November is a great time to evaluate cotton varieties. In addition to assessing how well varieties performed in yield and fiber quality on your operation this past season, check university official variety trial results.

“Our state expanded its on-farm large plot program and OVT program, providing more locations with different soil types,” says North Carolina Extension Cotton Specialist Keith Edmisten. “That data will help growers begin the process of making some of their varietal choices for next season. Matching the correct variety with the soil type can make a huge yield difference. It varies by year, but it can mean a 200- to 300-pound difference.

“Since we had a very early crop in 2015, our OVT and on-farm variety data will be available earlier this year than normal. We expect it will be available this month.”