Growing Cotton in the U.S.: Stories from the Fields

Growing cotton in the U.S. is far from simple. As a natural crop, it’s vulnerable to inherent challenges, from the constant threat of unpredictable weather – hurricanes, droughts, floods – to the economic realities of low commodity prices. Success demands resilience and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.

Trust Protocol growers face these challenges head-on, making countless informed decisions every day. They navigate capital-intensive modern farming practices, leveraging data and innovative techniques to enhance their environmental stewardship. They understand that climate, temperature, rainfall, and topography vary dramatically by region, requiring tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

More than just farmers, they are stewards of the land, embracing regenerative agriculture principles and prioritizing the well-being of their employees and communities. Their commitment extends to minimizing environmental impact and improving the health of the land, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.

Learn more about the regenerative agriculture practices being incorporated into Protocol growers’ farm.

Cotton is a natural crop meaning its overall productivity ultimately relies on Mother Nature with some help from growers, who are more like caretakers during our tenure. We are always working to be forward-thinking and considering how we can improve our growing practices. I may be known to drive around with a shovel and soil probe in my vehicle because I’m constantly monitoring. I’m in my fields every day keeping track of our plants, soil, moisture levels, insect activity, to help ensure our crops are healthy, productive, and only receiving what they need when they need it. Growing cotton is complex with many variables and decisions on a daily basis. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution no matter where in the United States you farm as each region, each state, and even each field has a unique makeup.

Frank Rogers, a fourth-generation cotton farmer from the Southeast region of the Cotton Belt where he operates in a humid subtropical climate with ample rainfall, illustrates how he leverages technology to fine-tune his operation for optimal sustainability. For instance, recognizing water’s value, Frank uses moisture sensors to provide real-time data on soil conditions. This information controls his irrigation pivots, which he operates remotely via a smartphone app, delivering water precisely when and where needed.

Frank’s commitment to data-driven decisions extends to other areas of his farm as well. He and his son, who has a knack for technology, conduct their own soil sampling and analysis. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Knowing exactly what’s in our soil lets us give our crops what they need, where they need it, when they need it.” This allows them to create highly specific fertilizer plans for different field areas, maximizing nutrient uptake by the plants and minimizing the impact to the surrounding environment. Frank also embraces GPS-guided spraying technology with his sprayers automatically shutting off nozzles when they detect overlap.

Frank is one example of how cotton farming is a data-driven endeavor, enhancing both productivity and sustainability. As Frank says, “People might have an image of what cotton farming is, but it’s changing fast. We’re using technology every day to be more efficient, use less water, and grow a sustainable crop. Using data, being precise with how we farm, is how we make sure we’re leaving something good behind.

Precision agriculture allows us to use less water, less fertilizer, and less plant protection products in our fields. We’ve incorporated soil sampling, GPS mapping, and variable rate fertilizer application, which allows us to precisely monitor our inputs. It drives our continuous improvement so we can be our best environmentally.

Growing Cotton in the U.S.: Stories from the Fields

Learn more about the regenerative agriculture practices being incorporated into Protocol growers’ farm.

Ted Sheely, California

Frank Rogers, South Carolina

Sledge Taylor, Mississippi

Learn more about the field-level data measured by the Trust Protocol.