Cotton prevented planting situation
In the Furrow
By Will Duffie County Extension Coordinator

Dry soil conditions across Georgia have cotton growers in a pickle. It is recommended that cotton be

planted by May 31 in the Coastal Plain of Georgia. Cotton is a very expensive crop to produce and many of these

expenses occur

prior to or at planting. Because of this current situation, not planting is an option to carefully consider.

As of May 20, the state's cotton acreage was 41 percent planted compared to 66 percent typically by that date and 71 percent at that time last year. The lack of rainfall and soil moisture continues to worsen. Many farmers are waiting on much needed rainfall before planting. Others are deciding to plant anyway and then just hope for rain. The precipitation outlook for the next week or more is not good, however. The cost of cotton seed including technology fee could be about $60 to $65 per acre. With little or no moisture and an unfavorable outlook for rainfall, the decision to plant and incur this expense is an important and risky one.

The crop insurance Final Planting Date for cotton is May 31. May 31 is the deadline for full crop insurance coverage. After May 31, planting may continue for up to 15 days (Late Planting Period) but with a decline in coverage of 1 percent per day. Cotton planted after the Late Planting Period will be covered but at 50 percent of the Production Guarantee for timely planted cotton.

The farmer is not required to plant after May 31 if they were prevented from planting due to an insured cause such as drought. If the farmer is not able to plant by May 31 and decides not to plant, he/she may be eligible for "prevented planting" coverage. Otherwise, the farmer may plant after May 31 for up to 15 days at reduced coverage.

The farmer must report a prevented planting claim within 72 hours after the final planting date (May 31) or within 72 hours after the late planting date (June 15) if trying to plant during the late period. Dr. Don Shurley, UGA Extension Economist for Cotton is the source of this information. For more information call the UGA- Burke County Extension Office at 706-554-2119.