Atkinson wins cotton contest

Photo provided Wade Atkinson shows off the first cotton bloom of the season in Lee County, which won him the T-Bone Moore Memorial Cotton First Bloom Contest, sponsored by Clemson Extension Service.

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE - A St. Charles farmer has won the T-Bone Moore Memorial Cotton First Bloom Contest, sponsored by Clemson Extension Service.

Wade Atkinson turned in a white one-day old bloom on June 16 to Clemson Extension Agent Randy Cubbage.

The bloom came from a field planted with Delta Pine seed on April 24, Atkinson said.

The winning bloom came from a field located in the Elliott area of the county.

Atkinson said his cotton is looking good so far.

“We’re still fighting pigweed, but the crop looks excellent,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson was the second place winner in the contest last year. This year’s runner-up is Elvin Baker and W.L. Clyburn Farms. They turned in a bloom on June 26. Third place goes to Tolson Farms in Lynchburg. The fourth-place finisher is John Broadway and Broad Acres Farm in Ashwood.

Atkinson and his family farm about 800 acres of crops, including 250 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat.

Atkinson will be presented with a plaque recognizing him as the first bloom contest winner.

The annual award is named after the late Robert T-Bone Moore, a longtime cotton scout and farmer in Lee County.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.