While the U.S. cotton crop continues to develop, USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the pace of the crop setting bolls is slower than what is was this time last year.
When it comes to cotton bolls, Rippey says the number open is important to note with tropical system Fred moving across some of the cotton growing areas.
In Alabama, 3 percent of the cotton crop saw bolls opening, which compares to 6 percent last year and 8 percent is the 5-year average.
In Florida, 4 percent of the cotton crop saw bolls opening, which compares to 11 percent last year and 7 percent is the 5-year average.
In Georgia, 4 percent of the cotton crop saw bolls opening, which compares to 6 percent last year and 9 percent is the 5-year average.