At this time of the year, producers spend significant time selecting corn hybrids and cotton varieties as well as herbicide programs. But another important annual consideration is planter maintenance.
The Texas High Plains Planter Clinic will be from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 29 at the Castro County Expo Center, 403 SE 4th St., Dimmitt. There will be hands-on demonstrations. The program is free, and lunch will be provided. Sponsors include Texas Corn Producers Board, Plains Cotton Growers, Channel Seed, BASF, PhytoGen Cottonseed and Pioneer Brand Seeds.
Joining Dr. Jourdan Bell and Dr. Murilo Maeda are Nikolas Clarkson, AgriLife Extension agronomy agent, Hale, Castro and Lamb counties; and John David Gonzales, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent, Bailey, Castro and Parmer counties.
During lunch, Maeda will discuss considerations for cotton planting and Bell will discuss corn planting considerations.
Bell said while the only clinic this year is planned in Castro County, the training is needed by and intended for producers across the High Plains.
Very low stands can result in yield losses or plants that become very growthy he said. This often causes the cotton strippers to have to slow down, reducing harvest efficiency.
