management of nematodes
·        Techniques for cotton pest management
·        Variable rate nitrogen applications using on-the-go optical sensors
·        Effective and efficient irrigation for cotton production
·        New Developments From Industry

In addition, the third annual Cotton Consultants’ Conference will include educational presentations by Extension and University experts on:

·        Spring burndown herbicides and their impact on diseases, insects and weeds
·        Cotton diseases and insect pests, including new products available to combat them
·        The value of transgenics and the impact on consultants
·        J.R. Bradley’s discussion of consultants’ role in helping farmers deal with the challenges and issues that production agriculture faces now and in the future

“The Beltwide Cotton Conferences’ programming is designed to update U.S. cotton producers on new technology, innovative and effective production practices, and key industry issues,” said NCC Chairman Jay Hardwick, a Newellton, LA, producer. “Cotton producers, ginners and all industry members are encouraged to attend this world class forum.”