Optimizing Production Systems, Market and Policy Analysis for Cotton and Other Natural Fibers
Purpose
To continue to develop a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary cotton research program for cotton sustainable production systems, and market and policy analysis for natural fibers (cotton, wool, and mohair) and to increase profitability and maintain viability of all segments of the U.S. cotton industry in an increasingly competitive and volatile international market. These efforts are aimed at:
- Genetic enhancement
- Developing sustainable production and processing systems
- Improved fiber testing and textile production
- Production and marketing risk management tools
- Better production, consumption, price, and policy analysis and forecasting
- Improved domestic and international market competitiveness
Relevance
For the 2008 cotton production year the U.S. production is estimated at 13.8 million bales of cotton. Texas is expected to produce 5.2 million bales of cotton (37 percent of U.S. total). The High Plains of Texas is predicted to produce 3.7 million bales of cotton or (71 percent of Texas total and 27 percent of U.S. total). Texas Tech, major units of the Texas A&M University System, and USDA-ARS, in an integrated and organized effort, have the scientific expertise and research infrastructure to positively influence the cotton industry. Texas Tech and Texas A&M have the expertise to expand the program in market and policy analysis of natural fibers that will greatly benefit U.S. industries and policy makers by providing relevant information about the changing landscapes of the market. Research is developing new information and technologies that are increasing cotton and textile production efficiencies, reducing costs through the processing chain, increasing market share and transparency, and improving the U.S. industry's global competitiveness.
Accomplishments/Impacts
- Increased Producer Margin. Determined that adoption of indeterminate "picker" cotton varieties over the more determinate "stripper" cotton varieties can increase cotton producers' gross margin by over $145 per acre
- Boost Profitability. Found that proper management of plant density and irrigation can potentially conserve water and increase cotton micronaire, thus enhancing profitability by approximately $37 million for the High Plains cotton industry
- Review of Crop Insurance Programs Completed. Completed a comprehensive review of crop insurance programs for cotton and delivered it to the Board of Directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Risk Management Agency – USDA, and the National Cotton Council
- New Instrument to Measure Fabric Quality. Developed an instrument for rapid measurement of fabric smoothness, stain release, and fabric shrinkage. The manufacture and sale of these instruments could generate $5 to $10 million annually in economic activity, while the savings in testing costs and contractual disputes could amount to $10 to $20 million annually
- Web-based Media. The CottonLink Web site continues to provide up-to-date cotton information to media professionals with current news, pictures, and contacts
Lead Agency: Texas Tech University
Partners: Texas A&M University, United States Department of Agriculture
Federal Funding Request for FY 2010: $3 million