Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News

Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Drought And Other Issues Looming Over Plains Cotton Producers as They Plant The 2021 Crop, Says Steve Verett, CEO, Plains Cotton Growers  
Farmers have always looked to the heavens for nourishment of their crops, especially in the semi-arid region of west Texas.

Steve Verett, CEO of Plains Cotton Growers, based in Lubbock, Texas, recently talked with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about weather concerns and other matters on the minds of cotton producers as they head to the fields this spring.

I think folks are getting very nervous, Verett said

Six weeks ago, we had plenty of time to get the moisture we needed to get the crop off to a good start, he said.

We haven’t lost this crop yet but certainly the time is growing short, Verett added.

Many folks begin planting in May and the crop insurance deadlines beginning May 31 in the northern Panhandle are looming over the area, he said.

When you look at the drought map the most significant drought is along the New Mexico border, he said.

We have some areas that are drier than 2011, he said.

Fortunately, when you get east of Lubbock the drought areas are not as bad, Verett said.

If the drought was not enough to concern cotton producers this spring, Verett said there are additional worries about what is coming out of Washington, D.C.

The best chance we have of increasing dollars for the USDA is going to be in the conservation title, he said.

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Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network

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Ron Hays
Director of Farm Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network

405.473.6144