The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2024 Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro. The inaugural Mid-Year Meeting is held in conjunction with a UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop conducted by members of the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team.  The UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop will feature sessions where attendees will receive a 2024 crop update and defoliation considerations, pre-harvest economic update and marketing considerations and late season pest management considerations.
 
The program speakers are Robbie Minnich, Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council, and Daniel Radford, Southeast Regional Communications Manager for the Cotton Board.

• Robbie Minnich is the Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council (NCC) in Washington, D.C. He has been with the Council since January 2003 and in his current role since 2023; he previously served as Senior Government Relations Representative. Minnich’s primary responsibility is coordinating the industry’s communication with Members of Congress and their staff and administration officials.  Prior to joining the National Cotton Council, Minnich worked as agricultural advisor to former U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) and staffed the senator on the Senate Agriculture Committee.  During his time with Senator Hutchinson, he played an integral part of the crafting of the 2002 Farm Bill. He has also spent time working in the office of former Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08).  Minnich graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education and grew up in Henrietta, North Carolina. He and his wife live in Arlington, VA with their twin sons, Owen and Conor.

• Daniel Radford joined The Cotton Board in October 2023 as the Southeast Regional Communications Manager. A native of North Carolina, Daniel lives in the Nahunta community. He grew up working with his extended family at their feed mill and farming operation as well as the local pork processing facility, known as Nahunta Pork Center. Daniel attended NC State University where he received his bachelor’s in agricultural science and returned to pursue his master’s in agricultural and extension education. Prior to joining the Cotton Board, Daniel served as Director of Alumni and Engagement for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his family - especially his nephews, Wyatt and Luke, and working on the farm.

During the lunch program, Georgia Department of Natural Resources State Deer Biologist Charlie Killmaster will update producers on the status of the State Deer Management Plan.  The event will conclude with the presentation of the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards for the 2023 Crop.

There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans.  Register online at https://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ce/conferences/georgia-cotton-commissions-mid-year-meeting/  or call the Commission’s Office at (478) 988-4235