CAMP HAND
GEORGIA
In Georgia, we always plant about a quarter of our crop in the first couple of weeks in June, and we still have really good yield potential in those situations. But our margin for error goes down on some of this later-planted cotton. We need to make sure we don’t do anything to adversely affect crop growth, fruit retention, or encourage vegetative growth as opposed to reproductive.
We consistently make 1,200 lbs./acre to 1,500 lbs./acre with June-planted cotton on the experiment station, provided it is defoliated prior to the frost getting it. Generally, we get a little more aggressive on plant growth regulator management and back off the nitrogen a hair just to direct energy to fruit production as opposed to unnecessary vegetative growth.
One of my favorite things to do as we enter July is drive the sprayer. I love driving over cotton and observing what is happening in the field, and I believe doing this makes me a better agronomist. I can observe and make notes of problem fields on a farm or problem areas in a field and troubleshoot them to avoid that issue next season. I also think that running our sprayer helps me better understand some of the challenges you all face. As we enter July, we will begin making numerous trips over our fields, whether it is for PGR applications, stink bugs, or other pests. But as we make those trips, take note of what is going on in your fields. If you see an area that isn’t doing what it is supposed to be doing, let’s try to figure out what is going on and correct that issue for 2027.
As always, if you have questions or need help troubleshooting as you observe things from the cab, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local University of Georgia county Extension agent. We are here to help! ∆
CAMP HAND
GEORGIA