Prohexadione Calcium Growth Regulator Effects On Arkansas Peanut

Presented by:  Dr. Zachary Treadway, Extension Peanut & Cotton Specialist, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture 

The use of prohexadione calcium growth regulator on peanut is not a new practice. Prohexadione calcium consistently decreases the amount of unnecessary foliage growth by the plant, which increases harvest efficiency. The issue faced by producers utilizing prohexadione calcium is the inconsistency in increasing yields. This research was conducted to evaluate varied application rates in an attempt to determine an optimal rate to maximize yield and return on investment.

Successful Weed Control Programs In Peanut And Possible Alternatives To Paraquat

Presented by:  Dr. Tom Barber, Professor & Extension Weed Scientist, U of A Division of Agriculture

This presentation will cover herbicide options for control of troublesome weeds such as Palmer amaranth, yellow nutsedge and Texas panicum in peanut.  In addition, data will be discussed regarding alternative POST herbicides if paraquat is no longer an option.

Economic Outlook – Past, Present, Future And The Impact On Ag

Presented by:  Richard Hicks, Managing Director, R.E. Hicks Company

Several years ago, as we were coming out of the self-induced economic shutdown. The general consensus was the downturn was going to continue, and we would see a slow strangling death spiral. For the historians out there, the USDA was predicting a soybean carryout in the neighborhood of 1 billion bushels and a target price at a level even I cannot recall. At that time, I penned an article for my notes. I titled it the Economics of Things. Truly a shame I simply kept it to myself as I often do. I pen economic arguments to challenge myself. In this piece I took the counter argument that prices would not continue lower. Quite to the contrary we were one of the first to put out front the broken supply chain theory. We were not supplying the goods and services necessary to keep prices and the market functioning. Especially in the grain markets. The main reason we felt grain markets were going higher was simple, something all the cowboy poets failed to grasp. The larders were empty and demand was not going to sag any further. The slowdown was self-induced. Not a true economic reality. The grain markets are not what most exports think they are. They are a price discovery mechanism. The job, ration supply or induce demand. The demand was there but not realized because we allowed governments to shut it down. Th resulting demand drove corn and soybean prices higher. Indeed, nearly everything increased in price. due to the pent-up demand. Due to the panic, we lost as many as five million from the work force. Where they went, I do not have a clue. This loss from the work force fueled the inflation. We have never had a round of large inflationary pressure without wage inflation I postulated the loss of these workers, who many of them have not returned to the work force.
Added fuel to the fire. We are still hearing about the broken supply change today. My effort will be to try to look forward to the economic picture based on what we are seeing in the economy at this time. PS I do not like what I am seeing.

Corn & Soybean Market Outlook & Risk Management Update

Presented by:  H. Scott Stiles, Extension Economist, University of Arkansas

Mid-South corn and soybean farmers continue to face significant headwinds going into the 2027 crop year. Depressed commodity prices, persistently high input costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and ongoing changes in farm policy are creating a complex environment for producers in the region to navigate. This presentation will examine the current economic landscape and provide a price outlook for corn and soybeans.  In addition, the presentation will offer practical guidance to help farmers evaluate and select effective risk management tools and develop sound marketing strategies to protect their bottom line.

The Next Generation Of Crop Protection: Alitix™ 600 SC Insect Control And Keenali™ Herbicide

Presented by:  Ben Stoker, Technical Service Manager, Midsouth, FMC; Lawson Priess, Field Development, Midsouth, FMC; Dr. Ben Thrash, Associate Professor, Extension Entomologist, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service; Dr. Chase Floyd, Assistant Research Professor/State Extension Crop Protection Specialist, Fisher Delta Research Center

Discover what’s next in rice and cotton production with FMC’s newest crop protection innovations. This breakout session will update attendees on the recent Section 18 submission for Keenali™ herbicide for Arkansas rice, including key use considerations and recommendations for the upcoming season. Participants will also learn about Alitix™  600 SC insect control, FMC’s innovative new tool for thrips management in cotton. From stewardship and performance expectations to practical field applications, this session will provide the essential information growers, consultants, and industry professionals need to prepare for successful adoption in the 2027 growing season.

Profit-Driven Farming: Turning 2026 Data Into 2027 Decisions

Presented by: Alan Grafton, Principal, Pinion

The 2026 crop year generated a mountain of data. Now it’s time to make it work for you. Pinion agribusiness advisor Alan Grafton will share what separates the top 20% of row-crop operations from everyone else, and how to turn field-level, financial, and input data into decisions that protect margins and strengthen your legacy. Learn how top performers benchmark productivity, control cost per acre, and separate the acres that pay from those that don’t. Leave with a practical framework for moving your operation into the top tier heading into 2027.

