The 2014 U.S. cotton crop is maturing on schedule, with squaring and boll set numbers on target with the five-year averages, according to the USDA Crop Progress report for the week ending July 27.
Squares are reported in 87 percent of the crop, with 10 of the 15 cotton-producing states reporting squaring averages over 90 percent. The largest percentage increases for the week came in Kansas (up 15 percent), Tennessee (up 13 percent) and Mississippi (up 19 percent).
Boll set numbers showed the most significant growth, with the overall U.S. average jumping to 49 percent – up 11 percent in the past week. Double-digit increases were reported in nine states, including boosts of 24 to 26 percent in Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia.
Overall, crop condition remains highly favorable, with 87 percent of the crop rated fair, good or excellent – one percent better than last week and nine percent over the same week in 2013.
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