Kings County cotton grower Philip Hansen was named the new chairman of the California Cotton Growers Association at the organization’s annual meeting in early March.

Growers, PCAs and cotton industry leaders gathered in Visalia, Calif. for the 26th annual meeting, where they heard reports on how the California industry is positioning itself with trade organizations and private enterprise to promote American cotton in apparel and other materials.

Attendees heard reports in break-out sessions on pest management challenges, Fusarium Race 4 resistance and new cotton variety introductions potentially resistant to the disease, and a water update.

Those attending also heard from representatives of Brooks Brothers, a long-standing partner with Supima and ELS cotton producers in the West; the National Cotton Council; and, Cotton Inc.