In yet another occurrence that can be described as “very 2020,” the first cold snap of the fall arrived swiftly earlier this week, sending temperatures plummeting to record levels and plentiful rainfall off the Caprock.
Early forecasts showed potential for a freeze and even snow in the northern Panhandle, which already has been rocked by adverse weather events throughout the season. What cotton remains could have been drastically affected, but it appears that the snow eluded most of the region. Temperatures stayed in the upper 30s, except for areas near Dalhart that dipped to 33.
Time will tell how much of an effect the weather had on acreage that is in the final stages of development before preparation for harvest. Quentin Shieldknight, a grower near Spearman, said they missed the snow and freezing temperatures, but he is concerned about how maturity was impacted. However, he said they have dryland acreage they plan to defoliate next week and is encouraged about its potential.
Ryan Williams, whose family has acreage near Dalhart, said they had light snow but no accumulation, and temperatures in the lower 30s.
“I think it could hurt some of the later cotton,” Williams said. “Three days in the 30s wasn’t really what it needed to finish and mature bolls.”
Dr. Murilo Maeda, Extension cotton agronomist in Lubbock, said there isn’t much research data to determine just how much of an effect temperatures hovering in the 30s without freezing would have on cotton at this stage because those temperatures at this time of year are so rare.
“I am concerned about cotton acreage particularly in the northern Panhandle, and also laterplanted cotton in other areas where the temperatures were around 40,” Maeda said, noting that he and fellow Extension agronomist Dr. Jourdan Bell along with Dr. Brendan Kelly at Texas Tech’s Fiber and Biopolymer Research Center will be studying the effects with regard to fiber maturity once cotton finishes in several of their trial fields.
Most of the PCG service area received only light rain and drizzle this week, but the front brought significant rainfall off the Caprock. Some areas around U.S. Highway 277 from south of San Angelo all the way up to Seymour received in excess of seven to eight inches of rain over two to three days.
Overall, cotton acreage in the area continues to progress and conditions generally range from fair to excellent overall. December futures are still in the 64 to 65 cent range at press time, but today’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report from the USDA could cause some movement in the market.