Despite challenging cotton growing seasons in both 2024 and 2025, researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) are optimistic about yield potential in 2026. UTIA experts will share their latest predictions and research-based information during the annual Cotton Tour Field Day, scheduled for September 9 from 8 a.m. to noon at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.
This free event is open to farmers, consultants, agribusiness professionals and others involved in Tennessee’s cotton industry.
“On average, Tennessee grows two bales of cotton per acre, or approximately 1,000 pounds,” says Tyson Raper, cotton and small grains Extension specialist. “As we prepare for the 2026 harvest, it’s hard to walk our ‘average’ cotton acres and not smile at this year’s yield potential. I encourage producers to join us for our annual Cotton Tour to ensure you have the right information to make final defoliation decisions and finish the year strong.”
The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is located at 605 Airways Boulevard in Jackson, Tennessee. Attendees will receive pesticide recertification points for attending, in addition to a complimentary lunch at the conclusion of the tour. The complete program will be posted on utcrops.com closer to the event date.
Producers are also invited to the Soybean Insect and Disease Field Day on September 10 at 8:30 a.m. CT at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, located at 3 Ledbetter Gate Road in Milan, Tennessee. The latest pest and disease management recommendations will be shared to help producers navigate the remaining few weeks before harvest and offer predictions about potential concerns for 2027.
Source : tennessee.edu