Video Series: A Year on the Farm
Stalk-Cutting
Before planting season arrives, stalk cutting is done to speed up the decaying process of the previous season's crop residue so microorganisms in the soil can recycle the nutrients.
Plowing
Plowing is done to prepare the ground for the upcoming growing season. This will kill the cover crop so that it will not continue to grow and deplete the underground water supply that is reserved for the cotton.
Planting
Planting season is one of the most critical times of the year. Farmers must precisely set the planter according to how much moisture is in the ground while also taking into consideration what the future weather forecast will be.
Sandfighting
Sandfighting is a crucial tool used by farmers to protect young cotton crops. The High Plains experiences wind that can easily damage small cotton plants. After a rain, the surface of the ground becomes slicked off. This creates the opportunity for the wind to blow fine sand particles that cause abrasion on the cotton plant. The sandfighter has spoked wheels that make divots in the soil which help prevent blowing and damage.
Cultivation
Cultivation is the first line of defense used by organic cotton farmers against weeks. With the use of GPS technology, farmers are able to utilize precision farming to kill weeds in close proximity to the cotton plant. The coulter wheels trim weeds away from the plan while sweeps undercut the weeds between the rows of cotton. The shields are in place to protect the young plant from dirt and debris.
Cover Crop
This video shows how cover crops are overseeded in the cotton, which is done to help rebuild the soil. This is accomplished with a cyclone spreader that distributes the seed. The spreader is followed by cultivators to weed the crop and incorporate the seed into the soil. The soil will have vegetation throughout the winter months that will help prevent wind and water erosion. The cover crop shown in the video, which is composed of rye, vetch, and radish, was treated with an organic certified microbial product to help improve the biological diversity of the soil.
Harvest with a cotton stripper
This video shows cotton harvest process with a cotton stripper, boll buggy, and module builder. Cotton stripping pulls opened and unopened bolls from the cotton stalks. Each module can hold between 10-14 bales of cotton depending on the size.