Cotton acreage increases, exceeding early estimate
RAYMOND, Miss. -Early May delivered favorable weather conditions for most of Mississippi's cotton producers, allowing them to get their crops in the ground at the ideal time.
“We're getting close to having 100% of the crop planted,” said Brian Pieralisi, Mississippi State University Extension Service cotton specialist and researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. “I'd say we're between 90% and 95% planted.
“We haven't seen that in the last few years because of the weather. But we had two or three weeks of good weather during that optimal planting window between May 1 and 10. A lot of growers were finished by May 10,” he said.
Some acreage in the far north, far south and the Delta account for the unplanted acres as of May 23. Areas in the north and south were a little too dry, while a sandblasting event destroyed some young plants north of Highway 82 in Bolivar and Coahoma Counties.
Pieralisi said he expects those areas to be planted and replanted within the next two weeks.
Overall, the crop looks good, he said.
“Right now, we're concentrating on thrips [insect pests], but it's nothing out of the ordinary,” Pieralisi said. “They can be aggressive, but there were a lot of pesticide applications going out in the first couple of weeks after planting. At the three- or four-week stage, we'll be out of the danger zone on that. And we're almost there.
“We're off to a pretty good start. I haven't heard any major complaints,” he said.
A USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending
May 22 estimates that 52% of the cotton crop has emerged. Sixty-one percent of the crop is in good condition, 20% is in fair condition, and 12% is in excellent condition.
Pieralisi said he expects total cotton acreage in the state to surpass the USDA'S projection of 500,000 acres. That estimate is up 11% from the 450,000 acres planted in 2021.
“It looks like we'll have somewhere between 525,000 and 550,000 acres,” he said. “I don't have a final count on that yet, but I think we'll be in that range.”
A wet spring delayed planting in 2021, which caused some growers to plant soybeans on acreage originally intended for cotton. Part of the increase in 2022 cotton acreage reflects growers getting back to that 2021 intended acreage. High commodity prices also played a part, Pieralisi said.
While plants have just emerged, Pieralisi said everything is going well.
“We've been able to fertilize on time. Weeds are under control. We have a good handle on those kinds of things,” he said. “But you always worry about what might be coming.”
Will Maples, Extension agricultural economist, said prices are good. December futures, which represent the price for the new crop, are currently trading around $1.25 per pound. USDA estimates the farm price at 90 cents per pound for the 2022-2023 marketing year.
However, prices could go higher if drought conditions in the U.S. Southern Plains worsen.
“This region of West Texas and Oklahoma typically accounts for 40% to 45% of U.S. acreage, but they are facing the possibility of a record drought,” Maples said.
Nationwide, USDA estimates 12.23 million acres of cotton will be planted -- 1 million more than in 2021. However, the drought has production projections reduced by a million bales.
“How high these dry conditions can push prices is dependent on demand,” Maples said. “We are seeing mills slow down purchases due to a combination of high prices and a slowing world economy.”
ONGOING
◆ Christian Women's Job Corps' (CWJC) FREE TRAINING for computer, job and life skills: Our 2022 Fall Session begins August 30 through November 17 on each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants receive a free laptop upon completion of the fall courses. Limited seating, reserve your space early by calling (662) 7223016 or reach.todd@outlook.com
◆ International Friendship House has free English as a Second Language classes Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 – 11:00 am, at Calvary Baptist Church, 405 N. Jackson Street, Starkville. Contact traceynash102399@hotmail.com for more information.
◆ The Peter's Rock Family Worship Center Church Of God In Christ is excited about the growth of our local city. Nevertheless, we are concerned about the needs in our local communities and overall city. We have been inspired and encouraged to reach out and address the needs of our community. Our church is hosting in–house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon in our sanctuary. We take this opportunity to invite Community Leaders, Pastors, Educators, Parents, Christians, and concerned citizens to come and be a part of our in- house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon. You can call our office @ 662-323-5119 or contact Mrs. Alfaye Brown, Coordinator @ 662-312-7860 to confirm your attendance and for more information.
JUNE 3, 2022
◆ Purpose for Praise Youth Department presents the Glow up Friday, June 3 @ 7pm. The guest speaker will be Evangelist Rachel Moody. This special event is hosted by Minister Jahliyah Jordan and Sister Amiyah Baker. (662) 722-0061. Please come join us for this special event! Pastor Petro Jordan, the Youth Dept., & the rest of the Purpose for Praise Church family would love for you to attend
JUNE 6, 2022
◆ Friends of the Starkville Library is hosting its monthly book sale on Monday, June 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Starkville Public Library. New features this month are a large collection of sports books, including several by John Wooden, impressive collection of Bible commentaries, devotionals, study books, two giant print Bibles, and leather cover Bibles, a special collection of summer reading and summer activities for children. Prices range from 50 cents to $3.
JUNE 11, 2022
◆ Zion Community Day will be held at 1472 Dawnview Road Starkville, MS on June 11, 2022; 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited to this free event.