(L to R) Dr. Steve Nichols, BASF and Dr. Tyson Raper, University of Tennessee with Monty Christian, BASF Head of Global Cotton
Dr. Tyson Raper is the 2018 Beltwide Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year.
Raper, who began in his current role in 2014, said he is extremely honored by the recognition and excited about the future of the cotton industry.
“I think things are looking good,” said Raper. “We’re kind of on an upswing right now. Tough 2018 harvest season, but in the next few years, a lot of promise. We definitely have some real improvements in quality, I think, coming down the line. It’s an exciting time to be in the cotton industry.”
Raper said he appreciates partnerships with companies like BASF, who sponsors the award. It’s an industry that is very connected and where companies, researchers and growers are quick to collaborate and share information, according to BASF’s Dr. Steve Nichols.
“Those cotton specialists are the cornerstone of the industry, to me. They’re the ones that connect this industry together in the U.S.,” said Nichols, BASF Global Agronomic Services for cotton. “I think you kind of see some of the passion that you saw in there as we announced the winner.”
Listen to Chuck’s interview with Dr. Tyson Raper here:
Interview with Dr. Tyson Raper, University of Tennessee
Listen to Chuck’s interview with Dr. Steve Nichols here:
Interview with Dr. Steve Nichols, BASF