Rain impacts cotton crop in Texas Panhandle

This year’s rain is creating problems for many cotton producers in the Texas Panhandle. The weather this year has brought more rain and when there’s too much rain in consecutive days it can damage cotton crops.

“Everything that can go wrong with too much rain has gone wrong,” said Jerrell Key, General Manager of Adobe Walls Gin LP.

Cotton producers are dealing with too much moisture from heavy rainfall this spring. Strong rains push seeds down too far into the ground and fields with standing water have to deal with seed rot. For those who work in the cotton industry better weather is a must otherwise, profits in the millions are at risk.

“You look at the seven-day forecast this morning and there’s only one day with 90 degrees,” said Key. “We need all the days to have 90 degrees and the nights in the mid-’70s, that’s cotton growing weather.”

“There has been a few challenges with the cotton crop, getting it in timely and the fact the rain delayed us some,” said Roger Morris, Farmer.

Cotton Gins across the country are currently in what they call “repair season.” There are three things the cotton industry is banking on right now. 1) Less heavy rainfall, 2) warmer temperatures and 3) a new trade deal.

“We’re anxious to get a new trade deal worked out,” said Key. “We know they’re working on it. I think most guys are on board with what President Trump is doing. We sure like to see a deal worked out and see where this market can go.”

Key tells ABC 7 News farmers in the Texas Panhandle are seeing cotton emerge. Others who work with insurance adjusters will know by the middle of the month if they can make a crop or have to walk away.

In 2017 and 2018, the Adobe Walls Gin averaged 3,000 bales a day and on average ginned 270, 000 bales of cotton a year. Potential reduction for 2019 will depend on the weather.

Courtesy: ABC7 News