Digression-
Hand picking of cotton is still strong in China, particularly in Xinjiang. According to China News, some 1.8 megatons of cotton were picked last year. Many of the pickers don't live there but come for the harvest. No stigma is attached to picking.
The article is no longer available, but this brief note and photograph and still on line: Cotton Picking
China Daily lists 2005 prices at over US $2100/ton, above the international price, and a good deal for farmers. There is a shortage of labor. Article and picture: Cotton Harvest