image: Tyson Raper, pictured here entering data in a cover crop research plot, was named Cotton Researcher of the Year at the recent National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference. view more
Credit: Ginger Rowsey
JACKSON, Tenn. - Agriculture industry leaders have bestowed the title of Cotton Researcher of the Year to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's Tyson Raper. The award was presented on January 31 at the National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.
Raper is an assistant professor with the UT Department of Plant Sciences. He also serves as the UT Extension Pettigrew Cotton Specialist for the state. Raper is based at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson.
According to a conference press release, while Raper has a 75 percent Extension appointment, his research program has made significant contributions to cotton profitability in Tennessee and across the Mid-South. The award committee noted Raper's work with high-residue cover crops, nutrient rate optimization and his current work evaluating DD60's--the formula for calculating crop heat units--for modern cotton varieties.
The National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference, now in its 23rd year, brings together farmers and crop consultants from across the nation to learn about reducing costs and increasing yields in cotton, rice, soybeans and corn.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.
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