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Cantaloupes and cotton are two crops that normally aren't mentioned in the same breath, but that wasn't the case during a presentation at the recent Beltwide Cotton Conferences in Atlanta, where a southwest Georgia county agent discussed the possibilities of this unique inter-cropping arrangement.
"We have some very innovative farmers in Tift County, and one of the things we continue to learn is that they are always looking to maximize profitability and economics on their farms," says Extension County Coordinator Brian Tankersley.
Some growers approached him last winter, says Tankersley, and said they had heard about the possibility of planting cotton into cantaloupes as a way of maximizing farm income.
"I told him he wouldn't get the cantaloupes off until about the middle of July. How would he make a cotton crop? His idea was to plant cotton into cantaloupes, but I wasn't sure how he would keep people from walking on them. This was a producer-driven research study where we had the opportunity to participate with the grower because he was going to try it, and he was willing to put the money behind it," he says.
The primary aim of the research was to determine the economic feasibility of cotton and cantaloupe intercropping, says Tankersley.
"Tift County is not large geographically, with about 60,000 acres of farmland and 60 percent of it irrigated. But we also produce about $150 million in farm-gate value, and about $100 million of that is in produce. In a typical year, we produce anywhere from 1,600 to 2,000 acres of cantaloupes, and we also produce from 17,000 to 20,000 acres of cotton. Last year, we produced more than 25,000 acres. But these two commodities — cotton and cantaloupes — are two or our high farm-gate-value crops. They make up about $25 million of our farm-gate value, so it's very important if we can maximize both of them," he says.
When growing cantaloupes, three to five separate plantings are made in March over about six weeks to stretch out the spring harvest.
"We normally plant transplants on slightly raised 24-inch plastic beds and we use overhead irrigation like center pivots to water," says Tankersley. "We normally harvest cantaloupes starting around Memorial Day and going through July 15, depending on the season. We usually pull plastic and till the soil, and then we might plant a program crop like grain sorghum or a late corn crop after July 15 with the hopes of getting an additional income using some of the residual fertilizer and other inputs."
The profitability of planting grain sorghum and other grain crops after cantaloupes has been marginal, he says. "We estimate normally that we get about 75 bushels of grain sorghum per acre, but when you think about the price, it's not as profitable."
Primary objective of study
The primary objective of the study, he says, was to evaluate per-acre profitability of intercropping cotton and cantaloupes. The secondary objective was to try and determine how to actually do it.
"We wanted to look at how intercropping affected weed control strategies in both crops. Also, what is the proper planting time of the cotton into the transplanted cantaloupes, and would nematode control be enhanced in cotton grown in cantaloupes because both crops have the same type of nematode pressure?
"In addition, would there be pesticide compatibility issues as it relates to utilizing labeled pesticides for each crop, and what type of harvest challenges would you experience with cantaloupes and cotton. Would you trample the cotton plants when you're harvesting cantaloupes and would you be able to harvest cotton in raised plastic beds? What insect control issues would arise with each crop?"
Ninety-five percent of all cantaloupes produced are started in the greenhouse and then transplanted into the field, says Tankersley. The ones in the study were transplanted on April 27, 2010, on 24-inch black plastic on a 80-inch row spacing. On May 18, Phytogen 375 WideStrike Roundup Ready Flex with seed treatments was planted on 36-inch rows between cantaloupe rows. In between the dry middles were eight cantaloupe rows and 16 cotton rows.
"Keep in mind that cantaloupes initially have to take priority because when you think about cantaloupe production, to grow one acre is in excess of $4,500."
Herbicide treatments on the cantaloupes consisted of 1 pint per acre of ethalfluralin in a row middle application at planting. For cotton, glyphosate was applied at 1 quart per acre, at the time the cantaloupe crop was terminated.
Cantaloupe harvest dates were between June 17 and July 3. Roundup was applied on July 4 to terminate the cantaloupe crop and to provide weed control for cotton.
"Then we came back with 200 pounds of ammonium nitrate and 100 pounds of K-Mag with side-dress on July 12," says Tankersley.
