Meanwhile, the region's yield, 1,131 pounds per harvested acre is forecast to reach a record for the fourth consecutive season.
The USDA in its latest report has revised upward, estimates for the 2015 US cotton crop which is now forecast at 13.4 million bales, 346,000 bales#
In the West, the upland crop is projected at 490,000 bales, 36 per cent below 2014, as area declines for the fourth year in a row.
The 2015 yield has been forecast at 1,479 pounds per harvested acre, below 2014's record but near the five year average.
The extra-long staple (ELS) crop remains concentrated in the West, where over 90 per cent of the ELS production is grown.
Lower area and yield in 2015 are forecast to result in a total ELS crop of 451,000 bales, compared with 566,000 bales in 2014.
According to USDA, US cotton crop development continues to lag in the 2015 season and the five year average.
As of September 13, 46 percent of the area had bolls opening, compared with 49 per cent a year ago and the 2010-14 average of 51 per cent.
However, in contrast, US cotton crop conditions remain above the last several seasons as 52 per cent of the 2015 crop area was rated good or excellent as against 49 per cent last year. (AR)
ALCHEMPro News Desk – India
marketing@alchempro.com
