The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) has released the August 2025 Cotton Production Report, providing updated insights into crop acreage, yield expectations, and regional production forecasts—particularly for the Southeast cotton-producing states.
Becky Sommer with USDA NASS explains the key highlights from this month’s report:
“Acreage updates for cotton were made in several states based on a thorough review of all available data. All cotton planted area totaled 9.30 million acres, up less than 1 percent from the previous forecast. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 7.37 million acres, up less than 1 percent from the previous forecast but down 6 percent from 2024. All cotton production is forecast at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, up slightly from the previous forecast but down 8 percent from 2024. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 861 pounds per harvested acre, down 1 pound from the previous forecast and down 25 pounds from 2024.”
The report also includes progress metrics as of the end of August:
“As of August 31, twenty eight percent of the Nation’s cotton had open bolls, 7 percent behind last year and 2 percent behind the 5 year average. On August 31, fifty one percent of the 2025 cotton acreage was rated in good to excellent condition, seven percent above the previous year.”
State-level forecasts show significant year-over-year drops across the Southeast:
“Cotton production in Georgia is forecast at 1.55 million bales, down 20 percent from last year. In Alabama, production is estimated at 490,000 bales, down 27 percent from 2024. Florida production is expected to total 95,000 bales, 20 percent below last year.”
This data suggests that while national cotton conditions remain steady, Southeast cotton growers are facing notable production declines due to lower yields and reduced harvested acres. As growers continue to monitor weather and crop progress, the final harvest outcomes may still shift heading into the last quarter of 2025.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet. USDA Releases August 2025 Cotton Report