Cotton: A Rewarding Choice

Texas Producer Stays Faithful To Cotton
     

Cotton: A Rewarding Choice

The Hansens have tried growing numerous crops throughout the years, including wheat, soybeans, milo, corn and even sesame. Cotton has always held a special place in the operation, though. That was evident during the 2009 growing season.

While many producers reduced cotton acres, the Hansens actually doubled their cotton acreage to nearly 900 acres. Dean says cotton is one of the more profitable options for his operation right now.

"Cotton seems to pencil out better for us on the financial page," he says. "We come out ahead with cotton as opposed to some other commodities. We're pushing more toward cotton to get back to a guaranteed income rate."

By using Red Wing accounting software, the Hansens found that cotton was the only crop to show a profit consistently. Many farmers who gave up on cotton have asked Hansen why they upped their cotton acreage this year. He says it's a simple matter of dollars and cents.

"We grow cotton because we know we can grow it for a moderate cost and consistently produce a profit at the end of the year," he says.

Clyde Crumley, an integrated pest management agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Services, has worked with Hansen in the Upper Coastal Bend cotton program for several years. He notes that Dean is among a number of progressive producers in the region.

source: cottonfarming