Built To Last: Financial Stress Testing For The 2027 Crop Year

Presented by:  Tim Stults, Agribusiness Consultant, Pinion

Surviving a tough stretch takes more than cutting costs — it takes knowing exactly where your operation breaks. Tim Stults will demonstrate how financial stress testing reveals an operation’s true resilience, using lessons from the 2026 crop year. The session covers building a defensible breakeven, tracking seed, chemical, and fertilizer spend at the field level, and modeling downside scenarios before your lender does. Attendees will learn practical tools for evaluating liquidity, forecasting risk, and making informed decisions that position the operation for the next several years, not just the next season.

Developing Soil Health Benchmarks, Evaluating Management-Induced Changes, and Leveraging NRCS CEMA 216 Incentives for Row-Crop Systems

Presented by:  Dr. Md. Rasel Parvej, Assistant Professor & State Soil Testing Specialist, University of Missouri & Tim Reinbott, Director of Research Activities-Missouri Agriculture Experiment Station, University of Missouri

Soil health testing can guide conservation management, but meaningful interpretation requires accounting for inherent soil properties and management history. The NRCS Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity (CEMA) 216 program provides financial assistance for soil health sampling, laboratory testing, and interpretation, increasing producer access to standardized soil health assessment. More than 17,000 Missouri soil samples were used to develop state-specific benchmarks for key soil health indicators. Soil texture strongly influenced indicator values, with sandy soils generally having lower carbon, aggregation, and biological activity than finer-textured soils. After approximately 4–5 years of cover crop adoption, TOC increased by 0.36%, POXC by 114.8 ppm, WAS by 18.1% points, and PMN by 29.7 ppm. Integrating CEMA 216 incentives with standardized sampling and locally calibrated benchmarks can improve soil health monitoring and conservation management decisions.

Soil Health & Regenerative Cotton: Insights for Cotton Producers

Presented by:  Emily Ball, Soil Health Educator, Soil Health Institute & Cali Noland, Mississippi Farmer, Long Lake Farm

The Soil Health Institute has benchmarked soil health indicators across nearly 90% of the Cotton Belt, providing growers and their advisors with valuable insights into soil health and its potential. This session will explore the findings from this work and what they mean for cotton producers. The session will also feature farmer Cali Noland, who will share her experience transitioning to regenerative practices, her role with Louis Dreyfus Company’s Advanced Regenerative Cotton program, and her perspective as a farmer working with brands and understanding their priorities when sourcing cotton.

Soil Biology 101 – Let Your Undies Do the Talking

Presented by:  Dr. Bill Robertson, Conservation Agronomist, CWC Farm

What if we stopped asking more from our soil and started helping our soil do more of the work? This presentation takes a practical, entertaining look at the underground workforce that drives healthy, productive soils. Using the “Soil Your Undies” demonstration, we’ll explore how bacteria, fungi, protozoa, earthworms, roots, and other organisms work together to cycle nutrients, build soil structure, improve water movement, and support plant growth. More importantly, we’ll discuss management practices that help producers make soil a better partner—working with biology rather than against it to build resilient, productive, and profitable farming systems.

Soil Carbon and Microbial Power Plant

Presented by:  Dr. William Johnson, President, Johnson Agronomic Services, LLC

Soil carbon drives the microbiology process in the soil.  Without microbially available carbon, many of the critical soil processes would not occur.  Soil carbon contributes to holding key cations from leaching and runoff by way of cation exchange capacity.  Soil carbon is the energy source many of the key microbial flora rely on to cycle nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur to plant available forms.  Managing plant residues and utilizing cover  crops in a minimum tillage operation is critical in building soil organic carbon leading to improved soil health.

How Are You Using AI Tools On Your Farm?

Facilitated by:  Dr. Ed Barnes, Director, Agricultural and Environmental Research, Cotton Incorporated

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into agriculture in both visible and behind-the-scenes ways. Early uses have included machine vision for weed detection and precision “detect-and-treat” spraying, as well as unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) for crop imaging and spray applications. Now, more farmers are directly using general AI tools like Grok, ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot to:
• Query and analyze farm records
• Design equipment modifications
• Compare insurance programs
• Price farm inputs
• Research agronomic and market information
While these tools can be powerful, they are not infallible—AI can make mistakes, so it’s important to verify answers, especially when financial or safety decisions are involved.
This discussion-focused session will invite you to share:
• Examples of where AI has helped in your operation
• Areas where you wish AI could offer new solutions
• Challenges you’ve faced in putting AI to work on your farm
Whether you farm cotton, rice, corn, soybeans, or all of the above, your insights will help others learn how AI is being used on real farms today—and where it could go next. Come ready to share your stories, ideas, and questions.

