Cotton prices rallied, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Expert John Robinson said they still rely heavily on growing conditions in any given location.
According to Robinson, Texas has about 5.4 million acres of cotton grown mainly in the northwest with some spread in the Interstate-35 corridor, Gulf Coast and Rio Grande Valley. Throughout the season, the Rolling Plains, West Central Texas, the I-35 corridor, the Gulf Coast and the Rio Grande Valley have had plenty of rain, while the upper Panhandle and South Plains have had patchy or no rain.
Cotton prices rose from about 65 to above 80 cents per pound in May before settling at upper 70 to 80 cents per pound. According to an AgriLife article, Robinson said this price increase “came down to large investment funds buying back cotton contracts they’d bet against for two years.” Middle Eastern conflicts disrupting fertilizer exports and supply concerns also helped to raise costs. Prices usually change a bit from mid-July to harvest. The amount of cotton harvested will depend on how much rain is received between now and then.
The AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries for the south plains and adjacent districts: The south plains saw variable rainfall as well as high temperatures toward the end of the week. Areas with less rain were expected to run irrigation nonstop in the heatwave as subsoil moisture reserves decline.
Some cotton was lost to hail and poor germination, but corn, potatoes and cucumbers were reaching milestones.
In the Panhandle, rainfall as well as topsoil and subsoil moisture varied across the district. Temperatures were high, with daytime temperatures in the mid-90s. Cotton had reached the first flower stage, earlier planted corn was silking and tasseling and a few sorghum fields had started producing heads. Some sorghum fields suffered due to dry soil and disease.
Rainfall was scattered in the rolling plains. Drier portions of the district suffered, but areas with rainfall fared well. Wheat harvest was complete, yielding 48-70 bushels depending on location, and other crops reached milestones. Hay prices were low, but cattle looked “exceptional” in wetter areas.
The far west received significant rainfall with some flooding, and temperatures varied. Crops were doing well, though rain delayed cutting alfalfa and Sudan grass cutting. The New World screwworm remained a concern for livestock producers.
The west central district experienced widespread rain. This, along with cooler temperatures, helped crops grow well apart from some areas which were flooded out. Cattle receipts at one sale declined with feeder steers declining three dollars and packer cows and bulls staying steady. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied in each district as well. For a more detailed report and information about other districts, visit agrilifetoday. tamu. edu.