It would be easy to say that the 2011 crop season in Texas will be one of the best in history for the state’s cotton producers and ginners. The prices remain high, and everyone is poised to take advantage of a rare opportunity.
However, as evidenced by comments heard at last month’s Texas Cotton Ginners Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Lubbock, ginners and producers are proceeding with caution as they prepare for the new season.
Everyone sees profit potential as cotton prices remain at record levels. The only factor that is a concern at the moment is a drought that continues to plague Texas.
Most agronomists say there is still time for West Texas to receive timely rain before planting starts. Meanwhile, prospects are mixed in other parts of the state in terms of moisture needed.
“We know that south Texas desperately needs rain,” says TCGA Executive Vice President Tony Williams. “But I have heard that parts of the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend areas are in somewhat better shape.”
Positive Attitude In Lubbock
Despite the drought problems across the state, the positive comments about cotton prices were the focal point of all conversations at the meeting in Lubbock.
“I think it’s fair to say that a lot of ginners and producers at our meeting were extremely excited about the crop prospects for 2011,” says Williams.
“You could sense it everywhere you went – whether it was at our meetings or the trade show.”
What made this optimism more meaningful is that most attendees believe the price surge will last more than just one year, according to Williams. Ginners and producers genuinely believe that this will be a long-term price increase.
In addition to the upbeat attitude at the TCGA meeting, Williams was pleased with the 2,500 persons who attended the trade show. That was one of the highest attendance marks in recent years and was noticeable to everyone who participated in the event.
Week Concludes With Banquet
The two-day festivities concluded with the TCGA awards reception and banquet at the Overton Hotel near the Texas Tech University campus. Outgoing TCGA president Jerry Multer of Wall, Texas, presided over the evening’s program. New incoming president Barry Street of Kress, Texas, was formally introduced, and Buzz Cooper of Lubbock County was honored as “Ginner of the Year.”
The TCGA summer meeting is scheduled for June 26-27-28 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas.
Contact Tommy Horton at thorton@onegrower.com or (901) 767-4020.
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