More Than Acres Per Hour:  How Quickly Evolving Spray Drone Technologies Are Stacking Up Against Traditional Application Methods, The Evolving Rules And How Application Speed Plays A Role In Product Deposition And Efficacy  

Presented by:  Dr. Jason Davis, Application Technologist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture & Dr. Terry Spurlock, Professor & Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Adoption of spray drone systems has surged exponentially in the Midsouth recently, with increasing adoption among both private and commercial applicators. Both successes and challenges are widely discussed in conversations and on social media. This session will present findings from recent RPAAS trials, comparing spray drones to traditional application methods. We will explore application uniformity, canopy penetration, product efficacy, and off-target movement, drawing insights from field trials and multiple platforms evaluated.

Evaluation Of Variable-Rate Application Of Crop Inputs On Grower Net Returns Within The Mid-South

Presented by:  Lane Galloway, PhD Graduate Student, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute 

High input costs along with uniform application to a field can limit crop productivity. The objective of this research is to determine the effectiveness of variable-rate application of inputs to reduce costs while increasing grower net returns. Multiple on-farm research experiments were set up to evaluate variable-rate application of N and seeding rate compared to uniform application in corn production systems. The potential effects to yield, input costs and net returns will be presented.

Furrow-Irrigated Rice Productivity, Profitability, and Water Use Responses to Reusing Tailwater

Presented by:  Morgan Hutton, Research Associate, Mississippi State University 

Furrow-irrigating rice can reduce water usage compared to continuous flood systems but may have increased production and economic risk. This research was conducted to determine whether reusing tailwater in furrow-irrigated rice can improve crop productivity, profitability, and irrigation demand compared to conventional furrow-irrigated and continuous flood rice production systems across the Lower Mississippi River Basin. Reusing tailwater in furrow-irrigated rice maintained rice grain yield and reduced water applied by 31% compared to conventional irrigation methods. These data suggest that reusing tailwater in furrow-irrigated rice can maintain crop productivity and mitigate economic risk in rice across the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Fine-Tuning Pivot Management:  Lessons From Research And On-Farm Demonstrations

Presented by:  Dr. Dave Spencer, Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University & Patrick Garrard, Project Manager, Mississippi State University

In the Midsouth, most research and Extension efforts have focused on furrow irrigation, the predominant irrigation method. However, an unintended consequence of this focus is that pivot irrigation knowledge has lagged. Over the past five years, we have made a concerted effort to develop and subsequently validate best management practices for pivot irrigation. Through these efforts, we have developed many methods that have been demonstrated to improve pivot-irrigated yield and returns across corn, soybean, and cotton. We will present current best management practices, how to adapt these to on-farm situations, and common pitfalls we’ve seen.

Advancing Irrigation Conservation Through Master Irrigator and TNC’s Well Timer Program

Presented by:  Dillon Russell, Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University & Will Gray, Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy

Improving irrigation efficiency requires education, technical support, and opportunities for growers to put conservation practices into action. Mississippi State University’s Master Irrigator Program has certified 143 participants through its first three program cycles, providing practical training in irrigation management. This session will highlight how education is translating into on-farm implementation through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy’s Well Timer Program. To date, 89% of enrollees are Master Irrigator graduates, with 138 remote pump-control devices installed across approximately 18,000 Mississippi Delta acres. Together, these efforts demonstrate how education, technology, and conservation partnerships can support improved irrigation management and groundwater conservation.

Remote Irrigation Pump Controllers:  Opportunities And Challenges     

Presented by:  Dr. Joseph Massey, Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS, Delta Water Management Research Unit

Remote irrigation pump controllers (RICs) offer producers the ability to reduce fuel and labor costs, and over-pumping. This talk will discuss how producers can benefit from their use and current limitations that limit RIC adoption.

Sulfur Impacts On Corn Nitrogen Demand And Utilization Across The U.S.

Presented by:  Dr. Brian Arnall, Extension Specialist for Precision Nutrient Management, Oklahoma State University

Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) interactions are receiving renewed attention as corn yields increase and atmospheric S deposition declines. A multi-state study evaluated how S availability influences corn N response across U.S. production regions. In 2025, 33 site-years included five N rates combined with two or more S rates. Preliminary results indicate substantial site-to-site variability in N and S responses, with several environments exhibiting significant N × S interactions. Sulfur additions may alter yield potential and response to increasing N rates. The study expanded to nearly 50 sites in 2026 to better define how S availability influences N demand and utilization.

How does Management Intensity Level Affect Corn Yield and Economic Returns?  

