Wrangler, TAWC Partner for Efficient Water Use in Cotton

Iconic denim brand Wrangler and The Texas Alliance for Water Conservation (TAWC) are partnering to promote best-in-class techniques and technologies for efficient water use among cotton growers.

Under a memorandum of understanding, TAWC will serve as advisors to Wrangler’s U.S. sustainable cotton program, and Wrangler will help raise awareness for best practices produced by TAWC’s on-farm research.

Based at Texas Tech University, TAWC is a partnership of producers, technology firms, universities and government agencies working to extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer – the largest subterranean aquifer in the U.S. The aquifer stretches from the Texas panhandle in the south to the northern boundary of Nebraska. Weather patterns and increasing water demands have depleted the aquifer in recent years, threatening the viability of crops and population centers as seen during the historic drought years of 2011-2012.

“Our mission is to conserve water for future generations by identifying agricultural practices and technologies that reduce the depletion of ground water, while maintaining or improving agricultural production and economic opportunities,” said TAWC Project Director Rick Kellison. “Through a focus on soil health, Wrangler’s U.S. cotton program is aligned with our mission, and working with the well-known brand will add credibility and awareness to our work.”

About 50% of the cotton in Wrangler’s products is grown domestically, and the brand is committed to working with U.S. growers to maintain the profitability of the industry, while improving its resilience and reducing environmental impacts. Wrangler has formed a coalition of industry, academic and nonprofit partners (including TAWC) that is focused on soil health practices as the key to producing more sustainable cotton in the U.S.

“Healthy soil is a common denominator for farmer profitability and sustainable cotton production,” said Roian Atwood, sustainability director for Wrangler. “However, soil types are different from farm to farm. The expertise and technical assistance TAWC provides for comparing cropping and livestock systems is invaluable for Texas growers, and we’re glad to be working with them.”

The agreement between Wrangler and TAWC focuses on sharing best practices for efficient water use and the building of healthy soils, which contributes to water retention, higher yields, fewer agricultural inputs, and other long-term environmental and social benefits.

Wrangler is scheduled to participate in TAWC’s Water College, an educational event for Texas growers, on January 24, 2018 at the Lubbock Civic Center in Lubbock, TX.

Read full article: Cotton Grower

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• Water Footprint
• Water Footprint Research
• Data Management
• Consumption
• Cotton
• Fibers & Textiles
• Textile