AgFax Cotton - Louisiana
OVERVIEW
Rain began falling across parts of the Midsouth on Wednesday and more is expected. It's generally needed after a long stretch of hot, dry weather. However, more rain now will compound the misery where rivers are out of their banks or backwater flooding pushed into fields. Depending on the area, the forecast says that several inches could fall between now and Sunday.
More cotton is squaring, although that's mostly still in the earlier fields.
Cotton planting has likely wrapped up with maybe the exception of spot replanting and perhaps a few very late fields that went in this week.
Insect treatments are being made in scattered cases. Thrips remain active in certain areas, although rain and better plant growth could neutralize their effect.
LOUISIANA CROP REPORTS
Richard Griffing, Griffing Consulting, LLC, Monterey, Louisiana:
"We're getting dry and would welcome 1 to 2 inches of rain from this system, which is supposed to come through on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the forecast says totals could run from 2 to 5 inches.
"Our most advanced cotton is at matchhead square and we're applying mepiquat chloride and spraying for plant bugs. On the other end of things, maybe the last cotton was planted 2 days ago.
"I'd describe very few cotton fields as 'pretty' right now (6/3) but a lot of the crop is at least making the turn. We're getting a lot done – applying fertilizer, cleaning up weeds – so growers are forging ahead and fields at least look better.
"As far as I know, my clients are through planting cotton, including spot replanting and planting edges of fields. Even as dry as it is, growers along the levees are dealing with seep water. One 800-acre farm can't be planted yet.
"Our corn crop isn't exactly what you'd call a '10' this year due to the stress. All of it has tasseled or is into it now. We're watering like crazy. I still think we can make a good crop but this won't be a high-end year. Beans range from R3.5 to still being planted and a few more will be planted as flood water recedes. We started fungicides in places. Beans generally look fair.
"Overall, this will be the latest crop in my 34-year career. It's certainly the most spread out. I'm optimistic but also realize it will be a long season."
Sebe Brown, Louisiana Extension Field Crops Entomologist:
"Rain has been falling all day (6/5) and it's much needed for all of our crops. This will sure help with late-planted and replanted cotton. Along with bringing moisture, it should help wash off remaining thrips.
"We're kind of in that lull between thrips and plant bugs. In places, cotton has started squaring but I haven't heard of any plant bug activity.
"With this prolonged stretch of hot, dry weather, we had edged into dangerous spider mite territory, so the rain should also help with mites.
"We're picking up more redbanded stink bugs in northeast Louisiana and are finding them in the very earliest beans. If your beans are close to R4 or R5, scout closely for them."