Presented by:  Dr. Jason Kelley, Professor, Wheat and Feed Grains Extension Agronomist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

This presentation will discuss the impact of management levels of inputs, such as plant population and fertility, on corn yields and the corresponding economic returns.

Optimum Nitrogen Rate And Application Timing For Corn

Presented by:  Stewart Runsick, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, University of Arkansas & Chris Tarno, Arkansas Consultant, Tarno Crop Management

This presentation will focus on how corn growers can improve their nitrogen management programs. Emphasis will be on the nitrogen rates that typically provide optimal yields and economic returns in NE Arkansas.  Discussion will also include what tools are available to help determine the best timing of nitrogen applications.

Insect Management in Non-Bt Corn

Presented by:  Dr. Sebe Brown, Field Crops Entomologist, University of Tennessee

Non-Bt corn production in Tennessee requires proactive insect management strategies tailored to regional pest pressure and crop development. This presentation will address key insect pests, including corn earworm, fall armyworm, southwestern corn borer, and soil insect pests. Emphasis will be placed on scouting, economic thresholds, hybrid selection, insecticide timing, and integrated pest management strategies to optimize yield protection, insecticide stewardship, and profitability in non-Bt corn production.

Agronomic Suitability Of Short Corn Hybrids In The Mid-South

Presented by:  Dr. Jake McNeal, Extension Corn & Soybean Specialist, University of Tennessee

In the last several years, multiple seed companies have introduced several new short-statured or “short” corn hybrids. As the name implies, these hybrids are substantially shorter than their standard-stature counterparts. However, altering the physiology and development of a corn hybrid warrants reevaluating certain management practices such as seeding rate, fertility, and water management in order to attain optimal yields from these new hybrids.

Weed Management In Mississippi Soybean

Presented by:  Dr. Jason A. Bond, Weed Scientist, Mississippi State University

Weed control is one of the primary inputs for soybean production in the mid-southern U.S. Many challenges face soybean growers in the area; however, new tools are available that will assist growers in mitigating the negative effects of weeds in soybean.

Biological Seed Treatments in Soybean: What Have We Learned?

Presented by:  Dr. David Moseley, Associate Professor-Soybean Specialist, LSU AgCenter

Biological products continue to attract attention as soybean producers look for opportunities to increase yield and improve profitability. But how consistently do these products perform under field conditions? The Science for Success national soybean agronomists group evaluated biological seed treatments across 22 states and 104 environments to better understand their performance across soybean production systems. This presentation will provide an overview of the national study, highlight results from Louisiana, and discuss what producers should consider when evaluating biological seed treatments for their farms.

An Ag Consultant’s Perspective: Soybean Pest Management in Conservation Tillage Systems

Presented by:  Dr. B. Rogers Leonard, Ag Consultant, Owner-Operator and Professor Emeritus LSU AgCenter, Integrated Crop Consulting, LLC

Reduced tillage strategies with or without winter cover crops have become common practices in Southern soybean production systems. As farmers adopt conservation tillage systems for soybeans, pest management practices usually must be modified to address emerging pest problems. Identifying and understanding these pest issues requires timely action of management strategies.  Agricultural consultants use all available information Land-Grant University (LGU) extension specialists and Ag Chem industry representatives to provide farmers with the best recommendation on the appropriate course of action. This presentation will offer a general overview on potential pest issues in conservation tillage soybean systems and on-farm management strategies.

Balancing Inputs And Insect Management For Profitable Soybean Production

Presented by:  Dr. Whitney D. Crow, Associate Professor-Extension Entomologist, Mississippi State University 

Input decisions directly influence profitability and insect management outcomes in soybean production. This presentation will examine how production inputs, pest pressure, and economic thresholds intersect to guide management decisions. Emphasis will be placed on practical, research-based strategies that protect yield, optimize input costs, and maximize return on investment.

The Road Map For 100 Bu/A Soybeans

Presented by:  Dr. Eros Francisco, Extension Grain Crops Specialist, Auburn University & D. Eddie McGriff, Regional Extension Agent-Agronomic Crops, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Soybeans represent an important crop in most grain crops rotations and can contribute to the sustainability of other farming systems. Average soybean yields are a long way from ideal due to several misplaced management practices or the absence of certain ones. High-yielding growers are frequently researching positive impactful practices to add more yield every year, and some have successfully achieved over 100 bu/a yields. We’ll discuss different practices that have consistently promoted yield increases, while preserving profitability.

