Jenny Dudak
The 2025 cotton season started wet for most areas, leaving us with replanted or late-planted cotton across the state. Heat units were also something we were tracking closely all season as we were consistently, on average, 200 heat units behind across the state compared to the past three growing seasons.
Insect pressure was normal with zero reports of the cotton jassid this season. With the rainfall we received early in the season, cotton growers in the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District were able to irrigate for the first time since 2021. The outlook on dryland acres was location dependent, with timely rainfall in areas and drought stressed, early maturing cotton in others.
As of today, Nov. 3, harvest aid applications have gone out for some, and for others, harvest is underway and close to wrapping up. I am hearing promising reports from producers and industry reps in the southwest part of our state excited about yields thus far.
As for where we go from here, my advice to everyone is to continue to promote the cotton industry while being cognizant of what our clothing and other goods are made of. My advice to producers is to continue to evaluate their agronomic practices and cut costs where they can. We have a dedicated team of Extension specialists and assistant specialists focusing on cotton production at Oklahoma State University. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns we can address to ensure you have a successful 2026 cotton season. Here’s to a successful and safe 2025 cotton harvest.
jdudak@okstate.edu