Plenty of residual fertilizer
"We had a lot of residual fertilizer from the cantaloupes. Escaped weeds were hand-pulled on July 17, and most of our produce growers are accustomed to hand-pulling weeds. Nematode samples were taken in the cotton crop and in terminated cantaloupe beds on July 26, and we monitored the crops with photographs."
On one field, 1,270 pounds of cotton per acre was picked behind cantaloupes. "In field two, we ran out of water after we picked cantaloupes, so it was essentially a dryland field, but we harvested 740 pounds per acre. With water, we would have had similar results on both fields. Obviously, the grower felt good about that situation."
University of Georgia economists compared cotton intercropping with grain sorghum following cantaloupes, using an expected yield of 1,000 pounds per acre for cotton versus 75 bushels per acre for grain sorghum and an expected price of 90 cents per pound versus $5 per bushel for grain sorghum. Gross returns per acre were $900 for cotton and $375 for grain sorghum, and return to land and management was $304 for cotton and $41 for grain sorghum.
Yields on the cantaloupes were typical to what the grower normally has with cantaloupes alone, about 4,500 to 4,750 cantaloupes per acre. "Once he got the cotton planted, this grower managed for cantaloupes. Harvest of the cantaloupes did not result in any damage to the young cotton plants and the cotton intercropping did not cause a delay in cantaloupe harvest. Removal of the black plastic was delayed until after the cotton harvest."
The economic returns and profitability of cotton compared to late-planted grain sorghum is very positive for cotton, says Tankersley. "The total fertilizer applied to cotton was reduced and insect pressure was relatively light. Nematode samples were taken in the cotton and terminated cantaloupe beds and samples indicated that no treatments were needed. Weed control was accomplished with the standard application of herbicides and one hand weeding."
Many producers are excited about the possibilities of intercropping, he says. "My concern is whether or not we can duplicate this on a year-to-year basis. Things went together really well this past year as far as timing. Questions still remain about the timing of the planting of the cotton and cantaloupe crops. We planted the cotton based on when the cantaloupes were running off the plastic. More research also needs to address questions related to pesticide compatibility issues."
The question of whether or not intercropping cotton is a possibility with other spring vegetable crops also needs to be answered, he adds.


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Wests Tigers v Sea Eagles preview
3 hours ago | Tim Costello
On the verge of equalling the record for the most premiership appearances by a New Zealander, Storm skipper Stephen Kearney says he is humbled to be overtaking the man he idolised as a youngster.
Kearney will equal the 18-year-old record held by former Cronulla and Easts forward Dane Sorenson this Sunday against the Rabbitohs at Aussie Stadium.
?Growing up as a young fella Dane Sorenson was a hero and an idol of mine so to equal his record of games played by a kiwi is a huge honour,? Kearney said.
?It is something you don?t really set out to achieve when you start playing but I?m quite humbled to have reached this milestone - it?s a nice record to have.?
The Storm front-rower has rarely endured a form slump in a career spanning more than a decade, three NRL clubs and 43 Tests for New Zealand.
?When you play 11 seasons and more so when you get to the age that I?m at, you get to a point where hopefully those sort of milestones come up otherwise you wouldn?t have been doing much,? Kearney joked.
The 31-year-old?s mind will be on other matters come Sunday afternoon as Melbourne shoots for its third away win of the season.
With veteran Robbie Kearns out of the side on Origin duty and the disappointment of last week?s loss to the Roosters still lingering, Kearney is keen to make amens and maintain the Storm?s unbeaten record over Souths this week.
?Robbie has certainly been the biggest contributor in terms of what he?s been bringing to our performance in the last couple of months,? the 30-year-old former kiwi captain added.
?From my perspective I?m a little disappointed with my performance from last week so it?s more a matter of what I can provide for the team this time round against Souths."
?I think collectively as a forward group we all have to take up some slack because I think he (Kearns) will be missed at stages out there.?
STORM TRAINING THIS WEEK Saturday: 9.30am, Olympic Park

subset: commoncrawl


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Buying an iPhone screen on-line can be a bit hit or miss, with so many different qualities and configurations available we want to ensure you know exactly what your getting.
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Part: iPhone 6s LCD assembly
Manufacturer: OEM
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Parts Origin - OEM
The term OEM stands for 'Original Equipment Manufacturer', the exact meaning differs in several industries.
