Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 12/14/21


For many or most growers across NC, 2021 will be a year to remember for quite a while. It is very rare that high prices, timely rains throughout the summer, avoidance of tropical storms or prolonged cloudy/wet weather during September/October, good harvest weather, and high yields (in many areas) all align within a single year, but they did for many growers in 2021. It seemed that most of our challenges were experienced during planting season, with intermittent cool weather, and even dry conditions, that prolonged our planting season and resulting in a portion of our crop maturing later than normal. All is well that ends well. Yields were variable, as they always are, and some areas experienced some degree of drought stress during August. However, there are many areas reporting 3-4 bale dryland yields, and many growers have either stated that this was their best year ever, or second best. In the large majority of cases, economically speaking, many have reported that this was their best year ever.

Thanks to our stellar cooperating growers and county agents, we were able to successfully complete another year of the North Carolina On-Farm Cotton Variety Evaluation Program. Additionally, this program was once again a success in 2021, thanks to the substantial support from the NC Cotton Producers Association, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC State University, our Seed Companies, and Cotton Incorporated. The support and contributions of all involved are much appreciated, and will have significant impact on our growers’ bottom line as we look forward to a hopefully another prosperous 2022 season.

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