This week represents the second prime cotton planting week out of the three best weeks. This is based not only on the calendar, but also for the excellent temperature pattern we are having.
We have made some good progress planting but are behind our average because of the higher amounts of spring rain and cool temperatures in April.
With more favorable temperatures, this week also promises the highest chance of rainfall by the middle to the end of the week.
Our primary goal is to finish up with our Group 1 varieties as soon as possible since our other varieties offer a better option moving forward. The entire region is approaching 50 percent planted with some farmers indicating they are finishing up now or within another day or two.
Other operations that have been in wetter areas or who also plant peanuts are less than 50 percent but with two more ideal planting weeks are still in a perfect position for full cotton success.
Not knowing how many planting days we will get this week, I am sure a lot of farmers will still be planting all of next week. So be sure to match up varieties with planting dates and soil types.
After Memorial Day, we will be targeting Group 3 varieties, which do their best during the second half of May and are uniquely favorable during the last week of May.
