U.S. cotton crop development in early August is running near that of last season and the 5-year average. As of August 10th, 74 percent of the U.S. cotton area was setting bolls, compared with 78 and 82 percent, respectively, for 2007 and the 2003-07 average. In addition, about half of the States are reporting bolls opening.
As of August 10th, 9 percent of the U.S. area had bolls opening, slightly ahead of the 6 percent reported for a year earlier but equal to that of the 5-year average. Crop conditions, on the other hand, are running behind both last season and the 5-year average. As of August 10th, 45 percent of the area was rated “good” or “excellent,” compared with 53 percent in 2007. Also, 22 percent of the cotton crop was in “poor” or “very poor” condition, compared with 17 percent a year ago.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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