In the West, upland area continues to decline as acreage moves into ELS or tree crops. Upland production in the region is forecast at nearly 1.2 million bales, the least since 1946/47. In contrast, ELS production is dominated by the region and California in particular. The total ELS crop is forecast at a record, with California accounting for 93 percent of the total. The national ELS yield is estimated at 1,317 pounds per harvested acre.
Total area planted to cotton is estimated at nearly 10.85 million acres, with harvested acreage estimated at 10.5 million acres, both the lowest since 1989/90. The implied abandonment is estimated at a historically low 3 percent, well below last season but similar to the 2005 crop.
The national yield is currently projected at 811 pounds per harvested acre, slightly below last season and the lowest in 4 years.
United States Department of Agriculture
marketing@alchempro.com
