Brian Pieralisi MISSISSIPPI
Specialists Speaking
Brian Pieralisi
MISSISSIPPI
During our winter Extension programming, the three main points I focused on to try to remain profitable this year were variety selection, reducing seeding rates, and pulling back on nitrogen rates. Based on our Mississippi State Extension cotton budgets for 2026, net returns are in the negatives without including land rent. However, these budgets are representing both nitrogen and seeding rates that our research supports reducing.
I have worked with some growers who own most of their land and have a small portion of the budget in cash land rent that can predict a profit at $0.67 cotton per pound by reducing the previously mentioned inputs.
In Mississippi, most of the growers who I have spoken with have made or are currently making variety selection decisions. Making the correct decision based on extensive scrutiny of variety trial data, one can feel at least confident in their decision. Proper variety selection can swing end-of-year revenue by $100 per acre or more.
If reducing nitrogen rates, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is paramount. This can be achieved by splitting applications and targeting growth stages that will quickly utilize the application. For example, total N applied is 80 lbs. per acre… consider applying 25% of total N at six- to 10-node cotton and 75% one to two weeks prior to bloom. In Mississippi, irrigated acres are easier to really dial in. So, if dryland, I would hedge on the side of caution with rainfall and not wait quite as long to make applications. Also, if environmental conditions don’t work out and more N is required, there is an opportunity to make an in-season urea or AMS application because you are still under the typical suggested rate.
Cotton seed is, in my opinion, the biggest budget item outside of land and equipment cost. Opportunity costs associated with proper variety placement and correct seeding rate for the desired population are crucial to get right. Having a cushion in seeding rate is a great idea, especially when the cotton market is favorable. But when budgets are tight, and have been for a couple of years, pulling back on seeding rate can help relieve a little pressure from the budget. We have published research that suggests evenly spaced populations of < 20k seeds per acre can produce yields equivalent to populations of 30k, 45k, and 60k plants per acre. I do not recommend a seeding rate this low. I like to have a buffer or “insurance” seeds out there because you need to consider germination % and environmental factors, but we can have seeding rates within the bounds of 30k-38k seeds per acre. Good luck this year and feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything mentioned above. ∆
Brian Pieralisi
MISSISSIPPI
