The U.S. cotton crop continues to mature ahead of schedule, according to USDA’s Crop Progress report for the week ending September 15.
The report notes that 54% of the U.S. crop now show open bolls – up 11% from last week and 7% ahead of the 5-year average for this date. Six states report open boll numbers of 70% or higher, with nine states currently ahead of their 5-year averages.
Harvested acres are reported at 9% for the U.S. – up only 2% in the past week. Texas is the only state reporting a double-digit percentage, thanks to ongoing harvest in the South and Coastal regions of the state.
Crop condition remains relatively stable, with 41% of the crop rated good/excellent (down 2%), 42% rated fair (up 3%) and 17% rated poor/very poor (a 1% improvement).