MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton growers can get the latest in production recommendations from top agricultural specialists, researchers and fellow farmers Dec. 3-5 at the 20th annual Mississippi State University Extension Service's Cotton Production Short Course.

Cotton is one of the mid-South's most important industries and keeps hundreds of millions of dollars turning over in the region's economy. Even after record-producing years, growers need the most current recommendations for planting and managing next year's crop.

"We've had a lot of ups and downs in the cotton industry in the past few years, but for growers, the show must go on. They know this country needs to be able to feed and clothe its people, and Mississippi growers want to be the best at doing that," said Will McCarty, MSU Extension cotton specialist.

The cotton short course will be held at the Bost Extension Center on the MSU campus. While the deadline for the $75 preregistration is Nov. 25, participants can register for $100 at 11 a.m. on Dec. 3. Activities on the second and third days begin at 8 a.m. with the short course concluding following lunch on Dec. 5.

The 2003 program includes sessions on cotton varieties, fertility, insect and disease management, irrigation and water management, weed control and market considerations. One session will address the agronomics of production, seeding rates, plant population, row spacing and configurations. Seventeen continuing education units will be offered with two in nutrient management, one in soil/water management, 7.5 in pest management and 6.5 in crop management.

"We have been having this short course for the past 20 years. We strive to put the most information we can into three pretty intense days of presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions and one-on-one assistance if requested," McCarty said.

For more information, call Emily Rose at (662) 325-2701.