US Cotton Crop Progress Continues Despite Delays in Texas
Cotton planting across the US is steadily advancing in most states, although progress has been hampered by weather-related challenges in some key production areas. According to the USDA's latest crop progress report, 86% of the nation's intended cotton acreage had been planted by June 14. While this figure is two percentage points below the five-year average, it is an improvement over the 84% recorded at the same time last year.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey noted that planting is complete in states like Arizona, California, and Missouri, with 100% of the intended acreage already sown. However, Texas—the nation's largest cotton-producing state—is still lagging behind the usual pace.
According to Rippey, Texas is a key state trailing its five-year average by at least five percentage points. Planting in the state is 80% complete so far, compared to the normal average of 85%. Heavy rains in recent weeks have disrupted field operations, slowing the pace of late-season planting. However, the abundant moisture could prove beneficial for crop establishment and early growth moving forward.
Alongside planting, crop development is also progressing. By June 14, 19% of the national cotton crop had reached the squaring stage—two percentage points ahead of the five-year average and one percentage point ahead of last year. Squaring is the critical stage when flower buds begin to develop on the plants.
Arizona leads in this regard, with 44% of the crop having reached the squaring stage. Meanwhile, boll formation has begun in approximately 2% of the cotton crop nationwide; this figure is one percentage point lower than both the five-year average and last year's level.
Experts believe that weather conditions in the coming weeks will determine the trajectory of US cotton production. Farmers and market analysts are keeping a close watch on crop progress and yield potential.
