# USDA Projects 9.56 Million Cotton Acres in 2016

Author: Jim Steadman
Published: 2016-03-31
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-production/planting/usda-projects-9-56-million-cotton-acres-in-2016/

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According to USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, U.S. cotton growers will plant 9.56 million acres in 2016 – an 11% increase over last year.

The report – released on March 31 – noted that upland acres will be up 11% to 9.35 million acres, while American Pima acres will climb 36% to 215,000 acres.

The report pointed out that, “Despite the expected increase, if realized, this will be seventh lowest planted acreage on record in the United States.”

All cotton-producing states except North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are expected to increase acres over last year. If realized, upland cotton planted area in California for 2016 will be a record low.

The projected acreage reflects a four million acre increase over earlier 2016 acreage surveys conducted by *[Cotton Grower](http://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-production/production-outlook-acreage/survey-points-to-moderate-acreage-gains-for-cotton-in-2016/)* and the [National Cotton Council](http://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-production/production-outlook-acreage/ncc-survey-predicts-9-1-million-u-s-cotton-acres-in-2016/).