U.S. Cotton Production Forecast Down

October 28, 2008 6:44 p.m. EST

Memphis, TN (AHN) - Tennessee cotton production is forecast to be strong despite a drop in the number of acres planted.

With total acreage planted in cotton down by 45 percent the state is still forecast to harvest only 18 percent less cotton than last year at 490,000 bales, down from last years production of 600,000 bales, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Cotton producers are expecting higher per acre yields this year, so despite harvesting cotton from 230,000 fewer acres this year than last year, the average yield is up by 275 pounds an acre over a year ago, meaning farmers expect average yields of 840 pounds of cotton per acre this year.

However, nationwide per acre yields are an average of 849 pounds per acre.

Nationwide cotton production is forecast to be down 29 percent from last year with producers in Louisiana and Mississippi expecting lower yields because of the effects of Hurricane Gustav, while producers in the Southeast and Texas expecting good yields. Upland growers in Arkansas and New Mexico expect record high yields.

But, forecasts for American-Pima production are for a crop 47 less than last year's, USDA officials say.

December cotton futures were trading for $47.05 at midday on Tuesday, according to the Farm Journal-powered AgWeb site.