Cotton & Beyond 2026: Regenerative Agriculture in the Texas High Plains

Hop in the truck, head out to the field and join behind-the-scenes tours while networking with a diverse group from across the supply chain and country.

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Quarterway Cotton Growers present Cotton & Beyond, a multi-day event gathering stakeholders from across the supply chain to experience first-hand the regenerative practices and sustainability efforts at play throughout the Texas High Plains region. This is a unique opportunity to not only meet a cotton farmer, but connect meaningfully with a large group of forward-thinking producers open to sharing their insights and experiences. Step into a cotton field, witness playa restoration in action and tour charming downtown Plainview while networking with a diverse group of stakeholders.

The three-day event kicks off with a tour of Quarterway Cotton Growers, a demonstration of the advanced equipment and precision technology they employ, and personal truck rides to nearby cotton fields. Attendees will also tour the labs at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute while learning about innovative research into the uses of cotton and get a glimpse of the agricultural history of the region with a visit to the FiberMax Center for Discovery.

Field trips centered around water conservation efforts in the region will be led by nonprofits such as Ogallala Commons, the Texas Playa Conservation Initiative and the Sandhills Area Research Association. Learn about the role of cooperatives from Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, and hear from organic cotton producer Jeremy Brown we gather at his farm. This event will provide participants an opportunity to learn more about BCI and our Texas-based Program Partners, as well as the chance to take part in a BCI Carbon Working Group.

“I really appreciated the variety of experiences we had, from visiting the farms to learning about the gin and classing office. What stood out most to me was the time spent connecting with the farmers and their families since those conversations were truly the heart of the experience.”

-2025 Event Participant

Multi-media Policy

By registering for and attending this event, you consent to being photographed and filmed. While the principal purpose of this content collection is for BCI's use, your entry constitutes your consent to such photography and videography in all media in connection with the production presently titled "Cotton & Beyond: Regenerative Agriculture in the Texas High Plains". This includes content from the event captured by Quarterway Cotton Growers and/or other participating organizations and shared across their respective digital platforms. In submitting this form, you state that you understand all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you through registering for this event.

Please note: All event information is subject to change. Specifics such as meal locations and additional guest speakers will be updated on the agenda closer to the event dates.

Info: Meet the Quarterway growers over a cup of coffee in downtown Plainview

Info: Walking tour of the ginning facilities at Quarterway Cotton Growers

Info: Lunch with Quarterway growers and presentations by participating organizations

Info: Demonstration of advanced equipment and precision technology employed by Quarterway farmers in large scale cotton farming. (outdoor activity)

Info: Personal truck rides with the Quarterway farmers to nearby cotton fields for further demonstrations, discussions and photo opportunities. (outdoor activity)

Info: Networking dinner at local restaurant with BCI and Quarterway staff, growers and all event participants.

Info: Tour of labs, panel of FBRI researchers and presentations by participating organizations.

Info: Tour an organic cotton farm and learn how regenerative and organic cotton farming work together. (outdoor activity)

Info: Learn about Samuel Jackson, Inc, that manufactures cotton processing equipment used in gins across the United States.

Info: See the historical significance of cotton on the Texas High Plains through a tour of the Cotton Heritage Center and Goodman Gin

Info: Don't miss this chance to connect with PCCA and their growers in an informal setting as they share their time and insights.

Info: Learn about the importance of playas and management practices that can reduce groundwater depletion in the region. This tour will be led by Director Emeritus Darryl Birkenfeld, featuring Joe Richards of Tomorrow’s Water and Dr. Lindsay Slaughter of Texas Tech. Please note this trip will have an hour and fifteen-minute travel time one way. (outdoor activity)

Info: Tour a local playa restoration site led by Heather Johnson of Texas Playas Conservation Initiative. (outdoor activity)

Info: Learn about PCCA and hear from their farmers. Lacy Cotter-Vardeman and Tillery Timmons-Sims will present about the Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA).

Info: Specifics to be announced closer to the event: Join for an evening of networking among fellow participants as well as final presentations from additional speakers.

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Host or Publisher Better Cotton Initiative|Quarterway Cotton Growers