Virginia: Commonwealth Gin planting advisory

Johnny Parker, Agronomist for Commonwealth Gin in Windsor, Virginia, posted the following report Wednesday on the gin's web site:

This last cool spell was relatively mild, although it lasted a long time. The wind was unusual for this time of year and actually made it feel colder that it was. Now that warm weather has returned, cotton farmers will be able to finish planting over the next week or so.

Typically, we like to finish planting the cotton by the middle of May, which will be next week. But there are a number of varieties available now that do quite well planted even after May 15th. The predominant variety that fits the bill for later planting dates is Delta Pine 444, although Stoneville 4575 is another very early maturing variety.

Be sure and finish up the full season varieties now. These would be varieties such as 5599, 989, and 515. Also, try to get the medium varieties finished this week, such as 449, 958, 455, and 445. We have a good week left to finish the medium early varieties. Phytogen 370 is new to a lot of folks this year and it should do well planted right on until May 15th along with 310, 434, and 432.

Commonwealth Gin provides advice on production and marketing of cotton. Information contained herein is from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any statement, nor with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. All views are the opinions of the author and no statement should be construed as an offer to buy or sell a commodity. This publication is for information purposes only.