Texas drought, shifting markets shape 2026 crop outlook

  • TEXAS COTTON PRODUCERS face early drought concerns and shifting market conditions heading into the 2026 planting season. Photo courtesy of Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife
    TEXAS COTTON PRODUCERS face early drought concerns and shifting market conditions heading into the 2026 planting season. Photo courtesy of Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife

    Texas row crop producers are heading into planting season amid early weather uncertainty, shifting price relationships in major commodities and ongoing economic pressure from high input costs, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists.

    While timely rains supported strong cotton yields in 2025, the upcoming season is beginning under La Niña conditions that have kept much of Te…