US cotton acreage at lowest level in decade in 2026: CoBank
By yash chouhan 2026-03-02 12:11:48
US cotton acreage seen falling to a decade low in 2026: CoBank
U.S. cotton planting area is projected to decline for the second consecutive year in 2026, with acreage expected to fall by 9 million acres, down 3 percent year over year and the lowest level in more than a decade, according to CoBank analysis. This approach reflects lower price competitiveness compared to alternative crops and changes in grower economics ahead of spring planting decisions.
Sectoral changes are expected to fuel the contraction. Cotton acreage in the southern United States is expected to shift toward soybeans amid improved profitability prospects, while irrigated cotton areas in the Plains are likely to shift toward corn production as producers rebalance crop rotations and manage input cost pressures, Cobank said in an article by Tanner Ehmke and Emmy Noyes.
The slowing pace of U.S. cotton exports to China, increased competition from Brazil and Australia in global markets, and continued replacement by man-made fibers have collectively hindered price recovery, limiting producers' willingness to expand cotton acreage.
Despite the projected decline, some degree of support is expected from the policy mechanism. Adjustments to base acreage payments under agricultural support programs are likely to moderate, helping to stabilize cotton plantings and prevent a sharp contraction in the 2026 season.
