Specialists Speaking

Our Alabama crop is all over the board in terms of growth stage and condition. I’ve seen good, bad and ugly… and late. Struggles have been many. High mid-May temperatures and lack of rain interrupted the planting cycle. Stands are erratic in places. May, June and early July rains were very spotty. Thrips and aphid pressure was often extreme, while ... Read More »

Rainfall has been frequent across most of the Bootheel, and as I write this, there are plenty of chances for rain in the future. Don’t be tempted to irrigate squaring cotton unless there is a substantial dry spell soon. However, starting the flowering period with adequate soil moisture is essential and should remain at adequate levels to ensure proper fruit ... Read More »

Among the specialists, I’m the new kid on the block, though I’ve been around the block several times and am no longer a kid. This is my 42nd crop, and I’m still learning… Alabama growers planted considerably more acres than normal in late April and early May. The aim is a half million acres and a million bales of cotton. ... Read More »

The good news of more rain and snow and an improved water supply situation has been a highlight of the year so far. However, rainy weather patterns that were holding through most of March had many wondering if we were going to get some decent cotton planting conditions this spring. It finally looks like the rain and snow have started ... Read More »

Harvest activities have come to an end in the Texas High Plains, and fieldwork has picked up. As we continue planning for the upcoming season, one of the most important decisions our growers have to make relates to variety choice. Fertility, insecticide and herbicide programs have some flexibility and can be adjusted during the growing season to address specific challenges ... Read More »

Planting season will soon be upon us for the 2019 cotton season, and decisions are being made about the proper time to plant. The temperature experienced by the seed during the first critical hours and days after planting will to a large extent determine emergence and eventual stand establishment. Optimum soil temperatures for seed germination are between 60 and 65 ... Read More »

Planting decisions for the 2019 season are taking shape. Cash margins for all commodities are tight and provide little room for mistakes. We must be smart to get the most out of our inputs. We need to watch our costs yet provide the necessary inputs to protect yield potential. Variety selection for yield and quality is an important first step ... Read More »