Cotton Update and Lovebugs

  This week has been a little drier than the past month, and cotton pickers are running. Cotton quality has been holding close to the same for most places, but has dropped a little in places that got the most rain in the area. The seed quality has been holding so far as well. I know this is a short update, but the gins have only been able to run a very short period of time compared to where they would like to be this time of year. Folks are running full time now though, and that is a good sign.
  This week's commonly questioned bug is the lovebug. The lovebug is actually a fly, and they usually appear in large numbers. The name comes from the tendency to find a pair of them rather than the single insect. The adults only live for 3-5 days, but the emergence lasts around 3-5 weeks. They are common during May and September in this area. The larvae are important decomposers, and the adults are pollinators. They do not bite, and aside from appearing in hordes, are not considered a pest species. The most efficient method for collecting these insects is with the front end of a  pickup moving at least 40 mph.

(Mostly) Lovebugs
Photo: Kate Harrell

Lovebugs
Photo: Aggie Horticulture

  Feel free to give us a call or stop by the office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Kate Harrell