When To Shut It Off:  Soybean Irrigation Termination

Presented by:  Dr. Justin Calhoun, Assistant Professor-Agronomy, Mississippi State University & Dr. L. Jason Krutz, VP Research and Sustainable Development, Chicot Irrigation

A major late-season decision for soybean growers and consultants is determining when to terminate irrigation. Terminating too early can reduce yield potential and jeopardize the return on inputs invested throughout the season, while irrigating too late adds unnecessary expense and may compromise harvest efficiency. University research, paired with experience from irrigation consulting and in-field monitoring systems, has helped define a concise R6.5–R7 termination window. Understanding crop maturity, soil moisture, and field conditions within this window can help growers protect the yield and return on investment they have spent an entire season building.

Weed Resistance Update And New Developments In Rice Weed Control

Presented by:  Dr. Bob Scott, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture 

 Since the early 90’s barnyardgrass resistance has been a constantly evolving issue for Arkansas rice producers.  The current state of resistance in barnyardgrass and other rice weeds will be discussed along with regulatory and efficacy updates on at least two new technologies (Keenali Complete® and iptriazopyrid) for rice weed control.

Jasmine Rice Production In The United States

Presented by:  Dr. Steve Linscombe, Director-The Rice Foundation, USA Rice Federation

The acreage planted to jasmine varieties in the southern United States was at a historical high in 2026. This presentation will discuss what led to the increase in acreage, the advantages/disadvantages of producing jasmine, current varieties, and potential future varieties.  A historical review of jasmine importation into the U.S. will also be presented.

Starter Nitrogen and Minimum Tillage (Fall Field Preparation) Give Rice An Early Start

Presented by:  Dr. Ronnie Levy, Retired, LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist

Using a starter nitrogen application allows for flooding 7 to 10 days early, while preparing seedbeds in the fall capitalizes on planting as soon as the weather permits.  Early planted rice has many advantages.  Avoiding early weed competition, insect pressure, and disease development are just a few reasons early planting gets your rice off to a good start and higher yields.

Rice Market Outlook – When Plenty Disappears…The Rice Supply Flip  

Presented by:  Dennis DeLaughter, Market Analyst, VantageRM

The outlook for the U.S. rice market in 2027 may contain more questions than answers, but one thing is already clear: the industry is facing one of the most dramatic shifts in available supply in its history.

In less than a year, the conversation surrounding rice has changed completely. The industry is moving from one of the largest supplies and government support payments in recent memory toward a market where supplies could become exceptionally tight and support payments may disappear altogether. As of this writing, rice futures have risen more than $5.00 per hundredweight, approximately 45%, in less than nine months. At the same time, projected ending stocks have fallen from roughly 43 million cwt to just 21 million cwt—a decline of more than 50%.

It is a remarkable reversal: from overflowing supplies to potential scarcity, from abundance to constraint, and from record excess toward what could become historically tight availability.

But supply is only one part of the story. The 2027 rice producer will be making planting decisions in an environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, higher interest rates, fertilizer availability and costs, and changing global weather patterns. El Niño could influence rice production around the world, while the price outlook for competing crops such as soybeans and corn could have a major impact on U.S. rice acreage.

At the same time, the U.S. rice industry is confronting important changes in the structure of demand. Recent market developments have provided a clear warning that simply producing rice will not be enough. The industry must continue to evaluate what it produces, who it produces it for, and whether the product being offered matches the needs of both domestic and international customers.

This presentation will examine the rapidly changing U.S. rice supply-and-demand balance, the economic environment facing producers, competing crop economics, global production risks, and the demand challenges that could shape the industry well beyond 2027. Ultimately, the question is not simply how high prices might go, but whether producers can profitably respond when the market suddenly discovers what happens When Plenty Disappears.

Rice Quality: Managing Things We Can Control

Presented by:  Dr. Justin Chlapecka, Assistant Professor & Research Agronomist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Johnathon Morris, Arkansas Consultant, Atled Agronomics LLC

Rice quality, specifically rice milling, has begun to emerge from the back seat as a key priority for the Arkansas rice industry. The last three years of milling yields in particular have led to deep concern for the future of the industry. In this session, we will explore what factors affect rice milling yield and which of those we can actually control, both directly and indirectly. In addition, we will touch on growing jasmine rice for specialty markets.

Rice Insect Management Changes

Presented by:  Dr. Nick Bateman, Extension Entomologist, University of Arkansas

With current economic difficulties with rice production, it is imperative that we make sound economic decisions with respect to insect management. Changes in rice water weevil and rice stink bug management and thresholds will aid in reducing applications leading and making insect management cheaper. Management considerations for pests such as rice bill bug, rice delphacid, and fall armyworm will be discussed as well.

