Virginia Cotton: 2 Favorable Windows for Planting in April
It looks like we’ll see two favorable windows to plant cotton in April.
Surprisingly, the first one began this past weekend. On Monday and Tuesday some thermometers could see upper 80s to possibly about 90 degrees. That is going to satisfy all of the temperature requirements we use, giving us several days to plant.
Looking at the weather ahead, on Monday, April 23, we are going to see some 40 degree nights that will not be favorable for planting. So after this dip in temperature, the second favorable window to plant will show up around April 26.
I personally would be more comfortable waiting for this second period in April. Even though many farmers in this region, and in Virginia more than North Carolina, like to wait until May to plant, there are some compelling reasons to at least get started in April as long as the weather is good. This is particularly true if your harvest is at capacity.
Nevertheless, I am a fan of planting the majority of the cotton in May, even with some extending to the second half of May. Ultimately a long planting season is a good risk management strategy. So, “Get on your mark …”
