Ray, Lavon and Elmer Hudspeth 1973-04-16
Dr. Ray and Elmer Hudspeth, both associated with the Texas A&M Agriculture Extension Service office in Lubbock, discuss research in the cotton industry, particularly new cotton varieties and the new equipment which has been developed. They emphasize the important role the South Plains has played in cotton research.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Lavon Ray and Elmer Hudspeth
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: April 16, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Research in cotton industry discussed,
Development of seed cotton stripper (1920s) by West Texas farmers,
Mechanization slowed during 1930s-1950s,
Migrant labor abundant,
Horse-drawn stripper utilized,
Development of storm-proof cotton described,
Cotton diseases examined,
Disease-resistant strains developed,
Texas A & M regional mechanization project mentioned,
Lists various types of specialists associated with the Lubbock Texas A & M research center,
Names nationally used inventions which were,
developed on the South Plains,
Cites improvements in fiber quality,
Development of early producing variety discussed.
Tape 1, Side 2: Research in cotton industry (continued),
Narrow row harvester described,
Selling new innovations to the farmers,
Newer varieties yield more and produce earlier,
Relates history of cotton storage techniques,
Modern storage methods explained,
More information on storm-proof cotton,
No relationship to amount of yield,
Ginning problems enumerated,
Extent of use of storm-proof variety,
Macha developed first storm-proof cotton,
South Plains has long been an innovative area in cotton production,
Often criticized by more traditional areas and researchers,
Characterizes type of farmers who came to the South Plains,
South Plains is gradually converting to narrow row cotton.
Range Dates: 1920s-1973
Bulk Dates: 1920s-1950s
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