For planning purposes, it is never too early to think about next season’s opportunities and risks.  To start with, we’re still not settled on the size of the 2022 cotton crop. USDA forecasted the latter back in May at over 16 million bales, and their November forecast is two million fewer.  Many in the southern plains expect more downward revision.  If the old …

County UGA Cooperative Extension Service agents are an important resource for Georgia cotton farmers.  Agents are known for delivering timely and accurate information, which is instrumental for the success of Georgia’s farmers.  They also perform community specific research, education and outreach programs designed to help farmers maximize yields and efficiency. The Georgia Cotton Commission sponsored the King Cotton Awards to …

The risk faced by producers in the 2022 growing season was unprecedented. As farmers were in the field preparing to plant their crop, Russia invaded Ukraine fueling uncertainty across the world and in agricultural input markets. A few months later, rain fell across the midsouth causing a great deal of yield losses stemming from late planting and prevented planting (Figure …

From wild swings in commodity prices to an explosion in input costs that would make the Consumer Price Index (CPI) blush, agricultural producers have been riding a rollercoaster over the past year.  The purpose of the farm safety net – the combination of Federal crop insurance and the traditional farm bill programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage …

The drought of 2022 in Texas has taken its toll on U.S. cotton production, with USDA forecast 13.8 million bales (mb) (or 3.7 mb lower than 2021). Lower output equals lower exports, with current forecasted exports of 12.5 mb, down 14% from the previous year (See Figure 1). That also means lower ending stocks, currently estimated at historically low levels …

The 2023 Beltwide Cotton Conferences (BWCC), set for January 10-12 at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, La., will offer attendees timely updates on the latest research, technology and issues affecting U.S. cotton production and processing. The BWCC, coordinated by the National Cotton Council, annually brings together university and USDA researchers, regulatory agencies, extension personnel/agents, consultants, and industry sales/support …

Caroline Gentry, Georgia Cotton Commission Fifth-generation Putnam County Dairyman Chad Davis operates Green Glades Farm with his father Russell Davis and uncle Heck Davis. Green Glades Farm was established in the late 1940s when Chad’s grandfather, Jack Davis bought farmland and started his own dairy operation. In addition to dairy, Chad also grows sweet corn, sorghum, hay, wheat and rye. …

The picture painted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of U.S. cotton production has been reframed several times this year already.  In August, USDA cut a historically large three million bales off of their previous month’s forecast.  The direction of that adjustment was not a surprise to anybody, but the size of it surely was.  Then, in September, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics …

As September dwindles and October looms ahead, Georgia’s cotton fields are being defoliated and picking has begun.  For most growers there is relief that they have neared the end, the final laps, the short-rows, and the finale of the 2022 season.  But in truth, when it comes to diseases and nematodes, as the 2022 season ends, planning for the 2023 …

As more aggressive action has been taken to confront the climate crisis under the Biden Administration, environmental sustainability issues have become more relevant. Interest in the value of cover crops as a means to preserve and improve cropland has continually increased. Cover crop use has once again been on the rise (2017 Census of Agriculture) as our producers continually seek …

As we roll into September, it is time to start thinking about defoliating our cotton crop. As I have driven around the state in the month of August, I have already seen a number of fields ready to defoliate, particularly dryland fields in Southwest Georgia that were planted in late April/early May. I know that the weather in the past …

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – National Cotton Council Chairman Ted Schneider said the U.S. cotton industry applauds USDA for promoting sustainable farming practices through its Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities — including the new Climate Smart Cotton Program led by the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The Louisiana producer stated that, “The U.S. cotton industry is committed to sustainability and to protecting the environment. The $90 …