Advances In Genetics And Processing To Stabilize U.S. Head Rice Yield

Presented by:  Dr. Yulin Jia, Research Leader/Location Coordinator, USDA-ARS

Head rice yield remains a major challenge for U.S. rice production, influenced by genetics, cultural practices, and post‑harvest processing. Recent progress in gene identification, germplasm improvement, and milling research aims to stabilize outcomes. Yield has been pressured by mixed lots, variable harvest moisture, and mills prioritizing appearance over standardized milling. Over‑milling by just 0.1 percentage point of surface lipid content can quickly reduce head rice by nearly two points, with fissures from rapid drying or rewetting worsening losses. Current work maps cultivar millability, standardizes yield at fixed milling, and connects on‑farm drying and storage to mill performance.

Rice Milling Yield & Quality Issues, Trends And Research

Presented by:  Dr. Griffiths Atungulu, Professor & Director University of Arkansas Rice Processing Program, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

U.S. head rice yield has come under pressure from mixed lots, variable harvest moisture, and mills set to appearance rather than a common degree of milling. Over-milling by 0.1 percentage point of surface lipid content can occur in seconds and cut head rice by nearly two points; fissures from fast drying or rewetting amplify that loss. Current work maps cultivar millability (HRY versus SLC), standardizes yield at set degree of milling, and ties on-farm drying and storage to the mill ticket. The practical target is comparable lots, controlled polish, and less hidden breakage before the kernel reaches the commercial mill.

Optimizing Furrow-Irrigated Rice Production In The Mid-Southern U.S.

Presented by:  Dr. Will Eubank, Extension Rice Agronomist, Delta Research and Extension Center

Furrow-irrigated rice is a popular production system in the mid-southern U.S. However, recurring issues regarding cultivar performance and fertility management continue to limit consistency and profitability. These challenges highlight the need for evaluation of cultivar performance and fertility management practices to optimize furrow-irrigated rice production.

Kojami In Rice: Exploring Performance And Potential

Presented by:  Jason Meier, Product Development Manager, ADAMA & Michael O’Neill, Market Development Manager, ADAMA

Grain quality. Yield potential. Disease control. Take a closer look at Kojami fungicide and summer 2026 rice trials designed to evaluate its performance against fungicide standards. This session will give growers, consultants and ag retailers an overview of Kojami’s fit in rice disease management—including sheath blight, kernel smut, false smut and panicle blast—and explore the questions these trials aim to answer for future fungicide decisions.

Producer Led. Producer Focused.: A Legacy of Commitment To The U.S. Rice Farmer

Presented by:  Dennis DeLaughter, Market Analyst, VantageRM; Mark Pousson, Louisiana Farmer, Board of Directors-US Rice Producers Assn., Board of Directors, LA Independent Rice Producers Assn.; Dustin Watkins, Louisiana Farmer; Galen Franz, Franz Seed, LLC & Tommy Turner, Retired Texas Farmer, Texas Rice Council, President

For more than 25 years, one principle has remained at the heart of the US Rice Producers Association: the producer comes first.

Being Producer Led. Producer Focused. is more than a statement, it reflects a commitment to ensuring that rice farmers have a strong voice, a seat at the table, and an organization focused on the issues and opportunities that directly affect their farms and their future.

This panel will bring together USRPA producers and leaders for a conversation about what that commitment means today. From advocating for producers and developing markets to strengthening relationships with customers and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders, the discussion will explore how USRPA continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the principles on which it was built.

Most importantly, the panel will look ahead: What do U.S. rice farmers need from their organization today, and how does USRPA ensure that the producer remains at the center of its work for generations to come?

Planting Date And Plant Population Influence On Cotton Growth, Development, And Yield

Presented by:  Dr. Brian Pieralisi, Associate Research Professor / Extension Cotton Specialist, Mississippi State University 

Due to agricultural input costs rising year after year and the development of new cotton varieties with greater yield potential and different growth characteristics, a seeding rate by planting date study was established in Starkville and Winona, Mississippi.  The objective of this study is to see if growers can adjust seeding rates with an earlier planting date and how seeding rate affects yield and maturity when planted in a later than normal planting window. This study is set up as a 4 x4 factorial with four different seeding rates (25000, 35000, 45,000, and 55,000 seeds per acre) planted at four different planting dates (early, ideal, later ideal, and late).

Improving Cotton Planting Practices And Profitability In Alabama Through On-Farm Research

Presented by:  Dr. Simerjeet Virk, Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, Auburn University and Eddie McGriff, Regional Extension Agent-Agronomic Crops, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

High input costs and low commodity prices have motivated cotton growers to evaluate their current production practices and find ways to adjust or improve management to improve profitability on their farms. With that goal in mind, several on-farm research trials were conducted in Alabama with cotton growers to evaluate their current planting practices, including seeding rates, row spacing, and seeding configuration (hill-drop versus singulated), and their impact on cotton yield and profitability. Findings from these studies will be shared to show how on-farm research is driving changes in cotton production practices among growers and improving profitability across Alabama farms.

