Taking place 8-11 September, Cotton & Beyond: Regenerative Agriculture in the Texas High Plains will gather farmers, merchants, mills, and representatives of major retailers and brands to draw tangible links between industry demand and what is taking place at the field level. Participants will witness firsthand the advanced equipment and precision technology used in tandem with regenerative practices, such as cover cropping and integrated grazing, to address soil health, biodiversity, water use efficiency, and reduction in chemical usage and emissions.

Ashley Barrington, BCI Senior Country Manager – US said: “Convening diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for more sustainable cotton production is central to BCI’s role. This event demonstrates the value of bringing together farmers, technical experts and industry partners to exchange knowledge, showcase practical solutions and build momentum for regenerative agriculture.”

With Cotton & Beyond, BCI will spotlight the impact of regenerative techniques implemented by farmers in the semi-arid region of West Texas, while relaying climatic challenges and innovations that shape large-scale cotton production. The organisation recently published findings from its pilot project with agricultural solutions provider Indigo Ag, a collaboration involving growers implementing regenerative practices with an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

Cotton & Beyond will also involve local conservation initiatives such as Ogallala Commons, the Texas Playas Conservation Initiative and the Sandhills Area Research Association, exploring the far-reaching impacts of regenerative agricultural practices. Global nonprofit Textile Exchange will also take part, speaking to the importance of gathering impact data for raw material production.

Daren Abney, Senior Director of Materials Engagement & Partnerships at Textile Exchange said: “Forums like the BCI Cotton & Beyond event are vital to align action and share progress on the shift toward preferred production systems that are beneficial for people, places and the environment. Conversations like these can drive the industry forward as we share lived experience and reliable data that can inform decisions across the supply system, for producers and brands alike.”

Direct engagement with producers will be a key component of the event. Through gin and equipment tours and personal truck rides, participants will hear growers’ perspectives straight from the source.

Bobby Byrd, Quarterway farmer said: “When I look at regenerative cotton, I ask: how do you tell a personal story to somebody who’s buying a product in a way that they understand there’s value in what you’re selling? It’s hard to just put on a piece of paper.”

Registration is currently open for Cotton & Beyond. For more information, or to enquire about speaker and sponsorship opportunities, please contact BCI US Communications Coordinator, Bec Sloane (bec.sloane@bettercotton.org).