# Cotton Crop in the High Plains to Be Better than Last Year

Author: Jim.Robinson
Published: 2012-08-14
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-production/cotton-crop-in-the-high-plains-to-be-better-than-last-year/

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The United States Department of Agriculture’s August estimates of global cotton supply and demand have been raised from the July level, while expected consumption has been revised downward. According to USDA, the world’s production will reach 114.11 million bales (480 pounds each), up from the July estimate of 113.81 million bales.

Despite a stubborn dry spell in the High Plains of Texas, the United States is now expected to produce 17.65 million bales, up from the 17 million bales predicted in July. The High Plains, home of the world’s most concentrated cotton production, will have between 4.1 to 4.2 million acres of cotton planted this year.

Speaking to both domestic cotton experts and international visitors from as far away as Pakistan and Japan, Shawn Wade, director of policy analysis and research for Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. (PCG), said that abandonment of cotton acreage this year is below the normal range of 18% to 20%. However, ongoing drought conditions are expected to result in additional abandonment before the harvest. The 2012 ratio of dry land to irrigated cotton plantings in the High Plains should mirror the region’s historical averages of 45% and 55%, respectively.

Steve Verett, executive vice president of PCG, added that although this year’s crop is expected to be better than last year’s, “it is important to recognize that we still have many areas that are in essentially the same situation as they were in 2011, and if price ratios between cotton and other crops stay where they are now, there will likely be less cotton planted in the High Plains in 2013.”