Registration is open for 2011 Ginner Schools.

Dates for the schools are:

• Southwest Ginners School, Lubbock, Texas – March 28-30;

• Western Ginners School, Las Cruces, N.M. – May 10-12; and

• Stoneville Ginners School, Stoneville, Miss. – June 14-16.

Registration can be completed online at http://ncga.cotton.org.

Each level of Ginner Schools’ coursework is built on the previous level of instruction, with Level I as the foundation. Thus, beginning students, regardless of gin experience, should start with Level I, said Harrison Ashley, National Cotton Ginners’ Association executive vice president.

Level I courses are: Introduction to Cotton Ginning and the Industry; Maintenance of Auxiliary Gin Components; Basic Hydraulics; Basic Gin Safety; Maintenance and Adjustments for Seed Cotton Cleaners, Gin Stands, and Lint Cleaners; Air Utilization and Drying; and Electricity in the Gin.

Level II offerings include: Purpose and Operating Principles of Individual Gin Machines; Efficient Operation, Adjustment, and Maintenance of Gin Equipment; Pneumatics and Waste Collection; Electrical Systems; Hydraulic Systems; Gin Safety; Management Tips; and Roller Ginning (at the Western School only).

Level III features: Review of Functions of a Ginning System; Electrical Systems; Air Systems in the Gin; Drying and Moisture Restoration Systems; Matching Machinery Capacities in the System; Seed Cotton Unloading Systems and Management of Seed Cotton Handling Systems; Bale Presses and Hydraulic Systems; Safety Programs and Labor Regulations; Cottonseed Handling Systems; and Roller Ginning (at the Western School only).

In addition to Levels I, II and III, all schools will feature a two-day continuing education (CE) course for certified ginners and gin managers. They may register for the two days or for individual parts of the course with a minimum of one day registration. Check at each location for the order in which these will be covered.

The CE’s first day will focus on the press, including a review of basic hydraulics, press components, increasing speed and efficiencies, and bale tying/handling systems. The first day also will include a session on achieving better leaf grades.

The second day’s CE course discussion will cover air quality, emissions, permitting, technology such as cyclone design, and energy costs and controlling these costs.