USDA aims to close research laboratory in Las Cruce
11 May '06
3 min read
“The facility in Las Cruces is utilized by a wide spectrum of growers and ginners not only in New Mexico, Arizona and California, but across the US cotton belt as well,” White noted. “It is our technological edge in today's super-competitive, international marketplace.”
“The Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory has played a key role in keeping our Western cotton growing region competitive,” said Russell Kuhnhenn, President of the National Cotton Ginners Association and an Arizona ginner.
“But beyond its impact on Western harvesting and ginning, this lab continues to partner with other research facilities to address processing issues that affect ginners across the cotton belt.”
The Las Cruces lab, located on the west edge of the New Mexico State University campus, has been in continuous operation since 1949.
Landmark breakthroughs resulting from work conducted there include the development of modern rotary-knife roller gins and new lint cleaners for upland cotton; mechanical cotton pickers (harvesters) and cutting edge research on reducing gin plant emissions; improved cotton harvesting methods; and improved ginning techniques to better preserve cotton quality for the cotton producer.
"The USDA cotton lab in Las Cruces is a historic and economic treasure in the American agricultural system. The work done here is invaluable.” White said.
marketing@alchempro.com
