In 2004 we received an abundance of rain in the spring, with record rainfall for June. This season “mother nature” dealt us just the opposite scenario. Across most of the central and southern regions in 2005 rainfall in April was about 30% of normal, May about 50% of normal and June was very, very dry, with only about 5 to 10% of normal precipitation. The warm temperatures and sunshine (and excellent insect management, especially in the absence of boll weevils) fostered rapid and uniform fruit set. And then the rains came in July. The question on most folks mind is how will this impact fiber quality, primarily micronaire? Cotton fiber develops in a uniform fashion. Fiber length is established in the first three weeks after bloom and is influenced by variety and the environment. Elongation of the fiber is driven by internal water pressure, much like the expansion of a balloon. Water stress and high temperatures can lead to shorter fiber length. During the remaining period of boll development, the fiber thickens. A very simple way to think about this is that the individual fibers are like a straw and each day cellulose will be deposited within the straw. These are sort of like “tree rings”, except the rings are laid down inside rather than outside the center. Generally, two scenarios can lead to high micronaire problems – short fiber and/or ample food reserves to mature bolls. Unfortunately, both scenarios have occurred this season. When fiber is shortened, micronaire tends to increase because the same quantity of carbohydrates will be deposited over a shorter length allowing for thicker daily rings, resulting in coarser fiber. Similarly, micronaire also tends to increase when high levels of carbohydrates are available to feed bolls. When supply is greater than demand, the rings will be thicker, once again causing coarser fiber development. Most of the crop has a uniform boll set that shed young bolls in the upper portion of the plant as well as distal positions. With the resurgence of growth following the July rains, conditions favor an abundant supply of carbohydrates to feed bolls. Without the younger bolls to blend lower micronaire fiber and the potential for shorter staple, conditions will favor high micronaire development. However, one thing in our favor is that we’re growing several varieties that genetically possess a lower micronaire characteristic and that should help the situation.