Cotton Farming

In this month’s Industry Comments (page 8), Texas physiologist Craig Bednarz remarks, “From my vantage point, the farmer always remembers the most recent crop.” If Bednarz’s premise holds true, now would be a good time for farmers to reflect on 2007 in order to come up with the best plan for approaching next year’s production season.

Darrin Dodds, Mississippi Extension cotton specialist, says two important aspects of the past season producers need to review and learn from are irrigation management – depending on the type of year 2008 turns out to be – and fertility programs.

“With the weather pattern that we had this year, irrigation was very important,” Dodds says. “And I mean not just irrigation at any time, but timely irrigation.”

For the past couple of years, Mississippi has experienced fairly dry growing seasons.

The Mississippi specialist points out, “If we have another dry year next year, I think it would be important for a producer to look back on what he has done irrigation-wise, see how well his past program paid off and use that information to help make decisions next year.”

Critique Fertility Program

Another aspect of their 2007 production strategies that farmers need to pay attention to is their fertility programs, which actually may draw on more than just this past year. Producers may have to combine several years experience to determine what fertility program works best on a given farm.

“With fertilizer prices going up the way they have, farmers need to maximize the return on their dollar,” Dodds says.

“The last time I checked on the prices, 32 percent solution of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) was in the $330 to $340 range, and diammonium phosphate (DAP) was in the $490 per ton range.”

While having to deal with these types of prices, it’s important for farmers to look back at what they’ve done in the past, continue to soil sample and make informed decisions in regard to fertility, he adds.

Contact Carroll Smith at (901) 767-4020 or csmith@onegrower.com.

Review And Adjust

Ag consultant Roger Carter with Agricultural Management Services, Inc. in Clayton, La., also lists several areas that farmers should review before firming up plans for 2008:

• Weed control issues

“If resistant pigweeds or annual grasses were an issue in 2007, then consider using Dual herbicide or some other grass preemerge in the program,” Carter says.

• Insect issues

The Louisiana consultant advises that if plant bugs were an issue in 2007, keep cotton as far away from corn and grain sorghum as possible. He also recommends adjusting other programs for control of various insects if there were problems with the currently used program in 2007.

• Disease/nematode problems

Review the past season and adjust seed and in-furrow treatments accordingly.

• Technology

“Match technology of weed control and insect control to problem fields,” Carter notes.

• Variety performance

Review variety data (yields, grades and loan value) from your farm and nearby farms or stations before choosing varieties and technology.

• Nutrient management

Zone sample your fields first and then apply the recommended fertilizers.

Looking back and learning from experience can be a good way to move forward into a successful 2008 season.

- PRODUCTION - Reap Benefits From Season Review
By Carroll G. Smith Senior Writer
In this month’s Industry Comments (page 8), Texas physiologist Craig Bednarz remarks, “From my vantage point, the farmer always remembers the most recent crop.” If Bednarz’s premise holds true, now would be a good time for farmers to reflect on 2007 in order to come up with the best plan for approaching next year’s production season. Darrin Dodds, Mississippi Extension cotton specialist, says two important aspects of the past season producers need to review and learn from are irrigation management – depending on the type of year 2008 turns out to be – and fertility programs. “With the weather pattern that we had this year, irrigation was very important,” Dodds says. “And I mean not just irrigation at any time, but timely irrigation.” For the past couple of years, Mississippi has experienced fairly dry growing seasons. The Mississippi specialist points out, “If we have another dry year next year, I think it would be important for a producer to look back on what he has done irrigation-wise, see how well his past program paid off and use that information to help make decisions next year.” Critique Fertility Program Another aspect of their 2007 production strategies that farmers need to pay attention to is their fertility programs, which actually may draw on more than just this past year. Producers may have to combine several years experience to determine what fertility program works best on a given farm. “With fertilizer prices going up the way they have, farmers need to maximize the return on their dollar,” Dodds says. “The last time I checked on the prices, 32 percent solution of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) was in the $330 to $340 range, and diammonium phosphate (DAP) was in the $490 per ton range.” While having to deal with these types of prices, it’s important for farmers to look back at what they’ve done in the past, continue to soil sample and make informed decisions in regard to fertility, he adds. Contact Carroll Smith at (901) 767-4020 or csmith@onegrower.com. Review And Adjust Ag consultant Roger Carter with Agricultural Management Services, Inc. in Clayton, La., also lists several areas that farmers should review before firming up plans for 2008: • Weed control issues “If resistant pigweeds or annual grasses were an issue in 2007, then consider using Dual herbicide or some other grass preemerge in the program,” Carter says. • Insect issues The Louisiana consultant advises that if plant bugs were an issue in 2007, keep cotton as far away from corn and grain sorghum as possible. He also recommends adjusting other programs for control of various insects if there were problems with the currently used program in 2007. • Disease/nematode problems Review the past season and adjust seed and in-furrow treatments accordingly. • Technology “Match technology of weed control and insect control to problem fields,” Carter notes. • Variety performance Review variety data (yields, grades and loan value) from your farm and nearby farms or stations before choosing varieties and technology. • Nutrient management Zone sample your fields first and then apply the recommended fertilizers. Looking back and learning from experience can be a good way to move forward into a successful 2008 season.

Return To Top