The 2026 cotton season is rapidly approaching, and Oklahoma producers are closely monitoring environmental conditions as they prepare to take the field. Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak recently joined Farm Director KC Sheperd to share critical management strategies and outlooks for the upcoming crop. As soil moisture remains a top priority across the state, Dudak highlighted the importance of timing, temperature, and technology in securing a successful harvest.
Evaluating the 2026 Season Outlook
While the calendar has turned to April, the current environmental conditions are still fluctuating. Dudak noted that while high temperatures are starting to appear, the state is still experiencing cool spells that could hinder early growth.
“Obviously we’re still a little bit too cool to go ahead and pull the trigger in most of the state, but I mean I do am hopeful for another good year,” Dudak said. “Hopefully these rains that are, you know, on the forecast will bring us some moisture. It’s direly needed all over the state.”
Despite the need for moisture, Dudak is encouraged by recent USDA surveys suggesting that Oklahoma’s cotton acreage may be slightly higher than last year. This follows a highly successful 2025 harvest rate, providing a positive momentum heading into the 2026 cotton season.
Temperature and Soil Moisture: The Planting Dilemma
One of the most significant challenges for producers is deciding when to plant based on the balance between soil moisture and ambient temperature. Dudak emphasized that air temperatures, particularly nighttime lows, play a vital role in seedling health.
The 60°F Rule: Soil temperatures should be at a minimum of 60°F for safe planting.
Optimal Conditions: Highs above 80°F and lows in the 60s are ideal for accumulating DD60s (degree days).
The Cold Shock Risk: Planting into moisture when lows are below 50°F can severely damage seeds as they begin to imbibe water.
“It’s really absorbing that water that’s around it and that makes it extremely susceptible to the negative effects from cold temps,” Dudak explained. “We want to give those seedlings the best chance of a healthy and rapid growth to avoid early season damage.”
Managing Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
Weed management remains a cornerstone of a productive cotton operation. Dudak’s advice for managing resistant varieties without “breaking the bank” centers on the strategic use of residuals.
“Residuals, residuals, residuals,” Dudak emphasized. “And also rotating those modes of action, especially ones that you spray over top… making sure we’re holding some of those weeds back before they, you know, come out of the ground.”
She also reminded producers that timing is everything when it comes to post-emergence applications. Spraying when weeds are small ensures that herbicides are effective, rather than merely damaging the weed and allowing it to continue growing.
Technology and Variety Selection
As producers look toward the future, technology such as drones and variable-rate irrigation continues to gain interest. While these tools are more prevalent in states like Alabama or California, Dudak noted that research is ongoing within the OSU system to see how they best fit the Oklahoma landscape.
Regarding variety selection for the 2026 cotton season, Dudak observed that many producers are returning to the Dicamba label for weed control flexibility.
“It’s really just based on producer to producer really… some of it comes from loyalty to seed brand, some of it comes from what did well on their farm last year,” she said. “Also a big part of that decision is what technology they would like to use.”
Advice for Producers
Dudak’s final message to Oklahoma cotton growers was one of preparation and vigilance. Ensuring a good stand early on is the best way to set a “yield ceiling” for the rest of the year.
“Making sure that our stands look good once we get some of those plants emerging… making sure we’re staying on top of that,” Dudak concluded. “Just ensuring that we keep those plants protected and healthy from pests or other environmental factors early… but then also praying for rain throughout the year because I do know that we need that direly too.”
