Weather across much of the lower Southeast has been wet this spring, putting field preparation and cotton planting behind in many locations. There are some things cotton growers held up by weather can manage to improve the profitability of cotton planted later in spring.

"There is no simple, sure-fire strategy that ensures a profitable crop for cotton established in the latter part of the planting window and later. In such situations, weather throughout the plant life cycle and especially into the fall determines so much, even more so than normal," says Steve Brown, Alabama Cooperative Extension cotton specialist, in the recent Alabama Cotton Shorts.

Brown provides some tips to help growers make the most with later cotton:

"Adjusting your production system to get a strong start and compress the season contributes to the possibilities of success and profit on a late planted crop. As little as four weeks of bloom can provide sufficient boll set for near-maximum yields. At year’s end, we’ll all know better what we could have, should have done to make the most cotton and the most profit," he says.

USDA National Agricultural Statistics says by May 9 the Alabama cotton crop was 27% planted. Last year by this time, roughtly 38% was planted. "We are behind, and now it’s about being ready and making the most of any open-weather opportunities," Brown says.