2000 Cotton Clinic

Also on the program will be Mr. David Oefinger, Assistant Executive Director of Texas Pest Management Association, discussing current electronic technology that agricultural producers can utilize to assist their operation. In addition, Dr. Cliff Hoelscher, Extension Entomologist, will discuss the Boll Weevil Eradication Referendum coming up in February.

A meal will be included with the registration cost. Three continuing education unit (CEUs) will be given to those with an Applicator's Licence.

Included with this newsletter are results from three demonstrations from 1999. The Williamson County Cotton Variety Trial was put in with Arnie and Larry Safarik on the East end of Taylor. It was planted on April 5, 1999. Each plot was 16 rows wide (38" rows) and averaged approximately 1 ac/plot. Total fertility consisted of 60-34-11-8 applied late December. In addition, Trific @ 1 qt/ac was applied in late December 1998. Prometryne 4L @ 1 ½ pt/ac was banded at 19" over the center of each bed at-plant. Phorate 20 G @ 4 lbs/ac was applied at plant. Additional insecticide applications were applied throughout this season as needed. Each plot was machine harvested on September 4.

Also included with this newsletter are the results of the Williamson County Bt/Roundup Ready Cotton Variety Trial which was machine harvested on September 9.

In addition are the results of the Boll Weevil Trap Line that has been ongoing since Spring, 1997. The trap line extends from South of Hutto in Williamson County to Southwest of Buckholts in Milam County. Boll weevil numbers were low in 1999 compared to the two previous years. The only exception was the period between August 11 and September 29, when '99 levels were higher than '98 levels.

Crop Insurance Clinic

Crop insurance sales closing dates for Williamson and surrounding counties are rapidly approaching. February 15^th is the insurance sales closing date for corn and grain sorghum while producers have until February 28^th to make their crop insurance decision for cotton. Sales closing dates are important because all crop insurance decisions such as sign ups, choices of coverages, and/or products have to be made prior to the announced date. Like the situation in 1999, USDA has been authorized to spend up to $400 million to assist producers in purchasing additional crop insurance coverage for the 2000 crop year. While your premium reduction depends on how many producers take advantage of this assistance, USDA estimates the reduction to be 25 to 30%.

Types of insurance products available to Blacklands producers are basically the same as last year. The question is whether it makes economic sense to purchase higher levels of coverage with the premium discount or benefit from paying less for your same coverage? In addition, does one change insurance products as well as coverage levels? How much should projected low commodity prices affect ones decision to purchase a revenue insurance product?

The answers to these important questions and more will be discussed at the Crop Insurance Clinic educational meeting on January 21st.

Upcoming Programs

Corn, Grain Sorghum, and Cotton Strategy Meeting - (2 CEUs)
Thursday, January 27^th, 6:30 p.m.
Thorndale High School Ag Shop
Thorndale, TX

38^th Annual Blackland Income Growth (BIG) Conference
in conjunction with Mid-Tex Farm and Ranch Show
January 17-19th
Waco Convention Center

Beef, Horticulture, Cotton, Grain, Forage, and Horse Sessions
Tuesday, January 18^th
Waco Convention Center
(CEUs will be offered to pesticide applicants)
Registration fees will be accepted at entrance to conferences

For more information: contact your local Central Texas County Extension Office.