According to John Robinson, AgriLife Extension cotton market economist, early grower surveys forecast up to 12.5 million acres of cotton to be planted this year in the US. That would represent a 6.8% increase compared to 2021. Cotton planting is underway, and Texas acres are expected to be up amid reasonable prices and lingering drought conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service statewide cotton specialist Ben McKnight and John Robinson, AgriLife Extension cotton market economist, both in Bryan-College Station, said cotton remains competitive with other warm-season crops. They also note that some planting decisions could come down to growers’ decisions or options and available soil moisture. Both McKnight and Robinson expect around 7 million acres of cotton could be planted in Texas.
McKnight said, “When soil temperatures are warmer, in the 65-70 degrees range, it cuts the time it takes to get a good stand. Last year, in our test plots, we had a cold front that dropped air temperatures into the low 40s after planting, and you could really tell the swing impacted cotton emergence.”Cotton futures prices have been hovering for weeks at relatively high levels, between $1 and $1.05 per pound, Robinson said. Corn prices have also been high — around $5.70 per bushel. If there is a choice to be made, Robinson suspects corn could lose acres to cotton or other crops in areas of the state with viable options.