Recent rainfall has decreased drought in many areas; however, it has made planting cotton in Oklahoma quite the challenge.
While nearly 76% of U.S. cotton is in the ground, only 50% of Oklahoma’s crop is planted.
“That’s kinda what we’ve been facing this year, is the rain causing some replant issues, and then some folks just haven’t been able to replant. Some folks need to replant, and they just have not been able to catch a break in the rain to be able to get into the field. As far as, you know, the dry land acres, you know, yes in previous years we have been having to wait for a little bit of moisture to try to get that cotton in the ground. However now, I think now we’re just kinda, like I said, waiting for a dry period to get our planters in the field and finish out those dry land acres,” according to Oklahoma State University’s Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak.
As farmers wait for their perfect planting window, they also need to be mindful of crop insurance deadlines.
It is important to call your crop insurance agent and make sure you are not planting too late to be covered.
