Oklahoma producers are keeping a close eye on the skies and their soil thermometers as they evaluate Early Season Cotton Considerations for the 2026 planting season. In a recent interview, Farm Director KC Sheperd sat down with Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak to discuss the critical factors influencing this year’s crop. From managing persistent dry conditions to selecting the right herbicide programs, the conversation highlighted the strategic planning required for a successful start.
Managing Soil Moisture and Herbicides
The current landscape for many Oklahoma cotton growers is defined by a lack of significant rainfall. Dudak emphasized that while the wait for moisture continues, planning for weed control remains a top priority.
“We are a little bit dry, so just kind of praying for rain… so we can get some moisture in the ground. But really, early season considerations, things to be thinking about, herbicides… and mainly when I say that, I’m talking about our residual herbicide options.”
Dudak stressed the importance of starting with a clean field at planting. Utilizing residual herbicides both at planting and as a post-emergence application is a cornerstone of her recommendations for maintaining yield potential.
Insights from Variety Trials
A key resource for producers making planting decisions is the data from OSU’s variety trials. Dudak shared results from several Oklahoma counties, highlighting top performers in terms of yield and return on investment (ROI):
- Caddo and Stephens Counties: DP 2525 yielded the highest ROI.
- Caddo and Jackson Counties: DP 2333 was among the top-yielding varieties with high returns.
- Jackson and Washita Counties: ST 6000 showed strong performance in both yield and ROI.
- Caddo and Washita Counties: FM 814 rounded out the top performers.
Planting Windows and Market Trends
Despite the dry start, Dudak anticipates a planting window consistent with historical norms, provided soil temperatures are favorable.
“It is very important to make sure we’re watching our soil temperatures and making sure that we’re planting into good soil temperatures so we can get the fastest germination and emergence that we can and give the cotton a fair chance starting out early season.”
While cotton acreage in Oklahoma has declined significantly over the last five years, Dudak predicts it will likely hold steady relative to 2025. This stability is bolstered by a slight upward trend in cotton prices, providing much-needed relief to producers.
Upcoming Events
Producers looking for more in-depth information can attend the Pre-Season Cotton Meeting in Jackson County on April 7, 2026. Dudak will be on hand to discuss pre-plant considerations and variety selections in greater detail.