To us, OEM means that the part is the same part used within your device, using the same materials and specifications.
We use the term OEM to cover many parts from refurbished, used and new components, the exact condition will be stated in the items description.
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NFL News: A little birdie who's in a position to know sent me some NFL tips the other day. I can't confirm any of it, but I feel the info is solid enough to pass along, with the proviso that it's all subject to change:Wow.I got a memo mentioning new third jerseys for the Packers and Colts. The memo also mentioned "updated" third jerseys for the Cardinals, Eagles, Patriots, and one other team (I think it was the Bears, but I'm not positive).So there you go — completely accurate, authoritative information. Unless it's not.
Based on something I saw earlier, I'm almost certain the Packers will be wearing 1929 throwbacks. Those are dark blue jerseys with a dark blue numeral inside a gold circle over khaki pants and dark blue socks. Of course, per today's uniform standards, the circle and numeral on the front would be much larger, and I believe the style guide showed a solid brown helmet with gray mask to simulate the leather ones some players wore in 1929. It's gone from the server now, however — I guess I'm lucky I saw it.
If true, this would be a very unusual move for the Packers. They've done plenty of throwbacks over the past fifteen years, but only to commemorate special events. With this, they would join a growing group of teams who wear throwback looks as their regular alternate uniforms. The Jets, Buccaneers, Vikings, Steelers, Bills, and Falcons all have adopted them in recent years, joining the Lions and Cowboys, who have worn them on and off since the NFL abandoned the "Thanksgiving Classics" throwback promotion.
And under the NFL's current guidelines, they wouldn't be able to introduce another alternate until 2016.
UPDATE: Fox 11 in Green Bay has picked up on the story:
There's our confirmation. This thing is a go.
Packers in blue jerseys?
Team wants to add official third jersey to lineup
Updated: Monday, 22 Feb 2010, 6:40 PM CST
Published : Monday, 22 Feb 2010, 4:37 PM CST
Reporter: Lou Hillman
GREEN BAY - They may be the "Green and Gold" but the Packers haven't always worn those two colors.
"We've had a lot of different uniforms and colors," said Mark Murphy, the Packers President and CEO.
On Monday, Murphy confirmed with FOX 11 that the team wants to have a historical throwback jersey for some games next season. It would be the Packers official third jersey.
"I think one of our biggest advantages as a team and an organization is the history that we have and I think this is really a chance to enhance that and celebrate it," said Murphy.
Some think they already know the Packers pick.
According to uniwatchblog.com , a Web site about jersey-related news, it will be the 1929 "blue" one. In fact, the Packers unofficial nickname used to be "the blues."
So is that the plan?
Murphy told FOX 11 the team is not ready to reveal its plans.
"No, not yet," Murphy laughed.
Fans we spoke with say a throwback jersey is a good idea for the team.
"We have probably the most history of all of them, we probably should have one. Like I said, I wouldn't want to see them wear it every game but I certainly wouldn't mind a game or two each year," said Don Harms, of Sobieski.
"I had no idea until we came in here that they weren't always green if not green and gold until I saw this and I thought 'oh, we were blue,' it just makes you more interested in the past," said Bonnie Jeranek, of La Crosse.
You may remember the Packers played in the 2001 Thanksgiving game in their 1939 jerseys. The team also played several games in 1994 in their 1937 jerseys.
Murphy said the team is now looking to have something that it can use for several years, but there are NFL rules.
"You can have a third jersey, whether it's a different color or a historical throwback, and you have a 5-year window. Those are some of the details we really need to work out," said Murphy.
So will the green and gold, be blue too next season? The Packers say an official announcement is still months away.
UPDATE 2: Jeff Ash, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette's fantastic "Out of Bounds" blog, has also joined the conversation. He adds this colorized photograph of Johnny "Blood" McNally wearing the original uniform in question:
He also gave this blog a shout-out, which is always appreciated.
