Producers are expecting the largest cotton crop since 2010 this year if weather continues to cooperate, reports Tony St. James (All Ag Network, KDDD and KFLP, Floydada, TX). The Texas High Plains is the largest cotton growing region in the United States, and Lubbock is the hub of activity. Cotton farmers are expected to start defoliating in early October, which begins the harvest process. “It appears some of the best cotton this year will come from the Dumas area in the Texas Panhandle.” He adds, “Speaking of harvest, corn and sorghum harvest is underway. Corn has done really well this year, and sorghum has, too. For sorghum, the market experienced a downturn a month ago as domestic supplies ran out and the Chinese took a break. They are now back in the market, and prices should move back into a positive-basis compared to corn in the next few weeks.”
The biggest issue facing sorghum growers in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas will be the sugarcane aphid. “The cost of control of the aphid at harvest is eating into profits which has frustrated growers. We can expect some sugarcane aphid-resistant varieties on the market next year.” On the livestock scene, packers have been “in the red for quite some time, but it appears as though they may be moving to the black soon – with the recent drop in feeder prices,” Tony said. “Of course, it will come at a cost to another segment of the cattle industry.” Good and timely rains earlier this year have led to a good hay crop, Tony reports. “Heading into the winter feeding months, we may see a lot of alfalfa staying in the region - something we haven't seen in more than four years.” Floydada, TX, claims to be the Pumpkin Capital USA – not to be confused with Morton, IL – the Pumpkin Capital of the World. “This year, more than 75,000 pumpkins, squash and ornamental gourds are being delivered to the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for their annual award-winning Pumpkin Patch display and village. It's been recognized by Fodor's as one of America's Best Pumpkin Festivals,” Tony said.