Reevaluating Soil-Test And Tissue-Based Phosphorus And Potassium Critical Levels And Recommendations For Cotton

Presented by:  Dr. Md. Rasel Parvej, Assistant Professor & State Soil Testing Specialist, University of Missouri and Spencer Lambert, Louisiana Farmer

Accurate soil-test critical levels are essential for improving phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) management in cotton. Multi-location trials conducted across Louisiana from 2021–2024 included 58 P and 66 K site-years. Critical Mehlich-3 soil-test ranges associated with 95% of maximum relative lint yield were 25–33 ppm P and 105–130 ppm K. Yield response was most likely below 25 ppm P and 105 ppm K, correctly identifying approximately 70% and 85% of P- and K-responsive sites, respectively. Critical early-bloom leaf concentrations were 0.35–0.42% P and 1.0–1.2% K. Based on the yield response curve, revised fertilizer-P recommendations are 90, 70, 50, 0, and 0 lb P₂O₅ acre^-1, and fertilizer-K recommendations are 120, 90, 60, 0, and 0 lb K₂O acre^-1 for Very Low, Low, Medium, High, and Very High soil-test categories, respectively.

A Century Of Arkansas Cotton Yield And Production

Presented by:  Dr. Fred Bourland, Professor, University of Arkansas

 Data for cotton acreage, yield, production and prices associated with Arkansas cotton from 1927 through 2026 will be presented.  Over the past 100 years, cotton acreage has declined, lint yield has increased with no discernable trend in production.  Prices have increased from a low of $0.055 in 1931 but have been relatively stagnant since about 1975.  With stagnant prices, production has only been maintained by increased yields.  But how much more can producers expect yields to increase?  This presentation will address this question by showing theoretical yield potential based on bolls on a single plant and will suggest approaches that might be used to increase cotton yields on an individual plant basis.

Using Site-Specific Inputs To Increase Cotton Production Efficiency By Decreasing Input Costs

Presented by:  Dr. N. Ray Benson, R.E. Lee Wilson Chair – Agriculture, Arkansas State University

Increased production costs and stagnant commodity prices are threatening the sustainability of cotton production in the Mid-South.  Maintaining yield improvements through variety development to offset increasing production costs may not be sustainable. Incorporating GIS/GPS technologies, variable-rate capabilities, and site-specific production inputs can help producers enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. This presentation will show production efficiency results of on-farm studies incorporating site-specific inputs based on easily defined management zones.

Evaluation Of Alternative Pesticide Application Methods For Control Of Insect Pests In Mid-South Cotton Production

Presented by:  Dr. Chase Floyd, Assistant Research Professor/State Extension Crop Protection Specialist, Fisher Delta Research Center

The release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Insecticide Draft Strategy in 2024 has increased interest in pesticide application technologies that reduce off-target movement while maintaining effective pest control. As regulatory pressures continue to evolve, alternative application methods are being investigated to improve application efficiency and environmental stewardship in cotton production systems.

Researchers from the University of Missouri are evaluating the efficacy of insecticide applications delivered through an inverted drop-nozzle system designed to reduce drift and enhance canopy penetration. During the growing seasons of 2025 and 2026, field trials were conducted in Portageville, Missouri, and Jackson, Tennessee, to assess control of tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, using this alternative application approach.

In addition, a multi-state study was conducted across the Cotton Belt to evaluate the role of novaluron in ThryvOn® cotton production systems. Experiments examined application timing and tank-mix strategies to determine the optimal use of novaluron for enhancing tarnished plant bug management. Results from these studies will provide valuable information on both alternative application technologies and insecticide stewardship strategies for sustainable insect management in Mid-South cotton production.

From Corn To Cotton Bollworm Emergence And Subsequent Infestation Dynamics In Southern Cropping Systems

Presented by:  Dr. Tyler Towles, Research & Extension Entomologist, Mississippi State University

Experiments were conducted in the southern U.S. focusing on bollworm (Helicoverpa zea) in field corn and cotton that express various Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins. These experiments aim to better understand how various Bt trait packages affect bollworm population dynamics and to determine the subsequent effects that these populations will have on Bt-expressing cotton.

Managing Cotton Insects With Jassid In The Mix

Presented by:  Dr. Scott H. Graham, Extension Entomologist, Auburn University

The cotton jassid has emerged as an important insect pest of cotton in the southeastern United States, adding another layer of complexity to insect pest management decisions. As management recommendations continue to develop, an important consideration is how insecticide applications targeting other cotton pests influence cotton jassid populations as well as beneficial arthropods. This presentation will discuss research and field observations evaluating the effects of management strategies for key cotton insect pests on cotton jassid abundance and the beneficial arthropod community. Particular emphasis will be placed on how insecticide selection and pest management decisions may suppress, exacerbate, or otherwise influence jassid populations and how these decisions affect natural enemies. The presentation will highlight opportunities for incorporating cotton jassid management into existing integrated pest management programs while conserving beneficial arthropods and avoiding unnecessary disruption of biological control.