(updates h/t: Johnny O, Tim O'Donnell)


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Tumbler Collection Fire Whisky
The decorated, machine-made tumbler of the stylish, yet subtly nostalgic glass collection RIEDEL Barware are inspired by the glamorous Art Nouveau period and present a contrast to Riedel's purist, unadorned wine glasses. 'Fire' is distinguished by its dynamic, flame-like decoration and was designed by Georg Riedel. These elegant glasses are made to be lighter and finer than the sturdier 'Louis' and 'Spey' ranges. RIEDEL's Barware tumbler collection presents perfect, 'must have' glasses for all cocktail and spirits lovers. All RIEDEL glasses are dishwasher safe.
Year of design 2018
Volume 295 ccm
Height 98 mm
Box quantity 1
Type of Manufacturing machine production
Material Crystal
Ideal for
Corporate gifts
Birthday Gifts
Gift ideas
Casual Dinner
Family night


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No, not in a bad way, but in a "who did you think I was, anyway?" sort of way.
Like the Warrior who berated me in Arathi Basin for not pursuing a retreating Horde player and instead returning to the flag. "Shoulda killed him," he said. "Don't be such a pussy."
"My job is to protect the flag, not get HKs," I replied.
"She's right, you shithead," a Druid added.* "You win by getting and protecting the flags."
The Warrior just wouldn't give up. "But what Rogue turns away from an easy kill? She's a wuss."
"I want to win," I replied. "If it means fewer HKs, I'll do it."
"Chicken shit."
Or, like the group finder in The Old Republic, which had my Jedi Shadow automatically checked as Tank and Damage, and I only found out about it after I'd ported into Cademimu. "Gang, I'm going to drop," I said. "I thought I was queued as Damage, not as Tank."
"You sure?" the Commando marked as healer asked. "I can keep you going."
"Not here. I'm at the low end for this Flashpoint, and I'm not specced for tanking."
I'm sure the Commando could have given it a good try, but come on. I've been in Cademimu as a low end DPS before, and even then I had trouble staying upright against bosses.
Or the people in Eye of the Storm who, when they asked what to do in this battleground, I replied "You get and hold towers, then worry about the mid. Three towers will beat holding and getting the flag most of the time."
So what happened? 9-10 of our team went to the mid, 3 went to a far side tower, and there was one person on each of our regular towers. While our side fought over the mid, the Horde swept in and took three towers. As players died and respawned, we were slowly pushed back and away from the remaining tower.
So much for asking my opinion.
Or yesterday, when I was back on Taris with my Jedi Shadow, I got mistaken for a tank. I was taking a break from the Alderaan push toward the end of Chapter 1, and I figured it'd be nice to smash a few rakghouls and clean out some old quests in my queue since those raks couldn't really hurt me.
So, when the call went out for a group to take on the World Boss, I waited until I was sure there was going to be a group pulled together and I whispered if they needed DPS. I got an immediate invite, and I drove on over to the spot where Subject Alpha awaited us. As I arrived, discussion centered on who would tank the giant rakghoul.
"I can do it," a Shadow replied.
"Tal," the Ops Leader asked of me, "can you be off tank?"
I was about to say no, but then I remembered I was an L30 in the land of L18-20. "I'm DPS spec, but I can tank in a pinch since I've got more health than everyone else."
To be fair, there was an L47 Sage in the group, but I only discovered that afterward.** Everybody else was L20-L23 and had half of my health. I felt reasonably confident that if it came to me tanking, my lack of tank expertise would be offset by the Shadow's taunting ability and my extra health. Sure, I didn't have any of the Shadow's tank spec goodies, but I figured I could hold my own.
Once everyone arrived at the site, about five minutes later, the tank pulled and we began. The main tank held aggro well enough that I hardly took any damage, and whenever the Ops Leader asked the World Boss to be turned around I taunted Subject Alpha to my side. My lack of aggro holding extras meant that the main tank got the World Boss back, but given the amount of healing heading our way we were in good shape. There was some nut who kept taking huge amounts of damage, but the healers in the group kept him upright.
After about 5-10 minutes, Subject Alpha bit the dust, and I didn't even have to worry too much about tanking dynamics.
Now why couldn't the Eye of the Storm run have ended so well?
*My Rogue is a female Night Elf. I've decided that it's easier to simply let people believe what they want to believe rather than correct them all the time.
**That probably explained why she was assigned to heal the main tank exclusively.
EtA: Cleaned up a few grammatical errors.