Oklahoma’s cotton planting season is in full swing, with irrigated acres nearing completion and producers embracing a resilient outlook despite ongoing challenges. Jenny Dudak, OSU Extension Cotton Specialist, highlights the positive progress and offers key advice for growers navigating the current conditions.
“We are actually in Fort Cobb at the OSU Research Station,” Dudak shared, detailing her on-the-ground work. “We’re fixing to plant two different small plot research trials and lay out another one to return and plant again on Friday.” This hands-on approach underscores the commitment to providing relevant data and support to Oklahoma’s cotton industry.
While Kansas reports 48% planted and Texas at 35%, Oklahoma is ahead in irrigated cotton. “I would feel pretty safe to venture that we are above 95% done with irrigated cotton in that area,” Dudak stated, referencing observations from the district. She added, “I put in two on-farm trials with a couple of producers, one in Harmon County and one in Jackson County in the district last week, and both of those producers said that they would be done planning irrigated cotton by last weekend. So we’re moving right along.” Dryland cotton remains the primary focus for remaining planting efforts.
The recent rains have provided a much-needed boost, creating favorable conditions for planting. Dudak emphasized the importance of soil moisture, particularly in areas prone to rapid drying due to wind. “I would just make sure that we’re checking our soil moisture and planting. If you can, get into the field and plant where there is moisture before we get into a situation where we have to dust it in and wait for rain,” she advised.
Regarding variety selection, Dudak noted the availability of new options on the market. While no single variety is her specific focus, she emphasized that “there are quite a few very good varieties across the companies, depending on which you choose to plant on your own farm.” Given Oklahoma’s diverse soil types, this flexibility allows producers to select varieties best suited for their specific farm conditions.
Water availability in irrigation districts also appears promising. “I’ve heard that people are very optimistic about irrigation this year,” Dudak reported. However, she cautioned, “Right now, soil moisture is drying up just a little bit. You have to go a little bit deeper than we were planting last week, but there is still moisture in the ground.” This suggests that while water is available, careful management remains crucial.
Looking ahead, producers need to be vigilant about early-season insect pests, especially if cooler temperatures cause cotton growth to slow. “Something to kind of keep in mind is early-season insects,” Dudak warned. “We should look for thrips and make sure that we’re not running into any issues with them.”
Despite challenges like losing certain herbicide technologies, cotton producers in Oklahoma remain remarkably optimistic. Dudak recounted a conversation with a producer in Harmon County: “He was saying this is one of the years where you really have to love cotton to plant cotton, and I think Oklahoma has some dedicated cotton producers who love cotton and that it just runs in their blood.”
Dudak’s schedule remains busy with research trials. “We’re going to be back here on Friday, planting another trial at the Fort Cobb Research Station,” she said, outlining upcoming work that also includes on-farm trials in areas like Hydro and Ouachita County, and a small plot trial in the Panhandle. These trials are critical for continually evaluating and improving cotton production practices across Oklahoma.
