Technical Abstract: About 300 cu. ft. of natural gas are used per bale of cotton ginned at a cost that has increased from $1.26 per bale in 2001 to $1.96/bale in 2004 to $3.29/bale in 2005. Gins can take a number of positive actions to conserve fuel such as 1)Insulate the drying system, 2)avoid unnecessary drying, 3)use properly designed dryers, 4)adjust the burner flame, 6)maintain proper burner control, and 7)use heat recovery devices. Each of these energy conservation measures will reduce energy consumption and lower fuel costs.