USDA NASS Releases November 2025 Cotton Production Forecast for the Southeast
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) has released its November 1, 2025 Cotton Production Report, offering updated insight into production trends across the Southeast. The report highlights increases in national yield expectations but notable declines in cotton output for key southeastern states.
USDA NASS statistician Becky Sommer provided the latest details, noting significant changes from previous forecasts as well as year-over-year comparisons.
“All cotton production is forecast at 14.1 million 480-pound bales, up 7 percent from the previous forecast but down 2 percent from 2024. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 919 pounds per harvested acre, up 58 pounds from the previous forecast and up 33 pounds from 2024. All cotton area harvested is forecast at 7.37 million acres, unchanged from the previous estimate but down 6 percent from last year.”
The national yield increase signals improved late-season conditions, but individual southeastern states are seeing declines in overall production.
Sommer continued with state-specific projections:
“Cotton production in Georgia is forecast at 1.70 million bales, down 12 percent from last year. In Alabama, production is estimated at 560,000 bales, down 17 percent from 2024. Florida production is expected to total 100,000 bales, 16 percent below last year.”
These regional declines reflect a combination of factors including earlier-season weather challenges, reduced harvested acreage, and variable crop conditions across the Southeast. Georgia, typically one of the top cotton-producing states in the nation, is experiencing a significant drop compared to last year’s totals. Alabama and Florida are showing similar downward trends, contributing to the overall regional decrease.
Despite these reductions, the national increase in yield demonstrates resilience in many cotton-growing regions and suggests the potential for strengthened production outside the Southeast.
As cotton markets react to the updated report, growers, ginners, and industry analysts will continue monitoring late-season conditions and preparing for final December numbers. With national yields rising but southeastern production tightening, the 2025 cotton outlook presents a mixed landscape for the U.S. cotton industry.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.