There are many factors that determine cotton prices throughout the season, both directly and indirectly. With the help of a cotton harvester parts company, take a look at a couple of the factors that are sure to have an impact on prices this year.
Projections for production
Before each season, projections are made about what types of production the key players in the market expect to yield, with these numbers prone to fluctuate and adjust once the season begins and production gets underway. The expected weather during the growing season also plays a large role in these projections. For example, some areas in the Atlantic region of the United States are projected to see lower yields this year due to post-hurricane conditions, while other areas farther west are expected to have amenable growing seasons due to some early favorable weather.
Demand
As with any commodity that is offered in the worldwide marketplace, the demand will be a key determinant of market prices. If the global demand for cotton is up, there could be a call for increased exports from the U.S., as the quality of cotton that the U.S. crops are able to produce has been undisputedly the best available on the market for many years. World events can also have an effect on cotton’s global demand. One such world event that could lead to increased US exports is the reduction that is expected from two of the top three cotton producers in the world, China and India. With these countries expected to have fewer exports this season, there is a large gap in the market that U.S. farmers may be able to take advantage of. In fact, the American cotton industry is projected to support 86 percent of total exports this year, up from 72 percent at this time last year.
The cost and demand for other commodities could have a direct correlation as well. Crude oil is one such commodity whose price could directly impact cotton’s success. Gasoline is needed for the transportation of cotton from the farm to the gin, and then again when the cotton travels on to be exported, milled or stored. If the price of this oil is exceedingly high, it could manifest itself in the price of cotton due to high transportation costs. The importance of crude oil and its effects on prices could also manifest itself in a more indirect way. Some crude oil is converted into components that are used as oil-based raw material to create polyester. If the price of this oil goes down, polyester would then be cheaper to make, making polyester clothing more competitive in the marketplace, which could also have an effect on cotton prices.
Despite all of these complex factors, at the end of the day, all that farmers can control is their own land and production, and their readiness for the season. To make sure you are ready for each season, you will need suitable cotton harvester parts that are in good condition, and Certi-Pik, USA is ready to offer you the highest quality fabricated and manufactured parts for the top harvester brands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
Spring has been in full swing for a few weeks now, and making sure you take the right steps from the time you begin preparing to put your cotton seed in the ground until the time it is harvested will be important. Here are some key factors that, along with some help from reliable cotton picker parts, can help you yield successful results this season.
Timing is everything
Cotton crops will need at least 120 to 180 frost-free days to grow effectively, so planters will have to make sure that all frost hazards in a particular climate area have passed before planting seeds. Some farmers work with warmer temperatures year-round, and are able to begin planting as early as mid-March when spring officially begins. Other areas of the country, particularly in the Midwest, typically have to wait until the end of March or the beginning of April to begin planting to ensure that the soil temperatures have warmed to at least 65 degrees.
Preparing the soil for success
Since cotton originates in tropical climates and can only thrive in warm conditions, farmers must make sure that their crops have plenty of access to sunshine and sufficient moisture. Like all plants, cotton requires healthy, rich soil that has been nurtured with organic compounds and has been well drained to prevent oversaturation to allow for proper growth. Soil that is prone to oversaturation could potentially restrict the flow of much-needed oxygen to the cotton plant and stunt the growth process, so making sure to avoid this pitfall through planning and preparation is vital.
Oversaturation could also lead to soil crusting—the forming of a hard layer on the surface as wet soil begins to dry. This hardened layer could lead to breakage and other problems for the crops as they try to break through the surface. Because of this, the optimal depth for seed planting is relatively shallow, between 0.5 and 1.5 inches at the most, shortening the distance the plant has to travel to begin emergence. If you do notice this soil crusting, be sure to break up the crust right away to assist in the plant’s growth.
The cotton growing season is long but rewarding, and when it is time to begin harvesting your crops, you will need to make sure that all of your machines are ready to get the job done. If you are preparing your equipment for the season and find that you need cotton picker parts, make sure you seek out the best quality to ensure that your harvester will be working as efficiently as possible.
For the best in fabricated and manufacturer parts, make sure to contact Certi-Pik, USA. Working with both American and international customers for nearly 30 years, you can trust that we have the skills and equipment necessary to provide you with the parts you need to successfully reap your cotton harvest this upcoming season. Get in touch with us today to place an order or learn more about what we can offer you.
In the cotton industry, knowing that your equipment will work as it should is essential to success. And the machines you rely on should be relying only on tested and trusted parts. It isn’t rocket science. If your cotton picking machine has bottom-shelf, bargain-bin parts, it may run, but it may not run well or for very long. Does this describe your parts? Read on! You’ll find there are several reasons to get essential harvester parts from a reputable source; first and foremost, it’s important for keeping your machines functioning their best.
Without further ado, here’s why you should purchase your cotton harvester and quality-made fabricated replacement cotton picker parts from a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited manufacturer:
Access to assistance: There are a lot of places you could go to get cotton harvester parts, but unfortunately, the quality of those parts isn’t always guaranteed. When something breaks long before it should, wouldn’t you like to know that you have a reputable source from whom to seek a refund or a new component? We certainly think that beats hunting down a number online, filing a complaint with a call center and waiting weeks for a resolution. Your business and crops are too important to risk on junk parts from potentially disreputable sources.
