Specialists Speaking- Ken Legé

Ken Legé
TEXAS

Cotton producers across West Texas are seeing the effects of one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory. While harvest typically begins in mid-October and extends through Thanksgiving, the 2026 crop is expected to mature significantly earlier than normal, largely because of prolonged drought and extreme heat. Unfortunately, an early crop this year is not a positive indicator.

Throughout the season, drought and high temperatures have dominated growing conditions across the region. Data collected through the RACE Trial Weather Network show that, as of Sept. 7, some locations had gone only 11 days since receiving more than a quarter-inch of rainfall. However, more than 35% of the sites had exceeded 50 days without a significant rainfall event, and one location in Crosby County had gone 68 days without receiving more than a quarter-inch of rain. For many areas, August 2026 ranked as the hottest August on record.

These conditions have created exceptionally high evaporative demand, increasing stress on cotton throughout the region. As a result, dryland abandonment is expected to exceed normal levels. This is particularly significant because approximately 70% of West Texas’ 4.5 million planted cotton acres are dryland production.

The season has also highlighted the value of irrigation capacity and delivery efficiency. Roughly 30% of the region’s cotton acreage is irrigated, but about three-fourths of those acres operate with only 2 gallons per minute per acre (gpma) or less of irrigation capacity. Under normal conditions, that level of water availability is generally sufficient to establish a stand but only supplement seasonal crop water needs. In 2026, however, it proved inadequate for maintaining top-end yield potential.

Subsurface drip irrigation systems have clearly demonstrated their advantage this season. Fields supplied through drip systems have consistently outperformed center pivot systems operating at similar irrigation capacities. Based on field observations, at least 3 gpma was necessary in 2026 to approach a two-bale-per-acre yield goal. Acres with 4 gpma or greater, particularly those utilizing subsurface drip irrigation beneath every row, have maintained the potential to produce three to four bales per acre. However, fewer than 5% of the region’s irrigated acres have that level of capacity.

West Texas often benefits from cooler temperatures and late-season rainfall during the latter part of August and into Labor Day weekend. Those conditions failed to materialize in 2026. Instead, continued drought and persistent heat have forced many growers to extend irrigation well beyond normal termination dates to preserve yield and fiber quality potential. Likewise, harvest aid timing is likely to depend heavily on how long the current pattern of hot, dry weather persists.

As harvest begins across the region, results from the RACE trials will provide additional insight into the impact of these conditions on both yield and fiber quality. Look for harvest updates on my Facebook page.

Dryland cotton field in Swisher County, Texas, planted behind wheat fallow. Picture taken Aug. 25, 2026.

Sub-surface drip irrigated field with about 4 gallons per minute per acre capacity in Lubbock County, Texas.  Picture taken Sept. 1, 2026.