USDA Releases January 2026 Cotton Production Report for the Southeast
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its January Cotton Production Report for 2026, offering an updated look at national and regional cotton output. The report reflects reduced production expectations compared to both the previous forecast and the 2024 crop year, with notable impacts across the southeastern United States.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, “All cotton production is forecast at 13.9 million 480-pound bales, down 2 percent from the previous forecast and down 3 percent from 2024.” Yield projections were also lowered. “Based on conditions as of January 1, yields are expected to average 856 pounds per harvested acre, down 73 pounds from the previous forecast and down 30 pounds from 2024.”
While yields declined, harvested acreage saw a modest increase from earlier estimates. “Cotton harvested area for the Nation is expected to total 7.8 million acres, up 6 percent from the previous estimate but down slightly from last year,” the report stated. However, planted acreage continued to trend lower. “Cotton planted area is estimated at 9.28 million acres, down less than 1 percent from the previous estimate and down 17 percent from 2024.”
The report also highlighted reduced cotton production across key southeastern states. “Cotton production in Georgia is forecast at 1.8 million bales, down 7 percent from last year,” according to NASS. Georgia remains the top cotton-producing state in the region, but the decline reflects yield challenges faced during the growing season.
Alabama’s cotton crop also showed a notable decrease. “In Alabama, production is estimated at 600,000 bales, down 11 percent from 2024,” the report noted. Meanwhile, Florida’s cotton output is expected to decline slightly year over year. “Florida production is expected to total 115,000 bales, 3 percent below last year.”
The January report provides one of the final production snapshots for the 2025 cotton crop year and is closely watched by growers, marketers, and industry analysts. As producers across the Southeast plan for the upcoming season, these figures underscore the ongoing challenges related to yield variability, acreage shifts, and broader market conditions affecting U.S. cotton production.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.