Seth Byrd is the Extension cotton specialist for Oklahoma State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Florida, and a PhD in crop and soil science with a focus on cotton agronomics from the University of Georgia. (OSU photo by Todd Johnson)
Tyson Raper is the Pettigrew Cotton Specialist for the University of Tennessee, with a 75% Extension and 25% research appointment in the Department of Plant Sciences. Dr. Raper is stationed at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center and leads the cotton and small grains programs. His research and Extension program is focused on variety testing, fertility, and a variety of precision ag projects. Additionally, Dr. Raper manages the University of Tennessee Cotton MicroGin. Dr. Raper received his BS from Auburn University, his MS from Mississippi State University, and his PhD from the University of Arkansas.
Bill Robertson has served as the cotton Extension agronomist with the University of Arkansas system Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service for the past 5 years. He held this position previously for 12 years before leaving the Division of Ag to join the National Cotton Council in Memphis, Tennessee. In his current position, he provides leadership for educational programs in cotton production and agronomic systems that improve yield, profitability, and sustainability. Bill was raised on a cotton, grain, and cattle farm near Lubbock, Texas. He holds advanced degrees in agronomy from Texas A&M University.
Keith Edmisten is a Professor and Extension Cotton Specialist with North Carolina State University. He received his BS in Agronomy from North Carolina State in 1981 He received his MS in Crop Science in 1985 from the same institution. He received his PhD in Agronomy in 1987 from Virginia Tech. Dr. Edmisten grew up on a farm in Iredell County, North Carolina.
Ben McKnight is the Extension cotton specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He completed his undergraduate and MS studies in agronomy at Texas A&M University and earned a PhD in agronomy from Louisiana State University. His MS and PhD research focused on novel weed management strategies in production agriculture.
