On Jan 6th we joined a group from the RV park on a "tag-a-long" tour to a local cotton farm. We spent the afternoon observing equipment used to harvest and bale cotton, and went into the field to see the plants. A tour guide then gave a presentation about the ginning process, where seeds are removed and the raw cotton is cleaned and re-baled for sale. Quality of the cotton is determined by length and uniformity of the cotton fiber, as well as the color and brightness. Sale price is negotiated according to the quality of the fiber. Textile mills purchase the bales and perform the carding and weaving into fabric. Cotton seed is also sold and has several uses...it can be saved and treated for future planting, the kernels can be pressed into cottonseed oil, and the hulls used for livestock feed.It was an interesting day for a couple of old farm kids!
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