On this episode, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their fall weather forecasts and insights to the 2024 peanut and cotton harvest season. This episode features commentary by Climatologist Pam Knox, Attorney and AGvocate Bob Redding, and Cotton Economist Don Shurley.

Pam Knox: Pam Knox is the Director of the University of Georgia Weather Network, a group of 88 automated weather stations across the state which provide weather and climate data to farmers, utilities, Extension agents and private citizens. The network also helps support the National Weather Service by providing real-time weather information in hazardous weather outbreaks to support public safety initiatives. She is an Extension Climatologist in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences specializing in agriculture and climate change and is a past Assistant State Climatologist for Georgia and has also served as the Wisconsin State Climatologist. Pam is currently serving as an author for the upcoming 5th National Climate Assessment on Southeastern climate.

Bob Redding: Bob Redding is a native of Edison, Georgia and has spent his professional life in Washington, D.C. Bob worked on Capitol Hill for twelve years, six years in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Chief of Staff and six years in the U.S. Senate as Executive Assistant and later as Chief of Staff, both for members serving on the Agriculture Committees and the Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee in the Senate. Bob has served as National Finance Chairman for several Members of Congress and the U.S. Senate.

In January of 1993, Bob opened a lobbying firm on Capitol Hill. He has received presidential appointments to several Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Bob is considered one of the leading authorities on agricultural legislation having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and as an advocate for agricultural organizations. He has received numerous awards for his service to the agricultural industry.

Dr. Don Shurley: Don is a retired University of Georgia cotton economist. He spent 28 years on the UGA Tifton Campus. He has continued his cotton work through industry sponsorships, contracts and grants, consulting, print and on-line media, and invited presentations. With34 years’ experience in cotton, Don is widely considered by industry and peers as one of nations leading cotton experts. He is recipient of some of the University of Georgia and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences highest awards for public service and outreach. Don also teaches ½ time at ABAC teaching commodity marketing and agricultural policy.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.