Camp Hand is an assistant professor and Extension cotton specialist at the University of Georgia in Tifton. His research and Extension programs focus on cotton agronomics in Georgia, and his goal is to work with the UGA county agents and growers to answer questions that will help Georgia growers remain sustainable and economical. Camp received his BS and MS degrees at Auburn University in horticulture while minoring in agronomy. His graduate work at Auburn was conducted under Dr. Wheeler Foshee. He then went on to pursue a PhD at the University of Georgia in Tifton in weed science under the direction of Dr. Stanley Culpepper.
Shelly Pate Kerns is an assistant professor and the corn, cotton and grain sorghum specialist at Louisiana State University. Kerns is originally from west Tennessee and earned a Bachelor of Science in crop and soil management from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She said her passion for agriculture developed after becoming involved with her local high school FFA chapter (Obion County Central FFA) and through 4-H activities. Kerns earned both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Tennessee. During her time as a graduate student, Kerns’ research was focused on fungal and nematode pathogens of field crops, specifically cotton and soybean. She is now in charge of coordinating the statewide cotton, corn and grain sorghum official variety and hybrid trials. She also works closely with extension agents to plant on-farm variety and hybrid demonstrations with growers throughout the state.
Brian Pieralisi is currently the Extension cotton agronomist at Mississippi State University. He was previously employed at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi, as a research associate under Dr. Bobby Golden while pursuing a PhD in soybean nutrient uptake. Brian has experience with both soil fertility and weed science research in cotton, corn, soybean, and rice. He served as a fourth-generation cotton, corn, and soybean producer in the Mississippi Delta for 15 years before earning a PhD at Mississippi State. Brian also earned an MBA from Delta State University while operating a 4,500-acre farm in 2005.
Zachary Treadway is an Extension Cotton and Peanut Specialist, at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension Service.
Tyson Raper is the Pettigrew Cotton Specialist for the University of Tennessee; he has a 75% Extension and a 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.
Bradley Wilson is an Assistant Research Professor & Cotton Extension Specialists for the University of Missouri. He has a Ph.D in Plant and Soil Sciences from Oklahoma State University. The goal of his program is to provide timely research-based information for cotton producers that can be used as decision-making tools in their operation to increase productivity and profitability. Research focuses on agronomic practices in cotton production, including on-farm cultivar evaluations, nutrient management practices, pest management practices, and cultural management strategies such as planting date, seeding rate, cover crop utilization and crop rotation. Research trials will also be conducted in collaboration with regional and national cotton scientists, as well as MU researchers.
