Although many predicted record crops in early summer, drought and heat took their toll, much as they have in the Big Country. Bob Wilkins, manager of the Danevang Farmer's Co-op, roughly 60 miles southwest of Houston in Wharton County, said his producers are harvesting about a bail and a half an acre, which is average for that part of Texas but far less than anyone expected back in June. Plus, the quality of the cotton is horrible this year, Wilkins added. The cotton dried out through the heat of July, leaving cotton fibers e in the boll and not worth much on the market. And the worst boll weevil infestation in recent memory is threatening next year's Rio Grande Valley cotton crop, agricultural researchers say.
Prices are on an upswing.
At this time last year, cotton futures were valued at less than 50 cents per pound. Of course, Anderson's equation isn't the best of news. Ultimately, that means little to West Texans with nothing to harvest. If farmers are able to salvage any of their crops, they'll do well just to break even, Anderson said. Insurance likely will cover only part of the expenses, even if the crop is a total failure, he added.