Chris Locke, CSL Consulting, Inc., Sudan, Texas:
“This planting has gone from one extreme to another in the Parmer and Bailey county areas. It was too dry to do anything and now it’s too wet to do anything. We could be looking at a late crop. Some early-planted irrigated fields are at two to three true leaves. However, most cotton is just now coming up or at cotyledon.
“We escaped many weed flushes from early irrigation, but we expect more weed pressure this week and next following the rains. Fields are still clean where guys ran conventional till in front of the planter. Burndowns also worked well. But it won’t be long before more herbicide treatments will be needed.”
“Corn stands are rocking and rolling. Early corn looks good and is at about the 7- to 9-leaf stage. Mid- to late-corn is at the 3- to 4-leaf stage. I expect to see more milo planted if guys can’t get their cotton in.”
Alan Seitz, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wilcox, Arizona:
“Growers finished their remaining replants last week. Some were late enough they switched to corn in several circles. Our most advanced cotton in southeast Arizona is at the 7- to 8-leaf stage. Other fields are at the 2- to 3-leaf stage.
“We’re finally getting the heat we need. It will be 102 by the weekend. We’re spraying for thrips in spotted areas. With the delayed decision on whether to keep stands, most herbicide activity has been post application.”
Gary Beverage, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Artesia, New Mexico:
“Growers in southeast New Mexico and across the border into Texas are about 95% planted. There has been good moisture the last week or two to help things out. Unfortunately, hailstorms accompanied some of the rain and replants have been needed.
“Since May was cooler than normal, the crop is behind on heat units. But overall, we’re seeing decent stands. The most advanced cotton is at five to six leaves, with pinhead-square in a few fields.
“Insect pressure remains light other than a few thrips. Grasshoppers are showing up but not as bad as we’re used to. With 100-degree temperatures on the way it could be a shock to the system. Herbicides are holding down weeds, but we’ve only had moisture the last two weeks. We’re counting on pre-emerge applications to handle the post-rain weeds.
“Chili peppers may face disease pressure after the rains. Applications of copper fungicides may be needed. They’re usually affordable treatments that can delay the start of leaf spot and other traditional fungal problems.”
Orlando Flores, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent, El Paso County:
“We’ve hit the century mark the last couple of days, good cotton growing weather. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of irrigation water, our planted acres are still about one third of what we normally see planted. What acres we have will see irrigation throughout the month from water released from New Mexico’s Elephant Butte/Caballo Dam last week.
“Cotton looks good, considering the pre-irrigation was City of El Paso effluent and/or poor quality well water. Plants are at the 7- to 8-leaf stage. No major pest damage has been reported.
“Extension variety trials look exceptional. El Paso County Extension Pima Cotton variety trials look excellent. I’m pleased with the collaboration that takes place between Extension, Tirres Farms, Deltapine and PhytoGen. On a similar note, the Fusarium Wilt (FOV4) plots look good as well. I continue to monitor ‘hot spots’ in the Upper and Lower Valley for potential FOV4 infestation. That research is needed to prevent that disease from spreading. It is made possible through teamwork between AgriLife Extension and Research, USDA-ARS, New Mexico State University, Cotton Incorporated, Grijalva Farms and the various seed companies.”
Mark Hatley, Crop Quest, Dumas, Texas:
“The break in the weather has helped us get into the field to make timely sprays for weeds. Herbicide applications benefited from the humidity we’ve seen during the rainy periods. There are better opportunities to get the residuals activated and weeds have been easier to control.
“Cotton has responded much better than I expected to the cool, wet weather. Most is at the 2-to 3-leaf stage and off to a good start. Our only insect concerns are thrips. Insecticide treatments are going out.
“Corn looks good and is starting to grow. It’s up to the 6- to 7-leaf stage. After the rain, it should respond big time to the warmer weather in the forecast. Wheat is turning and we will be harvesting next few weeks. The crop looks pretty good. There is more milo in the area due to stronger grain prices. With the rain we’ll see even more go in.”
ALSO OF NOTE
WASDE Cotton: Increased Exports, Lower U.S. Ending Stocks
Texas Plains: Lots of Weather Problems, Few Complaints About Rain
Texas Field Reports: Rains, Wet Conditions Cause Delays
Texas LRGV: Few Pests in Cotton, Midge Prevalent in Sorghum
Thompson Cotton: Prices Rise Despite Improving Moisture in the Southwest
Cleveland on Cotton: Production Concerns and Rising Demand
Weekly Cotton Market Review – USDA
This weekly report is distributed during the main cotton growing season. It is available to United States residents engaged in cotton farming, field scouting and other qualifying ag professions. Mailing address: 
