USDA Reports 2025 U.S. Cotton Harvest Progress as of September 28
Harvest for the U.S. cotton crop has officially begun, and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey shared a progress update as of September 28. According to the report, cotton harvest has reached 16% complete, which is equal to the five-year average, though three points behind last year at this time.
“Cotton harvest reaching 16% complete by late September. That is equal to the five-year average, but three points behind last year.”
Among the states with no harvest activity yet are Kansas, where the typical five-year average is just 3%, and Oklahoma, where harvest generally doesn’t begin until October.
“The only two states where we don’t see any harvest at all yet, Kansas, where the typical five-year average is 3%, and Oklahoma, where you do not typically expect harvest to begin until October.”
On the other hand, Arizona is leading the nation in cotton harvest progress.
“On the flip side, leading the nation in cotton harvest progress, Arizona at 32%. That’s well ahead of the five-year average of 22%.”
The top cotton-producing state, Texas, has seen strong progress in southern and coastal areas.
“Top producer, Texas, where the harvest is pretty much complete in the south and the coastal areas. Statewide, 26% harvested, equal to the five-year average, but behind last year’s 30%.”
Looking at the broader crop development, approximately two-thirds of the U.S. cotton crop has open bowls as of late September, which is two points behind the five-year average and further behind last year.
“Two-thirds of the U.S. crop has opened bowls by September 28th, two points behind the five-year average of 69% and even a little further behind last year’s 71%.”
Northern production regions, such as the Great Plains, are experiencing notable delays.
“We do see some of the northern production areas, particularly in the Great Plains, showing some significant delays on bowls opening. In Kansas, where only 26% of the bowls were opening on September 28th.”
Even Texas, the nation’s top producer, is seeing slower-than-usual progress in bowl opening.
“Meanwhile, top producer, Texas, 57% open, and that is also behind the five-year average of 63%.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.