Agriculture is grappling with uncertainty as political turmoil, extreme weather patterns, and global conflicts converge with a pending new farm bill and rising production costs, all set against the backdrop of depressed commodity prices.

Each crop year presents a different set of challenges, prompting many producers to recall the number of experiences they have had in farming as opposed to how many years of experience they have farming. The 2024 growing season is running ahead for most by about a week based on USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Information reports released the end of July. Some regions are running as much as two weeks ahead of the last five-year average. This certainly calls for an evaluation of your harvest aid strategy and program. 

Confused over this year’s ever-shifting cotton acreage and production numbers? We are, too. So we asked Dr. O.A. Cleveland to explain.

The cotton market’s 67-cent price resistance continues to be tested day after day.

While carryover stocks are declining, the world major exporters – Brazil and the U.S. – have more than sufficient crops to fill the import needs of major cotton consumption countries. Weak demand continues to haunt the market, and the combination of these two factors threatens lower prices.

When you think of recycling, you likely think of things like aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, and glass bottles. But have you considered recycling denim?