Sporadic Pests Of Cotton In The Lower Southeast

Presented by:  Blake Lanton, Extension Agent, Auburn University

Cotton producers in the lower Southeast routinely manage a relatively predictable complex of insect pests; however, sporadic pests can create unexpected challenges when environmental and field conditions favor outbreaks. This session will cover early-season pests like grasshoppers and snails, along with silverleaf whiteflies and leaf-footed bugs later in the growing season. Field observations of these sporadic pests will be discussed, including when and where they occur, the crop injury they can cause, and practical management considerations.

Optimal Weed Control Systems In Mid-Southern Cotton Production

Presented by:  Dr. Alex Mangialardi, Assistant Professor / Extension Weed Scientist, University of Missouri

Cotton production in mid-southern states requires aggressive control methods for weeds like Palmer amaranth, barnyardgrass, and goosegrass. This is especially true in states in the northernmost regions of the cotton belt due to cooler temperatures early on causing slow growth of cotton. This aggressive weed control strategy can be expensive to the producer, which is why there is constant need to evaluate different systems for both weed control and economic return.

The Most Complete and Adaptable Weed Control System Cotton Has Ever Seen 

Presented by:  Dr. Lucas Owen, Regional Agronomist, BASF and Brad Koen, Area Manager, BASF

Every season, cotton growers across the belt face the challenge of growing weed resistance and new tools are needed to keep up. This session will discuss the Axant Flex weed control system and how this quad-stacked trait technology will offer unmatched weed control for troublesome grasses and broadleaf weeds — including Palmer amaranth. We’ll also discuss BASF’s newest FiberMax and Stoneville cotton varieties, and herbicides—Alite ISO and TOP. Join us to learn about game-changing weed control.

Brake® Herbicide: A Unique Herbicide Mode Of Action For Preemergence Management Of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds, Including Palmer Amaranth, In Cotton

Presented by:  Lance Schmidt, Technical Service Representative, Gowan USA

Palmer amaranth is among the most challenging weeds in cotton production because of its capacity to rapidly develop resistance to commonly used herbicides. As resistance becomes more widespread and the weeds adapt to existing control practices, the effectiveness of these approaches continues to decline. Brake® provides a unique Group 12 mode of action for use in cotton, strengthening resistance-management programs and controlling herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth, as well as other broadleaf weeds and grasses. With excellent crop safety and extended residual weed control, Brake® helps cotton establish successfully and supports producers in maximizing yield potential.

Potassium Management In Cotton – How Much, When, And How To Fertilize?

Presented by:  Dr. Gerson Drescher, Assistant Professor of Soil Fertility, University of Arkansas

Cotton is widely cultivated on soils with limited potassium (K) availability, and adequate K management is key for profitable cotton production. Understanding how cotton responds to different K fertilization strategies and how to diagnose deficiencies is important to developing efficient fertilization practices. This presentation will discuss strategies for diagnosing cotton K nutritional status, correcting K deficiency, and how different K fertilizer sources and application timings affect cotton yield and tissue K concentrations.

Season-Long Pest Management In Cotton And Rice

Presented by:  Dr. Hunter Bowman, Technical Field Agronomist, Corteva Agriscience & Dr. Ben Thrash, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

This session will focus on practical, season-long pest management strategies in cotton and rice. Dr. Ben Thrash will discuss season-long insecticide programs in cotton, including the importance of utilizing multiple modes of action and proper insecticide placement throughout the season, with an emphasis on where Transform WG insecticide best fits into a management program. Dr. Hunter Bowman will provide an update on rice herbicides options, focusing on product fit, positioning, and practical considerations for incorporating these herbicides into effective rice weed control.

Rethinking Nitrogen And Phosphorus Efficiency – Humate And Microbial Innovation

Presented by:  Jeremy Nunes, Director of Agronomy, HGS BioScience

Growers face constant pressure to get more value from every pound of nitrogen and phosphorus applied. This session introduces HumiK ONE Nitros and Slingshot, which pair an extracted, activated humate granule with purpose-built microbial consortia to improve nutrient availability in a single dry application. Nitros fixes and cycles nitrogen into plant-available forms, reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen. Slingshot unlocks and recovers phosphorus and potassium already in the soil. Greenhouse and field research examines how the humate carrier and microbial activity interact to affect nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency under real growing conditions.