Crop Progress: Cotton Continues to Mature, Condition Rating Slips

By Cotton Grower Staff|July 10, 2023

Squaring is now reported in more than half of the U.S. cotton crop, according to the USDA Crop Progress report for the week ending July 9.

The report shows that squares can now be found in 55% of the total crop – up 13 percentage points in the past week and right on the 5-year average for this date, with six states – Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas – are currently ahead of their respective averages.

Likewise, boll set is now reported in 17% of the U.S crop – up 6 points in the past week and just one point off the 5-year average. Bolls are now present in 14 of the 15 cotton producing states, with only three states (Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas) ahead of their respective averages.

Cotton condition ratings show that 48% of the U.S. crop is rated good/excellent, 27% fair and 25% poor/very poor (Texas rated 40% poor/very poor).