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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) has released the June 2025 cotton production report, offering key insights into planting, harvesting, and yield forecasts across the Southeast. The data shows a significant decline in planted acreage and total production compared to 2024.
Becky Sommer with USDA NASS explains the latest figures and what they mean for growers in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
“Acreage updates for cotton were made in several states based on a thorough review of all available data. All cotton planted area totaled 9.28 million acres, down 8 percent from the previous forecast and down 17 percent from 2024. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 7.36 million acres, down 6 percent from the previous year. All cotton production is forecast at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, down 8 percent from 2024. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 862 pounds per harvested acre, down 24 pounds from last season.”
The report also notes that crop development is slightly behind average for this time of year.
“As of August 3, fifty five percent of the Nation’s cotton acreage had begun setting bolls, 4 percent behind last year and 3 percent behind the 5 year average. Fifty five percent of the 2024 cotton acreage was rated in good to excellent condition, even with the previous week but 10 percent above the previous year.”
The 2025 cotton production forecast paints a challenging picture for key Southeast states. Georgia, one of the region’s leading cotton producers, is seeing a notable drop in output.
“Cotton production in Georgia is forecast at 1.50 million bales, down 22 percent from last year. In Alabama, production is estimated at 465,000 bales, down 31 percent from 2024. Florida production is expected to total 60,000 bales, 50 percent below last year. This is Becky Sommer with the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.”
As the southeast cotton industry moves into late summer, growers and ag professionals will be watching closely to see if weather and market conditions improve ahead of harvest.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet. USDA Releases June 2025 Cotton Report