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)
Guy D. Collins began his career in 2009 as the Extension cotton agronomist at the University of Georgia after completing his PhD in crop science at North Carolina (NC) State University the same year. He earned his MS in crop science and his BS in agronomy from NC State in 2006 and 2004, respectively. Dr. Collins returned to NC State University in 2015 and served as the cotton Extension associate professor until 2020, when he was promoted to cotton Extension professor. Although his official appointment is 100% Extension, he is heavily engaged in applied agronomic research conducted on his own and collaboratively with other cotton faculty in multiple departments. In his Extension work, Dr. Collins provides assistance, support, and training programs for county agents and growers regarding cotton production and management. His research supports his Extension program by providing current information that enables cotton growers to maximize yield potential, reduce production costs, optimize timing of agronomic inputs, and employ decision aides. His current research and Extension efforts focus on large-scale, on-farm evaluations of cultivar stability across environments, plant growth regulator management, seed quality and replanting decisions, and management strategies to maximize yield and fiber quality. Dr. Collins works closely with county agents, the NC State University cotton team, the NC Cotton Producers Association, Cotton Incorporated, the Extension Cotton Specialists Working Group across the United States, and seed and crop protection companies.
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.