Quality assurance: One of the main reasons to go with a BBB certified manufacturer is that you know the products you are buying are of good quality. When the BBB rates a business, they take into account all the unsatisfied customers and issues that manufacturer has had. If they are reputable, a good rating means you can expect that same level of quality with the products and services you are seeking. Too often people overlook the BBB rating and go with less reputable ratings—like online comments, which are not carefully scrutinized by anyone. Be sure to do you homework before jumping ahead with a big purchase.
Price accuracy: The urge to buy an off-brand part can be pretty tempting—especially when there is a price difference involved. But remember that cheap does not mean it’s just as good. Well-manufactured parts will be more expensive. This is a result of the time, labor and skill it takes to make them. The inverse could be said about cheap parts, as they are cheap because corners are cut and the skill levels of workers are not as high. Don’t throw just any old parts into your cotton harvesting machine based on a low price tag!
Right parts for the job: Too often, off-brand parts end up either not fitting or not functioning correctly. Be sure to buy the brands that match your equipment or a mechanic-recommended third-party part. Anything less could lead to other problems with your machine down the road.
If you are in the market for new or replacement cotton picker parts, look no further than the excellent selection from Certi-Pik, USA. We know this industry well and are ready to help you find the parts and equipment you need to succeed in the cotton business. Contact us today!
When it comes to cotton harvest season, getting as much cotton picked as efficiently as possible is the most important thing on most farmers’ minds. So when a valuable piece of harvesting machinery breaks down, the first thing you must do is try to fix it as quickly as possible so everyone can get back to work. But, while the reasoning is sound—more picking equals more money—you must remember to always take safety into serious consideration. Instead of jumping right in to fixing the problem, take a few minutes to consider the safest way to complete the task.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your team safe when performing maintenance and repairs on cotton harvester parts:
Check the power: Whether it’s a dead battery or broken belt, be sure that whatever you are working on is disconnected from its power source. Occasionally, a jammed gear or slipped belt can give the illusion of no power, when the reality is that a small change can set a machine back into motion. This can result in serious bodily injury or even death. For this reason, if you are working on a detachable harvesting unit, take the time to disconnect it from the main machine. It may take more time, but it will be the safer route to take.
Buy the right parts: One reason machines fail is that their owners get new or replacement parts that are either not meant for the job or are of low quality. This can mean premature failures and a lot of frustration. Think of it this way: while a top quality manufacturer-approved cotton picking machine or part may be more expensive up front, you are likely to save a lot of time and money in the long run by buying it—instead of replacing the same failing part over and over again.
Work in teams: While it might seem like a waste of manpower to tackle mechanical fixes as a team, it can be a great way to stay safe. When working with heavy tractor parts and mechanical systems, having someone around to shut the system down completely or get help during an emergency can be the difference between life and death. So, although you might take all the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe when making repairs, there is no telling when a hydraulic jack could fail or a sleeve might get caught in a moving gear.
Communicate: When working around heavy machinery, let your team know where you are and what you’ll be doing—communication is key. If you don’t show up for lunch or aren’t answering your phone, your team will know to send someone to check on you. It may seem silly now, but if you are in trouble, you’ll be glad you followed this advice.
If a part cannot be repaired, then it may be time to look into replacement cotton harvester parts. Luckily, you can find all the top quality machine parts for your cotton harvester at Certi-Pik, USA. Call us today to learn more!
Good maintenance helps cotton pickers last longer and delays the need to replace cotton harvester parts. Heavy high-use equipment that is exposed to many elements often does not stand up to everything you throw at it. Even if you take good care of your equipment, you also need to harvest efficiently, not only to secure the best quality cotton, but also to prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear on your harvester. Help your essential equipment by implementing these four good practices:
Read the whole manual: When you purchase a new harvester, the first thing you should do is read the manual. Even if you have an older model, you are still not off the hook—pick up that manual now and get familiar with it. If you buy a new machine, it will have its quirks, and the manual will alert you to many of them. Technical content may go over your head, but tips on cleaning, maintenance and troubleshooting will set you up for productive harvests every year. You do not need an engineering degree to understand what is going on with your harvester. You just need the desire to understand so you do not have to find creative solutions without background knowledge while you are stuck in the middle of a field.
Learn basic adjustments: Use will jolt your harvester and leave some parts misaligned, which affects your productivity. Being able to adjust equipment when necessary improves your harvest. Many of these tips are in your manual, and you will want to know the default settings for parts, too. If there are frequent adjustments required by your harvester, teach them to your workers as well, so they can continue their work without having to contact you for guidance.
Center rows: Crooked rows compromise tracking and picking. You will often miss crops and waste cotton by flattening plants rather than picking from them. Poor centering results when operators are in a hurry or lack proper training. Always ensure you have time to pick—deciding to harvest right before a big storm is a poor idea. When you hire, give the worker a test to see how they center rows. You will enjoy more profit and less waste this way.
Study lint quality: You need to know the best time to harvest, and that arises with knowledge of lint quality and the effects of weather on it. It is easy to pick cotton when it is too green or during less optimal weather. For example, wet weather opens the bolls on cotton plants and that makes picking inefficient. Rather than pick below-average product, wait for the field to dry out. If there is a frost, freezing makes cotton rough, and you will not secure a high price for it. Your best time is after the bolls open and clear days allow them to dry completely.
If you require cotton harvester parts, Certi-Pik USA offers a complete inventory. We offer a wide selection and we ship anywhere in the world. Call us today to place an order or request a catalog.
