Harvest Progress Slowed: Estimates Indicate High Plains 30% Harvest

Image
Body

The Texas High Plains cotton harvest continues to remain on pace despite recent weather conditions. As of this week it is estimated that 30 percent of the High Plains crop has been harvested to date.

While no significant moisture accumulation has been reported in the region this week, morning fog and heavy dew has limited the time producers have been able to be in the field for the past few days. One positive of the recent weather is that the little bit of extra moisture should contribute to improved effectiveness for some recent harvest aid applications.

In addition to the inflow of moisture, portions of the PCG service area west and north of Lubbock received their first killing freeze this week, but other parts of the region continue to wait on a hard freeze to fully terminate the crop.

Yield estimates continue to remain favorable along with the overall quality of the crop, however, micronaire continues to be of concern as well as plastic and other extraneous matter. According to the Lubbock Classing Office report for the week ending November 4, 198,923 bales have been classed from 60 gins. The Lamesa Classing Office reported 101,184 bales from 30 gins.

Markets continue to trade well above the $1 threshold and weekly sales reports continue to reflect a healthy demand for U.S. cotton, primarily from Turkey and China which have been the most active buyers for the past few weeks.

Transportation logistics continue to be a big concern for traders and buyers and significant value can be attributed to the ability to get cotton scheduled and shipped in a timely fashion.