Georgia Cotton Commission Announces Annual Meeting in January
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2026 Annual Meeting scheduled forWednesday, January 28, 2026, at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team.
The UGA Cotton Production Workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from the researchers whose projects are funded by the Commission’s research program. The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will follow the breakout sessions and feature speakers from several industry organizations.
The program speakers are Dr. Phillip Roberts, Extension Entomologist, University of Georgia; Mary Catherine Cromley, Chief of Staff, USDA-Farm Service Agency; and Marjory Walker, Vice President of Operations, National Cotton Council of America.
The UGA Cotton Production Workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from the researchers whose projects are funded by the Commission’s research program. The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will follow the breakout sessions and feature speakers from several industry organizations.
The program speakers are Dr. Phillip Roberts, Extension Entomologist, University of Georgia; Mary Catherine Cromley, Chief of Staff, USDA-Farm Service Agency; and Marjory Walker, Vice President of Operations, National Cotton Council of America.
- Dr. Phillip Roberts is a Professor & Extension Entomologist with the University of Georgia located on the Tifton Campus. His primary responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive extension education programs in integrated pest management for cotton and soybean production systems. Additionally, Dr. Roberts conducts applied research and on-farm demonstration programs to promote and improve state-of-the-art IPM programs for producers across the state. Roberts, a native of Ocilla, holds multiple degrees from the University of Georgia. Phillip and his wife live in Tifton and have three adult daughters and one grandchild.
- Mary Catherine Cromley serves as Chief of Staff for the Farm Service Agency. Prior to joining USDA, she served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Soybean Board, South Carolina Corn Board, and the South Carolina Corn & Soybean Association. Mary Catherine spent over six years in the United States Senate, working as an aide for late Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator John Boozman, and on the staff of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry. Mary Catherine was raised on her family’s cotton and peanut farm in east Georgia. She graduated with a degree in Agricultural & Applied Economics from the University of Georgia.
- Marjory Walker is the Vice President of Operations and Director of Communications for the National Cotton Council. At NCC, Marjory is responsible for managing the domestic and global operations as well as overseeing the overall communication and media relations function of the Council and its related organizations. Previously, Marjory worked in marketing and communications roles at The Cotton Board, eventually serving as Vice President of Communications. Marjory lives on the family farm in Somerville, TN with her husband and two daughters.
Following the Annual Meeting speakers, the Commission will host lunch where individuals will hear from Rachel Kinsaul, Georgia’s Teacher of the Year; sponsors will be recognized; door prizes will be given away; and awards will be presented. The meeting, production workshops, and lunch are open to not only cotton growers, but anyone interested in the cotton industry. The UGA Cotton Production Workshop breakout sessions will be repeated after lunch.
There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online atwww.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call (229) 386-3416.
There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online atwww.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call (229) 386-3416.
