Dry conditions are taking a toll on cotton in Texas.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says that it is evident in the state’s decline in crop ratings: “Two weeks ago, Texas 40% good to excellent on the cotton, down to 40 a week ago. 32% this week. Meanwhile, very poor to poor ratings for cotton in Texas, jumping from 25% two weeks ago to 31% last week, now to 40%"
Those Texas numbers are also the main driver of national rating declines as well, with only 45% of the country’s cotton crop rating good to excellent, and 27% rating poor to very poor.
Despite those declines, things are looking up for a Mississippi cotton farmer.
Gary Dyksterhouse told Brownfield Ag News he anticipated a fairly solid crop this very year despite the variable weather pattern. He says that while the cotton market has struggled this year, cotton farmers have to be somewhat optimistic.
Prices are currently averaging 59-70 cents per pound. That is the lowest weekly average since September of last year.
