Connection Connection PDF | Page 18

waiting game H

Full ramifications of Harvey damage still unknown

By Sally Andel

Well , where do we begin ? This beautiful cotton crop , with all the promises of finally catching up , gone in a matter of days . Harvey did so much damage to our producers as well as our communities . It will take a long time to recover . Our hearts go out to all .

Many fields were flooded , as well as modules and cotton crops . Producers had to make hard decisions in a short period of time that could be devastating to their future . It was very difficult to get answers to questions that no one had answers to . It was truly a tough time for all . Somehow the days went by and everyone is doing the best they can . We are ginning cotton picked pre Harvey . The cottonseed reports are coming back with good grades ; the cotton lint is good on most of the cotton . Occasionally , we are experiencing the usual high and low micronaire problems .
The turnout on cotton has been very good also . Cotton prices are hanging in there . We have been selling cotton off and on at about 1 to 2 cents below market . Granted , the market is not near where it needs to be , but at least we have been able to sell and not having to put cotton in the loan . The December cotton future has been trading both sides of the market lately . We are still experiencing healthy export sales . Usually at this time of the year exports slow down .
A recent Texas Farm Bureau article noted some of the difficulties facing producers and gins in this area after Hurricane Harvey ’ s devastation reached our area . “ Gin production in the area slowed significantly , because the gins have to wait on the cotton to dry out and run the cotton through slower ,” the article notes . As mentioned in the article , this slow down also results in higher ginning costs .
Cottonseed quality is also a question mark according to the Texas Farm Bureau article — another factor in ginning cost in terms of rebates .
We are still in a “ wait and see ” area . Until we complete ginning , we won ’ t know fully how Harvey ’ s effects will impact ginning costs and efficiency .
We will continue doing our best till the end . Hopefully this will be sooner than later . We realize this is your livelihood . It is time for new loans , new crops , etc . If you have questions on why or how we do things please ask . We will get you answers or figure it out .