All cotton production is forecast at 14.2 million 480-pound bales, down 2 percent from the previous forecast but up 18 percent from 2023. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 789 pounds per harvested acre, down 18 pounds from the previous forecast and down 110 pounds from 2023. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 8.63 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast and up 34 percent from last year.
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26, near the Panhandle and Big Bend areas of Florida and tracked through Georgia, and the Carolinas. Damage assessments to the cotton crop were expected to continue for some time due to power outages, communication challenges, and road blockages.
By September 29, twenty percent of the Nation’s cotton acreage was harvested, 3 percent ahead of last year and 4 percent ahead of the 5?year average. On September 29, thirty?one percent of the 2024 cotton acreage was rated in good to excellent condition, 6 percent below the previous week but 1 percent above the previous year.
Cotton production in Georgia is forecast at 1.65 million bales, down 24 percent from last year. In Alabama, production is estimated at 700,000 bales, down 4 percent from 2023. Florida production is expected to total 110,000 bales, 1 percent below last year.
This is Becky Sommer with the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.