Agricultural News
Drought Conditions to Cause Delays for Cotton Planting Across the State
Wed, 27 Apr 2022 13:37:31 CDT
With the ongoing drought across much of the state, Cotton planters are hoping we get a good rain. Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Clint Abernathy, a Cotton Grower from Altus and a member of the U.S. cotton trust protocal about the dry condition and what farmers can do to make a difference during this time.
"There is absolutley no moisture rigtht now," Abernathy said. "It looks bleak right now, but we know how quickly that can turn around."
Everone right now is being cautious due to high input costs, Abernathy said. Irrigated cotton can be planted up to June 10, Abernathy said, but it would be better planted closer to May.
"Getting it planted will be the main thing to do," Abernathy said.
Abernathy said May and June are are our big rain months, so hopefully things will turn around for planting success.
Launched in 2020, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocal program was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton, ensuring that it contributes to the protection and preservation of the planet, using the most sustainable and responsible techniques. The Trust Protocol is an industry-wide initiative to promote U.S. cotton to brands and retailers as a sustainable fiber produced by growers that strive for continuous improvement.
"The trust protocol was put together by the national cotton council," said Clint Abernathy a grower from Altus, Okla. with the U.S. Cotton Trust Profile. "This is a program that helps get the message out on what we are doing as far as farming cotton and our sustainability message."
Abernathy said many of the retailers and consumers are wanting to know details on how the cotton is farmed. Signing up and answering the questions is easy, Abernathy added.
"It gets our message out there that we are sustainable farmers," Abernathy said. "We do care about the future and about the environment. Most of us are family farmers so of course, we care. We have to be the ones who send that message out."
This is a great opportunity and program, Abernathy said, that is important to the industry.
"The cotton industry is very competitive and we need everyone in the world to know the way we are farming and that we are doing it right," Abernathy said.
With the deadline being Saturday, Abernathy said we need to get as many producers involved in it as we can.
To aid with enrollment, the Trust Protocol has also rolled out two additional avenues to streamline the process. First, growers can authorize their crop consultant to help ensure that necessary information is entered and accurate. Second, if growers utilize the John Deere Operations Center, they can pre-populate up to 40% of the data needed to complete their Fieldprint analysis through the platform.
"The Trust Protocol can be a valuable asset to a grower's operation and the U.S. cotton industry can only succeed if there is participation," said Barry Evans, a Trust Protocol grower member from Texas. "I would encourage all of my fellow cotton growers to join me in enrolling."
To complete online enrollment and data entry growers can visit TrustUSCotton.org before the extended April 30 deadline. If growers have questions or would like help with enrollment, reach out to the Grower Help Desk at growers@trustuscotton.org.
To listen more of KC's conversation with Clint Abernathy, click the LISTEN BAR below.
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