Specialists Speaking- Ken Legé
Ken Legé
TEXAS
Fall in many areas means football, cooler temperatures, and county fairs that have carnival rides like roller coasters. Fall in West Texas in 2026 did deliver some exciting football games, but not cooler temperatures, and many growers in the region are sick of the roller coaster ride that the 2026 season has brought them.
Rainfall virtually ceased across much of the High Plains and Rolling Plains in mid-July, ushering in more than two months of drought conditions accompanied by record-breaking temperatures. The local adage is that we always get a Labor Day rain, but this year’s precipitation arrived roughly a week late. Fortunately, widespread rainfall events during mid-September delivered significant moisture, with many locations receiving 6-10 inches of rain during the month. In fact, September rainfall totals were two to three times greater than the precipitation received during the remainder of the growing season. Despite the welcome moisture, above-average temperatures have persisted into early October.
The combination of intense summer heat and prolonged drought accelerated crop maturity, resulting in earlier-than-normal boll opening across much of the region. Defoliation applications began as early as the second week of September, and an estimated 80% or more of fields have already received initial defoliation treatments. Many acres are now approaching final harvest-aid applications.
The September rains restored soil moisture at a time when temperatures remained unusually warm, creating ideal conditions for substantial regrowth in dryland and low-capacity irrigated fields. In some situations, regrowth vegetation has become more vigorous than the original crop canopy, presenting additional harvest-management challenges. At the same time, mature leaves hardened by months of heat and drought developed thick cuticles, reducing harvest-aid effectiveness and making 2026 one of the more difficult defoliation seasons in recent memory.
Unfortunately, a significant percentage of dryland acres, along with some low-capacity irrigated fields, will not be harvested. Crop insurance adjusters continue to evaluate losses, and producers have already begun shredding some fields that showed tremendous promise as recently as early July. In contrast, fields supported by irrigation capacities exceeding approximately 3 gallons per minute per acre continue to exhibit respectable yield potential, although achieving those yields has required substantial irrigation investment.
Questions also remain regarding fiber quality. Heat and moisture stress during the early bloom period may negatively affect staple length, while the hot, dry conditions and crop wilting experienced during late bloom and boll filling could contribute to lower micronaire readings and potential quality discounts. The full impact on fiber characteristics will become clearer as harvest progresses and classing data become available.
Despite the challenges of 2026, West Texas cotton producers continue to demonstrate the resilience for which they are well known. Conversations have already shifted toward planning for the 2027 season. In parts of the northern Texas Panhandle, where corn production struggled this year, some growers are evaluating the possibility of increasing cotton acreage next season. Such optimism, even after a difficult year, reflects the determination and perseverance that characterize our producers across the region.
Ken Legé
TEXAS
