U.S. cotton acreage to drop as farmers shift to other crops

The National Cotton Council (NCC) reports that U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 9.6 million acres of cotton in 2025, a 14.5% decrease from 2024. This decline reflects market-driven adjustments, with farmers shifting acreage to competing crops due to lower cotton prices relative to corn and soybeans.

Key Findings

• Total cotton acreage: 9.6 million acres (-14.5%)
• Upland cotton: 9.4 million acres (-14.4%)
• ELS cotton: 158,000 acres (-23.5%)
• Projected crop size: 13.9 million bales

Market Influences

Dr. Jody Campiche, NCC’s Vice President of Economics & Policy Analysis, notes that the drop in acreage follows significant declines in cotton futures compared to early 2024. Farmers are shifting towards higher-value crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts. Water availability and input costs also play a role in regional planting decisions.

Regional Shifts

• Southeast: Down 19.3%, with Georgia reaching its lowest acreage since 1993.
• Mid-South: Declining 8.2% as farmers increase corn and peanut plantings.
• Southwest: Texas, the largest cotton-producing state, expects a 15.8% decline.
• West: California faces a 40.8% drop in upland cotton acreage, influenced by water concerns.

Industry Outlook

These survey results provide a snapshot of early planting intentions. However, shifting market conditions and weather factors will ultimately determine final acreage. Agri-business professionals should monitor price trends and supply chain developments as the 2025 season approaches.

The cotton industry will need to adapt to evolving market conditions, ensuring competitiveness in a dynamic agricultural landscape.