Seth Byrd is the Extension cotton specialist for Oklahoma State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Florida, and a PhD in crop and soil science with a focus on cotton agronomics from the University of Georgia. (OSU photo by Todd Johnson)
Tyson Raper is the Pettigrew Cotton Specialist for the University of Tennessee, with a 75% Extension and 25% research appointment in the Department of Plant Sciences. Dr. Raper is stationed at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center and leads the cotton and small grains programs. His research and Extension program is focused on variety testing, fertility, and a variety of precision ag projects. Additionally, Dr. Raper manages the University of Tennessee Cotton MicroGin. Dr. Raper received his BS from Auburn University, his MS from Mississippi State University, and his PhD from the University of Arkansas.
Scott D. Stewart has recently become director of the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson and is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Northern Iowa and his MS and PhD in entomology from Texas A&M and Auburn University, respectively. Scott’s background is in insect pest management in cotton, corn, soybean, sorghum, and wheat. Before his current position, Scott had Extension, research, and teaching responsibilities related to IPM, and he still remains involved in presenting educational programs and conducting applied research related to row crops IPM (e.g., insecticide efficacy, GMO technologies, and other pest management tactics). He also mentors graduate students working in these areas.
