Specialists Speaking- Ben McKnight
Ben McKnight
TEXAS
As the 2026 growing season begins to wind down, now is a good time to start planning for the 2027 crop. Fall is an ideal time to collect and submit soil samples to determine nutrient needs for the upcoming growing season. With fertilizer prices continuing to remain elevated, soil testing is especially valuable for making informed nutrient management decisions and avoiding unnecessary input costs. For information on collecting and submitting soil samples, contact your local county Extension agent or visit soiltesting.tamu.edu.
As we transition into the fall and winter months, next year’s weed control efforts have already begun. Effective fall and winter weed management is a key component of a successful weed control program in South, East, and Central Texas, particularly as herbicide-resistant populations continue to pose challenges in these regions. Species including Palmer amaranth and tall waterhemp can produce seed quickly under favorable growing conditions in the autumn months prior to a freeze. Preventing these weeds from reaching maturity and adding to the soil seedbank before a killing freeze can help reduce weed pressure and start clean heading into the 2027 growing season.
Another important consideration in the coming months is selecting cotton varieties for the 2027 growing season. Reviewing variety trial results can help growers make more informed decisions by identifying varieties that demonstrate consistent yield potential and desirable fiber quality under conditions similar to those in their production area. The Texas A&M AgriLife RACE trial variety results are expected to be available online in December at varietytesting.tamu.edu. Growers are encouraged to review these results to compare commercial cotton variety performance and select varieties best suited to their local growing conditions and production goals.
Ben McKnight
TEXAS
