By Clint Thompson
The best way to combat low cotton prices is for Georgia producers to make more yields, which was the case in 2025. Another way is to reduce costs that maybe hindering profits.
Camp Hand, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension cotton agronomist, spoke about cost reduction at the recent Georgia Cotton Commission meeting at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia.
“In 2025 we had an incredible year and people knew that if you planted it, you had to make it. There’s no reason to plant it with zero intent to make the crop,” Hand said. “The best way to combat low prices is to make more. There are some things I think we can save a little bit of money on.”
Seed
It starts with seed, one of the most expensive financial investments that growers make every year. Hand estimated it to be about 10% of total production costs.
“Seed is one thing guys always think about. People normally think about cutting up front. I’d hang in at 20,000 to 30,000 seed per acre range; whatever you’re comfortable with,” Hand said. “It all depends on how risk averse people are. That’s a good range for us.
“I hear (from growers) more of on the high end than too low. We average 30,000 as a state. There are pockets that plant more than that, and there are pockets that have really got it honed in. They’ll plant 25,000, 27,000 seeds per acre. For folks that are in excess of 30,000, I think there’s an opportunity (to cut back).”
Fertility
Fertility needs are essential, though there are ways to cut back.
“The way that we recommend nitrogen is based on yield goal. We’ve got to be realistic about what we’re anticipating. Is every year going to be like 2025? No. We’ve got to be realistic, probably looking at two-bale yields on dry land and we can get in excess of 1,200 or 1,300 under a pivot,” Hand said. “Lets be smart about our nitrogen rates in those different situations.
“Phosphorous gives us the greatest opportunity to cut, especially with the prices they’re at right now. They’re extremely high,” Hand added. “Potash and sulfur, they’re non-starters. You’ve got to have those.”