2011 Cottonseed Prices Double 2010’s
February 13, 2012 With cotton production down, and the need for supplemental feeds high, whole cottonseed prices are nearly double that of what they’d be in an average year, reports David Burns with Texas A&M University.
“At the end of October, the entire state was in one stage of drought or another,” he said. “Over 70% of that is in severe or exceptional drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. We’ve had some rain that greened up some pastures and gave winter wheat producers some hope, but forage and hay remain scarce, according to Texas AgriLife Extension county agent reports.”
This, he said, has driven whole cottonseed prices to “astoundingly” high levels.
Regional cottonseed prices in Texas are as high as $398 per ton, said Dr. Ellen Jordan, AgriLife Extension dairy specialist in Dallas.
“And it is very hard to find the cottonseed because production was down this year because of the drought. Demand is going to surpass cottonseed supply this year by far, because not only do we have the dairies looking for cottonseed, we also have others who need to expand their forage supply for beef cattle herds,” she said. “In the past we’ve been able to do that with cottonseed products.”
Cottonseed contains gossypol, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, gossypol makes cotton plants less attractive to insect pests. On the other hand, gossypol used in a high enough percentage in cattle feed can be toxic.
“If you feed more than eight pounds per day, per cow, it can create some reproductive issues,” explained Jordan.
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