By Allison Hogue
As we turn the page to 2024, many find themselves hopeful for the new year, and often a little nervous to find out what the year’s weather will look like in terms of crop production. 2022 wasn’t so great in the world of cotton, so hopes were definitely high entering 2023. Of course, the rain we received across the West Texas area quickly dwindled after a month’s run of promising moisture. As sure as the sun comes up, the West Texas heat kicked on quickly, after a good wet spell, and was just as relentless as it had been in the years prior. It is safe to say that 2023 did not turn up to be the make-up year many were hoping for following 2022.
Since we have welcomed the New Year, and future season, it is safe to say that many cotton farmers are hoping for a better break. It is speculated that the El Niño weather pattern is to present strong qualities this year, providing a possible light at the end of the tunnel for Brownfield and the surrounding area.
Hopefully, this means we can expect to see more moisture on the ground during the months of the year with cooler temperatures. The predicted uptick in moisture during those cooler months will be pivotal for the growers carrying over into the next season.
Whatever 2024 brings, it should go to prove that West Texas farmers are some of the most adaptable, and versatile, because they have dealt with so many hardships in the last year. We are eagerly expecting a time-out from those hardships, but we know that our West Texas farmers are tough, and will persevere no matter the outcome.
