The West region sees a 27.0 percent increase in upland plantings with all those states showing increases. In Arizona, intended area of 226,000 acres represents a 15.8 percent increase from the previous year. The expected increase in acreage is coming in response to better price signals and less competition from feed crops and specialty crops.
At the time of the survey, California farmers intend to plant 172,000 acres (+38.8 percent) with the increase coming at the expense of specialty crops. California's actual plantings ultimately could be dictated by water costs and availability. New Mexico is reporting intentions of 67,000 acres, up 42.5 percent from 2010.
In response to strong market signals, the survey indicates U.S. cotton growers intend to increase ELS plantings 23.1 percent to 251,000 acres in 2011. Each of the four ELS-producing states indicated more acres with California planting 225,000 acres, or 23.6 percent more than last year. In Arizona, a 47.2 percent increase brings area up to 3,700 acres. In New Mexico, growers intend to plant 3,500 acres (+28.2 percent), while Texas acres are estimated at 19,300 (+13.7 percent).
Click here to view the table of Prospective 2011 U.S. Cotton Area
National Cotton Council of America
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