Gin - Step 2:

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The ginning process uses a machine with a series of chambers that separate the cotton fibers from the seedpods, sticks, twigs, and husks that become mixed with the cotton during harvesting. The gin uses a combination wire screen, teeth, and hooks to filter the debris and short fibers out of the cotton.

The resulting product is a 500lb bale of compressed cotton, seen in the image to the right. After compression, a sample of each bale is taken and tested for staple length and quality before the bale is packaged for shipment.

The seed collected from ginning is often sold as feed for cattle and other livestock, as it cannot be legally reused because of Monsanto patents. CotC will be partnering with Piedmont Biofuels to explore the possibility of pressing the oil out of the cottonseed, and using it to make biodiesel.

Ginners Involved:

Harvest '08: Wes Morgan

Harvest '09: Wes Morgan