Article: Suffolk, Va.-Area Cotton Producer Looks at Low Yield.

By Linda McNatt, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Oct. 22--SUFFOLK, Va.--Last year, Wayland West was one of the top cotton producers in southeast Virginia: 1,300 pounds of fine, long-fiber lint an acre.

Those were the days, West said. This year, like many other area cotton farmers, West is looking at 200 to 300 pounds -- tops.

"We always like to be hopeful," West said. "But when cotton stresses like it did this summer, the fruit aborts. The bolls rot. There isn't much hope."

Cotton is a tropical plant that thrives in hot weather. Local farmers use growth inhibitors to keep the plants low for ...

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