Greater returns - over the rotation cycle compared with growers on solely grain-based rotations; 2016/17 saw prices of around $550/bale.
Less risk - current varieties and improvements in technology traits have simplified the process for growing dryland cotton. Yield potential is continually increasing and pests are more manageable with new technology traits.
Flexibility - cotton varieties incorporating Bollgard® 3 traits have facilitated greater flexibility in planting windows, reduced refuge area requirements and more flexible pupae busting requirements.
Cash flow management – The End Point Royalty payment option offered by Bayer allows for major costs to be pushed to the end of the season and growers only pay for what they pick.
Simplified weed management - rotating away from a cereal-based program with a broadleaf crop, such as dryland cotton allows the insertion of a disease and weed break into the crop rotation plan.
Longer crop maturity of cotton - gives a wider window to make use of late summer rainfall through January and February. Combined with the use of skip row, this allows the plants to hold on for longer during dry periods.
Have a look at ways you can incorporate cotton into your dryland rotation.