US producers to plant 10.1 mn acres of cotton this spring

06 Feb '10

4 min read

Southwest growers expressed intentions of expanding the largest area by 475,000 acres to 5.7 million acres. A large part of the growth came from the subsiding drought in Texas (+8.3 percent), while Kansas' (+19.0 percent) and Oklahoma's (+26.3 percent) propose shifts away from wheat.

“In light of the fact that Texas will account for 54 percent of U.S. cotton planted area and has a wider variance in abandonment acres and yields, it could swing the crop estimates either direction by several million bales this season,” Cougot stated.

All of the Western region states showed upland planting increases, with the region projected to advance by 27 percent. California's upland planted area intentions of 37 percent breaks a five-year declining trend for that state and -- represents the largest percentage growth of all Cotton Belt states. This stems from nervousness in tomato prices and dairy feed production but hinges on water availability, which could swing acres either way. Survey responses also revealed enhancements in Arizona (+20 percent) and New Mexico (+32 percent) upland area.

Increases in the four states producing ELS cotton are coming in response to better pima prices, which are finding support in strong export demand and tighter stocks. California leads the way with an increase of 28 percent. Texas (+7 percent), Arizona (+5 percent) and New Mexico (+4 percent) report smaller gains.

National Cotton Council Of America

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