As the 2026 cotton planting season approaches, Oklahoma producers are closely monitoring environmental conditions to ensure a successful start. Farm Director KC Sheperd recently spoke with Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak to discuss the critical factors farmers should consider before putting seed in the ground.
Monitoring Soil and Air Temperatures
The foundation of a strong cotton crop begins with proper soil temperature. Dudak emphasizes that producers should be looking for a three-day average soil temperature of at least 65°F.
“This morning I looked up our three-day average soil temperature pretty much all across our cotton-producing regions were, you know, low to mid-60s and then some locations are actually in the 70s as well,” Dudak noted. “According to all the literature, you know, 65 degrees or warmer soil temperature is kind of where we want to be.”
While soil temperature is vital, air temperature also plays a significant role, particularly in the days following planting. Dudak advises tracking heat units to gauge the environment’s favorability for seedling emergence.
The Heat Unit Calculation
To determine the daily heat units, producers can use a specific formula:
“A little rule of thumb is you want to kind of make sure that you’re getting between 6 to 10 heat units a day for five to seven days after you plant,” Dudak explained. It typically requires about 50 to 60 total heat units from planting to emergence.
Managing Moisture and Pests
Drought remains a concern for many Oklahoma producers in 2026. In dry conditions, some farmers may consider “dusting it in”—planting shallower in hopes of upcoming rain. However, Dudak stresses the importance of long-range forecasting, recommending that producers look at least five days out before making planting decisions.
In addition to moisture, early-season pest management is crucial. Dudak highlights the importance of scouting for thrips, especially when planting into cooler conditions where cotton growth may be less vigorous.
“Kind of rule of thumb is you get about two weeks of thrips protection from some of those seed treatments,” she said. “But if we are planting in cooler conditions… thrips can be a major issue.”
The Value of Residual Herbicides
Despite the economic challenges posed by drought, Dudak remains a firm advocate for using residual herbicides behind the planter to prevent weed competition.
“I think it’s better to have a residual and not need it than need a residual and not have it,” Dudak asserted. “One product is good, two products tank-mixed together even better to try to target, you know, a wider range of weeds that you might have on your farm.”
Resources and Outlook
For reliable data, Dudak points producers toward the Oklahoma Mesonet as a primary resource for tracking soil temperatures and local weather patterns.
Looking ahead, the USDA is projecting a slight increase in cotton acreage for 2026 compared to the previous year. With stronger future contracts and favorable price outlooks, there is a sense of cautious optimism in the industry.
“I’m praying for everybody for a successful planting season,” Dudak concluded, “and I’m really excited to see what 2026 brings for the cotton industry in Oklahoma”.
