Cotton farming, like most farming, has evolved quite dramatically in the past several decades. A plow and a mule have been replaced by mechanical seed sprayers; self-propelled cotton harvesters are now used instead of hiring workers to spend long days picking cotton.

Organic cotton farming is also on the rise, as demand for organic cotton products from cotton growers continues to increase. If you are considering joining the group of producers of cotton, keep the following in mind:

1. Research cotton seed providers to grow the best cotton crop you can.

2. Check out farming equipment designed for cotton growers, including cotton seeders and a cotton harvester.

3. Explore the many benefits of organic cotton farming.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find high-quality cotton seeds to create the best cotton crop possible

Get your cotton plant off on the right foot by purchasing cotton seeds that will thrive under your climate and soil conditions.

I recommend: Deltapine organizes its cotton seed product line by type (conventional, Roundup Ready, etc.) and then by region (Midsouth/Southeast, California, etc.). This helps to ensure you get the best cotton crop for your growing conditions. FiberMax claims the cotton its seeds produce outranks others in terms of fiber length and strength.

Explore seeding equipment for cotton growers

Seeding equipment can save an incredible amount of time during planting season. Best of all, most seeders can be used for plants other than your cotton crop.

I recommend: John Deere has a nice selection of seeding and planting equipment. Equipment Locator Service is a great source for new and used planters and seeders.

Consider a cotton harvester for your cotton farming business

A cotton picker, or cotton harvester, is a machine that picks the cotton and puts it in the back of the equipment, behind the operator. Again, this type of farm equipment can help you increase the amount of cotton you can harvest each season, thereby growing your business.

I recommend: Find new and used cotton pickers at AgriSeek. Pioneer Equipment is another great source for cotton picking equipment.

Consider organic cotton farming

Organic cotton producers use agricultural methods and materials that are not harmful to the environment. The demand for all kinds of organic products, including organic cotton is on the rise, and cotton farmers are responding. One survey shows that planted acreage of organic cotton increased 14% from 2006 to 2007.

I recommend: To help your organic cotton crop, consider using animal manure additions and naturally occurring rock powders. Green String Farm supplies volcanic rock powder to use in all kinds of agricultural applications. Agrowinn Fertilizers has rock powder in addition to other organic fertilizers and weed-control agents.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a cotton producer or cotton grower, don't forget about the many lucrative byproducts of cotton production, such as cottonseed oil, that can be sold for a variety of uses.