Record U.S. Cotton Crop in 2005

WASHINGTON - May 12/06 - SNS -- All cotton production for 2005 is estimated at a record high 23.9 million 480-pound bales, 3% above last year's previous record, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

The U.S. all cotton yield averaged 831 pounds per harvested acre, down 24 pounds from last year's record high yield.

Upland cotton production estimated at 23.6 million 480-pound bales is the largest on record and 3% more than last year's production. The U.S. yield for upland cotton is 825 pounds per acre, down 18 pounds from 2004.

American-Pima production totaled 630,500 bales, down 15% from 2004. The U.S. yield for American-Pima is 1,127 pounds per acre, down 316 pounds from 2004. The area planted to all cotton totaled 14.2 million acres, up 4% from 2004. Harvested area increased 6% from the previous year to 13.8 million acres.

Cottonseed production in 2005 totaled 8.17 million tons, down slightly from last year. Sales to oil mills accounted for 56% of the disposition. The remaining 44% will be used for seed, feed, exports, and various other uses.

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