USDA: Cotton Harvest Progress Near Average by Mid-November
As the 2025 cotton crop harvest moves into its later stages, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey reports that national progress remains close to normal for mid-November, with only a few regional slowdowns. His latest update shows that growers across the country are making steady progress despite pockets of delays.
Rippey explains, “The cotton harvest numbers for November 16th, everything looking pretty good there, 71% of the crop harvested by the middle of November, 72% is the five-year average for November 16th and last year at this time we were at 76%.” The overall trend indicates that while this year’s harvest is slightly behind last year’s pace, it remains right in line with long-term averages.
State-by-State Cotton Harvest Highlights
Although national numbers look balanced, Rippey notes that several states are facing slower-than-usual progress. He reports, “Looking at some of the individual states, there are some slow spots, Kansas one of those, a pretty minor cotton state, only 30% harvested, five-year average 59%.” Kansas growers are especially delayed compared to both typical and national rates.
Some southeastern states are also running behind seasonal expectations. Rippey highlights that “North Carolina for example, 64% of the cotton harvested, 10 points behind the five-year average.” Weather challenges and field conditions have played a role in slowing progress in parts of the region.
In Texas, the nation’s largest cotton-producing state, harvest is also trailing slightly. According to Rippey, “Texas 60% versus 66% on average.” While only moderately behind the seasonal norm, Texas’s pace has a sizable influence on nationwide progress due to its large acreage.
Faster-Than-Average States Help Balance the Numbers
Despite slower progress in several states, Rippey reassures that overall harvest movement remains stable thanks to gains elsewhere. He notes, “Obviously there are several states where harvest is above or faster than the average pace, helping to counterbalance those numbers out.” These stronger-performing regions help keep national harvest progress close to the five-year trendline.
With favorable weather windows ahead, producers hope to close the small gap between this year’s pace and last year’s slightly faster finish.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.